Best Family Resorts In The Us Virgin Islands All Ages Love
Pristine beaches, beautiful reefs and greenhills await any family vacationing in the U.S Virgin Islands these Caribbeanislands and islets have long been a family-favorite getaway spot!
Sure, you may not find a lot of all-inclusive resorts in the USVI but theres no dearth of resorts with fabulous kids programs and a vibe that screams family friendly!
To further sweeten the deal, take along your passports and the British Virgin Islands are just a ferry ride away!
If youve been planning a clan getaway to the fabulous Twin City and are looking for hotel recommendations, heres my curated list of what I believe are the best family resorts US Virgin Islands have to offer.
St John Best Place To Stay In The Us Virgin Islands For Nature
Looking to spend as much time hiking in nature as possible during this trip to the US Virgin Islands?
Then St. John is the place for you!
This island isnt as crowded as St. Thomas, mostly because it doesnt have a major airport, and most people take a ferry from St. Thomas to get here. Also, a big chunk of the island is protected as its part of the St Johns Virgin Islands National Park.
Yes, this island is so beautiful and although you wont find as many attractions as you would in St. Thomas, trust me, its totally worth it to come here, disconnect from the world and chill on Pelican Cove Beach! Plus the great Cruz Bay, the largest town on the island, has plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment spots, including a casino!
That being said, I hope youre ready to go on many outdoor adventures while youre here!
The Virgin Islands National Park has many things waiting to be explored by enthusiastic tourists like the remains of sugar plantations! A few hiking trails also go from the beach to the mountainous area where the views are spectacular so you really have the best of both worlds here!
Unfortunately, there are no luxury hotels in St. John. However, if you have your heart set on a fancy beach resort, I recommend looking at the hotels on St. Thomas, is a great one and is set right on the beach!
Other accommodation options in St. John
Things to do in St. John
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The Westin St John Resort Villas
Accommodation: The Westin St. John Resort Villas
The draw here, aside from the idyllic beachfront location, is the all-villa accommodation. They provide more room and are great for groups or large families traveling together. The units are one- and two-bedroom villas or two-story townhouses with space for up to eight adults. The modern units have full kitchens, washer/dryers, and private balconies. They all also have ocean views.
The location on St. John provides a slower paced vacation as most of the island is a protected national park. The smoke-free resort embraces sustainability and works to minimize its impact on the beautiful environment. Excursions into the Virgin Islands National Park can be arranged via hikes, jeep tours, and even horseback trail rides.
The beachfront resort is on a cove of Great Cruz Bay, set within 47 acres of lush tropical vegetation. It features a large resort pool and two semi-private pools accessible to club-level guests. There are four tennis courts and a range of water sports available on the beach. For all you golfers, there’s even a frisbee golf course. The Westin also has a large fitness center and a range of wellness classes, including water aerobics and yoga. The Sugar & Spice Spa offers a variety of skin treatments and massages.
You can dine at the beachside Caribbean restaurant, enjoy some room service on your terrace, or grab a bite at the grab-and-go deli in the lobby.
Address: 300b Chocolate Hole Road, 00831, St. John
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Bonus: Best Hotels On The Beach In The Us Virgin Islands
Lets face it hotels on the beach have it all! Great views, proximity to the ocean, you might even feel the ocean breeze up in your room! Although there arent so many accommodations right on the beach in the US Virgin Islands , Ive found 3 amazing ones that Im sure youll love!
So lets check them out:
For Families Or Groups
- St John Inn is a colourful guesthouse in the heart of Cruz Bay. The 10 rooms and suites are simple and brightly painted, with space for families or small groups. Kick back in a hammock, take a dip in the pool, or cook fresh seafood on the outdoor grill in the evenings. Close to Cruz Bay’s many eateries. A very affordable choice for families.
- Coconut Coast Villas offers a collection of self-catering waterfront apartments in a quiet part of Cruz Bay. With up to three bedrooms, the larger apartments are perfect for families and groups. There are pretty balconies, as well as a shared swimming pool and hot tub. A relaxed family or group favourite.
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Top 5 Places To Stay In St Thomas
St Thomas is quite a small island, but shouldnt be missed if youre travelling to the USA. The different neighbourhoods across the island offer a diverse array of attractions, so theres something for every traveller. Transport between most regions is fairly frequent, though there are some limitations when heading to the East End.
For the purpose of this guide, weve divided Charlotte Amalie into different neighbourhoods.
Downtown Charlotte Amalie is likely the first place you will visit when you arrive. For first time guests, there is a wealth of attractions on offer. Its also a popular shopping destination, especially for jewellery.
Heading slightly west, Frenchtown has an entirely different atmosphere. The nightlife here is among the more upmarket options on the island, and the restaurants offer classy vibes and decadent cuisine. For this reason, it makes a great destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Charlotte Amalie West is the neighbourhood located right next to the airport. The university is also nearby, so you will find plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood. St Thomas, like most of the Caribbean, can get quite expensive but those looking to save a pretty penny can find some hidden gems in the west of the city.
Still undecided? No worries, weve got more information about each neighbourhood below including our top accommodation and activity picks in each!
St Thomas Cruise Ship Arrival
Our Port
St. Thomas has two cruise ports – – The West India Company Dock and Crown Bay. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie.Generally, the ships of Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean dock at Havensight. Cunard, Princess, Holland America and Oasis and Allure typically dock at Crown Bay. This can change depending on the number of ships in port. Deeper draft ships such as Queen Mary 2, Oasis and Allure are required to dock at Crown Bay.
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Best Areas To Stay On St Thomas
St. Thomas is divided into seven distinct subdistricts of these, five are conducive for hosting travelers: East End, Southside, Charlotte Amalie, Northside, and Water Island. Surprisingly, for such a small island, each district varies significantly in the types of accommodation and St. Thomas attractions within its boundaries.
Us Virgin Islands Dive Hotels
For divers heading to the Virgin Islands, a hotel is usually nothing more than a place to stash your stuff before the next boat heads out. Especially on St. Croix, where an underground river cavern known as the Wall attracts divers from around the world, youll find budget hotels that are geared for the scuba set. In downtown Christiansted, Hotel Caravelle abuts the marina where many boats leave, but its not on the beach. Sand Castle on the Beach, located on the islands west end, is another popular spot, particularly known for its inclusiveness.
Its a little trickier to find cheap hotels on tony St. John divers usually go the bed and breakfast route or rent a private home. Bolongo Bay on St. Thomas houses the St. Thomas Diving Club, which offers stay-and-dive packages attractive to those exploring the deep.
U.S.V.I. Dive Hotel Resources
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St Thomas All Inclusive Resorts
If youre looking to have everything taken care of for you on your vacation to St Thomas all-inclusive resorts make life easy. However, St. Thomas currently only has one option for an all inclusive resort, although the Marriott Frenchmans Cove does offer food and drink packages, essentially making all-inclusive an option there as well.
The Westin St John Resort
The closest thing to that traditional large resort experience is the Westin St John. With a wide crescent shaped white sand beach on Great Cruz Bay, pool, restaurants, exercise room, spa/massage and more! Check out our selection of Westin Vacation Rentals the perfect balance of privacy and resort amenities!
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One Thing Youll Want To Decide Is Coral Bay Vs Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay is the islands economic hub. The ferry and taxis call it home. There are a large number of restaurants and bars to choose from. Youll find plenty of shops, several grocery stores and markets, a pharmacy and several gas stations. In contrast, Coral Bay has a handful of restaurants and bars. There are even fewer shops. And the time of writing, theres no gas station. So what makes Coral Bay so special? Many people are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their every day lives. They want to escape to a simpler place. And for many, Coral Bay is that place. A short drive ot most North Shore beaches. A much shorter drive to beaches like Salt Pond, Little Lameshur, Hansen Bay and snorkeling meccas like Haulover North and Pelican Rock.
Where To Stay In St Thomas
St. Thomas is a island of fun. Which offers a variety of unique hotel accommodations providing a rare combination of excitement, tranquility and personal service – all located on one of the most beautiful pieces of real estate in the world.The amenities abound within and near our island hotels, from spectacular beaches, freshwater swimming pools, to golf courses, tennis, restaurants and cafes.
Our St. Thomas Hotel Guide spans a wide variety of unique and interesting hotels including… Renting a privately owned home, villa, or condominium can be a fun, rewarding and cost effective way to enjoy your vacation or extended stay in St. Thomas. Various types of accommodations and locations are available.There are two ways to rent a beautiful and spacious privately owned property. Renting a privately owned home, villa, or condominium can be a fun, rewarding and cost effective way to enjoy your vacation or extended stay in St. Thomas.
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Renting A Vehicle In St John Usvi
Check to see if you need a 4×4
Depending on where you are staying, your rental may only be accessible via Jeep. Note that I said Jeep not every 4×4 will do the trick, as it must be somewhat light weight and able to maneuver over bumpy uphill driveways. Ive also seen some little Suzukis riding around the island, so those may work as well.
What wont work? Clunky Ford Explorers . You can try something like the Ford Escape if you want, but if your rental specifies Jeep, then you definitely need a Jeep.
Travel Savvy Tip
Note that not all rentals require a Jeep, as some are more easily accessible than others. Double check with the owner or original posting of the property, as renting a Jeep can be pricey. You dont want to get one if you dont need one.
Rent on St. John if you can
I recommend renting your car on St. John for the convenience of taking the people ferry and then grabbing your vehicle. My reasons are twofold:
- Car rentals at the airport can be a bit unpredictable, meaning they may not have the Jeep you requested. This happened to my family one year , and only one of our two vehicles could be muscled up the driveway.
- The people ferry is such a pleasant and scenic experience, and much faster than the claustrophobic car ferry.
Otherwise they may very well run out of Jeeps for your dates in busier times of the year. If no confirmation is received, call the car rental agency immediately to confirm everything and make sure nothing got lost in the shuffle. It happens
Sapphire Bay Beach Resort
Best for: Families, couples, snorkel lovers
Pros: all have balconies or patios right on the beautiful beach with good snorkeling, nice views of St. John and other islands, short distance from Red Hooks shops and restaurants, full kitchens, 2 level pool
Our tip: Book a ground floor unit with walk out access to the beach
Cons: Each condo is individually owned and managed, so there are significant differences in quality.
Amenities: all condos have kitchens and decks or patios on or overlooking the beach. beach chairs are provided and set up on request, a 2 level pool, snorkel, kayak, and many other rentals are available, fantastic snorkeling from the beach, and a beach bar on site.
Since the units are all individually owned, youll need to book them directly through VRBO.
Our preference is a ground floor unit, as they have patios with direct beach access.
Or check out all of the great North Side Villa rental options HERE.
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St Jamess Club And Villas
The St. Jamess Club and Villas is a beautiful resort sprawled out over 100 acres on the equally beautiful St. James Island, a major part of which is a dedicated national park.
This makes the resort an especially great getaway for nature-loving families!
Guests can choose from about 250 spacious rooms spread out on the resorts property.
It also has 6 pools and 2 gorgeous beaches, one even on a calm bay that makes it a great spot for the younger members of the family.
The resort even runs a great kids club theydont leave the teens out of the fun either with a dedicated beachside hangoutjust for them!
St Thomas Where To Stay In The Us Virgin Islands For First
Whos in the mood for a holiday where you can lay on the white sand beach all day long, drink cocktails at noon, and swim in the bluest waters? Maybe the question should be who isnt because I know we all want to be on the beautiful beaches of St. Thomas island at the moment!
This destination is famous for its cruise ships which dock in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the Virgin Islands. Thanks to its popularity, St. Thomas is also the busiest out of all the US Virgin Islands, and thats why I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance!
St. Thomas is an upscale holiday destination that tourists love for its huge range of attractions like scuba diving, beaches, and stunning coral gardens. Yes, this island has it all and if you want to explore it better, make sure to check out our post with the best neighborhoods to stay in St. Thomas. Youll find all the details you need there!
Whether youre planning a romantic getaway or a fun holiday with your kids, youll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained in St. Thomas. Besides all the outdoor activities, youll find museums, castles, and adventure parks in Charlotte Amalie!
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Bolongo Bay Beach Resort St Thomas
Is a swim-up bar a requisite part of your tropical getaway? That’s not a problem here. All-inclusive packages at family-run Bolongo Bay are relatively affordable and cover all meals . Unlimited drinks are also part of the all-inclusive experience and include most premium liquor brands and house wines and Champagne by the glass. All of your non-motorized water sports are included, too, and if you book for more than five nights, the resort throws in a Sunset Harbor Cocktail Cruise.
To book:hotels.com
Charlotte Amalie West Where To Stay On St Thomas On A Budget
Charlotte Amalie West is the area surrounding the airport. Despite the convenient location, the accommodation in the area is among some of the most affordable on the island. Being one of the best Caribbean islands to visit, St Thomas can become excruciatingly expensive, but the hotels and villas in Charlotte Amalie West often have some fantastic offers.
The neighbourhood is also home to the University of the Virgin Islands! This means that many of the restaurants and bars in Charlotte Amalie West are more affordable than those in the heart of the town. If you still want to hit the beach? There are two to choose from in this part of the city and both with smaller crowds.
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Best Hotels In St Thomas
There are several St. Thomas boutique hotels to choose from, with most being near Charlotte Amalie. Something to keep in mind is that Charlotte Amalie is built into the mountainside, and therefore driving on the steep, tight roads with hairpin turns can get a bit stressful. Also, nearly all of these hotels arent great for people with limited mobility, as there are many stairs. Since St. Thomas is relatively small, you can choose to stay at one of these great hotels, and take day trips out to all of the fantastic beaches. Here are the top 3 St Thomas hotels.