St. John, a jewel in the US Virgin Islands, is celebrated as a premier Caribbean destination. Its breathtaking North Shore beaches, including the iconic Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach, and Honeymoon Beach, magnetize travelers seeking an idyllic island escape. Unlike many bustling tourist hotspots, St. John offers a unique charm. It operates without its own airport—visitors arrive via St. Thomas (STT). Spanning a mere nine miles in length, the island is intimate and largely protected, with over two-thirds of its area designated as the Virgin Islands National Park.
Finding Your Perfect Stay on St. John: Beyond the Typical Resort
Enticed by visions of pristine white sand beaches? Your next step is securing accommodations. Here, St. John diverges from the typical Caribbean resort scene. The island is home to a limited number of traditional resorts, and notably, no large-scale St. John all-inclusive resorts. While you’ll find charming small inns and bed and breakfasts, the majority of visitors opt for the diverse range of St. John vacation rental villas and select St. John Virgin Islands Resorts scattered from Cruz Bay to the tranquil Coral Bay. With hundreds of options available, you’re sure to discover a villa or resort that aligns with your preferences for budget, guest capacity, family-friendliness, pool access, ocean views, and air conditioning. Explore the options below to pinpoint the ideal accommodation style for your St. John getaway.
A Word of Caution Before Booking on VRBO, HomeAway, Flipkey, or Airbnb: Be aware of substantial guest service fees, ranging from 4% to 20% of your total booking, levied by these platforms, in addition to processing fees and taxes.
The Popular Choice: St. John Vacation Rentals
Vacation rental villas stand out as the most sought-after accommodation type on St. John. These range from cozy Caribbean cottages to expansive estates boasting six, seven, or even more bedrooms. Correspondingly, prices vary to reflect the size and amenities of each property. Many villas offer secluded settings, panoramic ocean vistas, and luxurious features such as private spas and pools, with convenient proximity to St. John’s celebrated beaches. Approximately half of these properties are managed directly by their owners, while the remainder are affiliated with local management companies.
So, how do you effectively search for a rental? Many begin their search on well-known platforms like VRBO, HomeAway, Flipkey, and Airbnb. However, it’s crucial to understand the added “guest service charges” of 4% – 20%+ when booking through these sites. Fortunately, alternatives exist. You can utilize these large rental sites for research, then attempt to locate the owner’s direct website. Alternatively, leverage a dedicated St. John community site such as www.StJohn-VillaRentals.com. This platform offers an extensive selection of St. John vacation rentals across all budget ranges, facilitating direct communication with owners and management companies.
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Alt text: Travel + Leisure quote praising St. John Villa Rentals community site for direct booking with villa owners, enhancing vacation value and experience.
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Cruz Bay vs. Coral Bay: Choosing Your Island Vibe
A key decision point is choosing between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay as your base.
Cruz Bay serves as St. John’s bustling commercial and transportation hub. It’s where ferries and taxis converge and boasts a wide array of restaurants, bars, shops, grocery stores, markets, a pharmacy, and gas stations.
Coral Bay, in contrast, offers a more laid-back atmosphere with fewer restaurants, bars, and shops. Notably, at the time of writing, it lacks a gas station. Coral Bay’s allure lies in its tranquility and escape from the everyday rush. It’s a haven for those seeking simplicity and is conveniently located for accessing stunning beaches like Salt Pond, Little Lameshur, and Hansen Bay, as well as snorkeling destinations such as Haulover North and Pelican Rock.
Villa Rentals Starting from $325/Night
Discover 1-6 bedroom St. John vacation rental villas for varied group sizes and budgets.
Island Getaways, your St. John, US Virgin Islands connection. www.IslandGetawaysInc.com.
Call: (888) 693-7676 or (340) 693-7676
Exploring St. John Virgin Islands Resorts: Unique Island Stays
Alt text: Aerial view of Lovango Resort & Beach Club, showcasing luxury glamping tents and beachfront amenities in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
Unlike many Caribbean islands densely populated with resorts, St. John presents a more exclusive selection. Nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park, the renowned Caneel Bay Resort ([CLOSED FOR REPAIRS]) is undergoing renovations but is famed for its location amidst seven stunning beaches. Closer to Cruz Bay, The Westin St. John Resort Villas (The Westin St John) offers both resort rentals and timeshare opportunities, blending resort amenities with villa-style accommodations. Gallows Point Resort (Gallows Point) and Grande Bay Resort (Grande Bay Resort) provide alternatives that, while not traditional large resorts, deliver appealing amenities often absent in private villas. Gallows Point, with its rental condos in Cruz Bay and onsite snorkeling, exemplifies this appealing middle ground. The newly developed Lovango Resort + Beach Club offers a unique luxury glamping experience, adding another dimension to St. John Virgin Islands resorts.
St. John All-Inclusive Resorts: Debunking the Myth
The question frequently arises: Are there St. John all-inclusive resorts? The answer is: No. St. John distinguishes itself from many top Caribbean destinations by not hosting any all-inclusive resorts. The island’s allure lies in its pristine beaches, snorkeling, hiking trails, and relaxed ambiance. The St. John experience is intentionally different, catering to those who appreciate natural beauty and tranquility over large, all-encompassing resorts.
St. John Timeshare Rentals: Resort Experience on a Budget
For travelers seeking a resort experience with cost-effectiveness, consider renting or purchasing a timeshare at The Westin St. John. (See the Timeshares Section below for more details.)
360 VR View of Estate Lindholm: Immersive Accommodation Preview
[360 VR View of Estate Lindholm](link-to-VR-view – placeholder, needs actual link if available)
St. John Inns & Bed and Breakfasts: Intimate Island Hospitality
For a more personal and less conventional stay than a large resort or villa, St. John’s inns and bed & breakfasts offer inviting alternatives. Rates and amenities vary, but a common thread is relaxed, intimate accommodations.
Estate Lindholm (Estate Lindholm), pictured, is a highly regarded B&B. Perched on a hillside above Cruz Bay within the National Park, it features 16 rooms, some with captivating ocean or garden views, and provides easy hiking access to Salomon and Honeymoon Beaches.
Garden by the Sea (Garden by the Sea) offers charming room choices like The Garden Room, Terrace Room, and Wild Ginger Room, with rates starting at $175/night. Explore details and availability online.
Camping on St. John: Embrace Nature’s Beauty
For an immersive nature experience in the US Virgin Islands, explore camping options at Cinnamon Bay Campground or Concordia Eco Resort (currently rebuilding), and consider the luxurious Glamping Tents at Lovango Resort & Beach Club.
Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground – [NOW OPEN]
Alt text: Cinnamon Bay Resort logo, highlighting camping and cottage accommodations within Virgin Islands National Park, St. John.
Located within the Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campgrounds offers a range of accommodations: cottages, eco-tents, and bare campsites.
Which option suits you best? For a touch of rustic comfort, Cinnamon Bay cottages are ideal, equipped with fans, linens, and a refrigerator, just steps from Cinnamon Bay Beach. Eco-tents provide an upgraded tent experience with electricity, locking doors, storage, decks, and king or twin beds. Platform tents offer simple living with camp mattresses and basic cooking equipment. For the truly adventurous, bare tent sites provide a raw camping experience. Regardless of your choice, you’re close to the beach, snorkeling, and watersports.
Cinnamon Reservations: Email: [email protected] or visit their website: www.cinnamonbayvi.com
Concordia Eco-Resort: Rebuilding for the Future
Concordia Eco Resort, impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, is currently under reconstruction by a new owner as of January 2020. For alternative eco-friendly accommodations, explore alternatives to Concordia Eco Resort.
Alt text: Pool area at Westin St. John timeshare rentals, featuring lush tropical landscaping and family-friendly resort amenities.
St. John Timeshares: Affordable Luxury and Repeat Vacations
For visitors desiring amenity-rich St. John Virgin Islands resorts, exploring a St. John timeshare is a worthwhile option. Enjoy affordable stays directly on the white sand of Great Cruz Bay, amidst beautiful gardens and tropical flora. Timeshare villas, primarily at The Westin St. John (pictured), offer amenities for all ages, including kids’ clubs, spa services, dining, and watersports, ensuring memorable family vacations.
For cost-effective stays at The Westin St. John, consider renting a timeshare from private resellers like VacationOwnership.com, which also offers timeshare resales for those seeking long-term vacation ownership in St. John.
