AI isn't an option here generally as these are "get out and do/see" islands. Sugar Bay is the only resort which offers the full AI package. It's a well-kept place with nice grounds. Very steep and hilly but shuttle service regularly runs from top to bottom. The beach is small but within a 5-10 minutes drive (I do think not renting a car is a mistake) you have the best beaches on St Thomas to enjoy - Coki, Sapphire, Smith Bay Park and Secret Harbour, with world famous Magens an easy 10-15 minute drive away.

The area in which SB is located is perfectly safe and the easy accessibility to excellent beaches, Red Hook and the ferry terminal is a real plus. Do reconsider renting a vehicle. Just to go into Red Hook which is a less than 5 minute drive will cost you the minimum fare of $5 per person each way. And it's not safely walkable - you'll see why this isn't a walking island when you get here!

I've never seen a rave review of the food at SB. From all accounts it's typical hotel food - OK but nothing to write home about If you weren't going AI there are scores of restaurants all over the island offering a variety of cuisines and a variety of prices.

Hope that helps a little and enjoy your vacation!

We live next door to Sugar Bay at the Point Pleasant Resort and STT Resident is correct, it's as safe here as anywhere on the island.

As for the AI, there are many good restaurants a short drive away.

Definitely rent a car...there is so much to see on the island.

Is any one in your party over 25? If so you may want to consider renting a car. You really need a car to experience the best of STT. The beach at Sugar bay is the not that great. To get to the best beaches you'll need to drive (either in your own car or in Taxi). Same for the best night-life and better dining options. I think Sugar bay may be a bit limiting, unless the resort offer reasoanable priced excurisons and regular shuttles to Red Hook. Also, as STT resident suggests, leaving the resort on foot is not advisable. The resort compound at Sugar bay is "safe" and patroled by security. I would not walk from Sugar Bay to the "village" of Smith Bay or Cokki Beach, nor would ever let either of my college age daughters walk that route. St Thoams offers may safe and nice areas. cokki is not one of them.
Some other options are the Westin on ST John, (again not so nice beach and dining). But much easier via to reach nice beaches and the night life packed Cruz Bay (good fun for 20-somethings). And I think Westin offers a shuttle to town and beaches.
For nice friendly-priced AI, check out the Dominican Republic.

Walking from Sugar Bay into Smith Bay is perfectly safe during daylight hours and both visitors and locals have been doing so regularly for years without any problems at all. At night it's not advisable. Coki is a beautiful beach which does get rather too crowded for my liking on heavy cruise ship days but boasts very good snorkeling and beautiful sand bordered by shade trees, while the Coral World aquarium is right there - an experience which many enjoy.

It's not advisable to walk due to the fact that there are no sidewalks to speak of until you get into the block that comprises the commercial and shopping areas in Red Hook. By the time you pay for taxi's to get back and forth, you easily could rent a car to come and go when and where you please. If you decide not to, anyway, just be careful walking on the road during the day and don't do it at all during the night. It's not safe.

^^^ Absolutely not going towards Red Hook. I was referring to going in the other direction into Smith Bay which is a very short distance and with walking room. There may be no reason to go in that direction at all unless to go to Grand Bay or the local convenience stores and obviously renting a car is by far the ideal, but I was making the point that it's not only doable but quite safe during daylight hours.

Thank you everyone for all of your help!! Now we have changed out minds and narrowed it down to two different hotels.... Bolongo on STT or St. James Club Morgan Bay on St.Lucia. Our group is really wanting to just sit by the beach and perhaps enjoy some water activities... the rest of the group (for this particular trip) the goal is not to site see. Everyone's input here and other reviews about the food at sugar bay really helped deterrer us from going there. Thanks again! feel free to add any input about the other two locations if you have experienced them though! 🙂

If you're considering Bolongo, then you should also look at Secret Harbour, which IMHO is comparable, and closer to the East End.

The last time I had the buffet lunch at Sugar Bay, it was really good so you may want to reconsider.
Secret Harbor is a lovely beach and the restaurant there is quite good. Just depends on what you wnat to do.
Good luck making up your minds and enjoy your trip, where ever you decide to go!

STTGuy wrote:
If you're considering Bolongo, then you should also look at Secret Harbour, which IMHO is comparable, and closer to the East End.

The beach at SH is WAY superior to that at Bolongo - hands down.

STT Resident wrote:
[quote=STTGuy]
If you're considering Bolongo, then you should also look at Secret Harbour, which IMHO is comparable, and closer to the East End.

The beach at SH is WAY superior to that at Bolongo - hands down.

Agreed! Just didn't want to unduly influence! The snorkeling is better, too. And now the bar offers beach-side service.
Also, I realize that Sugar Bay has already been ruled out, but wanted to add that I have a guest visiting this year who told me that last year she stayed at Sugar Bay and was "extremely disappointed". When I asked for details, she told me that it was "run down", and "desperately needed updating". I personally have never stayed there.

Hi Whit_knee 🙂

I read your post and hope you will really consider St Thomas/St John over St.Lucia. I have been to St. Thomas/John in the past and will be going again in 1 week, 1 WEEK (I'm so excited).

I chose to go back to ST. Thomas because I felt SO SAFE and it's SO BEAUTIFUL.
My son and I stayed at Sugar Bay, and it was great/clean/friendly.

If you rent a car, there is no need to pay extra for all-inclusive as there is a strip of great restaurants just a few miles from SugarBay with really good pricing.

I've not been to St. Lucia but can tell you that St. Thomas and St. John have some of the BEST BEACHES and is well known for them. Great snorkeling.