The United States Virgin Islands is a wonderful place to vacation for families, couples, friend groups, and individuals. These islands are a true tropical paradise – and US citizens don’t need a passport to visit them!
You’ll love feeling like you truly got away from it all in the Virgin Islands, while you spend your days lounging on a beach watching the palm trees wave in the breeze and listening to the waves crash on the shore. Take a peek below at the best resorts in St. Thomas and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.
Most people who visit the US Virgin Islands choose to visit St. Thomas. Although St. Thomas isn’t the largest of the USVI, it’s the most developed, and it offers the most things for vacationers to do.
There are dozens of places to stay in St. Thomas, but most visitors stay at a beach resort. The reasons for this are two-fold: one, people want luxury, and two, people want convenience. Beach resorts offer both.
When you stay at a beach resort in St. Thomas, you’ll be just steps away from the beach and the ocean. You’ll be able to enjoy on-site bars and restaurants, you’ll have access to a concierge to help you plan your adventures, and, best of all, you’ll be served by experienced, friendly staff whose main focus is hospitality and your happiness.
The resorts in St. Thomas are pretty great across the board. This island is rather small, and word travels fast about almost everything.
If a resort on St. Thomas isn’t up to par with the others, it won’t stay open long. Therefore, you can expect great accommodations, amenities, and service at this island’s resorts. You just have to choose the right one for you!
Read on to learn about the St. Thomas resorts and why each is great. Then, you can more easily choose the best one for you and your companions and start planning your trip.
TL;DR
- Best Resort in St. Thomas for Families: Marriott Frenchman’s Cove
- Best Resort in St. Thomas for Couples: Margaritaville Vacation Club
- Best Resort in St. Thomas for Relaxation: Point Pleasant Resort
- Best Resort in St. Thomas for Activities: Ritz Carlton St. Thomas
Best Beach Resorts in St. Thomas
1. Marriott Frenchman’s Cove
Address: 7338 Estate Bakkeroe; St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Without a doubt, Marriott Frenchman’s Cove is one of the most popular resorts in St. Thomas. People like it because it offers large suites, it has a nice beach on Pacquereau Bay, and it’s very close to downtown Charlotte Amalie. It opened in 2006, and it has been going strong ever since.
Marriott Frenchman’s Cove has 220 villas. The rooms at this resort, like at several other resorts on the island, are owned by Marriott Vacation Club International members. Still, when members aren’t using them, they’re available to the general public. Rooms at this resort are quite large – all are two- and three-bedroom suites with living rooms, kitchens, and balconies or patios.
Visitors love the infinity pool and waterslide and there’s a poolside restaurant as well. Work out at the fitness center on-site or partake in family-focused activities scheduled daily.
Or, just relax on the beach and watch cruise ships dock all day. Marriott Frenchman’s Cove is a good choice for anyone who wants to stay in a suite with friends or family members and be close to town and off-resort island activities.
Pros
- Large, spacious suites with full kitchens
- Family-focused activities
- Near Charlotte Amalie for dining, shopping, and attractions
Cons
- Depending on where your room is, you may have to climb some stairs to get to it
- A large resort that can be very busy during high season
2. The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas
Address: 6900 Great Bay, Nazareth; St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Another well-rated, upscale, popular resort on St. Thomas is The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas. People are often drawn to brands they recognize when leaving the continental United States. Like Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, many people choose to stay at the Ritz Carlton for this reason.
It’s not a bad move, especially in this case; the Ritz Carlton is a lovely choice for anyone visiting St. Thomas. It’s on the far east end of the island near the town of Red Hook, so you’ll feel like you’ve gotten away from it all, yet you’ll be close to a town. You’ll also be right near the ferry dock to St. John – a day trip to Virgin Islands National Park there will greatly enhance your trip.
This property just went through a $100 million renovation that was completed in November of 2020 so you’ll likely find that everything at this resort is fresh, clean, modern, and up-to-date. There are a variety of room options at The Ritz Carlton; you can choose from regular king or queen rooms, two- or three-bedroom suites, or a presidential suite.
All rooms have a private balcony. Golfers might opt to rent the TopGolf Swing Suite here – it’s the only one in the Caribbean.
The Ritz Carlton has four restaurants that range from casual to elegant, and you can also arrange private dining on the beach if you desire. An onsite spa offers massages, facials, and other treatments.
There are two family-friendly pools plus an adults-only infinity pool; there are private cabanas to rent. Plus, the Ritz Carlton has its own exclusive catamaran for excursions so you and your companions can head out on a snorkeling adventure without even having to leave the resort.
Pros
- Classy, upscale property; newly renovated
- Near Red Hook for dining and shopping and the ferry
- Privacy
- Great spa
Cons
- It’s the most expensive resort on this list
See Related: Best Caribbean Islands to Visit
3. Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Address: 6280 Estate Nazareth, Nazareth; St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Secret Harbour Beach Resort is just across the peninsula from the Ritz Carlton. Visitors staying here will also have easy access to Red Hook and the St. John ferry.
Although there are no truly private beaches in St. Thomas, as all are open to the public, you’ll feel like you have a private beach here, since it’s very difficult for non-resort guests to park at Secret Harbour Beach Resort. The beach here is lovely and it’s one of the best places on St. Thomas to watch the sunset.
This accommodation has everything you’ll want and need from a resort on St. Thomas and you may find that you never even leave until departure once you’ve arrived. The rooms at Secret Harbour Beach Resort are large, comfortable, and stylish, and almost all of them have kitchens and seating areas. All rooms have balconies or patios.
If you don’t feel like cooking in your room, you can eat at the resort’s fine dining restaurant, casual restaurant, or the beach bar. On the other hand, if you do want to cook, the hotel will pick up groceries for you. After you eat, you can relax on the beach, swim in the pool, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, take a scuba diving lesson onsite, take a boat ride or snorkeling excursion, or play tennis on the resort’s courts.
There’s plenty to do at Secret Harbour Beach Resort. This resort is a great choice for a stress-free, simple vacation that everyone in your party will just love.
Pros
- Medium-sized resort with a little bit of everything
- Incredible sunsets
- Lots of amenities
- All units are beachfront and have patios or balconies
Cons
- The narrow beach can get crowded
4. Crystal Cove Beach Resort
Address: Route 32; St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Crystal Cove Beach Resort is a lovely choice on the eastern end of the island near Red Hook and several other popular St. Thomas resorts. There are a few things that set this property apart from the others on this list.
First of all, while the vibe of St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands, in general, is pretty laid back, this resort really embraces that attitude and takes it to the next level, but not in a bad way at all. All of your needs will be met while you stay at this resort, but you’ll feel especially relaxed while vacationing here.
Secondly, many of the resorts on St. Thomas are kind of jammed into a small area. This is fine since it means the beach is always just steps away, but sometimes it may feel like you’re kind of on top of everyone else.
That’s not the case at the Crystal Cove Beach Resort. This resort is on a larger plot of land than many of the others, which means you’ll have space to roam, smell the flowers, and gaze across the manicured lawns at the sea.
Resort amenities here include free WiFi, free private parking, beach access, tennis courts, snorkeling, and concierge assistance to help you plan activities. Rooms have balconies or terraces and kitchenettes, and there are public barbecue grills for you to use.
There’s also an outdoor, saltwater swimming pool if you prefer it to the ocean. Also, this hotel is a family-friendly resort and kids stay free.
Pros
- Large grassy spaces
- Saltwater swimming pool
- Kids stay free
- Near Red Hook
Cons
- Older property
- Decor is a bit dated
See Related: Best Dutch Caribbean Islands to Visit
5. Point Pleasant Resort
Address: 6600 Estate; St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Point Pleasant Resort is an especially beautiful option for accommodations on St. Thomas. This resort is on the northeastern part of the island and is located on a 15-acre hillside nature preserve. It overlooks Water Bay and offers a great view of the British Virgin Islands, and it’s just minutes from the famous Coki Point Beach.
The rooms at this resort are spread out over a dozen multi-story villas and hotel buildings that are each surrounded by lush vegetation; every building feels private, yet each is close to everything else. Rooms range from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites; all have kitchens, living rooms, a balcony or a private patio, and incredible views.
As for resort amenities, you’ll love the small, intimate beach, the three swimming pools, the on-site convenience store, and two restaurants. This is one of the prettiest accommodations in St. Thomas and few know about it. It’s an excellent choice for any kind of Virgin Islands vacationer.
Pros
- Lots of greenery and therefore lots of wildlife
- Great views
- Very nice suites
Cons
- Very small beach (but close to better beaches)
- Lots of walking
6. Margaritaville Vacation Club
Address: 6080 Estate Smith Bay; St. Thomas, USVI 00802
A choice offering from Mr. Buffet, Margaritaville Vacation Club is next door to the Point Pleasant Resort described above. Like Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, it’s part of a vacation club – in this case Wyndham.
Vacation club members own weeks at this hotel, but when they are not using them, they are available to other island visitors. As a result, you’ll find an interesting mix of people here.
As you might imagine, the Margaritaville name – singer Jimmy Buffett’s brand, if you’re unaware – tends to draw people who like to have a good time. If you’re someone who likes a bit of a party atmosphere, then this might be a good choice for you.
This resort is located on Water Bay near Coki Beach; the views from it are incredible. Rooms sleep two to six guests in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites; all have kitchenettes and outdoor seating areas.
There’s an on-site restaurant and beach bar to enjoy, as well as an outdoor pool, hot tubs, live music, fire pits, beach space, and a fitness center. The concierge will help you plan off-site activities, but there’s a good chance you’ll just want to stay on the property most of the time to relax, meet people, and enjoy the general vibe of this welcoming and laid-back resort.
Pros
- Party atmosphere
- Modern, nicely decorated rooms
- Live music and a pleasant bar scene
Cons
- Party atmosphere!
- Expensive on-site restaurant
See Related: Best Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean
7. Emerald Beach Resort
Address: 8070 Lindberg Bay, Charlotte Amalie West, St. Thomas; USVI 00802
Emerald Beach Resort promotes itself as a 100% beachfront resort and that means that all of the 90 rooms in the resort have a balcony with a view of the beach. The beach you’ll see from your balcony is Lindbergh Bay, one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the island.
These factors alone are great reasons to stay at Emerald Beach Resort, but there are other factors that make this a great option, too. First of all, it’s right next to the airport Cyril E. King Airport which means if you stay at the Emerald Beach Resort, you’ll be on the beach before anyone else on your flight; it’s also close to Charlotte Amalie so you can easily go into town to enjoy its attractions and restaurants. The resort’s full-service concierge is more than happy to help you plan activities during your stay on St. Thomas.
If you choose to spend most of your time in St. Thomas at the resort, you can enjoy the beach, the resort’s outdoor pool, the fitness center, the cafe, the Caribbean restaurant, and the beach bar. The rooms at the Emerald Beach Resorts don’t have kitchens or living rooms, but they’re spacious and comfortable. Best of all, you’ll find that this resort is one of the most affordable on the island; you can save a lot of money by staying at the Emerald Beach Resort without sacrificing vacation quality.
Pros
- Great beach
- Large pool with waterfall
- All rooms are beachfront
- Affordable
Cons
- Airport noise is noticeable
8. Sapphire Bay Beach Resort
Address: 6720 Estate Smith Bay; St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Another affordable resort on St. Thomas that’s worth considering if you’re traveling on a budget is Sapphire Bay Beach Resort. This resort is close to Red Hook and is also known as simply Sapphire Beach Resort, which can be confusing, but we assure you that they’re the same resort. This spot is known for its condominium-style rooms and its location near beautiful Lindquist Beach.
Like Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, this property is made up of condos that are individually owned, but when the owners aren’t using their condos, they are available to the public through the owner’s association. As a result, you’ll find a mix of unit owners and regular vacationers here. Rooms range from studio suites to one-bedroom suites with separate living rooms.
Sapphire Beach Resort has two beaches separated by a rocky peninsula, a public pool, a restaurant and beach bar, a coffee shop tennis courts, and a 65-slip marina. This accommodation is an affordable choice on a gorgeous beach; you’ll love your stay here and you’ll love all the money you save by staying here, too.
Pros
- Large, long, beautiful beach
- Great views
- Near Red Hook for shopping, dining, and the ferry
- Nice pool!
Cons
- Rooms are somewhat dated
- Room quality varies due to multiple owners
FAQs
What area should you stay in St. Thomas?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Charlotte Amalie is the island’s largest town and is where the cruise port, airport, and primary shopping areas are located, so if you’re trying to be near all the action, you’ll probably want to stay near there.
Red Hook is St. Thomas’ second largest town and is also where you’ll need to go to take the ferry to St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. This area is less busy than downtown Charlotte Amalie, but you’ll still be close to stores and restaurants.
If you’re hoping to feel like you’ve really gotten away from it all, then you should try to stay away from these two small cities.
Instead, stay on the northern coast of the island. Remember, St. Thomas is a small island, so you’ll still be able to go into Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook to explore without much hassle, but many beaches on the north shore aren’t as busy and you’ll find more serenity there.
What is the best month to visit St. Thomas?
Any time of year is great to visit St. Thomas. Sure, most people choose to avoid it during hurricane season, which runs from the beginning of June to the end of November each year, but you can get some great deals during that time and avoid the crowds if you’re brave.
On the other hand, St. Thomas is most happening and bustling during the coldest months in the continental United States. You’ll find the most crowds in the Virgin Islands from December to March, and it’s a great place to get away from snowy winters. However, you’ll also pay a premium for visiting during the high season of course.
How many days do you need in St. Thomas?
The great thing about St. Thomas is that it’s close enough and small enough to get a real feel for it on a short trip from the mainland. Plenty of people visit St. Thomas for a long weekend and come back home feeling fulfilled and refreshed.
But, St. Thomas is also a great place to visit for a week. There’s enough to do to keep you busy, but you can also spend entire lazy days on the beach and not at all feel like you wasted any of your time.
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