Every time my wife and I are packing for a Caribbean escape, there is always that frantic ten-minute scramble where we tear the house apart looking for our passports. It is the universal headache of international travel. But there is a massive travel loophole that completely eliminates that stress, and it’s about to get a legendary upgrade.
If you want the blindingly white-sand beaches, the towering tropical canopies, and the flawless turquoise waters of a premium Caribbean escape without ever dealing with a customs line, you need to look at the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Specifically, you need to look at St. Croix.
Club Med—the absolute pioneer of the all-inclusive vacation model—has officially broken ground on a massive, highly anticipated new resort on the island.
Slated to open in late 2027, Club Med St. Croix is bringing a new level of premium, hassle-free luxury to American soil.
Here is everything you need to know about the newest resort redefining the Caribbean all-inclusive game.
A Passport-Free Caribbean Loophole
Because St. Croix is a U.S. territory, American citizens do not need a passport to fly there.
You can literally grab your driver’s license, lock your front door, give your dog one last goodbye pat (which is always the hardest part of leaving our golden retriever, Lemon), and board a flight straight to the islands.
St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it offers a much more relaxed, culturally rich, and uncrowded vibe compared to the bustling cruise ports of St. Thomas. It is a rare destination that feels wildly exotic but offers the seamless travel logistics of a domestic flight.
The Return of an Icon (With a Massive Upgrade)
If you know the history of St. Croix, you probably know the Carambola Beach Resort.
Originally developed in the 1980s under the Rockefeller family, it is a legendary piece of real estate tucked between a pristine beach crescent and a massive tropical rainforest canopy on the island’s northwest coast.
Club Med and VICI Properties just officially broke ground on July 16 to completely reimagine this iconic property.
This marks Club Med’s massive return to U.S. territory, and they are not cutting any corners. The property is joining their prestigious “Exclusive Collection,” meaning it is going to feature their absolute highest tier of bespoke service, elevated culinary programs, and high-end design.
I literally just got back from Club Med Québec-Charlevoix two days ago and if my experience there is any indication of what you can expect in St. Croix, I can assure you it is going to be incredible!
This brand does not cut corners on guest experience.
The Vibe: Suites, Infinity Pools, and Zero Kids Under 12
This isn’t your standard, chaotic mega-resort. Club Med St. Croix is being intentionally designed as a premium, low-density sanctuary tailored for guests 12 and older. It strikes the perfect balance for couples, older families, and travelers who want an active lifestyle without the overwhelming noise of a toddler pool.
Here is what the ground-up transformation is bringing to the island:
- All-Suite Accommodations: The resort will feature a boutique feel with just 150 keys. The entirely all-suite layout is heavily inspired by the surrounding rainforest, focusing on spacious, tech-forward design built directly into the natural landscape.
- Elevated Dining: The culinary program is leaning heavily into both international flavors and authentic Caribbean influences. You can expect a signature restaurant, an incredible beachfront dining venue right on the sand, and a grab-and-go cafe. They are also building four distinct lounge and bar concepts to keep the social energy moving from day to night.
- Signature Amenities: They are constructing a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea and a full-service luxury spa. Because it is Club Med, the active lifestyle DNA is built into everything: expect dedicated pickleball courts, beach volleyball, beachfront yoga, non-motorized watersports, and curated outdoor excursions.
Built with Intention
What I love most about this project is how deeply integrated it is with the local community. Club Med isn’t just dropping a massive concrete box on the beach. They are preserving the historic, native stone and steep-shingled roof architecture that made the original property famous, elevating the design while targeting strict Green Globe and BREEAM sustainability certifications.
Also, the resort is expected to create around 200 jobs, with a massive 80% expected to be filled by local Crucian talent, keeping the economic impact exactly where it belongs—on the island.
Put Late 2027 on Your Radar
Construction is officially moving, and Club Med St. Croix is anticipated to welcome its first guests in the fourth quarter of 2027.
It will operate nearly 330 days a year, reinforcing St. Croix as a premier, year-round destination.
If you have been looking for an excuse to experience the absolute best of the Caribbean without the nightmare of international logistics, keep a close eye on this opening. It is poised to completely redefine domestic all-inclusive travel.
