I've stayed at both and like each of these places. Bolongo is the last of the family owned resorts on the island. From my experience, the rooms are smaller than at Secret Harbour and more like hotel rooms than condos. Iggies is a favorite of ours and the beach bar at Bolongo is nice also.

Personally, Secret Harbour is my favorite and we've stayed there about a dozen times. The beach, IMO, is nicer and the snorkeling is better. The restaurant at SH, Blue Moon, is excellent and the beach bar is also nice. The beach is usually quieter than Bolongo, but if it is really hot, you get less breeze at SH than at Bolongo. I really like the larger rooms and the wonderful porches/balconies at SH. I think the extra cost at SH is worth it.

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

Schultz

Schultz thanks for the input

Do you or anybody have a clue what a taxi runs from SH and BB to Red Hook and CA?

Scroll down on the St Thomas link top of this age and you'll find the taxi rates - they'd be MUCH better off renting a car as the taxis charge per person and the fares add up VERY fast! I'd also opt for SH over Bolongo - much nicer beach with very good snorkeling along with close proximity to other great beaches and of course the Red Hook ferry terminal for a day trip to St John. Cheers!

I would stay at Crystal cove or Sapphire Resort. But you may have difficulty in getting a place over the Xmas week.

billd

Bild I think a restaurant onsite was perquisite number 2. I realize Red Hook is over the hill, but it is over the hill.

All though I like Sapphire as a beach much better than the other two locations, one also has to deal with a large number of day visitors there. My sweetie and I have never come Christmas week, early January yes but not Christmas, but my guess there would be a plethora of day visitors that week.

My understanding their goal is a CHILL week with a little shopping and exploring, but the emphasis on chill

One of the reasons they appear to be leaning towards BB is that they heard or read that BB has a shuttle van to Downtown. I have stayed at Elysian and they had one that went once a week, but not a regular schedule run.

Does BB have a daily to CA or Red Hook? I would not think the taxi union would let that fly. *-)

Bolongo Bay is a wonderful resort. We got married there in May and had all of our friends and family staying on the resort with us. All of the people there are SO great! They are all very friendly and welcoming and willing to help you with whatever you need. The personal one on one relationships you will create cannot be found at other resorts on the island. The food is amazing at both restaurants and it really is a lot of fun there. You also cannot beat walking out of your room right onto the beach (if you get a beachfront room). We will definitely be staying with them again! And the all-inclusive is perfect! They do not skimp on anything just because you're on the all inclusive plan. I highly recommend Bolongo!! 🙂