U.S. Virgin Islands Secures Three Nominations In USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

U.S. Virgin Islands, December 4, 2025: The U.S. Virgin Islands is celebrating national recognition as three St. Croix favorites have been nominated in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The nominations highlight the island’s influence on Caribbean travel and place the territory in three major categories:

• Best Caribbean Beach Bar
  • Deep End Bar & Grill, Christiansted, St. Croix
• Best Caribbean Resort
  • The Buccaneer, St. Croix
• Best Caribbean Rum
  • Cruzan Rum Distillery, St. Croix

Residents, members of the Virgin Islands diaspora and fans of the territory are invited to vote once per day in each category at 10best.usatoday.com/awards until voting closes on Monday, December 29 at noon Eastern Time. The top ten winners in each category, as selected by readers, will be announced on Wednesday, January 7 at noon Eastern Time.

“All three of these nominees tell a different story about what makes the U.S. Virgin Islands special,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands. “From a relaxed beach bar where you can listen to live music with your feet in the sand, to one of the Caribbean’s most storied resorts, to a rum distillery that has been part of St. Croix’s history for centuries, these nominations celebrate the people, places and flavors that keep visitors coming back.”

Perched on the shoreline near Christiansted, Deep End Bar & Grill has become a favorite gathering spot for visitors and locals. The casual island atmosphere, sea views and live entertainment keep people coming back.

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, The Buccaneer has welcomed guests since 1947 and is recognized as one of the region’s landmark resorts. The historic property features three beaches, an 18 hole golf course, a spa and a wide range of activities for couples and families.

With roots on St. Croix that date back to 1760, Cruzan Rum Distillery produces a lineup of award winning rums that blend island water, molasses and yeast into a smooth, slightly sweet spirit enjoyed around the world. The distillery remains a significant part of the island’s heritage and continues to welcome visitors interested in learning about the craft behind its signature rums.

“These nominations are also a point of pride for St. Croix,” added Commissioner Matarangas-King, a proud Crucian. “They reflect the hard work of our hospitality teams and our long tradition of sharing food, music and rum with guests from around the world.”

USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the best in travel, food and lifestyle across the United States and around the world. Nominees are selected by a panel of experts and editors, with the final rankings determined by an open online vote of readers.

How to Vote

• Visit 10best.usatoday.com/awards
• Select the Caribbean categories for Best Caribbean Beach Bar, Best Caribbean Resort and Best Caribbean Rum
• Vote for Deep End Bar & Grill, The Buccaneer and Cruzan Rum Distillery once per day in each category through Monday, December 29 at noon Eastern Time

The U.S. Virgin Islands encourages everyone to participate in the USA TODAY 10Best voting. To learn more about the destination, visit www.visitusvi.com and follow @visitusvi on social media.

About the U.S. Virgin Islands  

About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).

Media Contacts:

Efrain Rivera
Development Counsellors International
[email protected]

Alani Henneman
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
[email protected]