Luxury Accommodations in the Virgin Islands

Looking for Luxury in the Virgins

Ahoy! And welcome aboard!

Lux * u * ry = (Noun) The state of great comfort and extravagant living. Sounds like something we all need to treat ourselves to now and again. If you’re in the mood for a bit of luxury in the Virgin Islands, let us point you in the right direction. Although there’s no shortage of sunshine, beautiful beaches and fine dining no matter what your budget is, why not indulge in an extra slice of paradise and spend a few nights in first-rate, indulgent accommodations as well?

Travel + Leisure’s Picks for All-inclusives 

If you’re looking to stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you have three main islands to choose from. St. Croix is the largest island and located about 40 miles south of St. Thomas, which is the most developed island and offers world-class shopping as well as a busy port for cruise ships. St. John, the smallest of the three main islands (only 19 sq. miles – 60% of which is protected national parkland), is located about four miles east of St. Thomas and is accessible by ferry or private boat service. Some 50 minor islands and cays lie scattered between all three islands.

While there used to be several all-inclusive resorts in the USVI, two luxury resorts still remain. Each has its own selling points and endorsements by Travel + Leisure readers.

1. Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix – This adult-only, all-inclusive resort not only sits on stunningly beautiful beachfront property, it also has an on-site casino. Take advantage of their brand new, upper tier Oceans at Divi Carina Bay where more space and fancy perks like fresh robes, gourmet coffee and upgraded amenities are the norm. Unlimited food, drinks, and non-motorized water sports await you, not to mention two pools, tennis and pickleball courts, shuffleboard, a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and free parking. Prices start at $500/ night.

While you may be reluctant to leave this peaceful corner of paradise, excursions to the island’s best spots like world-famous dive site Cane Bay Wall, Salt River Bay National Historic Park & Ecological Preserve or Point Udall can easily be arranged. But our favorite excursion is a sunset cruise with Lyric Sails aboard Jolly Mon, with Captain Mike. Prices start at $500/ night.

1. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas – Family-owned and operated since 1974, this tropical resort is known for its Caribbean hospitality, personal atmosphere and spacious guest rooms. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort caters to making your experience peaceful and personable. With only 65 available rooms at this oceanfront retreat, there’s no need to worry about waiting in line or dealing with large noisy parties. Relax, breathe and fixate on the turquoise waters in front of you. 

Locally-inspired cocktails, live music and even a swim-up bar will have you humming with delight. Relax on the beach under a coconut tree or sail to an offshore island where you can snorkel or swim with turtles. Prices start as low as $400/ night.

Other Luxury Options

While the following hotels and resorts aren’t all-inclusive, they offer top-notch service, beautiful accommodations and a variety of luxurious experiences that will make your heart soar with delight. Remember, we all deserve a bit of extravagance now and again.

1. Ritz Carlton on St. Thomas – This breathtaking 30-acre, oceanfront resort with spa, is consistently mentioned by sources such as Forbes, Travel + Leisure and Islands magazine as the ultimate Caribbean destination. The resort blends traditional architecture with modern comforts and a tropical landscape to create a unique paradise complete with fabulous eateries, an infinity-edge pool, jacuzzi, and a new family pool with a slide. From single rooms to their three-bedroom Presidential Suite, accommodations offer charming views and island-inspired elegance.  Standard rates begin at $1,000/ night.

1. The Westin St. John Resort Villas – Offering everything from spacious studios to three-bedroom villas or townhouses, this resort tries to make your stay as comfortable as home, offering amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers and complimentary Wi-Fi. Located along 1200-feet of private beach, guests can relax by the pool, snorkel in the clear waters, or sip cocktails from Snorkels Bar & Grill. Need a Starbucks coffee to start your day? No problem, as the Mango Deli has you covered while also offering homemade wraps, fresh pastries, and a selection of beer, wine and spirits. With a fitness studio and their Family Kids Club, The Westin strives to make your stay as pleasurable as possible. Studios start around $600/ night.

1. Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove on St. Thomas – Overlooking the colorful waters of Pacquereau Bay, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove offers beautiful accommodations and spectacular views in equal measure. Offering two- and three-bedroom villas with all the comforts and conveniences of home, the resort reflects the Danish and British architecture influences amidst a lush tropical setting. The resort is family-friendly and offers activities for all ages, poolside dining, and a pristine infinity pool with waterslide. Unlike many large hotels, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove doesn’t charge a resort fee, and it offers free WiFi and parking. Two-bedroom villas start at $780/ night.

1. The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort on St. Croix – Described as gracious, elegant and legendary, this modern hotel with a history has been welcoming guests since 1947. This former sugar factory now boasts charming rooms and suites with either a patio or balcony. For large parties, The Buccaneer Beach House at Whistle Point, a six-bedroom estate featuring a main house and two cottages, offers luxury in spades. No matter what accommodations you choose, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent green hillsides and sparkling turquoise waters. Also eco-conscious, the resort (like the island itself) bans sunscreens that aren’t reef-friendly and The Buccaneer is also a proud sponsor of the National Park Service’s three-month turtle watch program as St. Croix is one of the two most prolific nesting areas in the world. Biodegradable cups and to-go boxes are the norm and in-room products are by the “Bee Kind” brand.

The resort’s spa offers everything from stress-buster massages to facials and mind-body services. Whether eating at The Terrace or Beaureguard’s On The Beach, you’ll be delighted with the variety of fresh, tropical entrees and libations. To work off all those calories, you can swim, play golf or tennis, or make use of the resort’s paddle boards and kayaks. Special rates often include one free night and $500 credit towards airfare.

1. Lovango Resort & Beach Club on a private island between St. John and St. Thomas – Lots of options to choose from as you can visit for the day, stay for lunch or dinner, or spend your entire vacation at this exquisite private island resort. Overnight accommodations include Villa Lovango, a private home that sleeps 6 adults and 3 children, Luxury Treehouses that sleep 2 adults and 3 children, and several “Glamping” options that offer excellent views and outdoor showers. Whether you want to be active or chill, there’s a concierge team ready to meet your needs.

Options abound on this patch of sand. Choose from casual dinners by ocean fire pits or ride the resort’s ferry over to St. John for more formal dining. Refresh with homemade ice cream or relax by the pool with your favorite tropical drink in hand. Game enthusiasts will relish the life-size chess pieces, water balloon competitions and corn hole contests, while kayaking, snorkeling, chartering a boat, and even parasailing are all options to round out your itinerary. Luxury Treehouses start at $1095/ night and require a two-night minimum. 

More Options

While you’ll definitely need a passport for these first two options, the extra hassle of customs is worth the effort. Besides, there’s lots to see and do in the British Virgin Islands, too. The third option is on St. Thomas, which doesn’t require a passport for U.S. citizens, but it’s always advisable to have one on hand anyways.

Saba Rock

1. Saba Rock Resort (North Sound Virgin Gorda) – This secluded slice of paradise occupies a mere acre of space located in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, but offers an abundance of friendly, upscale charm. Whether you’re a daytripper or an overnight guest, the resort will pamper you in style. Choose from world-class culinary offerings, luxurious spa treatments, and fascinating activities like diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding and island tours. 

Upstairs Bar at Saba Rock

Captain Rich enjoying the view

Should you choose to spend the night, options include marina slips and moorings or rooms and suites. Described as “contemporary with a playful spirit,” 9 guest rooms, each with sea views and king-size beds, are available. Suites, ranging in size from 1,200 to 3,000 sq. ft. that are designed to accommodate up to 4 people, feature floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous views of the North Sound. Rates start at $550/ night.

1.  The Sugar Mill Hotel (The Emerald Coast of Tortola) – This upscale boutique hotel sits on the grounds of a 400-year-old sugar plantation. Considered a “throwback to the great Caribbean inns of yesteryear,” the property features lush gardens, stone pathways, tasteful furnishings, old relics, and two restaurants as well as a lobby bar. More suited for couples than families, the secluded hotel has private beach access as well as a sundeck and pool area. If swimming in the emerald waters isn’t relaxing enough, spa services are also available. All of the recently refurbished rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi, TV, and sea views. 

Listed by US News as “the best hotel in the BVI,” and the only BVI hotel to make their “Best Hotels in the Caribbean” list, The Sugar Mill also won a Travellers Choice Award in 2022 for small hotels and for service. Daily inclusive rates for two start at $4595/ a week.

1. Castle at Cabrita (previously Villa Fantasia on St. Thomas) – This exquisite hillside retreat offers panoramic views of St. Thomas, St. John, The British Virgin Islands, and more! Located five minutes from Red Hook, you’ll find this 3-bedroom, 3-bath villa with plush bedding, luxurious bathtubs, modern coastal decor, private pool and jacuzzi, and a third level rooftop deck to be the epitome of luxury.  

Following a 5-year rebuild after the 2017 hurricanes, Chelsea and her husband Connor continue to operate this villa with tasteful supervision from their nearby home. Their attention to detail allows guests to focus solely on relaxation and making exceptional memories. With a maximum occupancy of 10, standard rates for 4 nights start at $5800.

End Notes: There’s no time like the present to start planning your next trip to the Virgin Islands. Hopefully, this post has helped you discover some new places to investigate. If you enjoyed what you read, please share it with your friends. Then visit our website and book a boat day with Stormy Pirates Charters – we’ll put the gang plank down and escort you in style!