Diving into the dazzling array of resorts in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, I stumbled upon 5 standout gems. Among them, you’ll find an inviting mix of 1 all-inclusive resort, 1 adults-only oasis, and 4 family-friendly resorts. Each has its own personality, but the all-inclusive resort takes the cake with its stunning beachfront views, gourmet dining, and action-packed activities. It’s hard not to get excited about a place where worries melt away like ice in a piña colada.
One of my favorite things about St. Thomas is the port capital city of Charlotte Amalie. It’s filled with colonial Danish architecture and pirate lore, which makes for a unique and interesting experience. And let’s not forget about the cuisine! From beach bar staples and Caribbean classics to international cuisine and fusion food, there’s something for everyone.
Now, while there’s only one all-inclusive resort on St. Thomas, there are other luxurious resorts to choose from. And let me tell you, they are definitely worth considering. These resorts offer everything you could possibly want, from delicious drinks and food to exciting excursions. So, if you’re looking for a stress-free vacation where you can indulge in all the amenities, St. Thomas is the perfect destination for you!
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
A small, all-inclusive resort on the scenic southern coast of St. Thomas, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort has been family-owned and operated since 1974. Their all-inclusive package includes à la carte dining, drinks, and a variety of watersport activities such as windsurfing, paddle boarding, and sailing. Visitors can select the all-inclusive or European Plan (hotel accommodations only). Bolongo Bay has beachfront rooms with private balcony views of the beach, and tropical gardens.
The Oasis, a three-story outdoor and indoor restaurant with a pool and pool bar, serves delicious seafood, steaks, prime seafood rib, and the famous Iggies Oasis Burger. If you pair it with a glass of wine or a tropical cocktail, you’ll have the ultimate Caribbean eating experience. Live entertainment is available several nights every week, and the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Iggies Beach Bar is currently closed and due for repairs after being hit by two category 5 hurricanes in 2017.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort offers a wide array of on-site activities. The resort’s private beach is ideal for paddling, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Guests can also kayak, swim with sea life, learn the art of scuba diving with complimentary classes, or sail aboard the award-winning catamaran Heavenly Days. The 53-foot catamaran brings guests to swim with turtles, watch the sunset, and visit neighboring Buck and Water Islands. Some water sports, such as jet skiing, are off-property and offered for additional charges.
The resort’s concierge is always happy to help guests explore off-site activities such as downtown Charlotte Amalie, the Frenchtown neighborhood, and other beaches and sites of St. Thomas.
Few All-inclusive Resorts on St Thomas
As noted above, St. Thomas has a single all-inclusive resort, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. However, there are numerous traditional resorts on the island. Here are some of these well-known resorts located within St. Thomas.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Secret Harbour Beach Resort is the ideal St. Thomas destination for couples and families who want to unwind and have fun on the beach. Accommodations are condominium villas and restaurants, watersports, and a pristine beach are available for guests.
The boutique condominium resort features 48 beachfront and 20 hillside 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom, and studio-style condominium villa suites. The beachfront units are in four three-story structures right on the beach, while the hillside units are found in three three-story buildings above the freshwater pool. The units are all privately owned and run by the resort. While each space offers its unique charm, all units feature fully-equipped kitchens, island-inspired décor with all-new (2022) premium mattresses and linens, tropical ceiling fans, air conditioning, and private patios or balconies. Housekeeping services are also available daily.
The resort offers fine dining with water views and casual fare on the beach through its restaurants Sunset Grille and The Patio. The Beach Bar serves handcrafted cocktails, and ingredients are fresh throughout. The resort also offers grocery delivery services for guests.
Secret Harbour has a private beach in a cove and a PADI 5-Star Dive Shop, allowing guests access to a wide range of watersports, from snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Additional amenities include a tennis court, freshwater pool, spa, gift shop, ATMs, wedding coordinators, hammocks, and beach loungers.
The concierge service at Aqua Action helps guests book land-based adventures to Coral World, ziplining, and other activities.
Emerald Beach Resort
A laid-back family beachfront resort overlooking Lindbergh Bay, Emerald Beach is only minutes from downtown Charlotte Amalie. The resort is 100% beachfront, on white-sand beaches regarded as the most beautiful on the Virgin Islands.
All 90 modern rooms have ocean views, private balconies, and oversized windows. Rooms are surrounded by lush tropical gardens, newly updated with tropical-inspired décor, and include complimentary WiFi, flat-screen televisions with cable, refrigerators, and private patios or balconies.
Emerald Beach’s beachfront restaurant, Caribbean Fusion, and its Beach Bar offer American and Caribbean food options, while Portobello Ristorante offers Italian dishes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Emerald Café, meanwhile, serves tea, coffee, breakfast items, and smoothies.
The outdoor freshwater pool and waterfall overlook Lindbergh Bay and the Caribbean Sea, and beach towels are complimentary. A fitness and business center are on-site, and water sports are available on the beach. Other amenities include a full-service concierge, complimentary parking, and a dry cleaning service.
Since the resort is close to downtown Charlotte Amalie, shopping, dining, and excursions to the town are easy to arrange. The resort is also ideal for a memorable wedding or a corporate occasion.
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
Nestled on white-sand beaches and lush mountains, the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas overlooks crystal-clear Great Bay. While it’s not an all-inclusive resort, The Ritz-Carlton offers breakfast packages, which include daily resort credits, and packages that include suite discounts. Club Level members also receive free meals throughout the day and concierge service.
Rooms are elegant, with resort- or ocean-view balconies. Club Level Rooms and Suites include a dedicated concierge, access to an exclusive lounge, and locally inspired experiences in St. Thomas.
The Ritz hotel boasts four mouthwatering restaurants: Bleuwater for a tropical breakfast, Sails for a beachside lunch, Coconut Cove for Caribbean cuisine, and the newest Alloro for Sicilian dinner.
You can relax at the adults-only, 125-foot free-form infinity edge pool or slide down into the Family Pool for the whole family. Private cabanas surround the resort pools and can be rented for half or all day. Guests can also use the soaking tub and main pool on Coconut Cove Beach. There is additionally an exclusive Beachfront Cabana for a more intimate cabana experience.
Watersports available at the Ritz include kayaking and access to all non-motorized equipment (hobie cats, snorkel gear, and stand-up paddleboards). Great Bay’s shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts, and scuba diving excursions can be arranged. For land-based activities, the Fitness Center and tennis courts are available. For kids, “Ritz Kids” plans activities specifically for children.
The Ritz also has a 65-foot luxury catamaran, The Lady Lynsey II, for private excursions. Each excursion includes gourmet food and drinks, leaving daily for coral reefs, neighboring islands (St. John and the British Virgin Islands), and sunset sails. Other excursions from the Ritz include snorkel and dinner sails.
Point Pleasant Resort
With views of Water Bay, the Caribbean sea, and the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Point Pleasant Resort is one of the most relaxing and luxurious resorts in St. Thomas. Set on a 15-acre hillside preserve, Point Pleasant is thirty minutes from the Cyril E. King Airport (STT).
Point Pleasant Resort offers four room types: the ocean view suite, 1-bedroom ocean view villa, deluxe 1-bedroom ocean view villa, and 2-bedroom ocean view villa. Each has a fully equipped kitchen, luxury linens and bath products, air conditioning, ceiling fans, WiFi, LCD televisions, and in-room safes. Decor, bed size, and floor plans vary per room, and some have sleeper sofas. Premiere rooms are upgraded, and romance rooms are the most secluded.
Apart from its stunning geographical location, Point Pleasant offers family-friendly amenities like three pools, a private beach (Sugar Beach), nature trails, and a gazebo overlook. Two restaurants, Sun and Sea Bar & Grille and Ocean 180, are available, and The Lobby Shop sells everything you may need, including snacks, drinks, and personal items. A free shuttle service is also available.
Point Pleasant’s Mermaid’s Den Watersports Center rents out water equipment such as snorkel gear, and Seas the Day Charters can be booked. This resort is also a short distance to Coki Beach, Coral World, Red Hook, and Lindquist Beach, which gives the entire family various options to spend the day.
