If we’re being honest, we think St. Croix doesn’t get the attention it deserves. As the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it offers a quieter Caribbean experience than its more famous neighbors. The island has pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling at Buck Island, and historic towns like Christiansted. Better yet, you don’t need a passport since it’s U.S. territory. And if you want to have a stress-free getaway where everything is all taken care of, all inclusive resorts in St Croix are ready to welcome you.
The fully and partially all-inclusive resorts here tend to be smaller and more personalized than mega-resort destinations, giving you a comfortable home base where costs are predictable and stress is minimal. Whether you’re planning to dive coral reefs, tour a rum distillery, or simply unwind on uncrowded beaches, the right resort can set you up for exactly the kind of Caribbean getaway you’re looking for.
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Carina Bay All-Inclusive Resort & Casino
Finding genuine, all inclusive resorts in St Croix proves challenging, and Carina Bay stands alone as the island’s sole option. Despite the limited selection, our experience at this remarkable destination exceeded all expectations. The package covered everything from dining and beverages to evening activities.
A Relaxing Escape
The Carina Bay Resort & Casino stands out as St. Croix‘s sole property that manages to be both fully inclusive and exclusively for adults. Located along the tranquil eastern shoreline, the resort gave us a premium experience where we didn’t need to worry about pulling out our wallets for meals, beverages, or activities. We could finally enjoy the stress-free getaway we had been craving.
The resort offers a good mix of amenities and activities. The beach area features quality sand and clear water, and there’s plenty to do throughout the day. We spent some of our time at the freshwater pools with drinks, played pickleball when we felt more active, and visited the on-site casino in the evenings. The resort also has kayaking, paddleboarding, and volleyball available, which gave us options for staying active between scheduled outings like our trip to the bioluminescent lagoon.
“As the island’s only all-inclusive resort, it packs in everything you need for a fun, hassle-free stay, from daily activities to endless ways to unwind.“
WOW Travel
Beachfront Room
The renovations at Carina Bay Resort & Casino were noticeable right away. Our Ocean Beachfront King room turned out to be spacious and filled with natural light, and the housekeeping standards were clearly high throughout. The ocean was close enough that we could smell it! In fact, we woke up to the sound of the waves each morning. After getting ready, we would make espresso with the in-room machine and head out to our private balcony. The view really delivered on what we had hoped for. We also appreciated the effective air conditioning, the comfortable king bed, the modern bathroom, and the coastal design elements that made the room 10 times more charming.
Multiple Dining Options
Thanks to the all-inclusive package at Carina Bay Resort & Casino, meals were hassle-free. We appreciated having multiple dining venues to choose from based on what we felt like. Sometimes it was casual, sometimes it was a bit more formal.
Though the options were plenty, Tuscany Ristorante Italiano ended up being our preferred choice. This primary restaurant operates certain nights of the week and has water views. The setting is pretty relaxed, though guests generally wear something nicer than beachwear. We reserved a table and got the daily fish option, which included rice and vegetables on the side. The preparation was solid and everything tasted fresh. We would highly recommend making time for at least one dinner there.
For lighter fare, Oceans Bar & Grill worked well throughout the day. It sits next to the main pool area, making it easy to order food without going far. They serve standard American options: burgers, wraps, salads, that sort of thing. They also run different drink deals each day, which was nice.
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Partially All Inclusive Resorts in St Croix We Recommend
These resorts don’t fit the traditional all-inclusive mold completely. That said, they still provide excellent value packages and experiences that combine dining options and various amenities, creating a stay that closely resembles the all-inclusive style many travelers seek.
Sand Castle on the Beach
Though not fully all-inclusive, we still enjoyed the Sand Castle on the Beach, an adults-only resort. The beach here is stunning and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. That said, the resort provided us with complimentary snorkel gear, too (in addition to free breakfast). We also loved how friendly the staff were and how easy everything felt, from lounging by the pool to grabbing dinner with ocean views. Our room was just steps from the sand, and every evening we would watch those unreal St. Croix sunsets. If you’re looking for a chill, comfortable stay without the crowds, this spot is it.
Read also: 11 Best Hotels in U.S. Virgin Islands
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The Palms at Pelican Cove
Like many other resorts in St. Croix, The Palms at Pelican Cove is right on the beach. We could just walk out of our room and be by the water in seconds. The staff were friendly and helpful, and we appreciated how welcoming the atmosphere was. The resort also has plenty of activities, like snorkeling and kayaking, and the beach is clean and quiet, perfect for just hanging out. While meals aren’t included, the restaurant on site was convenient and served solid food with great views. Oh, don’t forget to try out the refreshing cocktail at the beach bar, too!
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Club St. Croix Beach and Tennis Resort
We have to recommend Club St. Croix Beach and Tennis Resort, especially if you’ve been looking for tennis resorts in the Caribbean! It’s just a few minutes from Christiansted, right on a long, palm-lined beach that’s great for swimming. Our condo had everything we needed: a full kitchen, good air conditioning, free WiFi, and a private balcony. And as the name suggests, this resort has a well-maintained tennis court. On top of that, you’ll also find a pickleball court, a big swimming pool, and a hot tub. When we wanted more action, downtown Christiansted was only about five minutes away with plenty of restaurants, shops, and historic spots to check out.
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Where to Stay in St. Croix
If you’re visiting St. Croix for the first time, Christiansted is probably where you’ll want to base yourself. It’s got everything, from downtown waterfront buzz to places to eat that aren’t too touristy. On top of that, you’re basically steps away from Fort Christiansvaern if you’re into history. Plus, it’s super easy to arrange day trips to Buck Island or find spots to dive without having to drive forever.
Frederiksted sits on the opposite side of the island and feels way more low-key than Christiansted. Cruise ships pull in here, but most days it’s pretty chill. The beaches are calmer, which is better for swimming, and the sunsets are legit stunning. The snorkeling and diving here are top-notch, and the whole town just has this laid-back, neighborly feel to it.
Want to get away from it all? The East End is where you go. This part of St. Croix is all about sweeping views, quiet coves, and keeping to yourself. You’ve got Carina Bay Resort & Casino, the island’s only all-inclusive, plus some really nice villas scattered around. It’s not a party scene or anything, just beautiful landscapes and the kind of peace you can’t find in the busier areas.
By the way, did you know St. Croix is one of the most welcoming gay-friendly islands? If you want to visit this island with your partner, check out these top 11 gay-friendly hotels in St. Croix!
Does St. Croix have an all-inclusive?
Yes, St. Croix has one true all-inclusive resort, which is the Carina Bay All-Inclusive Resort & Casino. However, many resorts also offer packages and similar experiences that remind you of all-inclusives.
What is the best month to go to St. Croix?
The best time to visit St. Croix is from December to April, when the weather is warm, dry, and ideal for beaches and outdoor activities. You’ll avoid hurricane season and enjoy the island at its most vibrant.
Is it better to go to St. Thomas or St. Croix?
St. Thomas is better if you want more nightlife, shopping, and easy access to other Virgin Islands. St. Croix is quieter, larger, and ideal for history, local culture, and less-crowded beaches.
