Divi Carina

I think if you stay at the Divi, you would not be happy, but your friend would. It's away from everything that you may want to see/experience. I don't think you would meet many people you would develop a future friendship with. Places like Tamarind Reef, Chenay Bay, have lots of the local population at their bar & beach.

FYI - there is no Ferry service between STX and other islands at this time. The ferry ran aground and no one is providing the service.
The Divi is a nice property, however, it is not near anything. It has a great beach and decent rooms and is across the street from the casino. It is about a 20 min drive to Christiansted and any other night life. If your friend just wants to hang at the resort it would be a decent option, however, the Buccaneer or Tamarind Reef (not all inclusive) are closer to town and have nice beaches too.

Food not great but plentiful.

Drinks not great but plentiful.

Rooms generally clean and decent. Haven't heard too many complaints.

Isolated but there is a decent beach and the casino and a mini golf course, and there is taxi service (can take a while due to location) or you can rent a car.

Caribbean night there is fun with the Jumbies and fire dancers and quadrille. They also do that at the Palms.

Lately Seaborne has had great prices on the seaplane to STT. We recently went for $49 each way if I remember right.

My parents recently stayed at Tamarind Reef and it was wonderful. Not the newest property on island but clean, well maintained, great management, lots of fun activities and a more friendly atmosphere.

there were a lot of complaints on tripadviser lately due to a generator failure that happened a month or so back. if i am not mistaken, that has been taken care of. we had some friends stay at the buccaneer and loved it.
the divi is in a great location if you want to relax and get away from it all. other locations might suit you on this trip.

I would recommend Palms Resort as well. Mid Islandish about 2 miles west of Christiansted. Less then a 10 min, drive to hospital. Nice bar, restaurant, pool and beach. And many locals hangout..also have Caribbean night with mocho jumbies and fire dancers.

Yeah their generator AND local power station were both struck by lightning the same night as the big fire in the East End Park. I thought they handled it as quickly and gracefully as they could - a situation beyond their control - but there are always people who don't understand. 🙁

you are correct julie . it was beyond their control.

I agree with Sheiba, great energy at the Palms.

Also for all inclusive activities like snorkeling, the best snorkeling beaches on island all have places you can rent equipment really cheap, around $10. At Tamarind they also have sea kayaks and other activities. So if your buddy is concerned about activities, it really doesn't cost much to buy separately.

You guys should do a Tan Tan Tour while you're here, they're a ton of fun!

Thanks for all the great info! If I come alone, I don't need anything fancy; just something clean and relaxing. I see that Sand Castle on the Beach is getting great reviews on tripadvisor.com and is $700 cheaper than the Buccaneer/Palms and $1200 cheaper than Divi Carina. Any thoughts on Sand Castle?

Sandcastle will be a long drive from the hospital, it's pretty far! Probably about the same as the Divi? Others may know better than me.

There aren't as many activities and casual dining at Sandcastles. But you're not far from Frederiksted and there is stuff there. The Fsted folks can weigh in on that! 🙂

I haven't had any friends or family stay there recently so no opinion on the rooms.

briantroy, check out our guesthouse. www.villamargarita.com We are located Oceanfront in Salt River. We are about 10 minutes from the hospital.
We have been on island for 8 1/2 years, would love to sit with you and answer all your questions you may have.
When are you planning on coming down?

When we first visited STX we stayed at the Divi, not all inclusive then. Was a nice but so far away from everything.
This should be a PMV trip as well as an interview. A all inclusive resort will not be a PMV.
I have never stayed at Villa Margarita, but have heard nothing but good things from the people who have stayed there. I believe it is a bed and brunch place.
You need to go to the food stores, the Post office, go and but a stamp and mail a postcard, the bank.
Get a feel for the island. Leave your buddy home!

I am definitely thinking of this as a PMV! I really do need to do all of those things to get a better understanding of daily life on STX. I don't need to be near the hospital as I will only be going there once or twice for an interview/tour. I am more concerned with a reasonably priced clean and comfy room; night clubs and casinos would be a nice visit, but I don't need them next door either. I do need to stay on-budget though, and I don't mind making a few meals and filling my own cooler. Besides, I will be visiting the grocery store, might as well buy some food to cook and beers to drink.

I sent you a PM, Margaritagirl

I like the Tamarind Reef Resort, nice rooms, great bar and happy hour and a nice little beach where you can rent kayaks. They restaurant has upgraded they serve lion fish bites. Its about 3 miule east of Christiansted

terry, just want to clarify, we are not a B&B we are a small Guesthouse/Inn. All of rooms have kitchenettes in them for basic cooking needs.

Sandcastle will be a long drive from the hospital, it's pretty far! Probably about the same as the Divi? Others may know better than me.

There aren't as many activities and casual dining at Sandcastles. But you're not far from Frederiksted and there is stuff there. The Fsted folks can weigh in on that! 🙂

I haven't had any friends or family stay there recently so no opinion on the rooms.

I think Sandcastle may be a quicker drive on the highway.

If you stay at Divi, then every experience in customer service from now on will be great.