Smith House & Tropical Garden--Integrating Nature For Relaxation

The host was very welcoming. The house served our needs well. It was about a 5minute walk to the nearest beach and a 10 minute drive to the boardwalk in Christensted. The gardens surrounding the house were amazing; clearly a labor of love by the owner. The only negative was the wild chickens that roamed the neighborhood (and many other parts of the island). The roosters were crowing much earlier than we wanted to wake up.

Eugene and Norma went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The gardens have winding trails and boardwalks, with three seating areas and a goldfish pond. You can hear the ocean, its heavenly.

To experience real St. Croix hospitality and culture, this is a great neighborhood. Midway to everywhere. People are traditional here, polite and dignified. The neighborhood is brightly painted family homes w/in earshot of the sea. Crucian society is the most missed treasure here. Take time to make formal greetings, smile. Manners are appreciated and earn friendliness. You get known and warm welcome where you frequent.Eugene is someone worth getting to know. His family has history here, a place of rich and fascinating history. Eugene's historic home is a place of rest, green comfort, coolness, sounds of water and chickens. Invite some friends for dominoes in the shanty. We love the garden at night, the little frogs, the lights. In the morning, there are doves, hummingbirds and bananaquits all the time. The light comes gently. Eden's Eatery just around the corner - true delicious Ital vegan. Chocolate around the other way serving Crucian and Dominican. La Reine chicken shack is our favorie - on the way from the airport - about 15 min or less from the house. Bioluminescent kayaking just 10 min away and main town C'sted restaurants 10 min the other way. Visit the Nature Conservancy and wander a lonely natural beach. Or go west past Salt River area to Spratnet Bar on Cane Bay and enjoy sunset with food and drink. The owners are great. Both East and West ends are their own worlds, about 20 min. away. Trying to post evening scenes.

The garden alone is worth the stay at this lovely home! It was a literal jungle paradise in the middle of a residential neighborhood, and you wouldn’t even notice until you were in it. We fell in love with the plethora of delicious fruit trees the host has in his lush garden, and the paved wooden path system through the garden put a relaxing zen aura on the whole place. The house was small, but very nice for a small family. Both rooms have comfort beds with great A/C units, and one with a mosquito net. The host was very helpful and responsive(even bought a bug zapper for our stay).Unfortunately we were unable to stay the full duration of our booking due to our own issues, and the host was extremely considerate and worked with us until the issue was solved. The only things we would recommend would be:-Comforters for those who can’t handle the force of the A/C- a bigger couch in the living room-mosquito net for the other room.We look forward to staying here again in the future!

Eugene is an engaging and knowledgeable host. Smith House is as described - a cool green haven where you can sample the fruits and teas of the Caribbean. In a true Crucian neighborhood just a stroll down to the sea. Eugene has restored the tradition of growing food and medicine in your backyard and crossed that with botanical garden. Stays cool all day. Flowers, birds, anoles, baby iguanas. Spot to view dawn. Covered and open eating spots. Close and cozy. Chickens of course - wouldn't be St. Croix without chickens.This place is the real Crucian living experience. Eugene might even have a tea for what ails you in the yard if wanted. I have arthritis and left feeling limber. Cheerful houses and polite neighbors (use your best old-fashioned manners and you will get that back). Large nature conservancy a few minutes walk with lonely beautiful beach. Good swimming there weekends. Eden's Vegan Eatery just round the corner on Northside Rd, left at Titan gas. Excellent food, clean, friendly. Chocolate Grill n BBQ is a local eating and drinking spot with resident regulars. They have Crucian and Dominican food, very good. Location is center to East and West End, a few minutes from C'sted, abt 15 min. from Cane Bay - fun drive. Hiking nearby Windsor Farms. Gets 5 for being what it says it is and for a super host.