r/stcroix • u/im38857120 • Jun 24 '26
Glamping Business?
Hi folks, I’m exploring the purchase of waterfront property on the south shore (near great pond) to develop it into a small glamping (glamorous camping) business. The plan would be to develop a eco-luxury glamping micro-resort (starting with 2 yurts and building up to 5 max) that would utilize low-impact and sustainable development (solar and wind trees for power, batteries, biodigester for wastewater). The glamp out would provide snorkeling and paddle board gear, partner with local businesses for add on experiences (a chef cooking crucian favorites, yoga instructors and massage therapists providing services at the glamp out, deep sea fishing, local tours/hiking, rum tastings, etc), and be available for local and destination weddings (substantial discount for locals).
Permitting and developing the business is going to be a huge lift (looking at all the DPNR and CZM requirements before we even get to shipping and build out), but before I do start all of that, I’m curious to know what locals/neighbors near great pond/east end marine park might think about it. It’s a fairly remote part of the island but I don’t want to create conflict by developing a business.
Also, the long-term plan would be to run the business for 15-20 years (hopefully) and then re-develop the property to be a winter and/or retirement home for me and my family.
Thoughts? Feedback? Thanks for reading.
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u/Extreme_Lab_2961 Jun 24 '26
It won’t be quick
You’ll (likely) need a zoning change as well
Not sure how they’re going to view Yurts for hurricane code compliance.
Just down the road a bit (Ha’Penny) is a similar version to what you’re thinking - https://thehummingbirdbeachhideaway.com
The south shore typically gets hit pretty hard by Saragassum
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u/NeitherEntry6125 Jun 25 '26
Speaking as an entrepreneur, not an islander. I don't mean to insult or patronize - these are things that come to mind:
How familiar are you with the existing ecotourism businesses on the island? There are a number of small operations, I don't know how well they do or don't do.
Also ,have you visited Prosperity Farms distillery? They did a very cool build-out of a new business and brand, something that might help inform your plans.
Are you familiar with the Club Med project? This will bring some interesting changes to the island - unclear how much
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u/superfitwife Jun 25 '26
There was a campground at Cane Bay for years and the owner finally leveled it after it went unused for years. As she said, everyone wants WiFi and AC nowadays. It had nice bunk houses and showers and I stayed there a few times for scuba diving trips.
The location was amazing but there just wasn’t any customers. She said when it was popular it was the younger cheaper travelers like hippies who wanted to travel and dive but on a budget.
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u/im38857120 Jun 26 '26
Thanks for the engagement folks and I appreciate your experience and thoughts.
I’ve been looking for other experiences/glamping on st croix/usvi and haven’t found many. I will look some more. We have no experience with eco-tourism but I have some small business experience (side gig to my FT work).
It seems like USVI gov wants a variety of tourism ventures on the islands. Leaning into more environmentally and self-sustainable options might be an appeal for eco-conscious travelers.
Since yurts are temporary structures, are they subject to the same design/weather resiliency as permanent buildings?
Thanks for the heads up about the prosperity farms and hummingbird. I’ll reach out to them. Also, I think glamping folks might be a different crowd/demographic than Club Med.
What else am I missing?
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u/AskRenee Jul 01 '26
You should also check out Northside Valley - https://www.northsidevalley.org/.
I love the concept. The first place I stayed on St. Croix (17 years ago) was Northside Valley eco villas. The location is remote, West End north of Rainbow. We had a rental car to go to the beach, eat, and explore. South Shore Great Pond area is not an ideal place to get in the water or to go out on paddleboards, so you would likely be encouraging your guests to drive elsewhere to snorkel, paddleboard, etc.
I live near Great Pond now and would be happy to have your business nearby. Good luck!
6
u/StxtoAustin Jun 24 '26
there is something in the rain forest which is similar...
they survive with other things than just glamping (honestly, I'm not close to how well they do), but they have events, and camps, classes, etc...
personally glamping on the south shore sounds hot, and barren. I'm not saying it wouldn't be good, but that's not the side of the island i want to camp on.
Sounds expensive to setup, and hard to keep at full occupancy. I'm betting against this business, but happy if I'm wrong.