These colorful stilt-walkers tracing back to pre-slavery Africa are a beloved folkoric feature of the USVI, and among other places you can see them at the historic Buccaneer resort, whose Manor House, which is still in use today, was built in 1653 by the Knights of Malta. The sugar mill, constructed in 1733, now serves as a venue for weddings. Former slave quarters dating back 250 years provide lodging.

It’s not often a visit to a destination hotel includes a history tour spanning several centuries. But history permeates the grounds of on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Just a ten minute drive from island capital Christiansted, it was opened by Douglas Armstrong in 1947, making it the Caribbean's longest running hotel, as well as the only one still operated by the same family.

Read more about this singular property at Tripatini member Fyllis Hockman's post In St. Croix, History, Horticulture & Hospitality Reside at The Buccaneer Resort.