We're heading back for our second time in June as well. There are plenty of helpful folks on this board, you can get started at vrbo. It's the best place to find great places cheap because it's direct with the owners so no middleman. http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/caribbean/usvi-st-thomas

For beach access, diving etc. I would look at Coki, Sapphire or Secret Harbor, in no particular order. From both Coki and Secret Harbor there are dive operators on site and beach diving is actually possible as well.
Here is a picture we took at Secret Harbor a few weeks ago, we were there watching the Rolex Regatta

Jay

I have a condo right on Sapphire Beach. Just a few steps away from the beautiful blue water. The condo has a pool, tennis courts, beach chairs, AC, cable TV, micro wave, dish washer, washer, dryer etc.

275/night

If interested PM me

billd

Ck out: www.mclaughlinanderson.com for many villas to choose from! You need to decide if you would prefer a hotel/condo setting or your own house!
Good Luck in your search!

Hi billd!

Hi Balloon,

The Marriot is another nice option for an upper end hotel. I personally like to have a place with the added ammenities of a kitchen and laundry close by, especially with a 2 year old! I used to give my children popsicles in the bathtub, easier clean-up and they always looked forward to bath time. I'd check out billd's place and some of the other villa's that people have posted here as well. Sapphire has lot's of ammenities and by the front desk they have people on hand to book whatever tours or diving options that you would like, and the beach is beautiful.

We love St. Thomas and even have a villa here, but I do need to mention another favorite of our's. The Atlantis in the Bahama's on Paradise island. You're daughter may be a little young yet, but it is my children's favorite. They have pools and activities for the younger one's but when they grow to be 48" watch out! They have huge waterslides and some of them even go through a shark tank (you are safe in an acrylic tube). I could on and on about the Atlantis.

I think Secret Harbor is probably your best bet...JMHO..

Thanks for the note! I can't wait to go to Atlantis. I've heard nothing but great things about it, but we are going to hold off another year or two until she's a little bigger like you mentioned. I figure the year before we hit Disney...

I'm on VRBO but there are so many properties I'm a little overwhelmed. i think we'll want a pool, and my husband is leaning toward the red hook and secret harbor areas.

Any recommendations on a villa with a pool would be great. We only need 2 bedrooms but would like a nice place.

thanks!

Did you ever think about St john.
More villas to look at.
I like

http://www.islandgetawaysstjohn.com/allesandra.htm

But there are a ton of web sites that list villas

How long are you interested instaying? We have a gorgeous condo, 2BR, 2 b, all new beautiful kitchen, 3 terraces with the best views you can imagine. You would need to drive to the beach but there is a terrific pool just a short walk away. Inside parking right under the condo. PM me and I can send you photos. This would be available by the week if you want or by the month either way.

Debbie

I myself will be staying at the Secret Harbor for the first time. Look at most of the reviews and it will work for me. ETA June7th

Hi Debbie,

i think we're looking for a house if we're not going to stay in a hotel. We'd love to be able to put our daughter to bed at her usual time and then hang out in the pool at night and I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that if it meant leaving the unit.

This sounds great though.

Thanks,
Kelly

That kind of cuts your choices down to a few, as most of the hotels mentioned are all condo outfits, with the exception of the Marriott and Westin.

Balloon,

We just got back from STT and stayed at a private villa with our own pool, kitchen etc. Don't know what your budget is but it would be worth looking into Mclaughlinanderson.com. They have awesome villas and will escort you from the airport to your villa.