7 Shocking Facts About President Biden's Final St. Croix Vacation Getaway

The US Virgin Islands has once again hosted the First Family. As of late December 2024, President Joe Biden and his family arrived in St. Croix for what has been widely reported as their final holiday vacation before the end of his presidential term in January 2025. This Caribbean getaway, an established New Year's tradition for the Bidens, served as a private retreat from the political intensity of Washington, D.C., and a chance to ring in the new year with family.

The latest trip marks the third consecutive New Year's holiday the Bidens have spent on the island of St. Croix during his presidency, continuing a long-standing family tradition that dates back over a decade to his time as Vice President. The destination, a US territory, provides a familiar and secure tropical haven for the First Family.

The Biden Family's St. Croix Vacation History and Biography

President Joe Biden's affinity for the island of St. Croix is a well-documented part of his personal history, extending far beyond his time in the White House.

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• Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
• Title: 46th President of the United States (2021–2025)
• Wife: Dr. Jill Biden (First Lady)
• Children: Beau Biden (deceased), Hunter Biden, Ashley Biden
• Grandchildren: Natalie Biden (often travels with them), Finnegan, Maisy, Naomi, etc.
• St. Croix Tradition Start: Began over a decade ago, during his tenure as Vice President under President Barack Obama.
• Presidential Visits to St. Croix: Three consecutive New Year's holidays (2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025).
• Historical Context: Biden is only the second sitting US President to visit St. Croix; the first was Harry Truman.
• Purpose of Visits: Annual New Year's family getaway, offering a private, secure, and tropical location for relaxation.

Inside the Exclusive Two Palms Villa: Where the Bidens Stay

The location of the Bidens' St. Croix retreat is a point of significant public interest and topical authority, as it has been the site of their presidential-era vacations. The family consistently chooses to stay at a private seaside haven known as the Two Palms Villa.

The Details of Two Palms Villa

The Two Palms Villa is an exclusive, oceanfront property that provides the necessary privacy and security for a sitting president. The villa is located on a sandy beach on St. Croix, though the exact, specific location is often kept private for security reasons.

• Property Name: Two Palms Villa.
• Size: Approximately 2,200 square feet.
• Configuration: 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
• Capacity: Sleeps up to 6 people comfortably.
• Rental Status: The home has been advertised on vacation rental platforms like Airbnb, with a reported luxury rental rate.
• Owner Connection: The home is owned by long-time family friends, a detail that has been a source of both convenience and political controversy.

The choice of St. Croix, a US territory, simplifies the logistical and security challenges inherent in presidential travel. Unlike foreign trips, a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands means the President remains on American soil, which streamlines Secret Service operations and reduces the complexity of international coordination. The presence of Air Force One arriving at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport is a major event for the small island.

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The Controversy and Ethics of Presidential Caribbean Getaways

While presidential vacations are a necessary part of managing the immense stress of the office, President Biden's St. Croix trips have not been without scrutiny and political commentary. The core of the controversy revolves around the source of his accommodations.

The "Unpaid Stays" Scrutiny

The Bidens have historically stayed at the homes of wealthy, long-time family friends, which has drawn ethics concerns. Critics argue that accepting free or significantly discounted stays from friends, even close ones, can create the appearance of a conflict of interest or an inappropriate gift, especially given the high value of luxury beachfront properties like the Two Palms Villa.

• The Ethical Question: The debate centers on whether such accommodations should be considered a personal gift that must be disclosed or paid for at market rate, or simply a gesture of friendship.
• The 2024/2025 Context: News reports specifically highlighted the December 2024 trip as potentially the "final unpaid vacation of his presidency," suggesting an awareness of the public discussion surrounding the arrangement.
• The Cost Factor: The lavish $3 million villa, which typically rents for a high nightly rate, underscores the significant value of the accommodation.

Despite the controversy, the tradition continues, with the Bidens opting for the familiar and secure environment of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The family, including members like granddaughter Natalie Biden, uses the opportunity to decompress and enjoy the tropical weather and beautiful beaches.

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St. Croix as a Presidential Destination and Economic Boost

President Biden's choice of St. Croix as his preferred vacation spot elevates the profile of the U.S. Virgin Islands and has a tangible, positive impact on the local economy and tourism industry.

Boosting the USVI Profile

The mere presence of a sitting president, even for a private vacation, generates global media coverage that showcases the beauty and appeal of the territory. This exposure is invaluable for the local tourism sector, which is a major pillar of the island's economy. The visit serves as a massive, unsolicited advertisement for St. Croix.

Furthermore, the visit requires a significant security and support contingent, including Secret Service agents, White House staff, and military personnel. This influx of people, who require lodging, food, transportation, and other services, provides a direct, short-term economic boost to local businesses on the island. The local community often views the presidential visit as a point of pride and a welcome economic stimulus.

The continuity of the St. Croix tradition, from his Vice Presidential days to his final days in the Oval Office, solidifies the island's status as a favored retreat for the Biden family, blending personal history with presidential duties and the tropical allure of the Caribbean. The destination offers a unique blend of American jurisdiction and island paradise, making it a perfect, albeit scrutinized, spot for a high-profile holiday.