With more than 60 percent of it preserved as the Virgin Islands National Park, St. John is the least developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which also include St. Croix and St. Thomas, and it only has a limited number of resorts. Still, there are some good options on St. John for travelers, whether you are looking for a resort to celebrate a honeymoon or villas for a family vacation.
One of the best parts of traveling to St. John from the U.S. if you are an American citizen is that you don't need a passport to vacation here. Home to beautiful beaches, good food, and friendly locals, St. John is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves the great outdoors and natural attractions. Here are our picks for the top resorts in St. John.
1. Lovango Resort and Beach Club
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| Photo Source: Lovango Resort and Beach Club |
Accommodation: Lovango Resort and Beach Club
Recently opened, Lovango Resort and Beach Club is the first new build property in the U.S.Virgin Islands in more than 30 years. Located on a private island between St. John and St. Thomas, this luxe resort is just a 10-minute private boat ride from Cruz Bay.
Set on beautiful Lovango Cay, with its lush green scenery juxtaposed against clear turquoise waters and white sand, this resort is easy on the eyes. The resort is open to day-trippers, who come to soak up the sun at the only beach and pool club in the USVI, but we recommend booking one of the dreamy treehouses or luxury glamping tents to make it your vacation location. Plus you can always take the resort ferry back into Cruz Bay for dinner or day trips.
It is easy to just stay on the cay as well. The resort has plenty to keep you entertained. The aforementioned beach club has lots of comfy sun loungers overlooking the sand and a swimming pool. But resort guests also have access to a separate beach area, reached via chauffeured golf cart on the island's north side. Here, you can grab masks and fins for snorkeling in the reef just offshore and no day-trippers are allowed.
The accommodation is kept purposefully simple, so that your eyes feast on the natural landscapes. But the treehouses and glamping tents still have a rustic luxe vibe and are plenty comfortable, with natural wood furnishings and lots of pillowy cushions. And the property is family friendly.
Amenities are slowly being added — there are plans for a full spa and gym. Currently there is a restaurant, massages can be arranged, and there is an indoor play area for kids. The resort is seasonal and closes from July 15 to mid-December to avoid the hurricane season.
Address: 1 Lovango Cay, 00830 St. John
2. The Westin St. John Resort Villas
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| The Westin St. John Resort Villas |
Accommodation: The Westin St. John Resort Villas
On a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach, The Westin St. John Resorts features all villa accommodation. Set on 47 acres on a cove on Cruz Bay, the grounds here are well maintained with lots of leafy tropical vegetation.
The villas come in one- and two-bedroom configurations and are a perfect choice for families or groups of remote workers. There are also two-story townhouses that can accommodate up to eight people. All units have ocean views from furnished balconies, full kitchens, washer/dryers, and modern decor.
The resort is a green leader and works to minimize its impact on the environment with a number of sustainability practices in place.
Amenities here are also plentiful. Grab a meal at the beachfront restaurant, take a yoga class at the well-equipped fitness center, or swim in the large pool with a hot tub.
There is also a spa with a full range of massages, facials, and body wraps. Many people visit St. John to explore the national park, and The Westin organizes excursions, from horseback rides to hikes and jeep tours for guests (extra fee).
Address: 300b Chocolate Hole Road, 00831, St. John
3. Gallows Point Resort
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| Gallows Point Resort |
Accommodation: Gallows Point Resort
Walking distance from the small town of Cruz Bay, Gallows Point Resort is located on a five-acre, lushly landscaped peninsula with private beach access. The resort features gorgeous panoramic ocean views from all directions and has a romantic ambience.
All accommodation is in one-bedroom villas with views of the Caribbean or Cruz Bay. Even the smallest sized villas on the ground floor are spacious at 950 square feet, while the upper floor villas feature two stories and an extra half bath. All have full kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi, Sonos sound systems, and outdoor grills among other amenities. They are also bright thanks to glass doors opening onto furnished balconies.
Amenities include the Ocean 362 restaurant, which serves locally sourced, fresh Caribbean fare. There is also a saltwater infinity-edge pool with sun loungers, and more sun loungers are set up on the beach. Borrow gear from the resort and try snorkeling right from the property.
Address: 3 AAA Gallows Point Rd P.O. Box 58, Cruz Bay 00831, St. John
4. Estate Lindholm
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| Estate Lindholm |
Accommodation: Estate Lindholm
If you plan to spend a lot of time exploring Virgin Islands National Park then consider staying at Estate Lindholm, which is located inside the park. Overlooking Cruz Bay, the luxe inn is adults-only and has just 14 rooms but features some resort-style amenities, including a freshwater swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.
The property was built on the ruins of an 18-century Dutch plantation and is family owned and managed. The service here is personal and welcoming, and the owner, who lives on-site with his family, is happy to provide island info and make dining and activity recommendations. There is no on-site restaurant, but the small village of Mongoose Junction is just a 10-minute walk away and has a few dining options.
Each of the rooms has a slightly different look, and all are spacious with mixed medium decor – some have walls of stone, others wood-beamed ceilings. All come with private balconies and either sea or garden views.
Partake in the complimentary continental breakfast before borrowing gear like coolers, beach chairs, and towels and heading out to explore.
Address: 6B Estate Caneel Bay, Cruz Bay 00831-1360, St. John
5. Sea Shore Allure
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| Sea Shore Allure |
Accommodation: Sea Shore Allure
Near downtown Cruz Bay, Sea Shore Allure is a boutique resort with accommodation in suites overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The eight suites have one to three bedrooms and come with modern furnishings; full kitchens; and a mix of travertine tile, dark-wood floors, and local stonework throughout. Expect polished Brazilian hardwood frames on comfy white-linen-draped beds, large windows, and sliding glass doors leading to a furnished porch with ocean views. Upgrade to a spa bathroom suite for a Jacuzzi tub.
The property can also be rented in entirety for a wedding or other group event. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, and concierge service. There is also beach access.
There is no restaurant on-site, but if you don't feel like cooking for yourself, there are restaurant options within a 10-minute walk.
Address: Fish Fry Drive 271 & 272 Estate Enighed, Cruz Bay 00830, St. John
6. Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel
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| Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel |
Accommodation: Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel
Right near the ferry port, Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel is a good-value choice on St. John. The hotel is about two blocks from the ocean, so while you don't get sea views, you are near enough to easily access the beach. The property also has beach chairs and towels guests can borrow.
There are just 14 rooms and one penthouse apartment suite. These have private balconies and comfy beds. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. The hotel is walking distance from a number of restaurants, and staff can also arrange snorkeling and diving excursions.
Address: 74-2 Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay 00830, St. John
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