The beach doesn't get much fresh sewater, as it faces West and the currents usually come from the East, so the water is not very clear. There are some other beaches that are phenominal. Go to them. The Westin, itself, is great. Very nice place, good rooms, good service, great pool. "Mixed" reviews are because some people think the world revolves around them. The USVI is a unique place with a different culture and set of "values" than anywhere else. Come on down, don't bring any expectations, and you will have a great vacation. Just absorb it as it comes to you.

Thanks- any beaches you recomend without a lot of kids, we are leaving the kids behind and would prefer some serenity.

The beach at the Westin is not supposed to be great... but probably very convenient for people with small children... I think that's who is happiest at the Westin- and by the way, the Westin is supposed to be LOADED with children! My family (husband, 17 year old son and myself) will be staying at Gallows Point. It is a beautiful "condo-suite" with a VIEW to die for!!!! The beach is a small rocky one... great for snorkeling off of, but not to lounge on... but the best thing about Gallows Point (other than the view and it's fantastic reviews on every board I've ever seen), is that it's an easy 4-5 minute walk into Cruz Bay for dining and shopping! (If you stayed at the Westin, you'd have to get a cab or drive if you wanted to eat off of their compound).

If you didn't want to go for Gallows Point, there are other places... many people get a villa. There are SO MANY of them.. and many are gorgeous! (one note on a villa... maid service is extra... Gallows Point is more like a hotel with daily maid service -that's my idea of a vacation! Another choice is Caneel Bay Resort... although I've read some not such great reviews on their rooms and service. Their beaches, however are supposed to be magnificent!

Sorry I'm so long-winded... but the Westin doesn't sound like the place for you.

Lisa

If you want a hotel with all the services, the Westin is it. Nice pool, a few restaurants. However, St. John is known for it's restaurants and great beaches. You woul be doing yourself a disservice not leavingthe property. Just rent a car and head out every day!Most people do. The beach is man made and greta for laying around and having waitress service on the beach while passing the time. If you want to swim and snorkle, then go to another beach! There are oodles of beaches; if you don't like one or too many kids, move on to the next. You will find more without kids, than with.
Ronnie

Want to have yuo OWN beach? Rent a dinghy from Noah's Little Arks and head North. Go around to the North side of Lovango (in between Congo and Lovango - ask the rentalpeople and they will tell you exactly where.) and there is a little beach right there that will be completely empty. Go to the store first and load up with everything you need for the day - cooler, ice, sandwiches, soda, beer/liquor, munchies, sunblock, towels, etc.- and you will have an entire beach all to your self for the entire day!

DJH
I am not sure how secluded you want or what your reference is but most beaches on STJ have limited numbers. That is what makes the place special. The major North Shore beaches can get 'busy' as the day progreses so you can go to some early and move on as 'crowds' arrive.
Southern beaches are seldom crowded and are often empty. Our experience this past June...
Hawksnest left at 9:30 AM when kids complained of crowd (~15 people)
Moved to Cinammon and left at noon for lunch (~10 people)
Went to Waterlemon after lunch (~12 people)
Go to Trunk when cruise ships are at the fewest in STT, then go early or later to avoid traffic altogether.
Francis Bay (no more than 6 people all day)
Salt Pond (no more than 6 all day)
Lamshure Bays (no more than 4 all day)

As you can see, crowded is not a label one would use to describe STJ. If you want total seclusion, you can find it on island. If you want to visit Lovango as Marty mentions (we really loved it there and the snorkeling is fantastic), I suggest a day cruise. Let them do the work and take you there.