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”
Excellent tennis program and beautiful courts right on the beach in a beautiful setting. Courts are beautifully maintained and tennis pro is an EXCELLENT teacher and coach and played high level tennis in United States. Highly recommend for experienced and complete beginner tennis and junior tennis. Will definitely go back!
The Buccaneer is an excellent resort on St Croix. USVI We went for the Tennis, the beach and the food. Tennis is run by a group of locals who put in 2 synthetic grass courts which play right after the rain and are great. they have 6 hard courts. There is a local pro who teaches and runs a lot of programs for local kids. I played early morning (7>9 am) with a group of locals and hotel guests who were very friendly. The locals are 3.5>4.5 & one Colin Robertson who was on the tour. Very friendly and great exercise. I did not ask for games outside this time, but there were locals and guests eager to play. Hotel has gold, 3 beaches good snorkel off their beaches. Hotel rooms have been upgraded and ours, on the beach, were great. In the past (2005) they weren’t so great. Food at the hotel: breakfast included very nice. Dinners were good. Hotel staff recommended many great restaurants in town. 2 were equal to the best in NYC. Only drawback was the landscaping. It’s normal , pleasant. But they were upgrading December 7, 2021. our party was 4 adults, only 1 tennis player , so I relied on them for tennis activity. We will be going back.
I have taken multiple lessons and clinics with Coach Kevin Motta at The Buccaneer. He has improved my game A LOT and knows exactly how much to push – he adapts his coaching style very well to suit the needs of the player. He offers advice while I am playing and if he is around in the club, which is spot-on – slight tweaks to a serve stance, or strategy on how to rally depending on the opponent, etc. Kevin is one of the best coaches around. Gayle Vanesse, the Tennis Club manager, is very nice to work with, makes sure that players a matchup on a similar level, and even coordinates activities while she is away on her two days off. She also invited me to one of the tennis tournaments while I was in town, and I had a great time socializing with the tennis-lovers in St Croix.
Lovely facility in a beautiful setting. Staff was very helpful in setting up matches, and very energetic. Will definitely return.
We signed up for a week of tennis clinics and lessons at the Buccaneer because we’d heard great things about the resort from friends. No disappointments here! Coach Kevin did a fantastic job of improving our tennis by encouraging us to make some small changes — and by making the process fun. Others who came on clinic days — many of whom lived in St. Croix — all came because he’s such a great teacher. Adding pickleball to the mix was a bonus. Stan was a wonderful teacher, and we were able to come off the court after our first lesson with enough of a sense of the game to be able to play in a social a couple of days later. And Gayle, who does the scheduling and runs the shop, couldn’t have been nicer and more organized. Loved the laid-back family feeling of the Buccaneer and would definitely recommend it to anyone. We visited at the end of February 2020.
My 2020 tennis experience at the Buccaneer was top notch. The cordial staff at the pro-shop organized quality matches as well as clinics and instruction and were always ready to meet my specific needs.
The Buccaneer has a wonderful, friendly staff. We felt right at home and always had great tennis partners for Round Robin. It’s the best tennis on St. Croix.
Beautiful resort! Tennis is great Gayle and Stan run a super tennis program! Can’t say enough about there commitment to make everyone tennis happy! Coach Kevin is great it was fun to take a lesson.and I learned definitely 1 new thing . And I used it back in my first U S TA match . Thanks ?? So needless to say we go back every year! Thanks guys.
We are returning guests for 20 years. I think that says a lot! The tennis staff are professional & go the extra mile to ensure guests have a great time on the courts. We have made lasting friendships with local residents and hotel guests. We look forward to next year.
I brought my tennis racquet to St. Croix with the hope that I might be able to hit a few balls on my vacation. The Buccaneer was recommended by the owner of our rental home. When I called the tennis shop, Gayle warmly greeted me and set up a game for me the next day. I was so excited. My husband and our good friends signed up for a clinic while I played doubles. Afterwards, we had lunch at The Mermaid restaurant and lounged by the beach ($10 per person) for the rest of the day. The Buccaneer is a friendly destination for tennis players, whether local or from afar. Gayle and her husband Stan obviously enjoy their jobs as the Buccaneer’s tennis ambassadors. Towels and cold water are always on hand. The courts are in adequate shape considering the island weather. You feel welcome and a part of a group of tennis lovers, regardless of your level. The Buccaneer is the place to play when you visit St. Croix.
The Buccaneer has 8 courts and in Feb 2020 I played every day if I wanted. Great arrangement by Gayle and her husband with emails and players organised so efficiently! They’re a lovely couple and all the players are so friendly and fun. There are lots of locals who come to play, plus a great coach if you want to take a clinic. Also many couples who return year after year for the tennis and the hotel. The courts are just above the beach, so easy to stroll 5 minutes to the sea and swim, or stay all day on the sun loungers. Restaurant there too. I specifically came to St Croix for the tennis and have been absolutely delighted by what I found. So thanks Gayle!
Tennis at the Buccaneer is wonderful because of the amazing staff and welcoming vibe. Gayle and her husband Stan are incredibly upbeat and whether it’s the fun round robin on Sundays or the clinic most mornings, one can play great tennis at any level. Gayle figures out your level and organizes a game. It’s also a lovely hybrid of hotel guests and locals. Stan is the pickle ball instructor. My kids and I had never played, and we had a really enjoyable lesson that converted us to the game. There are also socials after the events. It’s a wonderful program.
We have been coming to St. Croix for over 20 years and the Buccaneer and it’s tennis facility have always been an important part of our vacation. Last month we didn’t two weeks on the island and tennis has been on the menu every day. There has been a remarkable improvement in the atmosphere and the professionalism at the Buccaneer facility. There is a buzz of activity , fun and serious instruction which was contagious. Starting with the facility manager Gayle, who works her you know what off to make playing there not only possible but enjoyable, from drying the courts to providing ice water , organizing the round robin or keeping you informed about your lessons or clinics. Very professional! The Pro, Kevin , is the heart and engine of this new tennis experience at the Buccaneer. Taking lessons with him and attending the DAILY clinics he holds, has been such a fun but more importantly rewarding time spent. Best instruction I have received in my 20 years of taking tennis lessons. The Buccaneer tennis center has made such a great improvement in their offering, that we have decided to come back later this year again and build the entire vacation around tennis with Gayle and Kevin. Thank you guys
We (3 couples) just spent a week on St. Croix and took private lessons at The Buccaneer three times while there. Gail Vanasse was our point of contact ahead of time and made sure that everything was scheduled and ran smoothly. Our tennis pro was Kevin Motta and he was great. Lots of energy, great advice and fun to spend a couple of hours with!! I’d highly recommend a tennis vacation at The Buccaneer in St. Croix – great people and great overall experience!
I recommend the Buccaneer to friends regularly for many reasons–friends with small children for the kids” camp and activities, friends who golf, people who appreciate friendly and very helpful staff, and friends who play tennis. I hit the ground running by turning up at the courts for the regularly scheduled morning clinic and this time, enjoyed the instruction and attention of the tennis pro, Kevin, who is incredible. The head shop staff/organizer extraordinaire/game arranger and great person, Gayle, set to work finding me people to play with. Because of the lively and friendly atmosphere at the tennis complex, I was able to set up games for myself with another guest and members from the island. With a new forehand to work on and connections with players, I can’t wait to return to the Buccaneer, sooner than I would normally.
Fantastic location, good courts, and helpful staff who helped us to arrange a lot of tennis. The view from the tennis courts over the ocean is unsurpassed. We went during the off-season so had no problem playing as much tennis as we wanted to. The resort overall is pricey, but not out of line for the USVI.
As a retired flight attendant, I have been to St. Croix many times. First visit to Buccaneer left me in awe. I have posted many photos to family and friends..they cant wait to book their vacations.
I was pleasantly surprised at the Buccaneer resort’s tennis facility. The staff was very welcoming and accommodating and the ambiance was very pleasant and energetic. The most exciting moment was finding coach Kevin. He was exceptional and probably the best coach I’ve had to date. He’s super high energy but also very patient and had a great training and coaching system that absolutely makes you better. I made some very significant strides in my technique and overall tennis mind and fitness. I look forward to heading back to this beautiful resort and getting much more tennis in at the club with coach Kevin and seeing the lovely staff.
We are pickleball players and Buccaneer makes great effort to serve our needs no matter how many or few. They are working towards a pickleball program that we islanders and tourists will be able to enjoy the fastest game in world. Look forward to clinics and world class tournaments in our future Thanks Gayle and Stan for making it work so well.
The service at this resort is fantastic ! Great staff great atmosphere ! I really enjoyed the tennis experience, the private lesson with coach Kevin are the best you will ever have ! Gaelle is doing a great job at the tennis club organizing round robin matches, connecting people who want to play.
As a family of 6 from 9 years old to 75 we wanted to learn how to play pickle ball. Stan and Gayle could not have been more supportive and encouraging. Within 46 minutes it was easy to enjoy a game. As one with a hip replacement and arthritis, I have not been on a tennis court for 3 years. Their patience and teaching skills made it a positive experience each day, and I recommend pickle ball to anyone insecure on a tennis court because of aging joint issues. Learning in a gorgeous setting with charming coaches was a very special experience that left us all wanting more. We will return to The Buccaneer ASAP.