St John, a jewel in the US Virgin Islands, is celebrated for its pristine North Shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Beach, making it a top-tier Caribbean destination. This idyllic island, despite its small size – just 9 miles long and largely protected as Virgin Islands National Park – attracts travelers seeking unparalleled natural beauty. While St John doesn’t have its own airport (visitors arrive via St Thomas), its unique charm and diverse lodging options offer an unforgettable escape. Let’s explore where to stay, focusing on the best St John Virgin Islands resorts and other accommodations to suit every travel style.
St John Resorts: Your Gateway to Island Luxury
When considering St John Virgin Islands resorts, it’s important to note the island offers a more intimate and nature-focused experience compared to resort-dense Caribbean islands. St John is home to a select number of distinguished resorts, each providing unique access to the island’s stunning environment. Unlike destinations known for sprawling all-inclusive resorts, St John’s resorts emphasize quality, location, and personalized experiences. In addition to these resorts, visitors will find charming inns, bed and breakfasts, and a wide array of vacation rental villas that cater to diverse preferences and budgets.
For those specifically seeking St John Virgin Islands resorts, several options stand out:
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The Westin St John Resort Villas: Situated near Cruz Bay, The Westin St John offers a blend of resort amenities and timeshare villas. Guests can enjoy multiple pools, dining options, and activities, making it a family-friendly choice among St John Virgin Islands resorts.
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Gallows Point Resort: Located right in Cruz Bay, Gallows Point Resort provides condo-style accommodations with excellent snorkeling just steps away. While not a traditional full-service resort, it offers amenities that bridge the gap between a resort and a villa rental, appealing to travelers seeking convenience and a prime location within St John Virgin Islands resorts category.
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Grande Bay Resort: Also in Cruz Bay, Grande Bay Resort features luxurious condos with stunning views and easy access to town amenities. Its location and upscale offerings position it as another desirable option when considering St John Virgin Islands resorts.
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Lovango Resort & Beach Club: For a more exclusive and secluded experience within St John Virgin Islands resorts, consider Lovango Resort & Beach Club. Accessible by boat, this unique resort offers luxury glamping tents and a private island setting, perfect for those seeking a tranquil and upscale retreat.
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Caneel Bay Resort (Currently Closed for Repairs): Historically, Caneel Bay Resort was a legendary luxury destination within Virgin Islands National Park, boasting access to seven beaches. While currently closed for repairs, it remains an iconic name in St John Virgin Islands resorts and its reopening is eagerly anticipated.
While St John Virgin Islands resorts offer excellent amenities, it’s worth noting that true all-inclusive resorts are not a feature of the island. This reflects St John’s focus on natural exploration, independent dining experiences, and immersing oneself in the island’s laid-back culture.
St John Vacation Rentals: Villas for Every Taste
Beyond St John Virgin Islands resorts, vacation rentals, particularly villas, are incredibly popular. With over 800 villas scattered across the island, from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay, there’s a villa to match every need and budget. Ranging from cozy cottages to expansive multi-bedroom estates, these rentals often provide privacy, breathtaking ocean views, private pools, and fully equipped kitchens.
Renting a villa offers a more independent and personalized St John experience compared to staying in St John Virgin Islands resorts. They are ideal for families, groups, or anyone wanting a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Many villas are owner-managed or handled by local property management companies, ensuring a personal touch.
To find the perfect St John villa rental, explore platforms specializing in vacation rentals. For a wide selection and direct booking options, consider community-focused websites like StJohn-VillaRentals.com. This approach can sometimes help you avoid the service fees associated with large booking platforms, allowing you to connect directly with owners or local management and potentially find better deals for your St John vacation.
Deciding between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay for your villa rental location is key:
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Cruz Bay: The bustling hub of St John, Cruz Bay offers easy access to the ferry, taxis, numerous restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and amenities. Choosing St John Virgin Islands resorts or villas in Cruz Bay puts you at the center of the island’s activity.
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Coral Bay: For a more tranquil and secluded experience, Coral Bay on the East End provides a slower pace of life. While having fewer amenities than Cruz Bay, it offers proximity to stunning beaches like Salt Pond Bay and Lameshur Bay, appealing to those seeking peace and natural beauty away from the main tourist flow, but perhaps a longer drive to some St John Virgin Islands resorts located closer to Cruz Bay.
St John Inns & Bed and Breakfasts: Charming and Relaxing
If large St John Virgin Islands resorts or independent villas aren’t your preference, St John’s inns and bed & breakfasts offer a more intimate and relaxed accommodation style. These smaller establishments provide a personal touch and often feature unique charm and local insights.
Estate Lindholm, a highly regarded bed and breakfast, is nestled on a hillside overlooking Cruz Bay within the National Park. Its location offers both tranquility and easy access to Cruz Bay, as well as hiking trails leading to Salomon and Honeymoon Beaches.
Garden by the Sea presents another charming option, with uniquely decorated rooms and a peaceful ambiance, offering a quieter alternative to bustling St John Virgin Islands resorts while still providing comfortable and personalized service.
Camping in St John: Embrace Nature
For the adventurous traveler, camping in St John provides an immersive nature experience. Cinnamon Bay Campground, located within the Virgin Islands National Park, offers various camping options, from basic bare campsites to eco-tents and cottages. Recently reopened, Cinnamon Bay allows you to wake up steps from the beautiful Cinnamon Bay Beach.
Lovango Resort & Beach Club also offers luxury glamping tents, combining the outdoor experience with upscale comforts. While not traditional camping, these glamping tents provide a unique way to enjoy St John’s natural beauty with added amenities.
St John Timeshares: Resort Amenities with Long-Term Value
For visitors who love the resort experience of St John Virgin Islands resorts and plan to return regularly, timeshares at The Westin St John Resort Villas can be a worthwhile option. Timeshares offer access to resort amenities like pools, dining, and activities, with the benefit of long-term vacation ownership. Renting a timeshare can also be a more affordable way to experience The Westin compared to standard bookings.
Choosing Your Ideal St John Accommodation
Whether you prefer the amenities of St John Virgin Islands resorts, the privacy of a villa, the charm of a B&B, or the adventure of camping, St John offers diverse lodging to create your perfect island getaway. Consider your travel style, budget, and desired level of immersion in nature when making your choice. Explore the options and start planning your unforgettable St John vacation today.
