Bidding Opens for Friends of Virgin Islands National Park’s ‘Villas for the Park’ Fundraiser

Annual auction supports conservation, education, and community programs across the territory

The villa “On A Clear Day” offers sweeping views of St. John and the surrounding cays and is among the featured stays in the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park’s Villas for the Park auction. (Photo courtesy Friends of Virgin Islands National Park)

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will open bidding this Friday for its annual “Villas for the Park” auction and fundraiser, an initiative supporting the protection and preservation of the territory’s natural and cultural resources, a press release announced.

Running from Nov. 14 to Nov. 28, the online auction features 30 stays across St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, giving residents and visitors a chance to enjoy local getaways while contributing to vital environmental programs, according to the press release.

“This auction is a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy a stay in these beautiful Virgin Islands and help protect and preserve the magic that is Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument,” said Tonia Lovejoy, executive director of Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. “We are continually in awe of the generosity of our community members who have donated stays to make this event possible.”

First launched in 2017 following the hurricanes that curtailed in-person events, “Villas for the Park” has become one of the nonprofit’s cornerstone fundraisers, now in its ninth year. Proceeds support Friends’ year-round initiatives, including sea turtle protection, trail management, School Kids in the Park, and Learn to Swim programs, the press release stated.

The auction catalog includes accommodations at Bombalassy Villa, Concordia Eco Resort, The Fred Boutique Resort & Spa, The Hills St. John, Villa Circe, and other properties, ranging from eco-friendly cottages to luxury villas, the release stated.

To register or view the full list of available stays, visit www.friendsvinp.org.