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My husband & I are going to stay at Crystal Cove Bldg A in July and I'm a little concerned about everything I'm reading, we're trying to decide if it's better than Sapphire Resort. Please help with advice, I read both are run down. We want a clean place to stay that's not too run down. Would prefer a resort, but it sounds like Sapphire Resort is just a short walk away and we can go there to eat, swim (pool or beach), rentals, etc. is that true? Appreciate anyone's opinion on which is best to stay at. Safe at both? Any shade on the beaches, or all full sun? We love the water and hear the beach is great at both places. We're in our 40's, kids are grown and enjoy exploring new places and the sun/water. Definitely plan some trips to other islands as suggested, any other suggestions are appreciated. Thanks for all your help - I'll be sure to add a trip report upon my return!
We just returned from Crystal Cove, Building A this last Saturday. I was as confused as you are after reading a lot of posts on this board and also tripadvisor.com. Sapphire Resort and Crystal Cove share the same beach, Sapphire Beach. The sandy beach is gorgeous, snorkling great right off the beach and there is shade. It is well maintained and has ample beach chairs for both resort residents and Crystal Cove residents. Crystal Cove is a series of 4 two level buildings (A thru D) along one side of the beach, and Sapphire Resort, which has two beach restaurants, a beach bar and a marina, is along the other side of the beach. Building A is closest to the beach, but really, they are all close, none further than 1/2 block. Building A was most damaged in the last hurricane, so it has been rejuventated. I believe all of the units in Crystal Cove are condos, some of them owner occupied, some of them rentals. Some of the rental units are well maintained by the owners, others not. We ate at the resort, and hung around the bar, but did not really look inside any of the rooms, so maybe someone else who stayed there can reply to your inquiry. We did not feel unsafe there, but we're wary Chicagoans so we always locked our doors and screens at night. The bar has THE party on Sunday, where locals and visitors dance to a really great band from 2:30-6:30. While I can't speak for all of the units in Bldg A, ours (8A) was clean, nicely furnished, with corian countertops and was attended well by the housekeeper Norma. Only one word of caution--"no seeums." These are tiny sand fleas that have a mean bite. You don't see them, you don't feel them, but the next day you have nasty red welts. We foolishly did not use buy spray, and sat out on the beach at dusk when they are most active. We really got bit up, so bring bug spray and use it! Hopes this post helps.
Crystal Cove is lovely. You can proably high-five Sapphire Beach Resort! Right next to each other. I would actually prefer CC over SB because it's a lot more quiter there. If you want the hussel and bussel just go next door.
A lot of the units are owned, so each one is different.
I am sure you will not be disappointed :O)
Thanks for your help! I'll stay and Crystal Cove. Thanks for the tip on the no-seeums, we've experienced those in FL on vacation before so I know what you mean!
We just had family stay in Building A. (A-1) The decor was 70sish, but they were comfortable- had a huge bedroom that slept about a zillion and a smaller bedroom with twin beds, a murphy bed downstairs, 2 1/2 baths, central air, dishwasher, all kinds of things!! 😉 It had a screened porch they used as a mud room coming back from the beach. They easily walked to Sapphire Beach for lunch and dinner, although they were not impressed with either of the restaurants there. Take your car over to Azure at Sapphire Village or into Red Hook-2 minutes away.
The hardest part for all of us was learning their gate card system.
anyone been to St thomas recently? We are undecided about where to stay - Crystal Cove, Sapphire Bay or Point Pleasant - any recommendations please. Looking for something safe, nice and quiet.
thanks much
ev
