The tennis complex occupies a prime location: a terraced hillside just below the hotel overlooking the beach. Its covered wooden deck is a favorite place to gather after playing for the views of the Caribbean and on very clear days the islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.
On any given morning at the Buccaneer you’ll hear the thwock, thwock of tennis balls and may look out to see nearly all of the eight courts in use. Some of those players will be hotel guests, who have first priority; many, however, will be local members for whom this is their home club, drawn either by the opportunity to play or by the weekly social mixers, round robins, clinics, and drill sessions. That combination ensures a stable of players for guests looking for games and generally improves the turnout for the various weekly programs scheduled during the busy winter season. And it has another advantage: many guests come specifically for the tennis, not just to play, but knowing that they’ll run into some of the same people—guests or locals—year after year. The Buccaneer has a reputation as a place where lasting friendships begin on the courts.
Court Complex: There are 8 hard courts (2 with lights) arranged on two terraces cut into the hillside below the main hotel and above Mermaid Beach.
121 Reviews on “The Buccaneer”
Beautiful courts facing the ocean, friendly staff. Director of Tennis Neal Cassidy, a laid back, personable and highly skilled pro, made improving my game a joy. Lessons highly recommended. The staff arranged games and clinics, very smooth and easy.
Was there last month and met the new tennis director and pro. Neal Cassidy, who is taking over the facility after the last pro was there for 34 years. Neal was great, he arranged a foursome for me twice and played in with us. This facility is amazing, view out to the ocean and sandy beach, eight brand new resurfaced courts with two courts lit at night and the club house was being completely remodeled with the addition of a exercise area. There is a restaurant below right on the beach. The rooms at the hotel are first class especially a new set that are right next to the tennis facility that face the water and the beach. There is also a full restaurant above in the Hotel Lobby area and a Business Center plus the Hotel has a 18 hole golf course. The tennis facility is a perfect destination to get away from it all but still have the ability to find players to play with as it is also a membership club. The staff was totally focused on making you feel welcome and went out of there way to meet my needs to be able to play while I was in St. Croix.
St Croix is a wonderful island to go to for any vacation and The Buccaneer is a first class resort with all of the amenities. The tennis concession is operated by Don de Wilde and it is also first class. The competition is always based on your level of play, and there is always plenty of games to join in. The courts are in great condition and the Pro Shop is well stocked with the latest equipment. I would recommend this tennis resort to any level of player.
Don deWilde is the tennis pro and does an unbelievable job.He gives lessons,clinics, runs tournaments and sells quality tennis gear.I would highly recommend this facility.
It is one of the best clubs I have ever played at. Don, the Tennis Professional, is an exceptionally wonderful coach. My only wish is that they would add courts with a clay surface.
Had very good intro lessons to tennis for daughter with Don DeWilde. Very patient and encouraging.
The courts at the Buccaneer were in very good shape, and when there was rain, there were adequate squeegees to clear the rain off quickly. The pro arranged for us to get signed up for all scheduled clinics our first day which was wonderful. We met many other players from around the area who were very enthusiastic about getting us involved in other match play both at the resort, and off site. Many friendly people were there to make it a fun vacation with tennis! The pro shop had great women’s clothing and shoe selections. The men’s side was a bit sparse but still had basics for those who forgot things at home. We had a great time and hope to go back!
really nice courts in a beautiful setting. The mixed doubles round robbin is a lot of fun. A range of players from beginner to intermediate.
We’ve rented condos for several years on St Croix –always attend tennis clinics@ the Buccaneer. The pro- Don -is great—keeps us moving–drills are challenging, versatile, always something new, and fun. Adapteble so that all play levels are able to participate. Downside -clinics are only twice a week at 8am.–8am is tough when you’re on vacation!!!!
For any tennis enthusiast, I highly recommend a stay at The Buccaneer, a family owned hotel and resort in St. Croix, USVI, with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Eight beautiful hard courts, including several with good lighting for night play. The long time, personable, resident pro, Don deWilde, will help whether you seek a lesson, or drills or a cardio workout, or to match with partner(s) of comparable play.
Loved the resort, was very relaxing. Had a nice time hitting and taking lessons with the tennis pro.
Don is superb at connecting players staying at the hotel and on the island.
The Buccaneer has an exceptional tennis pro in Don De Wilde! He is the best tennis pro we have ever had the privlege of working with. As adults trying to revive the tennis skills we developed as teenagers, Don worked with us, patiently and enthusiastically to improve our abilities, form, strategies and games remarkably well, and in a ridiculously short amount of time! And, he was super fun to be with!! He deminstrated to us that he is very much ahead of the curve technique wise as he brought our game into the 21st century, clearly articulating how to use form to create power and energetically drilling our new form into us as he worked us back and forth, forward and back over the court to get us in fighting shape!
I recently visited the Buccaneer in St. Croix. Don DelWide was the tennis pro. I took a 1 hour lesson with him and thought it was the best instruction I have ever received. They also had group lessons that you could participate, which I did as well as tennis mixers. The also offered a free kids camp daily, which my kids absolutely loved. They told me was the best camp ever. The hotel is expensive but well worth the money and the views incredible.
You’ll want to stay at the Buccaneer or close by, as you’ll want to be there everyday. They offer a “drop in” mixed doubles on Sunday where you can meet the local members and seasonal guests. This is the time to arrange matches for the week ahead. It was amazing. I’ve never felt so welcome and had so much fun. And if you need help, Don is there to help fine tune your game or find a match for you. And between matches you can play golf or stretch out on their beautiful beach and order your favorite drink. I’ll return.
A wonderful tennis facility for players of all ages and abilities. Don de Wilde is an outstanding and engaging teacher. I would strongly recommend the Buccaneer and its tennis facility for anyone considering a visit to the Virgin Islands.
We took a family with teenagers vacation at the Buccaneer Resort in St. Croix, USVI. The tennis portion of this vacation was wonderful and just what we wanted. We signed up for 3 tennis sessions: an instructional clinic, a conditioning clinic and a fun game morning. All three were exceptional, fun and great experiences. The clinics were well taught and challenging. The game morning was a 6-game, random co-ed partner match then rotate partner. WE had so much fun meeting new people and the tennis was exciting and challenging. I had fun learning something new from each different partner, and the level of play worked well since it was doubles. I had a great time. I think anyone, even expert tennis players, would find this a rewarding tennis vacation. Don DeWilde, the tennis pro, is accommodating, experienced and friendly. You’ll enjoy meeting him.
One of the finest resorts, with the finest tennis facilities, in the Caribbean. The tennis pros always seem to be able to set-up a good match – doubles or singles. Unfortunately, an injury prevented me from playing this year, but it was obvious that the program was as strong as ever.
Please go there ,it is a wonderful resort.Been going there for last 15 years and try to visit twice a year.It has been in the Armstrong family for over 50 years and is still owned and operated by them. The tennis professional is an excellent teacher and dedicated to his profession. He has worked their for over 15 years . He does a wonderful job for both young and advanced players. They have 8 very good hard courts.
This is a great (and fun!)tennis program, offering a multitude of clinics, round robins and private lessons. Don DeWilde is the very able and enthusiastic head of the program which draws both hotel guests and residents in for the many events and activities. The only distraction is the beautiful ocean view from the courts.
My husband, children and I stayed at the Buccaneer for a week in March 2013. We played tennis daily. The courts are beautiful and situated on a hill with a view,and a beautiful breeze cools you as you play. The Pro Don de Wilde was PERFECT. He provided excellent instruction to our somewhat unathletic beginner nine year old who made great progress after two 30 minute private lessons. During our week of play we observed him giving terrific lessons to adults as well. He was friendly and obliging (restringing two racquets overnight so we could optimize our time there), and the shop had everything we needed. There was no “attitude”, just a love of the game.
We used many of the Buccaneer’s facilities; the tennis was a highlight. We have traveled extensively and played at luxury resorts (Four Seasons etc.), and this tennis experience was absolutely on par with those. The overall gestalt of the Buccanner is friendly, spacious,”low-key” and super relaxing. Hope to return!
Lovely setting with 8 courts, an affable and capable pro in a low-key venue.
The best of the buccaneer are the weekly clinics. Going to a resort for a limited time you are able to play tennis and meet other players for additional games. The clinics are filled with drills that are rarely repeated. Players of all levels are able to get a work out by participating. I stayed longer this year and was able to enter the century tournament. In march they will have the club tournament. After a good work-out walk to the beach and jump in the Caribbean. Then a drink at the mermaid. Cheers.
Beautiful facility, views of the Caribbean Sea from the courts. Great lessons with two pros and matches can be arranged for players of all levels.
Fabulous tennis pro. Great clinics. Courts in excellent condition. Night courts available. Met lovely ladies from St. Croix.
Our family of four just returned from a 10-day vacation at the Buccaneer. The resort is beautiful, with its own beachfront spotted with palm trees, so you can always find shade. The snorkeling is also excellent right from the hotel beaches.
We enjoyed quite a bit of tennis on our vacation. The courts are immaculately maintained; the pro shop is well-organized and helped set up a couple of matches for us during our stay. Also, I arranged beforehand for our son to have a series of lessons, which worked out wonderfully. The instruction was first-rate.
We came to the Buccaneer this past February. We learned of it through TennisResorts Online. We wanted an upscale resort with a well established tennis facility offering instruction, clinics and game matching. Our expectations were more than fulfilled. The resort is just beautiful, with a magnificent panoramic view of the turquoise sea all around you. The icing on the cake was that at the center of the beautiful resort is an attractive and well maintained and managed tennis facility. Head Pro Don DeWilde is an excellent instructor. We had lessons almost daily for the week we were there, and even after years of playing and taking lessons along the way, we benefitted greatly from his perspective and mild mannered approach. He’s a dedicated professional, and puts a lot of effort and energy into maintaining a great tennis program for all levels, whether it be instruction or fun playing. We look forward to returning, and bringing our children here to enjoy the beautiful resort, and having a great place to play tennis overlooking the beach.
My wife and I arrived three weeks ago at the Buccaneer to find the tennis facility in a beautiful setting at the heart of the property. I had called in advance to arrange lessons with Don DeWlde hoping for a positive learning experience. Don was terrific in creating a picture of what we were doing and how to improve, and most importantly, a gentleman of the first order. We have taken with us what he taught and are implementing these tips and lessons in our play right now. In addition, the Buccaneer property is quite expansive, and you never feel crowded and always feel like you have your own private space, which is just what we were looking for.
Don is an excellent instructor. Courts are in great condition. Hard to find a game. Ball machine pretty always available. Setting, on a hill overlooking the Caribbean, is breathtaking .
Members of the Vieques (PR) Tennis Club visited St. Croix for a tennis weekend. While there we signed up and had clinics with the Pro, and boy did he live up to the title! Absolutely fantastic, and very highly recommended! Thank you Don!
Don DeWilde provided a fun filled three day tennis experience for the eight players in our group Everyone wants to return to the Buccaneer again
I went to this resort with 7 tennis pals and had private lessons with the Pro, Don DeWilde. I had contacted him before begging for him to sell me a serve! He responded with great cheer and optimism and he DELIVERED!!! I have a serve! He ran clinics for our group and we had a ton of fun with a mixed skill group, not an easy challenge for the leader.
We also enjoyed the property itself, big breakfasts are included and we were hungry! The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. There are really excellent restaurants off campus but close by. Cab drivers are knowledgeable and friendly. The on campus beaches are OK, we live on Vieques so are pretty fussy about our beaches!
We have all agreed that we will return and especially look forward to more clinics with Don.
Don de Wilde is one of those great, classic instructors who have played long enough to know exactly what your doing wrong and fix it. Fast. Through simple and targeted drills, Don was able to diagnose and correct the issues with my forehand, backhand and serve. By the second lesson, Don had improved the consistency of my game tremendously. You can really tell he loves his job.
Not only is the resort great, but the tennis is as well. I played for fun and also participated in cardio drills and worked on some new strategies. Mr. deWilde kept the drills moving quickly and was a lot of fun! He was very helpful finding others for me to play with as well. The play was competitive and the courts/facilities were in great shape. The ocean views were out of this world-the prettiest spot I’ve ever played.
Great resort. Don dewilde was helpful in matching me with local players and other visitors. Would return and highly recommend. There were no junior clinics available which would be nice for the kids.
great family resort, very easy, reasonably priced in relation to other comparable resorts, free day camp & 8 hard surface tennis courts
Rooms were a little disappointing, we stayed in family cottage and there was 1-small bathroom for 4-people to share. Overall dining service was extremely slow even by island standards, no waitress or bar service on the beach
I would definitely recommend this resort for lessons or to play. The facilities are great and the tennis pro on propeerty is excellent
I was nationally ranked in the seniors up until 2 years ago when I had 3 back surgeries, the last about 10 months ago. At the Club I worked with Don de Wilde, top pro and manager on getting my game back. His instruction was excellent and I benefited greatly from our hitting sessions. I highly recommend the Buccaneer for all player levels. There is opportunity for men and women’s doubles, mixed doubles and singles play. A wonderful place!
I must say I have really enjoyed playing tennis at The Buccaneer while visiting St. Croix. The location of the tennis courts offers an exceptional view of the resort’s beautiful beach and surrounding grounds. Overall the courts are in good condition. Windscreens are not torn, courts are clean with no debris in the corners. Nets well maintained. There are no holes or cracks evident on the surface to warrant any concern about footing while playing. It does rain in paradise and there is an adequate supply of squeegees to remove water and resume playing quickly. The sun has taken is toll on the courts and the surface is just a bit faded.
It would be nice to see the courts re-surfaced with the US Open color scheme. The updated look would greatly improve the player’s ability to “see” the ball in day and night conditions. It would also set it apart from the other resorts in the Caribbean that do not utilize this color scheme. The pro shop provides a good selection of clothing, shoes, racquets, hats, strings, grips, and accessories to outfit any tennis player. An electronic stringer enable’s staff to properly string any racquet that may come their way. A cooler of beverages awaits thirsty players. Dressing rooms allows for the trying on of the many items of clothing offered.
Don deWilde offers insightful instruction in private lessons and drills. Tournament’s and round robin play are a staple at The Buccaneer. There is plenty of depth and variety in the programs offered for those visiting on vacation or tennis players living on the island. The Buccaneer tennis facility is truly breathtaking in its setting. Don deWilde has crafted and organized a facility that easily meets the needs of all skill levels that visit The Buccaneer. So prepare yourself to come, play hard, finish and reward yourself by sitting in the courts shaded patio area while drinking a cool beverage and gazing out into paradise.
The tennis pro at the Buccaneer, Don de Wilde, is a fabulous seasoned instructor. I played with him at least an hour each day the week we were in St. Croix. Living in a small community with few indoor courts, I needed to rejuvenate my game after an injury last fall and the long cold winter that forced me off the courts. Don was great as we worked out the cobwebs and soon had me back to perfecting my game.
My wife and I have stayed at the Buccaneer twice and really enjoyed it. Its advantage over most other Caribbean resorts is that Don De Wilde helps line up games and also is available for lessons and hitting practice. I was pleased with all of these services.
Great Locationm for the courts, friendly people and staff. A very pleasant atmosphere to play tenis in the Caribbean. The lighted coourts a are real plus.
Program is quite good. Don is one of the best pros I have worked with. One the weakness side, it would be ideal to have more organized team play during peak times.
We selected the Buccaneer primarily for its reputation as a great family resort, with its tennis program as an added bonus. Both exceeded our expectations. The grounds and proximity to activities were perfectly suited for our 3,5 and 7 year old kids and the centrally located courts made it easy for them to check out Dad too. Tennis pro Don DeWilde was very responsive to my needs and set me up with singles matches with both a local player and hotel guest. I also took a private lesson from Don and took away some key pointers. Be sure to ask Don to tell you his Connors story!
We arrived during one of the clubs annual tournaments. I was impressed by the caliber of play, some of which was under the lights with many folks cheering. You could tell immediately there was a real tennis culture here. The Buccaneer’s full service resort and tennis club met everyone’s needs in our family. We’ll definitely return.
Great getaway both on and off the court! Only one pro but he was awesome! Don DeWilde, the tennis pro, set us up with lessons for the kids, clinics for us, and match play. Great personality and very good with different skill levels. Kids (ages 6-11)loved him! We saw all ages playing throughout the day. Would definitely recommend this resort and will probably go back!
Great tennis facilities, Don is a master, lots of help setting up games.
The Buccaneer, located on the north shores of St. Croix, was a great place to vacation. The grounds are fabulous, and the room are spread out so that you feel very private. The tennis courts are in great shape…..and the pro is excellent. My husband, the tennis player, said it was the best lesson he ever had, and it was worth the travel time to just even do that! And Wendy, who works at the Club, was excellent at setting up games for my husband! A happy husband, who is having fun with tennis, makes for a happy wife, who likes to snorkel!
This is a really nice tennis club with eight well kept asphalt courts. The staff is very friendly and flexible and it was easy to get a court or change court times during the Christmas vacation week we were there. There is also a well stocked shop and ability to get rackets re-strung overnight on the premises. Don deWilde, the tennis pro, did a great job with a lesson for my son.
This is all located in the middle of a gorgeous resort right on the Caribbean with lots of other island stuff to do for those who cannot play tennis non-stop. I highly recommend this spot for tennis and island/beach relaxation.
The resort and tennis facilities came recommended from friends who enjoy tennis. I have never played tennis before and was nervous about taking on a new sport. The location and facilities were wonderful and Don’s friendly and helpful way of breaking down the grips, swings and body movement were fabulous. He has created a new tennis fanatic out of me. I plan on visiting The Buccaneer again in the future for more refresher lessons.
Don is a superb coach. The program is simply outstanding!