Can’t-Miss Couples Experiences

St. Croix

Just north of Frederiksted and Rainbow Beach, Paul & Jill’s Equestrian Stables offer scenic horseback rides and memorable photo ops. You’ll ride through forests of giant rain trees and jungle vines, see the ruins of a historic sugar mill, and visit their on-site exotic orchard to sample soursop, Celeste figs and star fruit. Then, the path opens up to a white-sand beach dotted with palms — the perfect spot for a romantic photo on horseback.

Venture off the main islands on a half- or full-day catamaran excursion to Buck Island with Big Beard’s Adventure Tours. You’ll start at Turtle Beach, voted one of the top 10 prettiest beaches in the world. Then, head to the island’s far side to snorkel along the barrier reef and spot parrotfish, barracuda and bright blue tang. Or, take a romantic sunset cruise and sip vodka punch as the light fades to orange, pink and violet hues. They even offer a wedding package, so you can say “I do” on a sunset sail.

Take a break at Brew STX, a microbrewery and restaurant located on the Christiansted Boardwalk. Try beers like their Red Lager and Boardwalk Blonde, made on-site in a 5-barrel, 55-gallon system. You’ll also find upscale pub fare, including Caribbean-style tacos and build-your-own protein bowls. And if only one of you is a beer lover, no worries — they have a full bar with island drinks and sweet sangria, too. Kick back on the deck, take in the view and soak up the carefree joy of USVI.

Serene Point Udall is as far from bustling Frederiksted as you can get on St. Croix, both in distance and atmosphere. On weekdays, you may have the panoramic views all to yourselves! The arid landscape is home to Millennium Monument, a giant sundial placed in 2000 to mark the new millennium. This is the easternmost point in the United States, so visit at sunrise to catch the first rays of daylight as they touch the islands.

St. John

For outdoorsy couples, spending time in Virgin Islands National Park is a must. And since the park takes up two-thirds of St. John, it’s hard not to visit! Choose from 10 distinct hiking trails, like Reef Bay Trail with some of the oldest and tallest trees on St. John, Dutch sugar mill ruins, and ancient petroglyphs left by the pre-Columbian Taino people. You’ll also find secluded beaches with quiet snorkeling spots.

Inside Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground is a welcoming retreat. Rent paddleboards, kayaks or snorkel gear and head down to the longest beach on the island, featuring clear water and white sands. When you’re done, you can glamp in a comfortable eco-tent with a queen-sized bed and electric outlets, or pick a basic cottage for a little more boundary between indoors and out. It’s the perfect way to go off-grid and reconnect.

Reminisce about good times past and make plans for the future over a romantic dinner at The Terrace Restaurant. The namesake terrace wraps around the restaurant, overlooking blue-green Cruz Bay. The elevated menu combines French and Caribbean influences, with dishes like butter-poached lobster tail and foie gras layered with local mango. Raise a glass of French bubbly and share a slice of cinnamon cheesecake for dessert to cap off a perfect meal.

It’s always a good time at The Beach Bar, located just a few minutes from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock. Stop by midday for a crispy mahi basket and an ice-cold local beer at a beach table with your toes in the sand. Lounge on the deck during happy hour with their famous Beach Bar Painkiller and watch the sun sink over the bay. Or, visit after dark for local live music that will get you and your better half dancing.

St. Thomas

Stiff from the flight? A massage at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef will set you both right. The Heavenly Spa by Westin offers relaxing couples massages in shared rooms, plus facials, body treatments and more for men and women. Between services, sink into a plush chaise lounge with warm herbal tea overlooking the Serenity Pool and Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Treat yourselves to a luxurious day of pampering and you’ll be thoroughly relaxed for the rest of your stay.

Shop duty-free for him and her in bustling Charlotte Amalie. Look for luxury goods at A.H. Riise Mall, from Rolex watches to designer sunglasses. Wander picturesque Main Street, where 18th-century sugar warehouses have been converted into boutiques packed with jewelry and souvenirs. The Plaza at Havensight is an open-air mall with breezy island wear, electronics and trinkets. And you can sample fresh island produce and shop for summer fits with the local vendors in Market Square.

Toast to your love during dinner for two at PRIME at Paradise Point. To get there, take the Skyride to Paradise Point, a 7-minute tram ride that lifts you 700 feet to an overlook above St. Thomas Harbor. At the top, you’ll find upscale steakhouse PRIME, serving elevated fare like double-stuffed Caribbean lobster and USDA prime aged steaks prepared just how you like them. Share a Toast ‘N Jam, a smoked bourbon cocktail designed for two. Then watch the sun sink behind the horizon as you celebrate another perfect day on St. Thomas.

After darkness falls, climb into a kayak big enough for two and explore a quiet bay during the Night Kayak Tour. The kayaks have clear bottoms and bright LED lights illuminating the water below. Look down to spot marine life like stingrays, a variety of fish and sea turtles as your guide leads you through the bay and past darkening beaches. They’ll also snap complimentary photos, so you’ll have a fun memento of your nighttime adventure.