That's a tough question. My disclaimer is that I have yet to visit STJ (fixing that this April) but I have visited the BVIs a handful of times.

I've stayed at Long Bay twice and while I've never stayed at the Westin, I can pretty much assure you that the Westin wins hands down on service and amenities. If you're looking for a "resort" where you can laze around, be served (albeit island time) and not venture forth much, you'll probably like the Westin better.

If, on the other hand, you are more interested in a nice room for a home base and want to explore, it gets more complicated.

STJ has more wonderful beaches, better snorkeling from shore and some nice restaurants (from what I've read here). It's generally a prettier island due to the lack of development on a substantial part of it.

Tortola has fewer wonderful beaches, decent snorkeling from shore, several tremendous local-flavor restaurants and better day-trip options due to the easy ferry access to JVD, VG or Anegada. There's a reason that a lot of folks staying on STJ take day-trip to the BVIs.

I think it boils down to your vacation personality. If you like to explore a lot, take Long Bay and the BVIs. If you want to stay closer to home and have options for some great fun within a 25 min car ride, take the Westin.

I agree with ClevelandDave, it does depend on your vacation personality.

You will need a passport to visit the British Virgin Islands, while the United States Virgin Island of St. John (no "s", as St. John's is actually in Antigua) is part of the U.S. You will need your government issued photo ID along with a certified copy of the birth certificate if no passport.

Forgive me for correcting the way St. John was written... *moving along*

I think that the British Virgin Islands have a much slower pace, with some nightlife if you want it. Many great ocean excursions are possible between St. John and the BVI, so this may be just a case of "6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other"... the islands are very close to each other and you can enjoy them both, no matter which one you choose to stay on!

Having been to both I can tell you loud and clear...................no doubt about it................go to STJ. End of story.

I have stayed at Long Bay in the BVI
I have not stayed at the Westin in STJ, but been to STJ many many times with visits to the property at the Westin.

The key to your question is where to stay for our Honeymoon

I would lean to Long Bay vice the Westin

You will not going wrong with either choice - Both properties are really nice

I like STJ as vacation destination better than Tortola, but for a honeymoon - I am going with Tortola

As Always IMHO

I don't know if your parents are owners at either of these resorts or not. If they are not owners they will have to do an exchange into the timeshare you choose. Historically, the Westin St. John is the most difficult of all exchanges to get if using normal RCI or II exchange companies. It might not be a matter of choice as much as availability. I hope they have no difficulty, and your honeymoon is splendid.

Hi..I believe you can't go wrong with either one. I have been to St John 4 times and it is my favorite island. You can't beat the beaches or the scenery ..it is laid back and friendly and a wonderful Island to just explore...need to rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to all parts of the island. I have never stayed at Westin but have heard that it is just beautiful and quite a large sprawling resort....beach I am told is man made but the bests beaches will be the other 's on the island...my favorite Mahoe...protected esp from those northern swells and easy parking and the snorkeling just great ,saw sea turtles .....As for Long Bay on Tortola , I have stayed there and it is in MHO the most beautiful resort on Tortola.....the views are incredible ...friendly staff....nice beach ...and at that time of yr had some surf. Good luck and I believe you'll make the perfect choice!