St. John, USVI

The smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John was an early pioneer in Caribbean eco-tourism. More than half of its 20 square miles are undeveloped — and will stay that way — as they constitute Virgin Islands National Park, created in 1956 from holdings donated by U.S. philanthropist and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller. Much of St. John’s glorious white-sand beaches, coastline and surrounding seas are also protected, either through the park or the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. Days here revolve around the beauty of unspoiled nature, with activities like hiking, swimming, snorkeling and sailing. On the southwest coast, the town of Cruz Bay is the island’s commercial and maritime hub, with shops, restaurants, bars and the landing for ferries and boats from St. Thomas, just four miles away. A winding road across St. John leads to Coral Bay, a peaceful village with a sheltered natural harbor and friendly, relaxed ambience.