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Hello all - we are looking into Bongolo Bay as a possible spot for our vacation with friends and two teenage daughters in March. The difference between taking all meals there or no meals there can add up to as much as $459 per day, per family (per three people). That seems excessive to me, but I don't know meal prices in St. Thomas. Can anyone advise on whether we're apt to spend that much per day? I do like a good meal at night, not just a burger.
Thanks!
Chloe:
If I'm reading this correctly you're saying it would cost about $150. per person per day extra for the all inclusive feature?
I assume that the all inclusive includes drinks (alcohol) as well?
You state that your daughters are teen agers....who would probably not drink alcoholic beverages anyway.
Unless you really like to splurge on meals/drinks the $150. per day sounds expensive. There are many good moderate priced restaurants on STT. Since I'm more familiar with the Red Hook area...there are many places where you can get a decent dinner for $25-$30./person. Besides eating (and drinking) all of your meals at Bolongo can get boring. We like the "all you can eat" crab night at Bolongo (Igges) for $29. and the "all you can eat" shrimp night at Mims (next door)...I think that was $19.95.
I'd rather see you spending the extra money renting a car during your stay and exploring the other dining options.
Whatever you decide have a great time!
F.I.
I would never use an all inclusive plan unless... it is severely discounted...There are no nearby food options...I planned to stay in the AI resort all of the time... It included all liquor and bar costs.
If you plan to really enjoy the island you should plan to enjoy the many eating out options.
If it is about money then do the math and you will probably find that most all inclusives cost you more unless you eat like a pig and all drinks are covered.
I can't speak for the dinner meals at Bolongo but we do frequent Iggies for early or late lunch and cocktails. Love the place. As far as the all inclusive I'm pretty sure it includes all drinks and that makes it much more $ wise. I for one would not recommend the all inclusive as it would limit your desire to check out all the other GREAT spots to eat on the Island. Our list of must do spots for dinner is long and I could not imagine missing many of them on a visit. I would spend the saved $ on a rental car and open up your options for eats and exploring. It seems like our plans always get tangled up with the Island Time or Beach hopping thing so for us to have to be back to the base camp, if you will, for chow would be a real hassle. Now if your plans are to stay on Belong and not rent a car, then check out other all inclusive plans they may have. Just my opinion of course.
I would say don't do all inclusive. The island isn't like other countries where you feel like you need to stay on resort for safety reasons. Get out and explore the island, the local restaurants, etc. It's so much fun, you'll have great meals, and meet lots of neat folks! 🙂
