When we think about an easy yet lavish Caribbean escape, St. Thomas is usually at the top of the list. There are tons of reasons why we love this gem of the US Virgin Islands. Fellow US travelers don’t need a passport to visit the island, it uses the U.S. dollar, and it blends American familiarity with classic Caribbean scenery seamlessly. To enjoy this island like a VIP, be sure to check out our favorite luxury resorts in St Thomas, Virgin Islands. Expect standout service, beautiful ocean views, and the kind of comfort that makes a vacation truly feel like a reward. Keep reading!
Also read: Top 10 Things To Do In U.S Virgin Islands
Table of contents
- Elysian Beach Resort
- The Pink Palm Hotel
- Point Pleasant Resort
- The Hideaway Hull Bay
- Flamboyan on the Bay Resort
- Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove
- Buoy Haus Beach Resort St Thomas
- The Westin St Thomas Beach Resort & Spa
- Lovango Resort and Beach Club
- The Ritz-Carlton St Thomas
- Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
- Is St Thomas considered luxurious?
- What is the best month to go to St Thomas?
- What is the rainiest month in St Thomas, Virgin Islands?
Elysian Beach Resort
11
We’re sure you’ll enjoy staying at Elysian Beach Resort as much as we did, if not more. This resort has an awesome pool, but we spent most of our time down at the beach because it’s tucked into a protected bay. The water stays shallow and very calm, which makes it perfect for just hanging out in the ocean. We also liked that we never had to fight for a lounge chair, as there was plenty of space and a good balance of sun and shade, so we didn’t get burned.
Furthermore, checking in and out was fast, and since we had a rental car, having plenty of parking right on-site was a huge plus. We grabbed pizza at one of the two restaurants one night, but we mostly stuck to the pool bar for drinks since the staff there was so helpful.
The location is definitely the biggest selling point. Being on the East End near Red Hook means you’re right by the ferry and a ton of local restaurants. On top of that, we were only a few minutes away from some of the best beaches on the island.
Check Rates on:
The Pink Palm Hotel
10
The Pink Palm Hotel has everything you’re looking for from the top luxury resorts in St Thomas, Virgin Islands. It’s an adults-only boutique hotel built out of a 1940s residence, so it has that cool, historic character but still manages to be modern. It has 28 suites spread across six different buildings. When we were there, the hotel felt private, quiet, and a bit like a hidden neighborhood secret.
The rooms are pretty and comfortable. Each suite has a kitchenette and a Nespresso machine, so you aren’t forced to go out for every single coffee or snack. We also loved how minimalist our suite was. Think clean lines, Art Deco touches, and a tropical getaway. Plus, the Wi-Fi was fast enough for us to get some work done.
For food and drinks, El Barsito is the hub of the property. It’s seen by many as one of the most romantic spots on the island. Grab a handcrafted cocktail at sunset, and you’ll see why. One big piece of advice: don’t bother with a rental car. The hotel is tucked into the hills, and with local taxis, boats, and just walking, it’s much easier to get around like a local.
Check Rates on:
Point Pleasant Resort
9
After staying at Point Pleasant Resort, we can confidently say it lives up to its reputation as a quiet, private getaway. The first thing we noticed was the landscaping. It’s kept very natural, which was a refreshing change of pace from those artificial resorts you often see. Plus, the sea views were with us 24/7.
Since the resort is built directly into a mountainside, we got a solid leg workout every day just getting around. We spent a lot of time on the nature trail, where we even found some wild mangoes growing along the path. The trail leads down to a small, secluded beach that was great for a quiet picnic, and we also made sure to spend an evening at the gazebo at the very end of the walkway.
For our stay, we decided to go with Villa B7, and we were impressed by how modern the interior was. The unit had new tile and sleek furniture that gave it a very updated look, and the high cabana ceilings made the whole place feel massive. A big plus for us was the lighting! It was bright and sunny in the morning, but the unit stayed nice and shady by the afternoon, which kept things cool. Highly recommended for big groups!
Check Rates on:
The Hideaway Hull Bay
8
Best Privacy. If you’re looking for a chill spot in St. Thomas that prioritizes privacy and tranquility, The Hideaway Hull Bay is it. It’s an eco-luxury retreat and organic farm right by the beach. We loved being just steps away from the main gate to Hull Bay. It’s the perfect place to grab a cocktail and just hang out. Aside from the beach, we also loved the farm with banana trees everywhere, which gives the resort an island feel and makes it one of the most unique hotels in the US Virgin Islands.
While our villa didn’t offer us an ocean view, the privacy and extra space were a great trade-off. We had two bedrooms with king beds and two large bathrooms, which made getting ready so much easier. We also had a full kitchen and a big living area, but we spent most of our time on the massive covered porch. And when we wanted to beat the heat, we’d just jump into the pool.
For food, The Shack is the go-to restaurant on the property. The menu isn’t huge, but the food was quality, and the margaritas were some of the best we’ve had. That said, you definitely have to walk over to Fish Bar nearby. We had our absolute best meal of the entire trip there.
“Sure, you can find many more luxurious resorts in St Thomas, but none is doing it like The Hideaway Hull Bay.”
WOW Travel
Check Rates on:
Flamboyan on the Bay Resort
7
The Flamboyan on the Bay Resort is spread across seven acres on a hillside overlooking Magens Bay, giving us some great views of the water from our balcony. Plus, being on the north side of St Thomas meant we were just a short drive away from one of the best beaches on the island.
Our suite was fantastic. It had a kitchenette, which was handy for keeping drinks cold and making quick breakfasts. When we didn’t feel like cooking, we just headed over to RooT 42 for dinner or grabbed coffee at the North Side Grind right on-site. There are two pools and a hot tub tucked into the gardens, so we always found a quiet spot to hang out.
For activities, the place is well-equipped. We spent some time on the lighted tennis courts and checked out the video gaming center. On top of that, the staff was always friendly, which fit the overall chill atmosphere of the property. If you’re looking for a comfortable, practical basecamp that captures the actual feel of the Virgin Islands, this is definitely the spot.
Check Rates on:
Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove
6
Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is built right into the hillside, giving us an incredible view of Pacquereau Bay. We stayed in its Two-Bedroom Villa, which was honestly better than we imagined. Having a full kitchen and our own laundry machines made the trip so much easier, and the balcony views of the property left us speechless.
The heart of the place is definitely the pool area. It’s a massive 1,500-square-foot infinity pool with a slide and a whirlpool that we spent a ton of time in. If you’re more of a beach person, the resort has a compact private beach with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. We spent one afternoon out on the private dock and another night doing a guided kayak tour in illuminated boats. Seeing the rays and marine life under the kayaks was such a cool experience.
When we didn’t feel like cooking in the villa, we headed to Sunset Cove Bar & Grille. It’s an open-air, poolside spot. We tried everything from their breakfast sandwiches and pancakes to the Creole red snapper and jerk chicken wraps for dinner. For quick snacks, we just hit up The Marketplace Express. They have a solid selection of grab-and-go items, plus all the provisions you’d need if you want to use the gas grills in the picnic area for a DIY barbecue.
Check Rates on:
Buoy Haus Beach Resort St Thomas
5
Best Boutique Resort. We’ve always been firm believers that you don’t need a thousand-room resort to have a world-class vacation. The 94-room Buoy Haus Beach Resort was exactly the right size for us. It was much more manageable and laid-back than the massive complexes you usually see in the USVI. Our room had a sharp, modern Caribbean look and opened right onto a solid stretch of beach. Plus, it’s one of the few high-end spots in the area that is actually pet-friendly, which was a huge deciding factor for us.
We spent most of our downtime at the infinity pool, which has a good swim-up bar and plenty of shaded cabanas. The food exceeded our expectations, particularly the local seafood at Isla Blue. We liked having the flexibility to do a nicer sit-down dinner there one night and then just grab something at the casual beach grill the next, when we didn’t feel like changing out of our swimwear.
That’s not all! By staying here, you can have full access to the amenities at the Westin next door. We had full access to their larger gym, used their paddleboards, and booked snorkeling trips through them. So, you get a quiet, low-key hotel to sleep at, but you still get to use all the heavy-duty amenities and activities of a much larger resort. Talk about balance!
Check Rates on:
The Westin St Thomas Beach Resort & Spa
4
Yep, next door to Buoy Haus is The Westin St Thomas Beach Resort & Spa. This is a great choice if you prefer a larger resort with full amenities over a small boutique hotel. One of the biggest perks for us was using Marriott Bonvoy points to cover the stay, which made a high-end resort much more affordable. Plus, the location is incredibly convenient. It’s only about five miles from STT, so we were off the plane and checking into the hotel almost immediately.
Most of our time was split between the Heavenly Spa and the various bars on the property. We really enjoyed the Mediterranean food at Luna Mar, especially with the Caribbean views, but Edge Bar was our preferred spot when we just wanted a quick margarita by the water. They also have an on-site coffeehouse, which was great for grabbing a drink during our slower mornings.
Our room was bright, clean, and felt pretty spacious for the two of us. The Westin offers a wide range of price points, from the massive Presidential Suites down to the more standard Terrace and Deluxe rooms if you’re trying to be more budget-conscious. A major plus is that every room has its own private balcony, so you get some outdoor space regardless of whether you’re facing the gardens or the ocean.
Check Rates on:
Lovango Resort and Beach Club
3
An excellent private island stay, you said? Check out Lovango Resort and Beach Club! Though technically on St John, this paradise is only a quick ferry ride from St Thomas. The whole place is eco-friendly, which we loved. We spent a good chunk of our time at Crescent Beach snorkeling, and it didn’t disappoint. We actually spotted sea turtles and stingrays right off the shore.
For the stay, we opted for one of the treehouses, and it was easily the coolest part of our trip. The design is open-air, so you’ve got views of the water from basically everywhere, including the bed. It also boasts a kitchen and a really nice outdoor shower. When we weren’t at the treehouse, we were hanging out at the Beach Club with private cabanas and a massive infinity pool. Psst! The food there is top-tier!
The main reason we recommend Lovango is that it’s different. You don’t find many places that nail the eco-conscious design while still delivering world-class service. It’s a great spot for couples or anyone who just needs to unplug for a few days and enjoy the scenery.
Check Rates on:
The Ritz-Carlton St Thomas
2
Best Reputation. We stayed at The Ritz-Carlton St Thomas not long after its huge renovation. Talk about timing! Everything felt fresh and modern while still capturing that classic Great Bay atmosphere. We spent a significant amount of time at the redesigned family pool, which now includes a waterslide.
Regarding the food, we appreciated having four different on-site restaurants, which provided enough variety that we never felt bored with the menus. For our stay, we booked a rate with daily breakfast included, and it was a great decision. The food was amazing! Meanwhile, for those looking for extra value throughout the day, feel free to upgrade to a Club Level room that offers access to a private lounge for complimentary snacks and drinks.
The room options are versatile enough to work for anyone, ranging from standard resort-view rooms to large three-bedroom suites for bigger groups. Whether you’re a couple or a large family, the options are flexible enough to accommodate different needs comfortably.
Check Rates on:
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
1
Best All-Inclusive. We finally checked out Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, which is the original all-inclusive resort on St Thomas. It’s one of the only places on the island that actually does the traditional all-inclusive thing. We liked that the vibe was much more low-key and relaxed compared to other huge resorts. A huge plus for us was the resort’s own catamaran. We hopped on it for a day trip over to St. John, which was probably the best part of the whole stay.
We spent most of our time on the 1,000-foot beach right in front of the property. The nice thing about the rate here is that they include gear like paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkels, so we didn’t have to deal with extra rental fees or constant planning. When the water was calm, we’d just grab a board and head out, then grab lunch at the Oasis Restaurant & Pool Bar whenever we got hungry.
As for the rooms, it really comes down to your budget and how much you care about the view. We went with a Beachfront Room because we wanted to walk straight out onto the sand, but the Ocean View Rooms on the higher floors are better if you want a private balcony and a higher vantage point.
For other similar recommendations, check out these 11 best all-inclusive hotels in the US Virgin Islands!
Check Rates on:
Our Verdict!
Which of the luxury resorts in St Thomas Virgin Islands listed above suits you best? If you’re still contemplating, we have an even more curated list below!
- Best All-Inclusive: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
- Best Reputation: The Ritz-Carlton St Thomas
- Best Boutique Resort: Buoy Haus Beach Resort St Thomas
- Best Privacy: The Hideaway Hull Bay
Where to Stay in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Our first recommendation is Charlotte Amalie, an ideal option for travelers who want convenience and energy. As the capital of the US Virgin Islands, this harbor town is the island’s main cruise port and shopping hub. Staying here allows you to be close to historic sites like Blackbeard’s Castle, waterfront restaurants, ferry connections to St. John, and plenty of duty-free shops. While it’s busier than other parts of the island, it’s a practical base if you want easy access to excursions, nightlife, and transportation.
On the East End, particularly around Red Hook, you’ll find a livelier, beach-focused atmosphere with a more local feel. Red Hook is known for its marina, casual bars, and ferry terminal with regular service to St. John and the British Virgin Islands. This area also puts you close to some of St. Thomas’ most beautiful beaches, including Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbour Beach.
For a more secluded and upscale experience, the Northside is hard to beat. This quieter, hillier stretch of the island is home to dramatic ocean views and some of the most scenic beaches, including Magens Bay, often ranked among the Caribbean’s most beautiful. Resorts and villas here tend to feel more private, making it especially appealing for couples or travelers seeking a relaxed, resort-style stay.
Is St Thomas considered luxurious?
Yes, it’s considered by many as a luxury travel destination, especially with its upscale beachfront resorts, private villas, and yacht-filled marinas. There are plenty of high-end experiences that make it feel exclusive.
What is the best month to go to St Thomas?
We recommend going in April as it has warm weather, lower humidity, and fewer crowds after peak season.
What is the rainiest month in St Thomas, Virgin Islands?
September is usually the rainiest month on the island. It falls during the peak of the Caribbean’s wet and hurricane season. Showers are often brief but can be heavy, with a higher chance of tropical storms.
