3 Best Hotels in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

All the rooms at this all-inclusive, family-run resort tucked along a palm-lined beach have balconies with ocean views, and down the beach are nine condos with full kitchens. This place is more flip-flop casual than fancy, and the friendliness of the longtime staff keeps visitors coming back. The beach is a bit rocky for swimming, but sails aboard the resort's 53-foot catamaran, Heavenly Days, and excursions arranged by the on-site PADI Five Star dive shop are popular, as are a number of complimentary water sports, including an introductory scuba lesson and aqua-tricycles. You can opt out of the all-inclusive plan and pay less, but then you'd want to rent a car, because the resort is a bit isolated. The fresh Caribbean spiny lobster tail at Iggies Oasis shouldn't be missed. 

Not to be confused with neighboring Frenchman's Reef Hotel, this beachfront villa-style timeshare property offers the glitz of a resort with the comfort and amenities of a private club. All rooms face the historic harbor, where you can watch cruise ships enter and depart daily, and accommodations are either steps or yards away from the sandy beach, cabana-rimmed pool, open-air restaurant, spa, marketplace and activities building. There’s something happening hourly on property from organized yoga to bingo for adults to games and craft activities for kids. Or, guests can jump on The Reefer ferry at the property’s dock for a 10-minute trip into Charlotte Amalie for shopping.

Everything sparkles at the island's most luxurious resort, from the in-room furnishings and amenities to the infinity pool, white-sand, eco-friendly Blue Flag–designated beach, and turquoise sea beyond. Spacious guest rooms, with private balconies and marble bathrooms that have deep soaking tubs, are in buildings fanning out from the main building. Six somewhat institutional-looking buildings, with two- and three-bedroom condos, sit on their own adjacent beach. The spa, salon, and fitness center serve adult bodies and souls; the Ritz Kids program packs in a full day of activities for young guests, including collecting seashells and feeding iguanas. A 60-foot catamaran is available for a day or sunset sail. There is an additional $85 per person per day resort fee that includes valet parking, use of tennis courts and the fitness center, internet, nonmotorized water sports, and resort garden tours.