Hikes in the ranges of hills surrounding Castle Nugent Greathouse offer broad sweeping views of the sea. /photo by Luca Gasperi

Hiking: Castle Nugent Guesthouse is surrounded by long stretches of beaches to the south and trails that wind up the mountain ranges to the north to breathtaking views, so bring your hiking shoes and your camera! In addition to hikes right here at the house, visitors can book guided hikes through the rainforest, among old historic ruins and in protected wildlife refuges where sea turtles and endangered birds nest.

Sightseeing: St. Croix is home to many interesting historic and natural areas, all easily accessible either on your own or with a knowledgeable tourguide. Drive St. Croix’s Heritage Trail that meanders throughout the entire island. Take a botanical tour at the St. George Botanical Gardens, and follow it up with a drive or even a guided horseback ride through the rainforest. Learn more about the slave trade and colonial times at the Whim Plantation museum and the old Fort in Christiansted.

Swimming: Castle Nugent Guesthouse is just a few minutes’ drive from some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Caribbean. If you are so inspired, you can find a new beach to visit for every day of your vacation. If you’re feeling too relaxed to get in the car and go somewhere, you can swim in our pool.

Buck Island Reef National Monument is one of the places to visit while staying at Castle Nugent Farm /photo by Robin Lloyd for the Inquirer

Snorkeling: Shallow reefs protected by barrier reefs abound in St. Croix. There are dozens of small bays to explore, home to a variety of marine life including sea turtles, spiny lobsters, tropical reef fish and many kinds of coral. Don’t miss chartering a boat for a half day trip to the Buck Island Reef National Monument and its underwater snorkeling trail (part of the U. S. National Parks system).

Kayaking: Castle Nugent Guesthouse has its own boat ramp just one bay away from Great Pond Bay, a naturally protected shallow reef area abutting a mangrove forest, which abounds in wildlife both above and below the surface of the water. We recommend renting a kayak or two from a local outfitter and spending some time exploring this magical place.

Diving: SCUBA diving enthusiasts will enjoy the many deep trenches that drop off outside St. Croix’s natural barrier reefs, including St. Croix’s famed “The Wall” at Cane Bay just a short swim from the beach! Let us recommend our favorite local SCUBA shop, for both beginners and certified divers.

Sailing: A lovely day’s adventure is to sail with a chartered boat to Buck Island Reef National Reef Monument. St. Croix also has several water sports outfitters who can rent you anything from a 40 foot sailboat to a sunfish, and offer sailing lessons in small craft and calm waters.

Sportfishing: St. Croix is surrounded by deep sea trenches relatively close to its shoreline which makes game fishing accessible via one of the many experienced fishing charter boats. Spend a day at sea and you could hook a Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, or even a shark.

Flyfishing (Flats Fishing): Castle Nugent Guesthouse lies directly above one of the finest flat-fishing spots in the Caribbean. Serious and novice fly-fishermen gather at Castle Nugent Beach to try their hand at catching permit, tarpon and bonefish. Caroline’s nephew, Luca Gasperi, grew up fishing this very spot and has hooked quite a few permit. He is available by appointment for guided reef-fishing in and around our south shore beaches.

Caroline’s nephew Luca with a 16lb. permit - the first one he’s ever kept. Guided permit fishing is available.

Plentiful small sea urchins make our reef an excellent attractor and feeding ground for a variety of sport fish. An added plus is the view from the wrap-around gallery porch at Castle Nugent Guesthouse, which allows you to check the conditions before walking down to the reef with your gear.

Golfing: St. Croix is home to several luxury resorts that feature dramatic, challenging golf courses with views of the sea and tropical plantings. The Carambola course is perhaps the most well known and features a design by Robert Trent Jones. The Buccaneer Hotel’s golf course has dramatic views of the north side of the island.

Horseback Riding: Have you ever ridden a horse through a lush tropical rainforest? There is a wonderful stable on the west end of St. Croix that caters to all riding abilities and offers adventurous trail rides and expert commentary on the local flora and fauna you will see on your ride.

Shopping: Castle Nugent is only ten minutes from historic downtown Christiansted where the best duty-free shopping is to be had. Unique artists and craftsmen, and friendly local people, are waiting along quaint shaded sidewalks that date back to the 1700s (watch your step on some of the old cobblestone staircases).

Dining: St. Croix is home to a range of eating experiences, too many to list, but here are a few tastes:
• lively bar/restaurants featuring live music
• fresh seafood at a table harborside on the boardwalk
• romantic sunset dining at a candlelit table right on the beach
• local “fisherman’s” food at small family run places with menus in Spanish
• formal Danish cuisine
• delicious French fare
• nouveaux cuisine in an historic courtyard
• full service hotel dining rooms
• West Indian snack shacks at the roadside

Liming: The official activity of de islands, mon. Limin’ means relaxin’. Just sitting on the veranda or on a pool chair taking in the view is all you really need to do...

Why not do a little Caribbean cloud-watching?

For more information about renting our Guesthouse or to request a brochure, call or send address to:

Caroline Gasperi
Castle Nugent Farms
Phone/Fax (340) 773-1508
POB 969 Christiansted St.Croix VI 00821