We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts All-Inclusive Resorts The Best Resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands Choose from these editor-loved and T+L award-winning beach hotels and all-inclusive resorts. By Emily Hochberg Emily Hochberg Emily Hochberg is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience specializing in travel, lifestyle, home, parenting, and reviews. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her work appears in Business Insider, The Points Guy, Yahoo, Buzzfeed, Best Products, Apartment Therapy, PEOPLE, Parents, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 19, 2024 Patio in guest suite at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort. Photo: Courtesy of Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort When I first visited the U.S. Virgin Islands on a cruise, I was so impressed by the crystal clear waters, stunning landscapes, and friendly local community, I couldn’t wait to return. Only next time, I knew I wanted to book a hotel on land so I could stay longer than just an afternoon in port. Fortunately, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are comprised of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are home to many incredible places to stay. From palatial all-inclusive resorts to luxurious boutique hotels fronting the best beaches, these properties appeal equally to families looking to keep busy as they do to honeymooners who want an intimate retreat. These are the best resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including several T+L World’s Best Awards and It List winners. Why I’m the Expert Emily Hochberg is an experienced travel writer and editor who has spent significant time in the Caribbean, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, and knows the hotel scene well. She specializes in curating and reviewing the best hotels around the world, and is confident that these are the very best hotels you can book in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lovango Resort and Beach Club Nicole Canegata / Courtesy of Lovango Resort + Beach Club, St. John Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com What We Like Whimsical glamping tents and sustainable practices stand at the forefront of this unique private island property that oozes quiet luxury. What to Consider The hotel operates seasonally and is only open between December and July. Villas and some holiday periods include night minimums, as well. Located 10 minutes by ferry from both St. John and St. Thomas, this idyllic private island hideaway is a slice of secluded paradise. The family-owned resort is helmed by the same group behind boutique properties in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and that luxe sense of hospitality extends to this T+L 2022 It List winner, as well. A sparkling infinity pool overlooks a white sand beach with vivid aquamarine waters, while accommodations include one-of-a-kind villas, treehouses, and glamping tents, all of which come with showers, cooling systems, and spectacular views. Multi-bedroom residences are also available for families and those needing extra space. Every stay at Lovango includes breakfast, and while the property is heavy on honeymoon vibes, there’s also a complimentary children’s activity center, and active travelers will appreciate on-site hiking trails. The Details: Location: LovangoAccessibility: The restaurant and common areas are ADA-accessible. There is one ADA accommodation and the hotel will be adding two additional units this spring.Nearby Attractions: Crescent Beach, Red Hook, Cruz BayLoyalty Programs: According to a hotel representative, Little Gem Resorts is developing a loyalty program for 2025.Rates: From $995 Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino Patio in guest suite at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort. Courtesy of Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like The dazzling oceanfront pool means your toughest decision will be choosing between lounging there or on the spectacular beach. What to Consider Guests must be over the age of 18 to stay here, but the on-site casino is only for those aged 21 and up. An adults-only oasis nestled on the tranquil east end of St. Croix, the Divi Carina Bay stuns not only with its captivating beachfront locale, but also with how it masterfully balances being both a quiet place to relax and a vibrant hub for activity. The all-inclusive resort recently underwent a top-to-bottom renovation that refreshed all rooms and suites, transforming them into bright, airy spaces starting at 356 square feet with espresso machines, air conditioning, smart TVs, balconies, and beachy decor. Other highlights include two freshwater pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, casino, and more. Food, drinks, many activities, and non-motorized water sports are all included in the price, and the hotel can help arrange day trips to places like bioluminescent lagoons and world-famous spots for scuba diving. The Details: Location: East end of St. CroixNearby Attractions: Cane Bay Wall, Point Udall, Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve, Altona LagoonLoyalty Programs: The Guestbook and The Divi Vacation ClubRates: From $568 Oceans at Divi Carina Bay Guest room in Oceans at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort. Courtesy of Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Checking into Oceans is a VIP experience with a dedicated front desk reserved for its guests. What to Consider Oceans guests are treated to upgraded rooms but otherwise, most amenities are the same as at the larger Divi Carina Bay resort. A boutique hotel-within-a-hotel, Oceans at Divi Carina Bay takes everything we love about its sister resort, Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort and Casino, and distills it down into a more indulgent and opulent experience. Tucked away within the property’s quiet east wing, there are just 50 rooms at Oceans, all of which offer an elevated experience with pampering perks not found within the larger resort. Like Divi Carina Bay, Oceans is adults-only and all-inclusive, and guests of both hotels mingle at the same beach and pools. However those who book the latter enjoy VIP in-room perks like plush robes, gourmet coffee pods, and upgraded bathroom toiletries. Plus, Oceans guests have a dedicated check-in desk for the highest quality of service. The Details: Location: East end of St. CroixNearby Attractions: Cane Bay Wall, Point Udall, Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve, Altona LagoonLoyalty Programs: The Guestbook and The Divi Vacation ClubRates: From $819 Hotels Offering Special Packages in the U.S. Virgin Islands The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort Guest room in The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort. Courtesy of The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com What We Like A fitting choice for couples, this dreamy resort was featured on ABC’s The Bachelor. What to Consider Additional charges apply for children or a third adult in guest rooms, except for Family Cottage Suites and the Ficus Suite. Covering 340 picturesque acres in St. Croix, gentle waves lap along three separate white sand beaches at this resort, which also has two pools, three restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, a spa, water sports center, and 24-hour fitness center. All rooms come with a balcony, air conditioning, and refrigerators, and every stay includes breakfast, self-parking, activities, a kids’ camp, and non-motorized rentals such as snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks. However, our insider tip is to choose an add-on package for extra value. For example, the Explore & Rejuvenate offer only costs $550 extra but includes a welcome drink and snack basket, a half-day snorkeling tour for two, a cabana rental with lunch, plus a $300 resort credit, which all together, is worth much more than $550. Likewise, couples can indulge with the Romance Package for an additional $1,900 and receive private round-trip airport transfers, a room upgrade, prosecco and fine chocolates, a beachfront lunch, a half-day snorkeling trip, a one-day beach cabana rental, a three-course dinner with wine, late checkout, plus a $300 resort credit, among other perks. The Details: Location: Buccaneer Beach, St. CroixAccessibility: The main entrance, restaurants, lounges, meeting spaces, entrance to swimming pool, the route to the registration desk and guest rooms are all accessible. All accommodation categories have ADA rooms available.Nearby Attractions: Buck Island Reef National Monument, The Wall, Christiansted Historic District, Captain Morgan Distillery, Point Udall, Sion Farm Distillery, Estate Little Princess PlantationLoyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $289 for room only “This hotel, a favorite of Michael Jackson and The Bachelor series, is the oldest on St. Croix, and also the most iconic. Book a room with an oceanview balcony and take advantage of having three beaches on property. Mermaid Beach is for activities — rent snorkels, paddle boards, and kayaks — or you can relax on the quieter Grotto and Whistle Beaches. If you play golf or tennis, there's also a beautiful course and plenty of courts.” –Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Club rooms and special packages allow you to create your own near all-inclusive experience. What to Consider While snorkeling gear is included, other watersports cost extra. Inspired by traditional island architecture but styled for a luxury-seeking set, The Ritz Carlton is a polished pearl sitting atop 30 breathtaking oceanfront acres. The centerpiece is a pristine beach, edged by turquoise waters and gently swaying lush palms. Spend days lounging at the sleek adults-only 125-foot freeform infinity pool, or family pool with waterslide. The resort also has a Topgolf suite, kids club, watersports, fine dining, a spa, and an exclusive catamaran yacht to charter for a day of island hopping. The resort itself is contemporary and chic, with gleaming rooms facing Great Bay that have elegant furnishings, balconies, and spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs. Upgrade to a club-level room or suite and receive access to a dedicated concierge and exclusive lounge that includes breakfast, a light lunch, heavy hors d’oeuvres at dinner, and a dessert buffet. For even more value, the Reconnect Package includes daily breakfast for two and a $100 daily resort credit, which may be redeemed for meals, spa treatments, and more. The Details: Location: Nazareth, St. ThomasAccessibility: All room types have accessibility features, though they differ based on the category. Some only have visual alarms and notification devices for doors and phones, others also have mobility-accessible features such as roll-in showers, bathtub rails, closed captioning, and lowered handles, viewports, deadbolts, and outlets. Elsewhere in the hotel, the property has accessible elevators, routes, and entrances to the pool, hotel, fitness center, spa, meeting spaces, and restaurant. Service animals are welcome.Nearby Attractions: Sapphire Beach, Red Hook, Magens Bay Beach, Blackbeard’s Castle, St. Thomas SynagogueLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: From $834 for room only, $1,017 for Reconnect Package Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection Courtesy of Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman's Reef, Autograph Collection Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com What We Like Staying here offers the best of both worlds with a room in an intimate boutique hotel that comes with access to a full-service sister resort, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa. What to Consider There are only three room types: Garden View King, Oceanfront King, and a One-Bedroom Suite. Facing the bright blue waters of Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas, Buoy Haus Beach Resort is a chilled-out island escape with just 92 guestrooms and two suites. Every accommodation has balconies, soothing coastal-inspired decor, and sitting areas. On-site there are four dining options ranging from upscale Spanish or Japanese cuisine to toes-in-the-sand casual beach meals, plus poolside service. An infinity pool, spa, and fitness center round out the offerings, or reserve a ride onboard the hotel’s Flying Frenchman catamaran, sailboat, or chartered boat. You’ll also enjoy full access to The Westin Beach Resort & Spa next door, however at Buoy House, only guests may use facilities like the exclusive Tide Pool. To maximize your stay, book the Experiences package and receive $150 daily food and beverage credit, or the Stay for Breakfast rate that includes two adults and all children aged 12 and younger. The Details: Location: Frenchman’s BayAccessibility: Both the Garden View King and One-Bedroom Suite accommodations are accessible with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and notification devices for door and phone.Nearby Attractions: Frenchman’s Reef, Paradise Point, Bluebeard’s Castle, Fort Christian, Magens Bay, Blackbeard’s Castle, St. Thomas SynagogueLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: From $425 for room only, $589 for Experiences package, $578 for Stay for Breakfast The Westin St. John Resort Villas Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com What We Like This all-suite property offers villa and townhouse-style accommodations that are fantastic for large families and extended stays. What to Consider As with most timeshare properties, there may be some pressure to join a sales presentation. Ideal for families or anyone looking for more space to splash out than a typical hotel room, this all-villa resort faces a white sand cove on Great Cruz Bay with a quarter-acre pool. Part of Westin Vacation Club, much of the property includes timeshare vacation rentals, however anyone can book here. Choose from studio, one, two, or three bedroom villas, or a townhouse accommodation spanning 2,850 square feet that can fit up to eight adults. All rooms feature signature Westin Heavenly Beds, furnished patios, kitchens or kitchenettes, washers and dryers, and living spaces. A three-bedroom loft-style villa even has its own private pool. Because many guests are timeshare owners, there are no resort fees and parking and Wi-Fi are free. And unlike other vacation rental properties, there are still loads of on-site amenities including tennis courts, a kids club, fitness center, a deli, a beachside bar and grill, and an additional restaurant serving breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch. The best deals are reserved for Bonvoy members, especially those with Elite status, who can save nearly $100 per night as part of Marriott’s Elite Exclusive Offer, putting aside more dollars for food and drinks by the pool. The Details: Location: Cruz BayAccessibility: Two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and three-bedroom loft villas all have mobility-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, many lowered features, and bathroom grab bars. Only the first two of those room types are hearing accessible with visual alarms and notification devices for doors and phones. Additionally, many public areas are accessible including self-parking, elevators, restaurants, pool, fitness center, registration, and concierge.Nearby Attractions: Cruz Bay Visitor Center, Honeymoon Beach, Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay PlantationLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: From $490 for non-Bonvoy members, $412 for Bonvoy members, $387 for Elite members Know Before You Go U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. citizens are not required to bring passports to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, you will need to show documentation similar to what you would use to fly domestically, such as a government-issued ID like a driver's license. Each island within the U.S. Virgin Islands is distinct St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix are all wonderful places to visit and each has its own distinct vibe, so be sure to choose the right one based on your vacation style and preferences. For example, St. Thomas is home to the most commercial activity. It’s where you’ll find the widest variety of hotels and resorts, great shopping and dining, and world-famous beaches like Magens Bay. It also tends to be the busiest of the three since it’s a popular cruise port. This also makes it the best for island hopping as there are ample boating services. St. John is mostly made up of a national park, which is great for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, but as a result, has fewer beaches and beachfront resorts. You’ll find smaller hotels and inns here — and fewer than on St. Thomas, which has the most — some of which may require a short drive or walk to reach the sand. St. Croix is a bit more remote as it’s located farther from St. Thomas and St. John. This may make island hopping less convenient, however, it also means the beaches are pristine, the vibe is less touristy, and there’s still plenty to do including golf, great snorkeling, and scuba diving, plus interesting places to visit such as rum distilleries and historic plantations. St. John does not have its own airport While St. Thomas and St. Croix have their own airports, St. John does not. To reach St. John, you’ll need to fly into one of the other airports, typically St. Thomas, and then arrange for a ferry transfer from there. Many hotels provide ferry services or can let you know the right one to book. Be aware that the U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean's hurricane belt Many Caribbean islands are located in a hurricane belt, which is an area that is more susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms. Storms typically take place from June through November, though the season peaks in September and October. For the best weather, and to avoid possible travel disruptions, consider avoiding this time period or book with caution and look for flexible policies. How We Chose These Hotels Travel + Leisure contributor Emily Hochberg is an experienced travel and lifestyle writer and editor who has reviewed hotels around the world. She’s traveled extensively around the Caribbean, including to the U.S. Virgin Islands. To select the best hotels, she vetted the full collection of properties available to book, and selected properties known to be editor favorites, T+L award winners, and hotels that are positively reviewed by past guests. Additionally, she considered those with competitive deals, all-inclusive packages, and on-site offerings for a well-rounded vacation experience. Other factors included a range of styles, from luxury to family-friendly stays, and several accommodation types from spacious rooms to large suites and villas, as well as unbeatable locations facing the best beaches on the islands. She also looked for trusted hospitality brands that uphold a strong reputation for excellence, and a wide range of starting price points to meet a variety of budgets. And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations align with our core T+L Hotel Values. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more