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My girlfriend and I are trying as hard as we can to assemble a vacation to STJ but are struggling with finding the right mix of lodging, airfare, transportation, etc. that is within our budget. We basically would like the amenities of a resort (gym, daily maid service, pool) without feeling isolated and without paying the price for Caneel, Gallows, or Westin...
So my question is: can one have a "St. Johnesque" vacation on St. Thomas? Are there beaches there that are equally as serene and uncrowded? Are there places to venture to "get away from it all"? Are there places where the commercialisation/tourism isn't overwhelming? Does it make sense to use STT as our base of operations but head to STJ for daytrips?
Just returned from 5 days in STJ and 5 more in STT. Although they are very different islands and STJ is tops, STT is A-OK in our book. We enjoyed Magens Bay in STT. The key is to go when there are few if any Cruise ships in port. Even when there is a ship or two if you go down to the far end and it's quiet. We stayed at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort (very friendly, clean and reasonable $$) which is close to Red Hook and hourly ferries to Cruz Bay so it would be easy to jump to STJ for a day trip, ferries run 'till late at night. Just east of the Wyndham is a quiet state owned beach with no facilities (Smith Bay?) that we stopped at for a peaceful afternoon. Hull Bay is another choice for an uncrowded beach. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Coki Point. Tons of people and vendors hooking you up with chairs and umbrellas etc. but we enjoyed the crowd. They must feed the fish because as soon as you enter the water schools of fish swarm all over you. You won't get the same "elite experience" as staying in STJ but STT has good restaurants, friendly poeple, and some nice beaches. From your post I think you would prefer to stay over near Red Hook and don't bother going into Charlotte Amalie unless you want to buy jewlery.
Have you looked at Grande Bay? They have a gym and pool, not daily maid service, but you will be in your own unit with a kitchen.
Most units are rented through VRBO.com.
They will give you the resort-ish feel at a reasonable price
Without knowing your budget you may want to check out, Bolongo Bay, The Elysian Beach Resort, Secret Habor on STT all have many of the amemities your looking for at an affordable price. These are just a few thoughts that came to mind, good luck in you quest.
Or try the Point Pleasant Resort (STT)....East End.....with a spectacular view!
There is a (small) work-out-room (4 machines & free weights), nature trails, it's built on the side of a hill (so you'll get a work-out walking around, but there is a free shuttle), 3 pools, tennis courts, a small private beach, 2 restaurants, activities desk, free snorkel gear & kayaks, maid service 4 times a week, full kitchens and balconies. It's close to Red Hook for the ferry to STJ.
Point Pleasant is not a budget resort, but it's not expensive, either.
Our first trip to St Thomas was a stay at Point Pleasant, and it got us hooked on USVI for life. We didn't know enough to rent a car and we still had an amazing time there.
Both islands have the advantages and disadvantages. If you like to be truly alone on a beach then you will love STJ. If you want a more crowded set of beaches then STT is for you. On STJ you still have the crowds of Trunk Bay but there are still places like Cinnimon that are less crowded. On STT you have Megans and Cokie that have crowds. But Sapphire, Belongo, Secret Harbor and Linquest have a much smaller number of people. You will pay ore for everything on STJ. It is another island that you need to ship stuff too. Also the supply if rooms and other thinks is more limited.
I suggest that you go to VRBO.com and look around for the property that fits your need. Then call the owner and talk to them. If they don't give a phone number or an email forget it. Also watch out for dumps. If you want to be directly on the beach then make sure the property is on the beach. Not a "short walk" or just up the hill or things like that.
When it all comes down to the end either STT or STJ will give you a great vacation.
billd
After thorough evaluation of St. Thomas (via this forum, the forum on TrpAdvisor, trip reports, photo albums, etc) we concluded that it simply does not compare to St. John. And that lowering our need to be pampered was a worthwhile cause to find some place affordable to stay on the island. After doing so we chased down an inexpensive beachfront villa with a pool...thanks to everyone for their advice, it was seriously incorporated into our decision. Assembling the itinerary is the next step 🙂
gnik: St John is largely national park and so it is a different type of a destination. Some people love the remoteness, others enjoy the variety of activities available on St Thomas. When you started this thread, you said you wanted the amenities of a resort but without feeling isolated. You changed your requirements, for those things *are* found on St Thomas. 😉
