Travel Channel’s Real St Croix

When producer and television host Shane Reynolds (aka Shane O of Color Earth Productions, Shane Untamed on NatGeo) contacted me about filming an episode of his new Travel Channel series Real on St Croix, I was so excited! I got to become friends with Shane and his wife, Romona, on their last trip to St Croix a few years ago. Shane has worked with my good friend Jerry of MJS Visions  on several cool projects, so I was thrilled when he asked me to help him find the perfect locations and “characters” for this look at the island through a different lens. He sifted through long lists of local movers and shakers and business owners that I provided and we talked at length about the current challenges facing the island. And about the things that make us all fall deeply in love with the island. From there, he crafted a pretty terrific story line.

Meeting actress, journalist, activist and Travel Channel host Kinga Philipps was like meeting a long lost bff. We chatted nonstop and had so many of the same ideals and a need to share them with the world in our own ways. I really appreciate her perspective on our oceans and the duality of tourism and island life. Both the good and the not-so-good. Because though we certainly live in paradise – paradise isn’t perfect. Anywhere. The series Real (other episodes include Malibu, CA; Aspen, CO, Savannah, GA and Nantucket, MA – Watch the series here) focuses on not just the negatives of a tourist destination, but it celebrates those who are working to make a difference in their own little piece of paradise. This story makes St Croix REAL and I desperately love her, imperfections and all. After all it’s life’s bumps and challenges that make it interesting!

Is this the entire St Croix story? Of course not. You can’t tell the story of a place rich in history and culture and dripping with beauty in 15 minutes or even in a half-hour segment (Travel Channel air date TBD). But, I think this piece touches on some of the highlights of her story that we can dig into further.

So, if you’re looking for a vacation destination where you can interact with people making a difference in the world; chat at the beach bar with locals from all walks of life; experience history and culture every day; enjoy world-class SCUBA diving and snorkeling; and eat some of the best food in the world … St Croix is for you! Surf through our pages to discover things to do and places to stay and create your own real St Croix Adventure!

Many thanks to Vacation St Croix Villas for hosting the crew at Amonoka!