What Guests Are Saying about Castle St. Croix

Mark Dworkin

The only castle in the Caribbean, through the eyes of the people who've stayed there.

There are places you visit, and then there are places that visit you — the ones that settle into your memory long after you've returned home, that come up in conversation months later, that make you start quietly planning a return trip before you've even unpacked. Castle St. Croix has a way of doing exactly that.

Perched high on a hilltop on the east end of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, this 9,500-square-foot Moorish-style estate sits on over 102 acres overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Originally built in the late 1980s by Countess Nadia de Navarro-Farber of Bulgaria, the property was acquired in 2022 by fourth-generation Crucian John Alexander and his wife Andrea, who put it through an extensive renovation before reopening it as a luxury vacation rental and event destination. The result is something genuinely rare: a property with the soul of a historic landmark and the polish of a world-class resort.

But the best way to understand what a stay at Castle St. Croix is actually like isn't through a property description — it's through the people who've lived it. Here's what guests have had to say.

"Nothing Short of Magical"

When Amanda J. arrived at Castle St. Croix in January 2025, she wasn't prepared for how completely the property would sweep her off her feet. Her five-star Google review is one of the most detailed accounts of a stay at the castle, and it reads like a dispatch from a dream.

"From the moment we arrived, we felt as if we had stepped into a dream — one where luxury, breathtaking views, and top-tier hospitality seamlessly come together," she wrote. "Perched high above the island, this stunning castle offers panoramic views that are truly out of this world. Waking up to the sight of the Caribbean stretching endlessly before us was surreal."

Amanda was equally struck by the interiors — the hand-painted murals, the elevated décor, the way every room manages to feel both grand and genuinely comfortable. "Every inch of the property is meticulously designed with elevated décor, blending regal charm with modern comfort. Whether you're relaxing on the terrace, enjoying the infinity pool, or just soaking in the peaceful ambiance, you'll feel like royalty."

But what elevated the stay from beautiful to unforgettable, in Amanda's telling, was the hospitality. "The hosts set the gold standard for hospitality in the USVI. They've thought of everything to ensure an unforgettable stay — warm, welcoming, and always going above and beyond to make guests feel at home. Their attention to detail and passion for providing an extraordinary experience make this place stand out."

Her final verdict: "This isn't just a place to stay — it's an experience that will leave you breathless. We highly recommend it and cannot wait to return!"

"A One of a Kind Place" — Perfect for Any Occasion

Some of the most compelling reviews are also the most concise. Andrew R. chose Castle St. Croix for a Christmas Day visit and summed up the experience in two sentences that manage to say everything:

"This place is stunning. Truly a one of a kind place to stay. Cannot recommend enough. It made for a Christmas Day to remember!"

That phrase — a one of a kind place — echoes through reviews of Castle St. Croix again and again. There is, after all, literally nothing else like it. It holds the distinction of being the only castle in the entire Caribbean, and that singularity is something guests feel the moment they arrive.

A Family Vacation That Checked Every Box

The castle's scale — multiple bedrooms, expansive grounds, a pool, full concierge services — makes it a natural choice for families and groups traveling together. One family who booked through Calabash Vacations captured exactly why in their review.

"Our family stayed at the Castle and could not have been happier. The place was amazing and had room for all adults and kids. The pool was great and we relaxed there every day. Rich, Ali, and John were very accommodating and answered all our questions."

What really set the experience apart was the level of personalized attention the team provided. "Rich assisted in setting up our excursions and private chef. All were terrific. Lastly the views from the Castle were incredible. We experienced the sunrise from our terrace — first in the USA. We highly recommend Calabash for any of your plans in St. Croix."

That last detail is worth dwelling on. The east end of St. Croix sits at the easternmost point of the United States — which means that on any given morning, the first sunrise in all of America rises right outside your window at Castle St. Croix. It's the kind of thing that sounds like a marketing line until you're standing on the terrace watching it happen, coffee in hand, the sky turning pink and gold over the sea.

Majesty's Manor: "The Most Spectacular Villa We've Ever Stayed In"

Castle St. Croix isn't just the main castle — the 102-acre estate encompasses several distinct villas, each with its own character and accommodations. Majesty's Manor, which features four en-suite bedrooms, a loft, and space for up to 12 guests, has drawn some of the most enthusiastic responses of any accommodation on the property.

"The Majestic Manor at Castle St. Croix is a wonderful family vacation spot or a relaxing retreat for couples," wrote one reviewer on Calabash Vacations. "Our family/friend group of 8 fit perfectly in the 6 bedroom, 5 bath space. The Majestic Manor is the most spectacular villa we've ever stayed in. It is beautifully appointed with high end appliances and amenities."

The geography of the property — that sweeping hilltop position — creates a viewing experience unlike anything else in the region. "The view from the Manor and Castle is extraordinary. One can view both the northern and southern shores from the property. The Manor has dual outdoor beds that swing in the breeze, which is an excellent spot to reflect or nap to the sound of ocean waves hitting the beach below."

The swimming pool, the shade, the breeze, the waves audible from the hilltop — the reviewer captured the full sensory picture of a stay. "The swimming pool provides an alternative to the beach and has places to sun or sit in the shade, accommodating all. You will feel relaxed and rejuvenated after your trip to this gorgeous property."

What Guests Keep Coming Back To

Reading across every review of Castle St. Croix, three themes surface again and again — and together they explain why this property has made such an impression on the people who've stayed here.

The views stop people in their tracks. Whether it's a Caribbean sunrise, the sight of the sea stretching in every direction, or the rare ability to see both coasts of the island simultaneously, guests describe the vantage point of Castle St. Croix in terms usually reserved for once-in-a-lifetime moments. It's not just a beautiful view — it's a perspective on the world that's genuinely hard to find anywhere else.

The hospitality is personal. Multiple reviewers call out individual team members by name — Rich, Ali, John — as people who went out of their way to make each stay special. Setting up private chefs, arranging island excursions, anticipating needs before guests even voice them: this is the kind of service that turns a beautiful property into an experience guests talk about for years.

Once you're there, you don't want to leave. The 102-acre hilltop estate, surrounded by lush Caribbean landscape with the sea visible in every direction, creates a world unto itself. Guests consistently describe not wanting to check out — and many are already planning a return before they've left.

Plan Your Stay

Castle St. Croix offers a range of accommodations to suit different group sizes and travel styles, from the main five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath castle (sleeping up to 10 guests) to the intimate two-bedroom King's Abode and the expansive Majesty's Manor. Full concierge services are available to arrange private chefs, excursions, boat rentals, and more — the team's whole job is making sure your stay exceeds expectations.

The property is located at 13 North Slob, Christiansted, on the east end of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. No passport required for U.S. travelers.

Visit castlestx.com to check availability and start planning your stay.