Welcome to St. Croix US Virgin Islands | Where to Stay, Eat, and Play!
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- čas přidán 14. 10. 2023
- This is a long one - but I really wanted this video to feel like you were right there in St. Croix with me. I kept going back and forth if I should split this content up - and ultimately decided to keep it all together. Feel free to take pauses if you need - but I hope that you eventually watch it all because man - what an amazing adventure this was. I just know you're going to love it. So sit back, grab a drink and a snack, and.....Welcome to St. Croix!
LINKS
WHERE TO STAY
- Waves At Cane Bay - www.thewavescanebay.com/
WHERE TO EAT
- The Landing Beach Bar - thelandingbeachbar.com/
- Ama at Cane Bay - www.amacanebay.com/
- Twin City Coffee - twincitycoffeehouse.myshopify...
- Sunny Shore Up Food Truck - / sunnyshoreup
- El Leon - www.elleonrestaurant.com/
- VI Coffee Roasters - www.virginislandscoffeeroaste...
- Savant - savantstx.com/
WHERE TO PLAY
- Tour to Buck Island with Big Beards - www.bigbeards.com/
- Point Udall - www.gotostcroix.com/st-croix-...
- Snorkel at Cane Bay Beach
- Snorkel at Frederiksted Pier
- TanTan Tour to Annaly Tide Pools - stxtantantours.com/
- Just take a drive and see what you find
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: welllivedwithjessica.com/
All music is saved here in my Well-Lived Spotify playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/1fZ...
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#stcroix #usvirginislands #canebay #vacation #virginislands #virginisland #travel #travelvlog #travelwithme #snorkeling #underthesea #pointudall
WOWWWW GURLLL THAT WAS AMAZING !!!
IT WAS LIKE WATCHING THIS INFORMATIVE Caribbean Island MOVIE !!
AND GO PRO & DRONE FOOTAGE !!! Impressive !!!
The Music & Editing was 110% Professional !
WOWWWW !
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH !
I LOVED the DRIVING FOOTAGE !!!
NO ROAD LIGHTS in night !
WHAT !!!???
Happy Belated Birthday &
A million THANKS !!!
Ps. GLAD MARK said the Shark won't bother you didn't get out !!!
🩵🩵🩵🦈🦈🦈🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Awwww thank you so much!!!!! I love that you enjoyed it so much - man, did we have an awesome time! I truly appreciate you noticing all of the work that went into making this video feel more like a movie. That was my goal and it just makes me so happy that you got it!!! Thank you again for the amazing comment - you’ve made my day! 😆
Oh I forgot to say, thank you for your beautiful smile throughout the video. Even when you were too hot and miserable on the hike, your smile kept shining through. It was contagious. I smiled the whole time while watching the video!
Oh my goodness - you are the best. Thank you so much for that compliment!! I'm not sure where that smile came from during that hike - I guess it was because even though I wasn't having a good time in the moment, I was still so thankful to be there!!
My husband and I eloped in St. Croix in 2021 and loved it so much, we are going again this year! Your video got us soooo excited to go again. Thank you for sharing! 🥰
Yay!!! That makes me so happy! We loved it so much and I can totally see why you are going again. I cannot wait to go back! I hope you have the best time - it's hard not to!
Very well done. You presented the Island well. I must say your editing skills are phenomenal.
Awwww - thank you so much, I just love that compliment. I do love the editing portion of creating these videos, so thank you so much for noticing!
@@jessicapayne : You are most welcome.
Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎊 🍸🥰 Jessica!!! I was born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix USVI, so needless to say watching your video made me so very home sick. But I enjoyed every moment of your video. My absolute favorite was when you sent the drone over Point Udall, what a breathtaking view, even for a native!!! The five mile hike to the Tide Pools 😳 I never would’ve done it. Kudos to you and Mark for even trying. Mark birthday toast was the absolute sweetest, he is a definite keeper. Your snorkeling adventures were awesome. I am so glad that you guys had a fabulous experience and a great trip to my beautiful island. It makes me proud to say I’m a “Crusian”. On a side note, did you get a chance to go over to Hotel on the Cay, did you tour the Fort in Christiansted and did you visit the Rum Factory? I love your spirit and your channel. Bring us more videos like this please ❤.
You were?!! That’s amazing - what a beautiful beautiful island. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and I hope that I did St. Croix justice. We had so many fun adventures and Mark is the best travel partner. He’s always down to do whatever I want to do - and then add that toast that I didn’t know he was going to do on camera - yes I’d say he’s a keeper. He truly is the best. Again, I’m so happy that you enjoyed the video. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to write such a lovely comment. I appreciate it more than you know!
@@jessicapayne job well done!!! The video was superb 💕🥰.
I live in the Caribbean and I can say I applaud you for doing even 10 minutes of hiking in this terrible heat!! Our feel like temperatures have been over 100F daily throughout the summer this year. I'm glad you enjoyed your Birthday trip to St Croix. Awesome video of your time spent there 🤩❤❤❤
Thank you!!! 🥰 Man I was so confident that I was prepared for that hike. I worked so hard climbing steep hills before the trip - I just knew it wasn’t going to be that big of a deal. I just wasn’t prepared for that heat OR how steep the mountain would be. I’m not sure if I would try it again - but there’s something within me that wants to cross it off my list one day! 😅
@@jessicapayne :Well you did no need to try again if you don't feel the need to. From your reaction I wouldn't venture myself 😊.
I'm going to St Croix Aril 12th 2024. I really loved your video. I now know I'm not going to attempt that hike!!! Thank you for letting us experience your trip! @@jessicapayne
Jessica, thank you for taking us on your trip. You are such a class act, so cool and calm…. Thank you for sharing the real ( we all have things we would not let other people see) the incident with the ants. Please lol
I am an old girl (75), but I enjoy your creativity, style and of course your energy. Continue to entertain us 😍
Thank youuuu!! 🥰🥰 Well….cool and calm until hundreds of ants fall on you and start biting, lol!! Oh my goodness - I can’t believe that happened. Of all things I thought would happen - that certainly wasn’t one of them. Outside of that we had a wonderful time and plan to return very soon. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment - I truly appreciate it! 💕
I'm from the Virgin Islands of St Croix and I haven't been there in about 15 years I like glad to see people go enjoy it
Hey there, Jessica!!!! Ya wore me out on this one, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I LOVED, LOVED, AND LOVED IT!!!!! St. Croix is one of the few islands down there that I have missed on my wanderings throughout the world, but I've always heard great things about it. So I'm so glad both you and Mark got to spend your most special day there!!!! Mark keeps lookin' better and better each year he spends with you. I think you two are really meant for each other!!!!! 👍 👍 👍 Trips to extraordinary pieces of the universe like that, to me, make life worthwhile!!!!! And I especially loved Mark's toast to you on your birthday!!!!! Keep goin' for it, you two!!!! That's what I did when my body was still able to do it, and as I age, I cherish those memories!!!! You keep at it!!!! Do it for your Aunt Lynne, if you would, as well as for yourselves!!! Love you both,
Aunt Lynne ❤🩹❤
Thank you Aunt Lynne! 🥰🥰 Mark is a gem and I am so lucky that he planned this trip to celebrate me. He has a heart of gold and makes life so much fun. He is pretty shy on camera so him wanting to make that sweet toast to me was extra special. Thank you so much for watching and leaving such a lovely comment. I love you!!! 💕
As someone who's born and raised on St. Croix this was an interesting watch lol, glad you enjoyed your stay...I agree on Point Udall and Buck Island and the trip up Goat Hill is way easier than the hike to the Tide Pools(which you could have drove down to 😂) if you know the route, but again, Glad you enjoyed
That means so much - thank you!!!! Next time we will drive down for sure. We figured out the driving path, but so many people advised us not to do it - so we opted for the hike. Now seeing how that went - we will either drive or take a tour down next time. Lesson learned. Anyway, I loved your home island and I can’t wait to go back for another visit!
HI!! I’m planning on going to St Croix soon and would like to drive to the tide pools, do you know how to get there or any tips!? Thank you!
“I’m a city girl, what am I doing here???”…LOL So glad y’all had a great time! It’s a true blessing to get to have those experiences. My birthday is today 10/15!! Just relaxing while my husband makes me breakfast and my children shower love on me. Yes, we are blessed. After watching this, I am definitely considering visiting the Virgin Islands. I have NEVER been on a plane. I need to get over my fear. Thanks for sharing 😊
Lol! A shark is a shark. I am glad no one had their legs chewed off. It looks like you guys had a great time. Happy birthday ❤
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! 💕🎉🎉🎉 It sounds like you have the perfect day planned. I love it!!! It’s going to be my personal quest to convince you to get on that plane by the end of 2024! You’ve been warned - I’m coming for ya! lol!!!! And yes - I had no business up in those woods. Hahahaha! 😅
Trust me - it was much bigger than it looked on camera. I was freakin out and Mark was just so nonchalant. I was like come on - it’s time to go! And he just swam in the other direction looking for it. I finally calmed down - but when you don’t expect to see something that big in the water it was hard not to panic. But we made it out alive! 😅😂
Really great vlog of your birthday trip. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and made it back safely. Thank you for sharing your birthday with us and may you be blessed with many more. 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!!! THANK YOU so much for watching the full video - I know it was long so it means so much that you took time out of your morning today to watch! 🥰
Nice video. Wife and I discovered St. Croix several years ago and have made 10 trips there so far. We've been all over the Caribbean but STX is by far our favorite place to go. You get to enjoy the beauty and fun of the USVI but avoid the crowds and hustle of St. Thomas. People are nice and friendly and we have never had even a bad moment all of the times we have visited. Highly recommended. Thanks for the video Jessica. Nice job.
Exactly that!!!! I absolutely loved being able to fully enjoy the island without all of the crowds of some of the others. That was my favorite part for sure. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. It really means so much and I truly appreciate it!
Beautiful way to showcase St. Croix. I began going in 1985
and return twice a year. It addictive!
Thank you so much for watching - I’m so happy that you enjoyed it. I can absolutely see why you keep going back - it was amazing and I will 100% be back! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! 😆
This will be the first stop of my seven day cruise. I can't wait to get there!
Oh yay!!! I promise that you will love it - it's impossible not to! Enjoy!!!
Awesome video!! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us and it’s also very helpful for me. My husband and I will be going for the first time this year and I am so excited after watching your video! ❤
Thank you for watching!!!! I promise that you are going to love it. It's kind of impossible not to. So laid back, tons to do, and no matter where you look - there's beauty all around. I hope you have the best time!!
MY ISLAND🙋🏿♂️ 😢😊❤🇻🇮🖤💪🏿
I absolutely loved it!!!! Such a beautiful island and I cannot wait to go back!
Hats off to both of you. I feel like I experienced Saint Croix with you both. So thank you both so very much. Natalia from the Pocono Pa
Awww I love that comment so much! It truly is my goal with every video I create to make it in a way that you feel you are there with me. So thank you for saying that! 🥰 St Croix is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to return very very soon!
Amazing video! Thanks for the shoutout. I know for sure I wouldn’t have joined you on that adventure. But how incredible all of the sea creatures you were able to capture. And that drone work! Ummmm, wow!!! Those views were the highlight of the video. I’m adding St. Croix to my bucket list. I had the best time watching.
As you have been helping me train for this hike, I kept thinking of you and saying “she would have never done this - she would have turned around at the entrance” 😂😂😂. It will be a very long time before I find myself in the woods again. Those ants did me IN!
First I have to say yes and thank you to an almost hour and half video! 🙌🏾 Loved it! So glad you all enjoyed the trip. OMG to that hike!! I couldn’t have done it either. Bless your heart for trying. Mark’s toast was just the sweetest. He’s a keeper. Kudos to your cinematography. Beautifully well shot. What a great adventure!
I really tried to make it shorter - but I knew my ride or dies wouldn’t mind the length! 😘😘 That hike is something I will never try nor ever forget, lol!!! Mark is definitely a keeper - just the sweetest, kindest human being. I’m very lucky!
It was a pleasure to celebrate your birthday with you. A guest on my boat today sent me the link to your video, which is why they came on our Big Beards trip. (They got me- Jackie- and Captain Curtis and were very excited). I appreciate you.
Oh my goodness - Jackie!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for reaching out. That is amazing that someone booked their trip with you because of my video - how awesome is that. We had the best time and can't wait to come back - our time with you and the crew was the highlight of our trip for sure. Thank you again for visiting the vlog and taking the time to comment. I hope to see you again soon!
Happy belated birthday to you Jessica & thank you soooo much for taking us along with you. Love the music selection & the whole production of this video! You are definitely a class act with beautiful energy. God bless you to see many more birthdays & adventures. Because one thing is for sure is that you only have one go around in this life so try to take it all in. Be blessed & not stressed🥳🤗🙏🏿✌🏾
Thank you soooo much for such a sweet comment! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the video! The music is one of the things that I spend the most time on when editing - so hearing that you enjoyed it makes me so happy. Thank you, truly, for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it more than you know. Enjoy the rest of your day and have a great weekend!!
My island home! You were so close to the tide pools. You only had about 15 minutes at the tough part
I was First Mate of the Reef Queen taking trips to Buck Island back in '83/'84. It was such a fun adventure for the tourist season on St. Croix. Cheers!! 🍻
Really?!! That's amazing! What an amazing trip we had. The island is full of so many things to do - yet is the perfect place to just sit back, relax, and do nothing. And Buck Island - wow wow wow! I can't wait to go back!
Phenomenal!
Well, I just saw your video and I think this was probably the best one for me. I was so much fun watching you and Mark experiencing so many wonderful moments. 💕❤️🥰
Yay!!!! I love hearing that! We had such a great time and Mark makes for a great travel partner. So many fun memories were made. 😆
I love your honesty about the Tie pools. I won't be doing this. I enjoy your video. Thank you both
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. We had such a great time - truly. While my pride really wanted to keep going - I knew it was time to throw in the towel and go have some real fun. When we go back to St Croix, this will NOT be on our to do list, lol!!!
Happy Birthday!
The pier is not open all the time, but it’s a beautiful dive.
Waaah! Awesome...
You have the recorded the best vlog of st.croix!!!! Really great job highlighting this beautiful gem of an island-My home away from home!! Happy Birthday 🎉
This means so much - thank you soooo much!!! We had such a great time and it was so much fun reliving it (even the ants on the hike, lol!!!) as I was editing the video. St Croix is a beautiful place and I really look forward to going back soon!
Great job thnx😊 👍
thank you! I love that island.
JESSICA...Happy Belated Birthday Wishes !!! So glad you chose St.Croix, USVI to Celebrate this memorable occasion.
Royally Yours,
A. Uresa Pentheny
MSTX25
1977-1978
THANK YOU so much - I really appreciate it! St Croix was the perfect way to spend my birthday and I cannot wait to get back there very soon!!!
Love it sis. WoW!!!
Thank you!!!! We had such a great time and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
Jessica, Jessica, JESICCA!
What an wonderful trip.
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such beautiful views of St. Croix. I don't know all that is involved in editing but I'm sure it is not easy. I so appreciate the time and love you give in providing us with such precious memories of your experiences.
I was glued to the TV the entire time. I felt like I was watching a movie. Wow!
At the end of the video when you guys were boarding the plane I said, "Do we have to leave so soon." lol
I hope Vegas will prove to be as exciting for you.
See you soon!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!! 🥰🥰🥰 The editing for the amount of footage I had (over 5 hrs) is quite difficult to manage because you have to figure out what to keep, and what to cut while making sure the full cohesive story is in tact. Let’s just say that I’ve spent every moment that my eyes were open this week on it - so hearing that you enjoyed it, makes my day!!! St. Croix is a beaut and I can’t wait to return!
Outstanding video‼️
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment - I really appreciate it. It was such a fun trip and I can’t wait to go back one day soon! 😆
Great real video, thank you for showing the bitter with sweet! Haven't been to St Croix yet but you've got me yearning! I think while my granddaughter and Daughter are in Ireland next year, I may get a St Croix vacation planned! 😍😉.
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it!!! We had the best time and I love vacations when you don't have anything planned every second of the day, and you can get out and explore and find something fun and unexpected. St Croix is the perfect location for this. I hope that you get to visit soon - you will LOVE it!!!
I will NEVER forget my 3 month stay on St. Croix! 🌞🌴🇻🇮
It's my 2nd home and I can't wait to buy my 1st property there!
It is a MUST to visit STX, you won't want to leave!!
Great video! Thank you! 🌞🌴🇻🇮
Thank you!!! 🥰 3 months?! That sounds amazing! I hope you get to purchase your property very soon - I completely understand why you love it so much! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!
I thoroughly enjoyed this vlog. Well done!!!
Thank youuuu!!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to let me know!
Happy Birthday! Your vacation video was superb!🎉😊
Thank you!!!!! It was the best time and I cannot wait to go back. St Croix is a special place for sure!
Wow..what an amazing trip!!! Thanks for sharing. Happy Belated Birthday!!
OMG Ouida!!!!!!!!! I saw your name and it instantly hit me how much I miss you!!!! Hi friend!!!! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you so much for watching - we had the best time (as you saw). Such a fun adventure for sure! I promise to reach out and catch up as soon as I’m back from this last trip!
Miss you too Jessica!!! Love your videos. Let's definately catch-up soon 🥰
Thank you for sharing, and May GOD bless you and mark
SOLD! Your vlog was awesome Jessica! Thank you so much…and I appreciate the tips as well. I’m glad you had a wonderful birthday.
Thank youuu!!! 😆 I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I tried to shorten it as best I could - so I appreciate you watching. St. Croix is a beautiful place with beautiful people - I truly am looking forward to going back!
Happy Belated Birthday and I would like to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this video!! I love the commentary, the views and music! You did a great job with this and I can wait to see where you land next!
Thank you!!!!! It means so much that not only you enjoyed the video but you took the time to comment. We had the best time and I love that I have this video to look back at our time there from time to time. We have a couple of great trips planned very soon so stay tuned! 😆 Thank you again!
Great content!!!
Thank you!!! 🥰 It was such a fun trip and I honestly can’t wait to go back!
Happy Birthday!Jessica I enjoyed your vacation in the Virgin Islands .Thank you for sharing 💜
Thank youuu!!! We had the very best time and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. St Croix is a beautiful island and I just know we’ll be back again very soon!
We LOVE 💕 you, Jessica and wishing you Happy 🎉Birthday 🎂. I’m still watching your video in a hotel in Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪 on my laptop-that’s how much I love your videos, posts, newsletter, blog…your ministry lol 😂. Listen…ain’t no way I would have even tried for those tide pools so kudos to you and Mark. I think you both are just the greatest and lucky to have found each other:). Ok…back to watching you get your birthday drink 🍹 and ‘lax on!💖✨🙏🏾🙌🏾💯
Oh my goodness - you are the sweetest!!! 🥰🥰🥰 You sure know how to make my day! I’m so glad that you are enjoying my content. It really does mean so much to me to hear how much you love it. Comments like these keep me going - so thank youuuuu!!! We had such an amazing time - and I agree with that we are very lucky to have found one another. He truly is the best, most supportive partner. Definitely makes life easy and fun!! Thank you again!!! 😘
@@jessicapayne❤
I love love the long video! thank you for sharing and im glad you had great time. Ill be taking my woman for her birthday and this video was very informative.
Thank youuuu!!! I was so nervous about the length so it makes me happy to know that you enjoyed it and didn’t mind how long it was. You are going to have the best time and I promise you - if you do nothing else, be sure to go on that snorkeling adventure with Big Beards. It was the highlight for sure. So much so that we thought about going again the next day! Enjoy!!!
This was so dope! Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time comment. I so loved putting this video together and it makes me happy that you enjoyed it.
Beautiful!!!❤❤❤❤❤….I am so glad you enjoyed!!!!!…..❤❤❤❤❤
It truly was the best adventure!!! 🥰
Happy Birthday Great Video loved your adventure- I want to move there someday
Thank you!!!! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! I can absolutely understand how people visit and then decide to move there. I’m so looking forward to going back!!
Thanks for the video! Very well done and super informative! A group of 10 of us are going next month and we can't wait!!
Thank YOU for watching and taking the time to comment - I really do appreciate it. You guys are going to have such a great time - I promise you that you will. Hopefully you have decided to book a tour with Big Beards because truly, it was the highlight of our trip. Have the best time - and once you get back, please come back and tell me what you thought - I want to know!
Beautiful video! So professionally done!!
Thank youuu!! 😘 I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment - I truly appreciate it!
Hi Jessica, you have presented a marvelous video accompanied by lovely music. Thank you for sharing your birthday vacation with us, your hotel was amazing, especially the views, as well as the food at AMMA’s. My first lavender infused drink was delightful, yours looked great.
Much love to you both.✌🏾
Awww thank you so much! I spend countless hours picking out music - it's really important to me so it makes me really happy that you noticed! The entire trip was just amazing. St Croix is really a special place and I can't wait to go back. Oh! Lavender infused drinks are my favorite - especially coffee. And ice cream. I made a lavender and honey ice cream over the summer, and it's magical. Thank you so much for watching - and taking the time to comment, I truly appreciate it!
HI Jessica I'm glad you enjoyed your trip and your birthday!!! Thanks for all the great tips .I enjoyed watching your video.
Thank you!!!! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it - we had the best time. So many new and exciting adventures - we’re still talking about them. It has been quite the birthday month, that’s for sure! 😆
Thank you very much for sharing your journey. I really enjoyed watching and it felt like I was there.
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment - we had the best time and I'm so happy that you enjoyed it!
This is a wonderful video ❤
Thank you!!!!! We had such an amazing time and I love that I now have this video to revisit! I can't wait to go back!
What a relaxing birthday trip! Your video was so detailed and interesting. Looks like a great trip. Glad you enjoyed yourself👍👍😃😃😃😃😍😍
Thank you April!! It really was a great trip and it was so fun reliving it as I was editing this video. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! 🥰
I am number one. ❤ The trip looks great, the food looks great. "Come and get my body off of this trail."😂 That trail is beautiful but it could use some benches to rest on. It looks so romantic. ❤ I have been to the Bahamas but never St Croix. This was a eventful trip. I just had to add the music was amazing.
Enjoy!!!!! 😆😘
Thank you so much for this video. I am excited to venture there in april. I really appreciate your input.
You are so welcome!! I hope you have the best time - I can’t wait to go back!
Belated earth strong greetings Jessica.... THANK YOU for displaying my home (also known as Twin City or Ay Ay) and showing the world where to "stay and play". St. Croix is one of the "melting pots" of the Caribbean, and I'm sorry you didn't try any of our local cuisines. The next time you come, check out where to "eat" by coming to our local native restaurants, delis, pubs, diners, hole in the wall and try dishes that are influenced by the countries of African, Spanish, French, and Dutch influence (fish & fungi, saltfish cakes, red peas soup, escabeche, johnny cakes, lechon, pate`s, kalallo, arroz con pollo, chicharones, man soup, just to name a few) and enjoy our bushteas (hot and iced cold) and local drinks like the tamarind, passion fruit, soursop, hibiscus, gooseberry, lime, and sorrel.
I promise you that I will and I have screenshot your comment so that I have all of your suggestions. I will definitely be back and the t next time will be spent only visiting the local spots - which is always my favorite. I absolutely loved your home and can’t believe it was my first time visiting. Trust me when I say it won’t be my last. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment - I truly appreciate it! 🥰
You had me 😅. When you said,'I don't know why you're here Sébastien!😂 Jessica, I needed that laugh. Thanks for sharing your & Mark's vacation!
I was like why are there crabs here???? Where are we??? Am I going to die??? Oh the drama that never made it on camera, lol!!!!! 😅
Hi! Your video was awesome! felt like I was there. The water was beautiful and that food!! Yum!!
I think this will be my next vacation spot!!
Happy birthday again!!
Music to my ears! I love to hear that people felt like they were right there with me as that is truly my goal. I promise that you will have a great time - it’s actually impossible not to. The beautiful scenery, great food, and wonderful people makes this destination 100% worth the trip! ☀️🌴
WOW Jessica….just wow! You’ve got me wanting to go to st croix! The island is beautiful but your video made it even better…..fantastic job!
Yay!!! I love that you enjoyed the video so much. 😆 What a great time we had. Every day was filled with something new and we have so many memories that we will be talking and laughing about for years. You should absolutely visit - I promise you will have THE best time!
Very good vlog
At first, I thought that St. Croix was boring. You presented a great tour.
Happy birthday
Quite honestly I thought the same thing before we went. But once we got there we found so many fun things to do - and if you just want to chill and hang at the beach the entire time - you can do that too! I don’t typically travel to the same place twice - but I would absolutely go back to St Croix!
Happy birthday Jessica!!!! Ur footage on the trail is probably the funniest thing ever 🤦🏽♀️😂 I shouldn't be laughing this hard!! Love this!! I'm not through this video yet but I'm sure you enjoyed your trip 🫶🏽
😅😅😅 I cannot believe I’m currently alive to laugh about it because I didn’t think I was gonna make it out. There were many meltdowns but I’m glad I was able to get the ant situation on film, lol! I laugh now….. Mark said he was glad that I couldn’t see how many ants were actually on me. I’m telling you I was seconds from ripping my shirt off. 😂 Never again - but I’d go back to St Croix in a heartbeat. But I’m not ever messin with that trail - ever!
@@jessicapayne Girl you and Mark are to be commended for even THINKING about doing that because I already know my husband and I would never 😂😂😂 U guys are adventurous and we love watching that.
AWESOME video. Thank you for posting. We are going down there at the end of December.
Thank you!!!! You are going to love it - it’s hard not to. We had such a great time and we will absolutely return. I hope you have the best time. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! 😆
Thank you for responding, and wishes for a very happy belated birthday. Yall are a beautiful couple. Proud to see people who exhibit that by just being themselves.
This will be for our 10th wedding anniversary and she is absolutely my whole world. God bless
Gorgeous hotel room. ❤❤❤
It really was. It was exactly like what we saw online and not one single aspect of this hotel disappointed! 💕
I’m glad you made it out alive. ❤❤❤
Meeeee too!!!! It was touch and go from time to time. Mark said to me “just be glad you didn’t see how many ants were actually on you - you would have really lost it”. 😅
@@jessicapayne Too funny
I really enjoyed your vlog thank you. I loved the fun and you and your hubby are too cute 😊
Awwww thank you!!! 🥰 We really did have such a great time exploring the island tip to tip. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment - it means a lot!
You remind me of myself on my first visit to the USVI. I love it…I had to go back many times after.❤❤❤
It was so amazing and many times throughout the trip I was like - why have I never been here before. I know I will be back again! 😆
The way your eye’s light up at that good food😊❤❤❤
Every. time. 😂😂😂😂
Jessica, Jessica you and Mark had me on pins/ needles Lol😅. Mark was driving what seemed to be fast on the left side of the road. The hike had me tensed as well. After, the attack of the forest ants, I said turn around, turn around you guys😂. I've been calling you Brilliant Jessica. New name Dare-devil Jessica!! Girl you rock. The water and entire island is breath taking. Gorgeous!!
(an illusion, mostly. Jessica sped-up parts of the video and this probably included the driving scenes. At night, in the pitch-black darkness and on those windy narrow roads, I was generally driving at around 25-30 miles per hour. It felt, and looked, much faster but it really wasn't!)
I was somewhat praying and leaning in. Then I to myself, oh they ate fine. Mainly because I am viewing the video. Oh silly me 😊😊
Yes Mark is right - he drove pretty slowly on all of those curvy roads because either you were forced to because they were a little scary - or…..I was saying “Mark do you think you should slow down a bit” lol! 😅 Any point in the video where it seemed he was going fast was because I sped up the speed a bit while editing so you guys wouldn’t get too bored….but still get to see all of the beautiful scenery. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it - wow - what an amazing trip that was!! 💕
And you have the best footage of that hike that I’ve seen yet. 😂😂😂❤❤❤
Thank youuuu!!! 🥰 I’ve enjoyed your live comments as you watch the video. That hike was no joke, and I bow down to those that have been able to complete it!
@@jessicapayne Yeah, I have to watch as time permits and I remember 🤷🏽♀️😀
That’s my type of hike. Tantan tours. Just drive me baby. 😂
I was born there and you helped bring me back
Awwww I love hearing that - thank you. We absolutely loved it - what a special, special place!
Jessica my beautiful Jessica first off Happy Birthday again I’m so glad you and Mark enjoyed your special day in such and amazing adventurous way , I must say you are one brave City Gal I was dying laughing at you until I got scared I’m so so glad you decided to call it quits nothing wrong with knowing when to call it quits . The snorkeling was very nice to watch . as always I really enjoyed traveling with u , I think it’s so cool how I feel like I’ve been to all these places with you. your videos are top tier. And you were glowing glowing ❤
Hahahaha 😅😅! I feel like I like nature - until nature falls on my and starts biting me as I’m walking on a very narrow and steep mountainous trail…..then the city girl comes right back out!! It’s an experience we’ll never forget and….NEVER try again, lol!!! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the video - we really did have a great time and I love hearing that you feel you are right there with me. Music to my ears. Thanks again love!
I love seeing new people visit St Croix! So glad you all enjoyed. Next time try staying on the west side at Sand Castle on the Beach! It’s on the best beach on the island, the rooms have all been renovated and the staff are amazing. Also, once a week the dive shop comes down to the pool at Sand Castle and does intro to diving for anyone and then you can get certified with them! The snorkeling is fantastic too. Frederiksted is definitely the local side of the island so it’s not touristy or busy but it does liven up at night with restaurants. Plus I promise it’s a safe area. We’ve stayed there six years in a row and never go to the east side because it’s so touristy and developed. We walk everywhere and the locals are friendly and happy to have people there. Hope to see more amazing videos of you all enjoying more of St Croix! ❤
Thank you so much for watching - I'm so glad that you enjoyed it!! We absolutley loved it and can't wait to go back very, very soon. Thank you so much for your suggestion about staying on the west side, and the hotel recommendation. So many people talk about how that side is the best side, so I was looking forward to seeing it but was shocked it was so empty once we got there. Now, for sure we have to go back to check it out. Thank you again for being here - and taking the time to comment, I truly appreciate it. Also, my apologies for the delay in responding back. I took a month off for some much needed rest and relaxation and am just starting to catch up!
You are visiting my home. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. The last time I was home was in 2011. I love your honesty about returning back to your car.
I'm so happy that you enjoyed it - we really did have the best time. I hope that you get to return one day soon - I'm sure the island would welcome you back with open arms. What a special, special place!
Loved your video. I'm planning a trip in April. Initially I was going to stay at Cottages by the Sea.I may switch to The Waves. Thank you so much
Thank you!!!!! I really do think you’ll love it - we truly enjoyed our time there and when we go back, we’ll be staying there again! Enjoy!!!!
I give you your props for attempting the hike, even after the ant attack… Lol! Beautiful video..thank you for sharing your experience. Happy belated birthday ❤❤❤.
Thank you!!! 😅 It took everything within me to keep going. Mark said he’s glad I didn’t actually see how many ants were on me - because there were a lot. I was 👌🏽 this close to stripping my clothes off in the woods, lol!!! Man - what an experience, I’ll never forget it.
I celebrated my 38th birthday there in 2018. We stayed at Hotel on the Cay in Christianstead❤ I did the buck Island snorkeling adventure also, it was so much fun.
Wasn’t it so much fun?! We thought about doing it again the next day, but then opted for the hike….which now looking back….😅😅😅
Girl you are beautiful and amazing, a beautiful woman and handsome man, thank you for all the wonderful content….Ant are fine no worries MON! Love y’all, one to Charleston sc and visit
Awwww thank you for the compliments - so sweet of you! And thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Man did we have so much fun - even with the ants, lol!!!! I cannot wait to go back!
Great video, enjoyed it as a regular visitor. You should get Scuba certified. Most places have Discover Scuba too which is a basic easy dive to figure out if you like it before doing all the classes. Wish you could have done Lyric Sail sunset sail. That's a fav of mine. Wonderful video showing the beauty of St Croix.
Thank you!!!! 🥰 I am absolutely getting scuba certified. We found a place here in NC that does it and so we are signing up for sure. I never thought it was something that I would be interested in - but now that we’ve snorkeled so many times and saw some amazing things - now I want to go even deeper. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!!
Great video. Thanks for sharing. We go to St John every year. Don’t blame you for not completing the hike. I tired the to Hike Rams Head on St. John and only made it 3/4 of the way. Too hot, and 8 miles is too much to hike in the heat (4 miles up and 4 back). Most was up hill too. I will not hike at all while in the Virgin Islands. Lol. Especially after your experience too.
Because of your awesome video we will be going to St. Croix this year too. Thanks for sharing!
Awwww I love that! I hope you enjoy your time in St Croix as much as we did. What a special place - I can't wait to go back again. And oh my goodness - an 8-mile hike? That's an absolute no for me. In fact, Mark and I just got back from Banff Canada and we went on an ice hike that was mostly uphill and very slippery. On our way down the mountain we said that moving forward we are crossing off hiking from all trips moving forward. Again people in the comments said the hike was easy - but it was not. I also got overheated because I wore too many clothes - which didn't help. It was beautiful to see - but no more hiking for us, lol!!!! Anyway, once you're back from St. Croix, please come back and let me know how you liked it. Oh - and I hope to visit both St. Thomas and St. John this year!
Thank you Jessica for sharing your adventure. I was on the fence as to where I wanted to go for my birthday. Mystery solved. No sooner than you began to share your closing thoughts and quick tips, I received an email confirmation from my wife letting me know we're not only going to St. Croix but we have reservations at The Waves at Cane Bay!!
I knew I liked you when you ordered crab cake for dinner, enjoyed a prickly pear margarita, and sought out a coffee roastery for an iced lavender latte with oat milk...we may be sisters from another mother. 😆
Again, thank you for being so thorough and sharing your experience. I'm certain our stay will be just as adventurous and enjoyable. 💜💜
Oh my goodness!!!! I have the biggest smile on my face. (First my sincere apologies for the delay in responding. I took a month off for some rest and relaxation and I'm just getting caught up). I makes me so happy to know that you were inspired enough by my video to book your trip to St. Croix AND The Waves! You are going to love it - I just know you will and I can't wait for you to go. Please, please come back and tell me how your trip went once you go - I want to know! And yes....it definitely seems we must be sisters from another mother, lol!!!! I love that. Have the best time!!!
My Family and I are going on a trip to St. CROIX in the spring. We love your video. The Vibe,pace and the music is on point! What kind of case do you have for your drone.
You are going to LOVE it! We had such a great time, and I'm so happy that you enjoyed following us along. I carry my drone in a little camera bag that I got from the local camera store here in my town - it's not an official drone bag, but it's compact enough that it keeps it protected. If I can find a similar one, I'll be sure to come back with a link for you. I hope you have the best time this spring!
Lol. You’re so funny saying your goodbyes. 😂I feel your pain. Then the bugs….just no. 😢😢😢
After that mimosa and sandwich should have been a nap then brunch on the beach…
You live and hopefully learn 🤷🏽♀️ Believe me on my many trips to the VI I’ve had some lessons too. ❤❤❤
Great video! St Croix is my happy place and i am so glad you loved it! I am also glad you didn't actually go to the Annaly tide pools because they can be really dangerous.
Next time you go, be sure and pick up take out from La Reine Chicken shack --the rotisserie chicken is so goooooood!
I really wanted to see them, but after the fact, I'm so glad we didn't go. If we would have made it to the pools, I don't know if we would have had the energy to scale those rocks to even get to the pools. So all in all - it worked out for the best. I absolutely see why St Croix is your happy place - I cannot wait to go back!
Oooooooo I promise that I will. Thank you for the recommendation!
I want the lamb stack and a pineapple mimosa!!
Trust and believe I’ll be ordering exactly that the next time I go back. It was soooo good!! 😋
Have u ever been to the US British Virgin Islands at the Virgin Gourda Baths? The walk to the Virgin Gouda Baths is kind of the same walk u did in the Extreme heat, 8 4 23. Someone planned it but didn tell me we were doing it. I certainly would have worn sneakers. It is an awesome place. Next time after I win the lottery, I will take a ferry from St. Thomas to getting to the Bath. It is wonderful. Enjoy ur birthday
No I haven’t - but I just looked up the Gouda Baths and now they are absolutely on my list! WOW those look beautiful and I can only hope that the hike to them isn’t as bad. I see it’s about a half mile - so not bad at all. Much better than the 2 mile one-way trek! Thank you so much for mentioning this - I’ll be sure to give you a shoutout once we go one day soon! And thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment - I truly appreciate it! 💕
FYI for anyone who would want to do the tide pools and not hike it, Tan Tan Tours goes there without the long walk. You can drive it privately too, but are likely to get bogged down in sand somewhere, so it's good to go with a pro (and no, I'm not affiliated with them).
Exactly!!! I did mention them at the end of my video as a great option to go down to the tide pools if you do not want to hike. I wish we would have had time to book them because I so wanted to experience the pools. But there’s always next time right?! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! 😆
@@jessicapayne Sorry! I was still watching the video when I made the comment. I see your caveat at the end. I have to admit, we've hiked that twice and done it in 45 minutes each way, but I would not call it easy. And it is VERY hot right now (like everywhere in the world, we are having the hottest season on record). You were right to turn around. That trail is not particularly scenic until the end (tide pools), so anyone who drives in with the tour is not missing out on anything unless they wanted the exercise/challenge.
@reneep.9075 oh my goodness - did you really?!! In 45 minutes each way? 😩 How?!! lol! I’m so jealous. I really prepared prior to getting to St Croix because I knew I really wanted to do that hike and one other. A hilly (so I thought) 2.7 mile walk/run was what I was doing each day to prep - but I guess in combination with the heat and steep incline, I needed a lot more practice. I just can’t believe you accomplished it - more than once. I’m bowing down to you at this very moment - I’m so impressed! And please don’t apologize - it was a looong video! 😅
Your snorkeling videos are amazing!!! What camera did you use? I love to snorkel but my camera isn't as clear as yours.
Thank you!!! I use the GoPro Hero 11 and I love it!!! Much better than the 8 I used to use. Definitely clearer - as you saw. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Truly!
😂😂😂😂😂 luv it! 😊
Thank you so much for watching - I'm glad you enjoyed it. A time was had for sure!!
JESSICA! I have only been to St Croix once, it was one of the ports on a cruise I was on...This was the late 80's It was a blast! I didn't do any snorkeling though. My nephew is a Master Diver...He was living in Guam when he was certified several years ago! He belongs to a Black divers club! He LOVES it! You stated that you guys thought or are thinking about becoming certified...DO IT! I did do some "standing in clear water fish watching" in Hanauma Bay in Hawaii some time ago I think, 1982...when you're surveying the many scenarios in the ocean it's like moving art! Stunningly beautiful! I watched you guys on that hike 😱...I can honestly say...I would have been walking back with Tara! LOL Actually the ants would have been the only persuasion needed!! The food looked absolutely amazing every single dish and every single drink!...I would have been double fisting all day everyday...Heat and the islands is intimidating. Most folks are in bathing suits and daisy dukes day and night! LOL Yeah, I'm not a fan of humidity at all...I'm a true California dry heat gurl! Mark's toast to you was so heartfelt...finding a soulmate in this day and age is priceless and you guys make a dynamic duo! Your parallel interests make for a beautifully blended partnership/relationship. This was fun and so glad you shared your birthday! It was so cool to kick it with you. 🐟🐠🦈
We are absolutely going to get certified for scuba. I loved seeing the underworld from the surface of the water and can’t wait to see what it looks like once we can swim down deeper. I cannot believe I kept moving after those ants fell on me. I was milliseconds away from tearing my shirt off and running out of that place screaming. It was about to be a whole scene on that mountain, lol!!! Outside of that, we truly had the best time. The food, the drinks, the people, the beaches - just top notch. I can’t wait to go back!
I sure miss living in St Croix, seven years of fun...was a business(s) owner. I live in Tahoe and it's blizzarding and I dream of the white sand especially when I am out walking the dogs in snow clothes...
Oh my - that is quite the difference in weather!!! I live in North Carolina, so we may get just a dusting of snow here and there. I grew up in Ohio right on Lake Erie, and we got really bad snow storms all of the time. At times I miss it - but mostly I'm glad I don't have to deal with it anymore. But wow - living in St Croix sounds amazing. I feel like I would be such a calmer person if I got to wake up to sun, blue skies, and ocean waves everyday. Thank you so much for watching - it makes me happy knowing you enjoyed it!
Amazing that you caught that bird diving in for a fish at 59:25
I got super lucky!!! But that was a cool moment!
I was there forty - five years ago.. way overdue for a visit..
I'm sure it has changed quite a bit - but no doubt, still just as beautiful!!
Nice! Did you try saltfish while there?
I didn't get to try it and I'm kicking myself for it. It will be the first thing I do when I go back for sure!