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Sipping sea water seems to set my mind and soul more in-tune with the sunny shores I'm lucky to be exploring, few places more so than the Bananier Beach, Haiti.

What St. Croix is right now is open for business, especially for uncommon travelers bent on fully immersing themselves in one of the Caribbean's most culturally rich, naturally blessed, and uniquely special islands. 

Upon arriving back on St. Croix in mid-December and making our initial drive north of Frederiksted toward Rainbow, we feared our favorite beach bar might not be there.

There was something about this bench shaded by its windswept companion on the southeastern coast of St. Croix that spoke to us. Be present in this month's moment of Zen video.

Experience a ride with Cowboy Steve for a chill cantor through so much of what makes St. Croix special — its diversity, natural splendor, and history.

Alberto is one of many local St. Croix residents we had the chance to talk to about the state of our home island in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Here's more of what they had to say...

The Jack and Isaac Bays Preserve on St. Croix has never looked so alive and green. Brilliant waters lining secluded white sand beaches. You may never see nature more magnificently in the midst of renewal.

The show plays out daily right beneath your window at Hotel Caravelle, St. Croix much as it has since the town of Christiansted was founded more than 280 years ago.

In the wake of Hurricane Maria, I'm happy to report that Turtle Beach and Buck Island St Croix remain just as awesome as ever.