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Casino on the Island of St. Croix

More than 500 years ago, one of the greatest gamblers in history sighted a small island paradise and left to the world a treasure we are just beginning to appreciate.

The island of St. Croix, part of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), was discovered by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century, and by a modern group of players in the 21st. This wonderful little island, called "America's Paradise," has carefully developed as a tourist Mecca while maintaining its natural beauty, historic heritage, and relaxed pace of living.

If this were a film, we'd cut from bucolic pictures of colonial architecture and panorama of sand, surf, and palms to the table action at the Divi Bay Beach Resort & Casino. This architecturally stunning facility, nestled in an even more stunning natural Oceanside setting, is the perfect marriage of state of the art and island charm.

As the only casino on St. Croix, the Divi keeps the excitement level high while still maintaining a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. The room is an attractive one, well laid out, so you don't get that warehouse feel. The game, of course, is everything, and Texas hold'em rules. But you'll also find takers at Three Card. In addition to poker play, the casino offers blackjack, Caribbean stud, craps, roulette, mini baccarat, video poker, and hundreds of slots in various denominations. There's even a smoke-free area with simulcasts of nationwide thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing.

I would advise membership in Divi's players' club, the Beachcomber's Gold Club. First of all, it's free, which is great at twice the price. With it, you get credit for table and slot play… hey, you're doing it anyway. You can use the credit toward meals, hotel rooms, casino merchandise, and free dinners at island restaurants. It also makes you eligible for special promotions.

The Casino has generous operating hours. It's open from noon to 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and nonstop from noon on Friday through 6 a.m. on Sunday.

During the hours you're not gaming, there's a world of activity to enjoy, both at the resort and on St. Croix and beyond. You can just laze around beachside or kick it up a notch with a visit to the water sports center, one of the two freshwater swimming pools, the tennis courts, or fitness center. You can take a dip in the ocean, or get out the kinks in one of the outdoor whirlpools. There's live entertainment nightly.

Dining here is an adventure. You can get anything from an international gourmet meal to a light snack or ice cream from the two restaurants, two bars, and coffee shop. Meal plans are available, with discounts to Divi Club members if purchased in advance.

Unlike some casino hotels, the Divi is family-friendly. Kids under 15 stay free, and screened childcare references are available. The kids have plenty to do while you are tending to "business" in the casino. Special-needs guests are happily accommodated with all public spaces, restaurants, and selected rooms wheelchair-accessible. The rooms, incidentally, run from the standard beachfront guestroom with terrace to an Oceanside villa set into the hillside. All rooms are chockablock full of amenities, including satellite TV with voice mail and dataport. (Laptop users should check with their Internet service provider for dial-up access in St. Croix before leaving home.) Free high-speed wireless Internet access is available in many areas of the hotel (including pool and beachside for you Internet Junkies) and in a select number of rooms. Just make a request when you reserve.