Well, Patricia, in order to help you, we're gonna need a little more information from you. For example, what price range do you want to be in? Do you need a beach? Kid friendly or not? Which island do you want to stay on? What part of the island do you want to be on? Etc., etc., etc. And, not to burst any bubbles or anything, but, for most fist time visitors, EVERYTHING is goimng to be an unexpected surprise. People visiting here for the first time tend to expect things to be like they are used to in America because this is the U.S. Virgin Islands, but that is NOT the case here. Our culure is different here, hence our people are different, the way we do things is different, the speed at wich we do things is different., etc. Take Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina...no restauirants or bars right now. That sure would be a surprise for people coming in, right? But for here, no one even thought twice about closing them. In America, no one would consider running a resort without one, but here, so what? There is a restaurant or bar around every corner, so why do you need one where you are staying? See what I'm saying? Just a different attitude here.

Thanks, I guess cost is not a very big issue....definitely want a beach and to have a restaurant and lounge on sight is definitely a plus...I guess the reason it bothered me is that for example....Sapphire still advertises the restaurant open and unless you read the customer ratings you would never know....but, yes beach...food and drink on sight...access to maybe some real nice snorkeling areas and definitely peace and quiet....

Thanks

I think as your researching your vacation, you should always take the information you read on the web with a grain of salt. Marty pointed out the restaurants/bars at Sapphire are closed, if you go to their we site they say there open. We were just looking at different St. Thomas websites and one showed that the Palm Court was open at the Elysian Beach Resort, well it's been closed for several years now and, Robert's American Grille in open on that location.

Also, read reviews with an open mind, as Marty mentioned, people have certain expectations like, everything is like it is in the States..it's not and, will tend to "bash" if their vacation does not meet their (state side) standards.

Do your research and ask allot of questions, on this website, you'll get current and straight information.

Have fun.

26 days to go 🙂 🙂

Secret Harbor Beach Resort sounds like it will fit the bill perfectly for you. The Ritz would work, but it's bit pricey for what you get. Marriott's Morningstar Beach Resort would work, too, but the snorkeling isn't so hot. Bluebeard's Beach Club would, but the beach isn't great. Bolongo Beach Club would work, too, but it's a bit more 'economical'. Emerald Beach would do the tick, but the aiport is right there. My vote goes to Secret Harbor for ya. Anyone else?

My vote would go for Secret Harbour or Bolongo. Rooms are nice at Secret Harbour, beach is great, snorkeling is great. One restaurant to choose from. Bolongo is a bit cheaper, restaurants are good, beach is beautiful but not as sandy as Secret Harbour. Bolongo is more of a "party" place. More stuff going on at the restaurants - Caribbean Night which is great, karaoke, poker nights, etc. Depends on what you want.

They should also look at Elysian. It has two restaurants and bars.

RL

Depending on what you want to do during your vacation. I have a villa for rent on the East End of St. Thomas, Hide Away Villa located 2 miles from Red Hook, you can check it out on vrbo.com, email me if you are interested.

Good luck with the plans,
Annelies
[email protected]

Everything you are looking for I FOUND at the Wyndham Sugar Bay. The beach is a little rough but Coki beach is within walking distance..and it's my all time favorite beach. You can dine at Fungi's or any of the other restaurants at the Wyndham. Sapphire's is right next door as well. All of the restaurants will be open when you get there.

Oh and the Wyndham is family friendly - if you are interested.

have a great time
Jen

If cost is not an issue, you should definitely go for the Ritz Carlton. Try looking into the Club side which offers two to three bedroom condos on the beach for close to what you would pay for a one room hotel. Check out ebay b/c Club members post their unused vacation timeshares for reasonable prices. I can recommend two owners who regularly rent their timeshares out. I've been to St. Thomas four times in the past year and have experienced many resorts and restaurants...none come close to the Ritz.

Hi Anneleis,

Are any of the facilities open on the grounds on the resport where your condo is located? I thought everything was still closed there.