St John, a jewel in the Caribbean, is a sought-after destination for discerning travelers. This small island is globally recognized for its breathtaking beauty, particularly its North Shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach, and Honeymoon Beach. It’s no surprise that St John is a top choice for unforgettable vacations. However, St John offers a unique Caribbean experience. It’s accessible via St Thomas (STT) airport and spans a modest 9 miles, with over two-thirds of its area protected as the Virgin Islands National Park. This blend of pristine nature and accessible luxury sets St John apart.
Finding Your Perfect St John Island Getaway
If images of stunning white sand beaches have convinced you to visit St John, the next step is securing your ideal accommodation. Here’s where St John diverges from typical Caribbean destinations. While the term “St John Island Resorts” might conjure images of sprawling complexes, St John offers a more intimate and varied approach. It boasts a select number of resorts, notably not all-inclusive, alongside charming inns and bed and breakfasts. However, the most popular choice for visitors is renting one of the numerous St John vacation rental villas or exploring the available St John Resorts scattered across the island, from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. With such a wide array of options, you are sure to find accommodation that fits your preferences, whether it’s budget-friendly, family-oriented, with a pool, stunning ocean views, or air conditioning. Let’s explore the best options to tailor your St John experience.
A Tip Before Booking on Platforms Like VRBO, HomeAway, Flipkey, or Airbnb: Be aware of guest service fees, often ranging from 4% to 20% on top of booking costs, imposed by these platforms.
The Allure of 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 with 6, 7, or even more bedrooms. Correspondingly, prices vary to reflect the size, location, and amenities of each property. Expect privacy, spectacular ocean vistas, and features like private pools and spas in many villas. Numerous villas offer convenient access to St John’s famed beaches. Approximately half of these properties are managed directly by owners, while the remainder are handled by local management companies. So, how do you begin your search for the perfect villa? Many start with popular platforms like VRBO, HomeAway, Flipkey, and Airbnb. However, it’s wise to remember the additional guest service charges these sites apply. A savvy approach is to use these platforms for research, then seek out the owner’s website directly. Alternatively, community-focused sites like www.StJohn-VillaRentals.com offer a vast selection of St John vacation rentals across all budgets, allowing you to connect directly with owners or management and potentially avoid extra fees.
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Choosing Between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay
An important consideration when planning your St John stay is deciding between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Cruz Bay serves as the island’s vibrant center. It’s the arrival point for ferries and taxis and boasts a wide selection 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. Currently, there isn’t a gas station in Coral Bay. What makes Coral Bay appealing? For many, it’s the tranquility and escape from everyday hustle. It provides a simpler, more secluded environment while still being a short drive from the stunning North Shore beaches and even closer to gems like Salt Pond, Little Lameshur, Hansen Bay, and snorkeling hotspots such as Haulover North and Pelican Rock.
Villa Rentals Starting from $325 per Night
Discover a range of 1-6 bedroom St John vacation rental villas.
Island Getaways, St. John, US Virgin Islands, www.IslandGetawaysInc.com,
CALL: (888) 693-7676 or (340) 693-7676
Exploring St John Resorts: Unique Island Stays
Unlike many Caribbean islands brimming with beachfront resorts, St John presents a more curated selection of “st john island resorts”. Notably, Caneel Bay Resort, nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park and adjacent to seven beautiful beaches, remains [CLOSED FOR REPAIRS]. Closer to Cruz Bay, The Westin St John offers both resort rentals and timeshare opportunities. Guests might also consider Gallows Point Resort and Grande Bay Resort. While not traditional sprawling resorts, these options provide amenities often not found in private villas. Gallows Point, with its rental condos and on-site amenities, fits this category perfectly, located in Cruz Bay with snorkeling right at your doorstep. Lovango Resort & Beach Club offers a unique glamping experience, blending luxury with nature.
Are There St John All-Inclusive Resorts?
This is a frequently asked question! Answer: St John does not feature traditional all-inclusive resorts, unlike many other top Caribbean island destinations. The island’s charm lies in its focus on beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and a relaxed, independent atmosphere. The St John experience is for those who appreciate natural beauty and tranquility over all-inclusive convenience, which is precisely what makes it so special.
St John Timeshare Rentals: Resort Experience on a Budget
For a more affordable resort vacation, consider renting or purchasing a timeshare at The Westin St John. Details are available in our Timeshares Section below.
Discover Estate Lindholm with a 360 VR View
St John Inns & B&Bs: Personalized Hospitality
If large resorts aren’t your style and villa rentals seem too involved, St John’s inns and bed & breakfasts offer a delightful middle ground. Rates and amenities vary, but all promise relaxed and personalized accommodations.
The highly regarded Estate Lindholm (pictured) is a standout B&B. Perched on a hillside above Cruz Bay within the National Park, its 16 rooms, some with ocean or garden views, are a short hike from Salomon and Honeymoon Beaches!
Garden by the Sea offers charming options like The Garden Room, Terrace Room, and Wild Ginger Room, with rates starting at $175 per night. Explore availability and details at Garden by the Sea.
Camping in St John: Immersive Nature Experiences
For an immersive experience in the US Virgin Islands’ nature, explore camping options at Cinnamon Bay Campground or Concordia Eco Resort, and consider the luxurious Glamping Tents at Lovango Resort & Beach Club [https://stjohn-villarentals.com/property/lovango-resort-glamping-tent-4-virgin-islands/].
Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground – [NOW OPEN]
Located within the Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campgrounds provides a range of choices: cottages, eco-tents, or bare campsites.
Which option suits you best? For a rustic yet comfortable experience, the Cinnamon Bay cottages are ideal, offering fans, linens, and a refrigerator, just steps from Cinnamon Bay Beach. The eco-tents provide a step up from traditional camping 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 are available. 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
Concordia Eco Resort was significantly damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. As of January 2020, it is under reconstruction by new owners. For updates and alternatives, check alternatives to Concordia Eco Resort.
St John Timeshares: Resort Luxury at a Fraction of the Cost
For visitors desiring an amenity-rich “st john island resorts” experience, consider a St. John timeshare. Enjoy affordable stays directly on the beach at Great Cruz Bay, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Timeshare villas, primarily at The Westin St John ( pictured ), offer family-friendly amenities, including kids’ clubs, spa services, shopping, dining, and various water sports and fitness facilities.
Rent a timeshare at The Westin St John for less through private resellers like VacationOwnership.com, which also offers timeshare resales for those seeking long-term vacation ownership in St John.
