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Sell me! Which should I pick and why for a family vacation of a week? I'm looking for specific details too as you can see pics and webcams anywhere. I have been to Sapphire before, loved it, but there were just two of us. There will be 6 of us this time and that includes two children that of course get hyper active, ages 10 and 12. I felt Sapphire might not work there with the larger group and children. We will have a car but please do not use that to sway my vote either way on things to do because you know younger kids on spring break. They need things on location. Also, I am sure the sunset is better at Cowpet, but are there any locations/condos where you can see a full sunset at Cowpet? Can you walk to Redhook from Cowpet? Isn't the beach at Sapphire actually bigger? But then less rental items for kids as well? It seems like Cowpet has more dining options within walking distance? Just giving some example questions, just sell me on which you like better and why. If you have stayed in both locations you will have better credibility 🙂
I would not suggest walking anywhere as there are no sidewalks either from Sapphire or Cowpet into Red Hook.
The main road back and forth to Cowpet is extremely narrow and if 2 cars are passing in opposite directions, you and your party shall be in the bush or run over.
Seems to me Cowpet accommodations have more space - 2x2 rentals w/sleeper whereas Sapphire only has studios/1 bedrooms w/sleeper and lots of stairs.
Ritz Carlton, Elysian and STT Yacht Club are in walking distance to Cowpet (not on the road) and there are more restaurants in that beach area as well as activities in that and immediate surrounding area but only you can choose which is right for your party.
Im no expert, but am happy to share my observations. sapphire is a very large beach with nice water for small children and adults alike. They
have a pool there and some guy will come around and take orders for food and drink. But it can take an hour to get your food and drink. Cowpet Bay East and the Elysian have a smaller beach but we always stay there. They have a huge pool, a beach and pool bar, a formal good restaurant and Sangrias, a great covered casual restaurant that opens for great breakfasts,,has great sandwiches, pizzas and other foods. There are two separate bathrooms on the beach. We think the Elysian and Cowpet Bay East have it all. Close to stores. Close to RedHook but you need a car, not within walking distance. We always go to St John and other beaches on St Thomas but love just spending the day on our "home" beach, the Elysian. But, Sapphire is always on our list to go spend a day on because it is an excellent beach.
Thank you Ruby and Alana, none of us have ever been to St John so that is surely on the list. I also forgot about just staying at the Cowpet area and just doing the short drive to Smith Bay or Sapphire and of course Coki and Magens, or the reverse if we do a couple units at Sapphire. I'll keep searching on things to do and of course cost.
If there are any other suggestions other than these two I will also highly look at them and would be greatful for them. Would like the areas to be similar to Sapphire or Cowpet and for six people. Bolongo, Bluebeards, and Morningstar look great as well but I know nothing about them. Is there anything near Magens that is kind of like a resort where you can easily walk to the beach? And Alana you have me concerned about the small roads by Cowpet hahahahaha. I never drove back to that area so I do not know what it is like. Considering we will have to have a large vehicle that might be a problem.
There are a few 2BR units at Sapphire while many people traveling in larger groups rent adjacent units. There's really no question that the beach at Sapphire is superior to that at Elysian (which is used by the Cowpet Condos and the Elysian Beach Resort). Cowpet Bay East is a walk but closer to the beach while the Cowpet Bay West condos overlook the St Thomas Yacht Club moorings - a pretty view but not a swimming beach. Both Sapphire and Cowpet are within 5 minutes of Red Hook so that's really a non-issue.
No worries about the road there. It's perfectly fine for driving (I have a big Ford Explorer and it's no problem at all). Alana was referring more to the walking aspect as (and of course you know this from your stay at Sapphire) there are no sidewalks and plenty of blind corners to navigate. I HAVE seen people walking on that road but it's as discouraged as walking pretty much anywhere other than in town.
I'm not sure why you think Sapphire wouldn't work because of the children and activities. Sapphire has it over the Elysian Beach in spades where snorkeling is concerned; there are jet skis to rent; sailing charters right out of the marina . As far as eating is concerned you'll of course have your own kitchen for packed lunches; the Banana Cabana at Sapphire on the beach does a great job on sandwiches and drinks; the restaurant up on the hill in Sapphire Village is under new ownership and seems to be doing quite well; they have live music a couple of nights a week and a runner on the beach to take orders, as does Senor Pizza.
Another option is Secret Harbour. Units there aren't rented through vrbo.com but are handled by the resort management. It's on a par with Sapphire where snorkeling is concerned. is a beautiful beach and there is a restaurant and bar on site as well as a dive shop. Certainly worth looking at and my choices would actually be Sapphire, then Secret Harbour and then Cowpet. The south side places in general don't appeal to me as the beaches aren't nearly as nice!
Have fun deciding and researching and, wherever you decide to stay, enjoy a wonderful vacation!
Perfect and thank you very much everyone
I was referring to walking the road on the way to Cowpet. Sapphire to Red Hook isn't any picnic either but not as narrow.
I would not suggest walking either of these at night, at all.
I recently had some friends anchored at STT Yacht Club that did walk the road from Cowpet and told me how narrow and dangerous it was to use as pedestrians. One close encounter was all it took to discourage them. They ended up snagging rides from the yacht club or calling a cab.
Road is wide enough for drivers but not foot traffic and drivers.
Sapphire is a lovely beach but still think Cowpet the better option as more available within a short distance for kids and adults.
A trip to STJ on the car barge should be a definate "must do" on your list, as well as a visit to Coral World for the kids.
Alana, that's what I said in reference to the Cowpet/Nazareth main road:
"Alana was referring more to the walking aspect as (and of course you know this from your stay at Sapphire) there are no sidewalks and plenty of blind corners to navigate. I HAVE seen people walking on that road but it's as discouraged as walking pretty much anywhere other than in town."
I someone get lashed by a safari taxi while walking to Red Hook. I would never do it! Too dangerous!
I would advise anyone to rent a car or take a taxi. I wouldn't put my life at risk to save a few dollars.
STT Resident wrote:
Alana, that's what I said in reference to the Cowpet/Nazareth main road:"Alana was referring more to the walking aspect as (and of course you know this from your stay at Sapphire) there are no sidewalks and plenty of blind corners to navigate. I HAVE seen people walking on that road but it's as discouraged as walking pretty much anywhere other than in town."
Yes!
Sapphire + better beach. Cowpet = better condo. Depending upon you budget I would defintely look at some of the "sout shore" resorts. With six I would assume you want three bedrooms. Why not check out some homes on VRBO?
Marriott Frenchmans Cove has 2 & 3 bedroom villas, infinity pool, nice beach(a little rocky in some spots with ok snorkeling), kids club,activities center,free wifi, restaurant on site(a little pricey food ok) and stunning views and sunsets over the harbor.You also get free use of all the Marriott Frenchmans Reef Hotel facilities next door. Morningstar beach is beautiful and the restaurant(Coco Joes)on the beach is ok. Havana Blue restaurant on Morningstar is very good. Its a 20 min drive to Redhook from the Marriott and 5 min to Charlotte Amalie. You can find reasonable rates from owners who are renting on various websites.
Good luck
