Private Islands in the Virgin Islands

Sitting the on a white sand beach as the water washes gently ashore with a cold drink in your hand; it couldn't get much better, could it? Well it could be better if that white sugar fine sand beach wasn't just on an island somewhere, but on YOUR island somewhere. That's right, you got it, we're talking about your own private island. Sounds like an impossible dream, but it may be easier than you think to get a little slice of your own private paradise.

If you've been on our zip-line tour recently, you've probably heard your guides mention that there's a little island to the north called Hans Lollik that is for sale for a reasonable twenty nine million bucks. Now if you think that's a high price, we can put it in perspective for you, the most expensive property on St. Thomas, a monstrous waterfront villa, comes in at a cool thirty mil. 

At this point you're probably thinking that the island sounds like a much better deal. Well in terms of private islands many have paid much less than that for a piece of heaven. A good example is knighted billionaire, Sir Richard Branson, Whose island, Necker island, just a few miles to the north of the USVI, was purchase in the seventies for under two hundred thousand dollars. The story goes, Sir Branson wanted to impress a girl so he got a flight to the island which was for sale at the time, after taking the tour he low-balled at one hundred thousand dollars and was quickly asked to leave. After a few years he upped his offer slightly and was able to secure the island. Now he makes back what he spend on the island in a matter of months. He's noted with saying that it was his best investment decision. 

Now there actually are a few little islands on the market these days in the sub three hundred thousand mark, it wont get you anything in the Caribbean, but if a lake in northern Michigan is your cup of tea, then you too can join the select group who own their own island.

A little closer to our home on St Thomas, in the British Virgin Islands, which can also be seen from the top of your zipline adventure, there are over seven privately owned islands all of which have some development on them that serves as a resort which is usually a stipulation when buying an island in the BVI's to encourage economic development.  

Hans Lollik isn't the only private island in the USVI where no passport is required and only a short flight from the east coast! You also have Thatch Cay, Little St. James, Lovango Cay, Great St. James, and a few others. A great boat trip trough the islands should always include passing a few of these very exclusive islands. While some have magnificent and palatial villas atop the hills, some still have no development on them whatsoever. Private islands are just another unique feature in the vibrant and quirky culture of the Virgin Islands. So remember, the next time you zip at Tree Limin' Extreme, make sure to ask your guides about the private islands you can see from the platforms! 

History of St. Thomas Carnival

As Carnival week is coming to an end, the Village is getting all packed up and shipped out, we like to reflect on all the festivities that have happened during this eventful week. Main Street closed down shop and brought all the excitement to the streets! Bright colors filled the air as both children and adults paraded down the street in the most exotic costumes you’ve ever laid eyes on. These events last one week, and are loaded with events for all ages to enjoy. Both locals and visitors to the island fill the streets and awe over what has been happening for the past 102 years!

A lot of people ask, how did something so elaborate as the infamous Carnival start? Well, Carnival-like traditions date back to the mid 1600—1700s with European counties colonized the Caribbean Islands. They brought with them their festivities, parties and traditions like dressing up, having parties and meeting up with friends and family. These Europeans had brought slaves for their plantations and, over the years, the slaves would be exposed to the European traditions as well as having some of their own. Even though they weren't allowed to dance and sing their songs from their culture because plantation owners thought the slaves would use it as a way of secretly communicating, they still were able to pass down their customs. Over time, this morphed into a unique mix of customs and traditions that will be celebrated for years to come. 

It was a slow start getting Carnival where it is today. The first two St. Thomas Carnivals, 1912 and 1914, was when the Virgin Islands were apart of the Danish West Indies. The events that took place were much like what we celebrate today, but at a smaller volume; bands, Carnival Queen, and a parade. There was a 38 year gap between the Carnival of 1914 and the next Carnival in 1952. Holiday traditions continued for the years Carnival was absent, but it wasn’t until Ron De Lugo, a radio personality, thought it would be a good idea to bring it back! Although he was born in 1930 and never attended Carnival, he thought it would be a fun and entertaining way to bring the island’s community together. Not everybody thought that way though. People feared there would be conflict between the classes of citizens. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Carnival was a go, and it’s been running annually ever since! It’s brought the community together from all different shapes, sizes, and ages!