Welcome to this discussion group! You're in for a great treat on this vacation.

I personally recommend that first-timers stay on St. Thomas (STT). There is much to do both daytime and evening; lots of restaurants to choose from, and St. John (STJ) is just a ferry ride away! So - you can see 2 islands during your trip (actually you could also go to Water Island and Jost Van Dyke since they are easy ferry rides away, as well).

As for where to stay - budget really makes a difference when answering this question. You might consider renting a condo instead of a hotel room. It will give you more room and you can make a meal or two while there. I believe you can rent from the Bolongo Bay area and the beach is right there. That way if the baby gets tired, you can easily get back to the condo for a refreshing nap. Iggy's beach bar and restaurant is also right there. If budget is not a consideration, the Ritz Carlton, Marriott, and Wyndam resorts are all on the island, and will have everything you need right there. If budget is a major consideration, then look for some of the privately owned hotels (Mafolie, Green Iguana, Blackbeard's Castle as examples).

I also recommend renting a car - you'll appreciate the freedom it brings. It will also save some money as taxis charge by the person on the island. Fares add up quickly.

Feel free to ask more questions to this discussion group. There are some very helpful and knowledgeable contributors.

Good Luck! Have Fun!

Thank you so much for your suggestions! They are very helpful.

In my research, I read that STT is more of a nightlife island and STJ a little relaxing...does that seem fair to say?

We are looking more for a quiet relaxing experience...beach, sightseeing and the like. Crowds and a lot of activity are not on the top of our list. Even hiking would be nice - our daughter has found her independence and loves to walk everywhere 🙂

Also -- how do timeshares rate on the islands? We have an option to use a timeshare with RCI weeks which would limit us to what they offer...

I also recommend Bolongo for anyone with small children. The property is flat and right on the sandy beach, so if you've got a beach-level room, you can walk right out onto the sand. That also makes it easy for small kids, because there aren't so many steps to maneuver, and it's easier to keep your kid in sight.

It's a very casual place which makes it easier to relax. The property gets mixed reviews, though, so you may have to be very firm with your requests, get them in writing, and get names. I've never had a problem, though.

Schnuggs:

Try the Point Pleasant Resort on St. Thomas. You'll get a nice size condo (Superior Suite) with a bedroom, kitchen and living/dining room that has a separate pull out bed for your child. Having a fully equipped kitchen does help when having a children along. There are two restaurants on the property, 3 swimming pools, tennis courts, nature trail and the views are incredible! There is a small, very private beach on the property, but most people go to Coki & Sapphire beaches. Point Pleasant is on the East End and close to Red Hook & the St. John Ferry.

Have a good vacation!

F.I.

To respond to the time share question:

Elysian is very nice on STT - on a quiet shaded beach (Cowpet) Not the best beach on STT, but nice. Rooms are nice and clean, close to Red Hook and the Ferry, Red Hook also has nightlife.

Megans Bay has some time share choices. I have stayed there. It is just ok. Little remote, but a good restaurant on site. Megans Bay down the hill about 3/4 of mile. Not sure I would recommend for the 1st trip, but once you get addicted to islands and looking for anyway possible to get down here - they are a viable option.

Bluebeards has multiple options some are better than others - never stayed there

On St John there is Sunset Ridge Villas. We have stayed there and really loved it. They are not elegant but very functional. Not far from Cruz Bay for dinner and supplies, but very quiet at night up on the hill with great views of STT and the Sunset. You do have a drive to the top of the mountain that will be memorable the first couple times. If you are looking for the Ritz - these are not it but they are clean and have everything you need. Plunge Pool. With a small child it may be a little difficult because the master bedroom is seperated from the other bedroom with a pool in the middle. Maybe not this trip. But keep it on your list.

The Westin in STJ is very nice but a little pricey.

First trip - I would have no problems recommending Elysian and plan on a couple day trips if time shares is the prime option

Here is what I would do.

1. Rent a car for the week.

2. Stay at Sapphire Beach. It has the right mixture for you and your daughter.

3. Take in the following: Megas Bay, Utter Delight, Coral World, Paradise Point, Drake's Seat, Mountain Top, and town,

4. Enjoy the beach for a day or so.

5. Go on a day sail

6. Go to the following for lunch or dinner; Robert's, Molley's, Iggie's , Duffie's, Jack's and Fungie's.

7. Enjoy the beach. There are turtles, sting rays and other things to see.

You daughter will not get much out of the vacation but you can combine your activities with beach time fore her.

Go to VRBO for locations on Sapphire Beach.

Billd

All of your suggestions have been wonderful! Thank you so much for all your recommendations...we are hoping to make the plans for sometime in January - not a bad way to start the new year!

Thanks again to everyone!

Brooke - I'd recommend St. Croix. IMO, it is the most laid back of the USVI, has the scenery, beautiful beaches, great food, easier driving, and is the best value right now. How about the best of both worlds - a nice little private villa on a white sand beach on the east end, just around the curve from the Divi resort so you could enjoy your privacy and still enjoy the amenities that a resort has to offer whenever you feel like it? Having traveled almost every year since the 80's to STT and STJ, we never made it to STX until '07. We are so glad we finally "discovered" it. We were looking for an alternative to STJ - trying to let STJ catch up with its growing pains. We returned to STX in '08 and are going back again in '09. I'm lucky enough to be getting back to back trips - Hubs and I will be down for a week plus and then he will return home (poor guy) and my girlfriends are coming down for a week. Can't wait! There are pros and cons to each of the three islands. With STT, you also get the STJ option - 20 minutes away by ferry. But, for a totally chill vacation, we have really been enjoying STX.

If you are planning a family vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands, then consider Water Island as a family oriented affordable destination. Many first time visitors find Water Island through referrals from friends and relatives, or by seeking information from the Internet such as you have done. The link below is a perfect example of a young couple who made just such a find:

https://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,93502

For anyone interested in visiting Water Island, here is a web site to look at that will provide more information and perhaps answer some of your questions:

www.waterislandwica.com

I've also sent you a PM with some additional details.

I recommend Secret Harbor on St Thomas,great place to stay.in my opinion it has the nicest beach on stt,great snorkling and a quiet laid back atmosphere.Theres a restuarant on the property and a dive shop with things to rent for water activities.Units come with kitchens and its on the east end of the island so its close to the ferry.
JUSTIN