Amidst political turbulence and mounting challenges again in Washington D.C., President Joe Biden and First Girl Jill Biden have opted for a serene escape to St. Croix, the southernmost U.S. Virgin Island, to welcome the arrival of 2024. Their 19-year-old granddaughter, Natalie, the daughter of the late Beau Biden, accompanied them on this sun-soaked retreat.
The Bidens touched down on St. Croix’s picturesque shores, arriving through Air Power One on a Wednesday afternoon.
St. Croix types a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated U.S. territory. Among the many 4 U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, Water Island, St. John being the others), St. Croix stands out as the biggest, overlaying 84 sq. miles, which is roughly 3 times the dimensions of St. Thomas, regardless of having an analogous inhabitants. Comparatively, St. John and Water Island are significantly smaller.
All through its historical past, St. Croix has seen the flags of seven totally different nations fly over its lands: Spain, Nice Britain, the Netherlands, France, the Knights of Malta, Denmark, and the USA. For historical past fanatics, this island is a must-visit.
On St. Croix’s northern shore, you’ll discover Christiansted, as soon as the capital of the Danish West Indies. It boasts charming 18th-century buildings with butter-colored facades, crimson roofs, and picturesque stone streets. To the west, its twin metropolis, Frederiksted, is dwelling to a fort that after defended the island towards pirates and rival nations. Scattered throughout the panorama between them, you’ll encounter the remnants of quite a few sugar and cattle estates. One among these estates has been remodeled right into a botanical backyard with superbly restored constructions. On the island’s tip stands Level Udall, that includes its iconic sundial monument, marking the easternmost level in the USA.
St. Croix provides not solely a wealthy historic expertise, but additionally gorgeous seashores, world-class leisure actions, advantageous eating choices, resorts, casinos, and golf programs. Moreover, you’ll have the prospect to discover the island’s distinctive expressions of arts, crafts, music, festivals, and cultural occasions.
Biden’s alternative of vacation spot, the tranquil seashores of the U.S. Virgin Islands couldn’t be farther from the frenetic tempo of the nation’s capital.
Because the President grapples with looming questions on his political future, dwindling approval rankings, and an escalating scenario involving U.S. navy deployments within the Center East, the Caribbean provided a much-needed respite. Searching for solace and leisure, they discovered refuge on the luxurious beachfront residence of their beneficiant benefactors, Invoice and Connie Neville.
Invoice and Connie Neville, distinguished Democratic donors with a affluent background within the tech trade, have been longstanding mates of the Bidens. Notably, they have been visitors of honor at a White Home state dinner alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. Their opulent villa, nestled in an unique space the place properties can command costs as much as $3 million, is the epitome of coastal opulence. With three bedrooms, a glowing pool, and personal seaside entry, it provides the epitome of island luxurious.
Whereas basking within the seclusion of this serene enclave, President Biden could have the chance to admire sweeping bay vistas. As well as, he might make the most of certainly one of St. Croix’s esteemed golf programs. All of this offers a welcome respite as he confronts a gathering political storm on the mainland.
