14 Top-Rated Resorts in the US Virgin Islands

byCassandra Angelie
Because it's a part of the United States, a visit to the US Virgin Islands allows American citizens the opportunity to have a Caribbean vacation without even needing a passport. Anyone who visits will find an idyllic island vacation destination with warm, friendly people; excellent food; incredible resorts; and miles of beautiful beaches.

The main islands of the US Virgin Islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, and there are many smaller occupied and unoccupied minor islands. The territory's capital is Charlotte Amalie, which is on the island of St. Thomas. This island, a popular cruise ship port, is the most developed and built-up. You'll find luxury shopping malls, golf courses, fancy restaurants, and mega-resorts.

St. John is more natural and unspoiled — more than 60 percent of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park. St. Croix is the most undeveloped island and retains a lot of its Danish history and influence. The islands were a Danish colony until sold to the U.S. in the early 20th century.

Places to stay on the islands range from luxurious beachfront resorts like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas to intimate boutique hotels like The Fred, a casual beachfront resort on St. Croix. Find the best base for your next island getaway with our list of the top resorts in the US Virgin Islands.

Best St. Thomas Resorts

1. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Photo Source: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas


The recent recipient of a $100 million makeover, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is the island's most luxurious resort. Set out over 30 beachfront acres right on Turquoise Bay, this paradise is only about a 30-minute drive from the airport. All the luxurious rooms and suites have sea views, and all have terraces or balconies.

There's an infinity pool and a family-friendly pool with a giant waterslide. The resort has the Ritz Kids program, which offers supervised activities for kids 4-12 during the day and evening. Babysitting services are also available.

The resort has its own 55-foot catamaran, used for sunset cruises, as well as snorkeling and sailing excursions. There's also a full gym and tennis courts. You have a private beach to enjoy with a beachfront activities center providing everything you need for a range of water sports.

Dining options include four different choices, the highlight being the popular Sicilian restaurant called Alloro.

Address: Great Bay, 00802, St. Thomas

2. Marriott's Frenchman's Cove

Photo Source: Marriott's Frenchman's Cove


This mega-resort in the capital city of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is more like a small town. The luxury accommodations are all two- and three-bedroom apartment-like villas, with full kitchens and living and dining areas. Most of the units have sweeping views of the beach and harbor, and the development has a wonderful Portofino-like vibe.

The Marriott Frenchman's Cove is a Marriott Vacation Club fractional ownership resort that rents accommodations to the public based on availability. The adjacent Frenchman's Reef and Morningstar Marriott Beach Resort is closed and still undergoing hurricane repairs.

There is a casual poolside grill and café, along with a grab-and-go marketplace convenience store and sandwich/coffee shop in the lobby area. For fun, you get a huge swimming pool with a big waterslide along with a Jacuzzi tub. There's a section of private beach, and the resort offers the full range of water sports and snorkeling gear for guests.

For kids, there's an activity center with organized sports and things to do. At night, there's a Kid's Night Out program offering supervised activities, so mom and dad can have alone time.

Address: 7338 Estate Bakkeroe, Charlotte Amalie 00802-3011, St. Thomas

3. Point Pleasant Resort

Photo Source: Point Pleasant Resort

Accommodation: Point Pleasant Resort

Nature lovers will enjoy a stay at Point Pleasant Resort. The property is set on a 15-acre hillside reserve, with nature trails and stone paths that lead to beautiful views of Water Bay and the Caribbean Sea. If you are looking to do a day trip to St. John, the resort is conveniently located just five minutes from Red Hook village where the ferry departs.

Accommodations at this 3-star property are in villas, which come in a number of different sizes. All have plenty of space and light thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that exit onto furnished balconies. This is a good choice for families, as the villas have full kitchens and can sleep up to six people.

There are three swimming pools and a restaurant on the grounds. There is also beach access, but this is not the best beach on the island, as the part directly in front of the resort does not have sand. Still, for a good-value sleep, it is worth considering.

Address: 6600 Estate Smith Bay, 00802 St. Thomas

4. Secret Harbour Beach Resort

Photo Source: Secret Harbour Beach Resort


This St. Thomas resort offers accommodations with all the space and in-room features of a condo but with the amenities and services of a resort.

The units are the perfect places to stay for families; they're available as studio, one-, or two-bedroom units, either right on the sand in four three-story buildings or in individual and duplex units on a hillside above the pool. There is daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site concierge. Each unit has at least one private balcony (some suites have two) or a patio.

It's on the east end of the island, right on a crescent-shaped, white-sand beach with a protected bay, perfect for swimming. The resort has a beach activity center and non-motorized water sports equipment is provided free to guests; other things like Jet Skis and Hobie cats can be rented. There is a large fitness center and two tennis courts.

When you get hungry, dining options include the Sunset Grille, an upscale, beachfront Caribbean restaurant, and Cruzan, a tiki-style beach club with a Polynesian-influenced menu.

Address: 6280 Estate Nazareth, Nazareth Bay, Benner 00802-1113, St. Thomas

5. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

Photo Source: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort


This all-inclusive (you can also opt for room-only rates) resort is on a one-thousand-foot stretch of beach. There are 25 oceanfront, first-level rooms with direct beach access; 39 rooms with ocean views; and 10 no-view budget rooms. Good deals can always be found on these accommodations if you don't mind not having a view.

It's a popular spot for romantic getaways, and the resort has both honeymoon and destination wedding packages. The Bolong Bay Beach Resort has its own catamaran, aptly named Heavenly Days, and it does sunset cruises, as well as half-day, swim-with-turtles cruises. Beach water sports are all free for guests, and the resort can set up dive excursions and island tours.

The hotel's poolside restaurant, Iggie's Oasis, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This all-inclusive plan gives you the chance to order off the menu-there are no big buffets here. But the resort does offer an express breakfast buffet for those who want a quick bite.

Address: 7150 Bolongo, 00802, St. Thomas

6. Limetree Beach Resort by Club Wyndham

Photo Source: Limetree Beach Resort by Club Wyndham


This St. Thomas beachfront resort spreads out over 24 acres right on Frenchman's Bay. Rooms and suites are large with a classic style and design. All have large, furnished terraces and balconies or patios. Accommodations are studio suites (which are like standard hotel rooms) and one-bedroom suites.

The beautiful beach and bay provide endless hours of activities, and many water adventures, from snorkeling to scuba, can be arranged by the on-site water sports and dive center. You can enjoy the private beach, with beachside hammocks; the big tropical pool; or the large sundeck. The resort has several tennis courts for guests as well.

There is one restaurant at the Limetree, a large poolside café with an extensive menu. They do a lot of special dining events, like weekly beachside barbecues, and there is also entertainment and live music in the evenings.

Address: 7511 Frenchman's Bay, 100 St, 00802 St. Thomas

7. Emerald Beach Resort

Photo Source: Emerald Beach Resort

Accommodation: Emerald Beach Resort

Facing a pretty white-sand beach on Lindbergh Bay, the Emerald Beach Resort is a relaxed spot and a top choice for families and also vacationing couples. There are 90 spacious rooms with comfy double or king beds. All feature ocean views from furnished balconies, Caribbean art on the walls, and fridges to keep beverages cold.

On-site amenities include direct beach access, with water sports equipment for guests to take out and a restaurant that focuses on Caribbean fusion dishes. Guests also love the sea-facing swimming pool with a waterfall. If you want to do some shopping or dining in downtown Charlotte Amalie, the resort is just a few minutes' drive away.

Address: 8070 Lindbergh Bay West, Charlotte Amalie 00802-5901 St. Thomas

Best St. John Resorts

1. The Westin St. John Resort Villas

Photo Source: 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 (with a Jacuzzi tub) 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

2. Gallows Point Resort

Photo Source: Gallows Point Resort

Accommodation: Gallows Point Resort

Another St. John resort on beautiful Cruz Bay, the Gallows Point Resort offers a residential vacation experience. The resort occupies a five-acre peninsula, surrounded by the ocean. The villa units have full kitchens, and all have ocean or harbor views. You can select which kind of ocean view-some units face the quaint harbor, some the open ocean, and others look towards a neighboring island. Luxe amenities like Sonos sound systems, high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and outdoor grills add to the experience. There's a newly-constructed, saltwater, infinity-edge, swimming pool with a sun deck. A fitness studio is part of the pool complex.

The resort's secluded setting means you get your own private beach, a popular place for guests to go snorkeling. Views beyond the resort are unspoiled by development, as most of the land is part of the national park. Although private, it's only a five-minute walk into the little town of Cruz Bay.

There's no resort restaurant (remember the units do have full kitchens) but popular Caribbean restaurant Ocean 362 is on the property. It's only open for dinner (and closed Tuesdays) but they will deliver room service if they're open. It presents an island-to-table menu using only fresh, local ingredients.

Address: 3 AAA Gallows Point Rd P.O. Box 58, Cruz Bay 00831, St. John

3. Lovango Resort + Beach Club

Photo Source: Lovango Resort + Beach Club


This resort, which sites on a private island overlooking Caneel Bay, offers a luxuriously secluded vacation experience. You'll stay in either a luxury treehouse or a glamping tent, both very-well appointed with ocean views.

The island and surrounding water provide opportunities for every kind of water sport, and the resort provides all the toys you need and can arrange for things like fishing trips or scuba adventures.

Lovango Resort sits right on the beach, and you can take the complimentary water taxi across the bay to Honeymoon Beach on St. John; they drop you off right on the beach.

There are two beach clubs available to guests on the island. Both have complimentary chairs and umbrellas and waiter service. The South Beach Club has a huge beachfront infinity pool, music, games, and entertainment. The North Beach Club is much more serene and quiet with a focus on snorkeling.

A large outdoor restaurant serves an excellent lunch and dinner. The idyllic location makes it popular for day-trippers and visiting yachts to anchor in the bay so their passengers can dine there.

Lovango Village is the island's little touristy shopping area, and there is a restaurant there serving some great fresh seafood.
Note that Lovango Resort + Beach Club is temporarily closed until 16 Dec, 2022.

Address: 1 Lovango Cay, 00830 St. John

4. Estate Lindholm

Photo Source: Estate Lindholm

Accommodation: Estate Lindholm

This luxurious, intimate, 14-room inn is located inside the Virgin islands National Park in Cruz Bay, overlooking the bay. It's family-owned and operated; the owner lives here with his family and always provides warm, personal service.

The inn was built within the ruins of an 18th-century Dutch plantation, and some of the structures incorporate historic elements. It offers a more historic, authentic vacation experience on St. John.

The rooms have modern furniture and amenities, and all have private balconies or patios. Rooms have either sea or garden views. A continental breakfast is included. The resort has a freshwater pool and a whirlpool spa.

Salomon Beach and Honeymoon Beach are each a short hike away, accessible via national park trails. The resort provides beach gear, including coolers, beach chairs, and towels. The little village of Mongoose Junction is only a 10-minute walk down the hill with a few shops and restaurants.

Address: 6B Estate Caneel Bay, Cruz Bay 00831-1360 St. John

Best St. Croix Resorts

1. The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Photo Source: The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham


This legendary family-owned and operated resort has been welcoming guests since the 17th century. It's recently attracted a dose of pop culture fame, as it was a featured location on a recent episode of The Bachelor TV series. The resort is on St. Croix, about two miles from the historic town of Christiansted.

Accommodations vary from rooms in the original historic mansion inn to beachfront villa-style suites. Some are on the beach, some are around the lagoon pool and tennis courts, and some are on the low hills overlooking the beach. The rooms are large, with classic island furnishings. All have private balconies or patios, many with ocean views.

It's a large property with a seemingly never-ending list of activities. The resort has its own golf course, two large swimming pools, and eight tennis courts, making it popular for visitors looking to play either sport. There are volleyball courts on the beach and basketball courts right next to it.

The hotel offers all the various water sports at no charge, things like kayaks, stand up paddleboards, rafts, and snorkel gear. Guests can also take a complimentary two-hour SCUBA introductory lesson (various dives are offered at an extra charge).

The Buccaneer puts on a lavish buffet breakfast each morning, which is included in your room rate. There are three different restaurants to choose from: The Terrace is an upscale restaurant serving dinner; The Mermaid is the resort's on-the-sand, casual grill; and Beauregard's On the Beach is a fine-dining option with a Caribbean-influenced menu.

Address: 5007 Estate Shoys, Christiansted 00820-4536, St. Croix

2. The Fred

Photo Source: The Fred

Accommodation: The Fred

For a seriously casual, beachfront boutique resort experience, The Fred on St. Croix is perfect. It's right on the beach, and it's also the only beachfront hotel located in the town of Frederiksted. It means you can walk to explore nearby shopping and dining. The hotel is named for King Frederik V of Denmark, who also lent his name to the town. The islands are a former Danish colony.

There are 22 rooms at the resort, along with a spa and a café. The rooms are around a large infinity pool and an adjacent raised sun deck. Rooms and suites are in a series of two-story buildings. Pets are welcome, children are not, and all guests must be over the age of 18. The Fred has a small spa/beauty salon with an extensive menu of beauty and body treatments.

Address: 605 Strand St, Frederiksted 00840-3534, St. Croix

3. Club St. Croix Beach and Tennis Resort

Photo Source: Club St. Croix Beach and Tennis Resort


This St. Croix resort is on the beach, about a mile from the historic downtown area of Christiansted. This is a mid-range resort and a good option for visitors on a budget. The units are large condos (junior suites and one- and two-bedroom suites), each with a private balcony or patio, full kitchen, and laundry machines. Most of the units are privately owned, so the décor can vary. Go for an upper-level unit for the best ocean views.

There's a small, uncrowded, semi-private beach-remember this is St. Croix, so the whole island sees far fewer tourists than St. Thomas or St. John. Non-motorized water sports equipment, from kayaks to snorkel gear is free for guests. There is a large pool and a hot tub. The resort's restaurant serves typical island fare and an excellent Sunday brunch.

Address: 3280 Estate Golden Rock Rte 752, Christiansted 00820-4105 St. Croix


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