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Having trouble figuring out which hotels on St. Thomas would be more family friendly? Was looking at Bluebeards Castle Beach Club, it looked quiet but the beach is described as rocky; Sapphire Beach Resort, noticed they had a kids club; Secret Harbor, read a lot about them on this site. I was also looking at Westin on St. John, it seemed to have many things to do there with the water toys. Thank you kindly for any assistance, sincerly Jenn
Sapphire is probably your best bet. How old are the kids? That'll make a difference for recommendations also. STT isn't a very hot "faimly" destination, even though there are things for all ages to enjoy. Mostly couples.
Hi Jenn:
It all depends on what your family likes to do. If you are looking for relaxation, St. John is the better Island for that. It is much more "laid-back" than St. Thomas. Conversely, St. Thomas is the larger of the 2 islands, is more populated, and has more going on.
Thats not to say there is nothing to do on St. John..... IMHO, they have the best beaches and 3/4 of the Island is a national park. There are plenty of great restaurants there as well. Or.... you could stay on either Island and do a day trip or 2 so you can get the best of both worlds.
Secret Harbour in Red Hook is a cozy resort with a great beach and great snorkeling. Its family friendly and it has a water sports shop right on site. The other plus is that the rooms have fully equiped kitchens. That way you could save some $$$ by eating some meals and snacks right there in your room. Secret Harbour is only 1/2 mile from Red Hook where you can buy groceries and catch the ferry to St. John.
Sapphire has a very nice beach (one of my 2 favorite beaches on St. Thomas). I never stayed there so I can't speak much for the resort. It is close to Red Hook as well.
The Westin on St. John is a nice resort with a so-so beach. The grounds are meticulously maintained and the hotel is very nice. If you become bored with your beach, you have several other nice beaches you can go to by taxi or rental car.
Of the 3 places you listed, my choice would be Secret Harbour. Its more economical, clean rooms, fully equiped kitchen, great beach, great snorkeling, close proximity to Red Hook. Of course this is IMHO.
TMax
IMO, Secret Harbor is better than Sapphire, but with kids, I'd go Sapphire. SH is more couple friendly than family friendly. JMHO