This queer-owned paradise is St. Croix’s best-kept secret

In the historic town of Frederiksted, St. Croix lies a tropical paradise where piña coladas, scenic beach views, and white sand are mere steps away from your front door.

Of course, we’re talking about Sand Castle on the Beach, an oceanfront boutique hotel. The small part of the U.S. Virgin Islands — with a population near 56,000 — might not have been on your radar before.

But between its beachside restaurant and bar, two swimming pools (including one secluded and luxurious clothing-optional spot), stunning views, and a staff who delights in spoiling its visitors, you might find yourself plotting a return visit after day one.

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At least that’s what happened to its queer owners, Chris Richardson and Ted Bedwell, who stumbled upon the spot by accident on a Christmas vacation in 1998.

In 2017, they transitioned from frequent visitors to live-in hosts at Sand Castle on the Beach, an occupation they describe as “a dream come true.”

“When we first started coming, we were drawn to the water,” Richardson told travel vlogger Jesse Daley. “Ted loves to snorkel, I love to scuba, and there was just a magic about this place.”

Bedwell added, “We visited for many, many years, and we knew we always wanted to live on an island, and the opportunity came up.”

What sets the tropical resort apart from others is Bedwell and Richardson’s dedication to making each stay as “incredible” and “personal” as the guests would like.

Not only is it an assuredly gay-friendly Caribbean destination, but it’s also an adult-only resort — no guests under 16 years old — that provides an experience as adventurous as its visitors would like.

St. Croix is filled with exotic day-trips, including tours of JFK’s beloved Buck Island or a 300-year-old Cruzan Rum distillery, as well as Jeep tours, deep-sea fishing, hiking, and scuba diving.

For the beach bums, Sand Castle on the Beach offers on-site massages, complimentary snorkel gear and kayaks, and scuba lessons. (As their 24-hour beach cam shows, it’s also not a bad place to post up and capital-R “Relax.)

Additionally, the hotel offers both more affordable and upscale room options, including the 2-bedroom Dolphin Villa with a partial sea view, Beachfront Villas (which feature a king bed and kitchen), and various suite types with balcony options, including sea-view and garden-view suites.

The “high season” runs from November to April, while value options are available from May to October.

At a time when LGBTQ+ travel means special considerations around safety, Sand Castle on the Beach has made the promise of escaping to a queer-friendly paradise easier than ever.