Eco-friendly campground opens on Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Campground has opened on the 500-acre Water Island offering upscale cottage-style accommodation with a minimal environmental footprint. Visitors who yearn to feel close to nature without giving up the comforts of home can choose this eco-sensitive resort with self-contained tent-cottages in the US Virgin Islands, just a ten-minute ferry ride from Crown Bay on St. Thomas.

The eco-sensitive wood-frame-and-canvas cottages are nestled among lush foliage and have private terraces which overlook the sea. In order to maintain a minimal environmental footprint, the cottages are equipped with wind-powered electricity. Guests can grill and eat meals at the nearby Pavilion (gas grill, cooking utensils and dishware provided) and wash at the communal Bathhouse - with solar-heated collected rainwater used for the sinks and showers. They can also sunbathe next to the solar-heated hot tub or take a five-minute walk down to Honeymoon Beach.

For those who prefer their own space, the campground rents one efficiency apartment with a king-size bed, kitchenette, private bath and an ocean view.

The campground offers bicycle and snorkel rentals and a communications room with Internet access and satellite TV. There is a regular ferry service to St Thomas for duty free shopping, dining or for a day trip to St John.

Cottage rates start at $75 per night, double occupancy.

For further information, visit Virginislandscampground.com or Usvitourism.vi.