10 dreamy St. Thomas all-inclusive resorts and hotels for a stress-free vacation
St. Thomas is an idyllic island destination in the eastern Caribbean and one of just a few places that United States citizens can travel to within the region without a passport. That’s because St. Thomas — along with St. Croix and St. John — make up the U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean.
Visitors to St. Thomas won’t find overwater bungalows, but they can still look forward to white-sand beaches, a laid-back vibe and water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, not to mention duty-free shopping. And it's certainly worth considering for all types of travelers, from those looking for the best family beach vacation to newlyweds searching for all-inclusive honeymoon resorts.
Accommodation options in St. Thomas range from convenient home rentals to sprawling luxury resorts, and though there are very few outright all-inclusive properties, many hotels do offer packages that include food and beverages, so it feels like an all-inclusive vacation.
The best months to visit St. Thomas
Everybody loves an island breeze, but let’s keep it light instead of gale-force winds. Hurricane season is something to keep in mind when traveling to St. Thomas, and you’ll want to avoid that to make the most of your fun in the sun. Winter through spring is your safest bet, both in terms of temperature and odds of a sunny getaway. It’s typically dryer and temperate from December through May.
Here are the best St. Thomas resorts for an all-inclusive vacation.
A family-owned and -operated resort on St. Thomas’s southern coast, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort claims to be the first to introduce the all-inclusive concept to the island.
Situated on a 1,000-foot stretch of golden sand, it even features its own custom catamaran for tours to neighboring St. John.
Oasis Restaurant & Pool Bar is the only restaurant at this resort. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also operates as a late-night bar. Guests can expect local ingredients and dishes, such as conch fritters, as well as tropical cocktails. The hotel’s other dining outlet, Iggie’s Beach Bar & Grill, has been closed since 2017 due to hurricane damage.
The resort offers three room types: Beachfront, Ocean View and Value. Ocean View rooms are on the second and third floors, while Beachfront rooms are among the closest you can get to the beach on St. Thomas. Both Ocean View and Beachfront room types feature private balconies. Value rooms have partial ocean views and are behind the restaurant.
Included in your stay are on-property experiences like snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. The resort can also help arrange other activities on the island, such as scuba diving and parasailing, for an additional charge.
Rates at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort start around $620 per night for two guests, based on double occupancy.
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef is one of the higher-end options on the island, and it’s bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points.
Just 5 miles from Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) and overlooking the ocean, the new resort offers a mix of wellness, fine dining and sandy beach to get your rest and relaxation on. The property features a Heavenly Spa by Westin as well as three on-site restaurants, a coffee house and a bar. We're partial to a romantic, Mediterranean-inspired meal at Luna Mar overlooking the Caribbean Sea, while Edge Bar is great to kick back with a margarita and enjoy the waterfront.
There’s an array of bright, breezy room types and sizes to choose from, including a one-bedroom presidential suite and terrace and deluxe rooms for more budget-minded travelers. The orientation options range from garden views to partial and full ocean views. An added bonus: All rooms and suites feature a private balcony.
Room rates at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef start at $369, or 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, per night. A $75-per-night resort fee will be added to award redemptions.
Marriott's Frenchman’s Cove — part of Marriott Vacation Club — affords views of both Pacquereau Bay and St. Thomas Harbor. The hotel features two- and three-bedroom villas, which are perfect for families or groups traveling together.
In addition to a fitness center, a pool (including a waterslide) and hot tub overlooking the Caribbean Sea, guests have three dining options on the property. Sunset Cove Bar & Grille is an open-air restaurant serving casual fare like burgers and the fresh catch of the day. At The Marketplace and The Marketplace Express, guests can find snacks, ice cream and essentials.
Each villa comes with a washer and dryer, a full kitchen and a furnished patio. On-property amenities are minimal but do include a fitness center. Nearby, you'll find the Haagensen House Museum and Coral World Ocean Park for plenty of activities to enjoy with the whole family.
Room rates at Marriott's Frenchman’s Cove start at $626, or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is in Great Bay and is an excellent option for travelers with a higher budget or a lot of Marriott Bonvoy points to redeem. The 392-room resort recently underwent a $100 million renovation, including a new family-friendly pool equipped with a fun waterslide. The property also has its own catamaran that it deploys for sunset cruises, snorkeling tours and private events.
With four restaurants, this hotel does not have an all-inclusive option, but you can book a rate that includes daily breakfast for two or a club-level room that comes with complimentary culinary offerings throughout the day.
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas range from resort-view rooms to three-bedroom presidential suites. Club-level rooms and suites come with a dedicated concierge as well as access to the exclusive lounge. Be sure to check out the resort's frequent, seasonal offers for rates and experiences (discounts are typically offered for longer stays.).
Room rates at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas start at $731, or 74,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, per night. An $85-per-night resort fee included in the cash rate will be added to award redemptions.
The second Marriott hotel to debut in spring 2023 at Frenchman’s Reef, the 94-room Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort is the more secluded, boutique counterpart to the larger, amenity-rich Westin next door (see above).
Just steps from a quarter-mile arc of white sand, beachfront and oceanside rooms and two suites channel a contemporary Caribbean vibe with light features and local decor. Rooms are also pet-friendly!
The resort features an infinity-edge pool with private cabanas and a swim-up bar. Among the four restaurants and bars, the fine dining Isla Blue restaurant showcases local seafood and innovative mixology. Sandbar specializes in Caribbean cocktails, and the casual beach club — Salt Shack Beach Bar & Grill — serves small bites to take care of those post-swim hunger pangs.
All Buoy Haus guests have access to the expansive amenities at the Westin Frenchman’s Reef. In addition to daily programming for all ages, there are complimentary nonmotorized water sports, snorkeling tours and sunset sailing aboard the Flying Frenchman — the resort’s luxury catamaran.
Rates at Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, An Autograph Collection Hotel at Frenchman’s Reef, start at $575, or 84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, per night. An $85-per-night resort fee included in the cash rate will be added to award redemptions.
The Westin St. John Resort Villas is an exceptional points option for your stay on the island. The hotel features a private beach, the Sugar and Spice Spa, an expansive resort-style pool, the Westin Family Kids Club to keep the tots busy and other amenities (tennis, anyone?) that make it an attractive higher-end option for families. The multibedroom villas can be handy if you’re traveling in a larger group, too.
Room options at The Westin St. John Resort Villas include studios and one- and two-bedroom villas in varying layouts. All rooms are equipped with a kitchen so you can cook for yourself as you choose.
Dining options include Snorkels Bar & Grill, a poolside restaurant featuring salads and sandwiches, and Mango Deli, where guests can get coffee, pastries and pre-made lunch dishes. Lemongrass Restaurant & Bar is open from breakfast through dinner for those looking for local Caribbean fare with views of Great Cruz Bay.
For those looking to explore, the Reef Bay Trail is great for hiking in Virgin Islands National Park nearby.
Room rates at The Westin St. John Resort Villas start at $465, or 103,200 Marriott Bonvoy points, per night.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort is a boutique hotel offering apartment-style accommodations both on the beach and hillside. Guests can choose among studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom condos. The beachfront units are more centrally located and close to resort amenities, while the hillside units surround the pool and offer more privacy.
The resort’s amenities include a freshwater pool, tennis courts, three dining outlets and online grocery provisioning to stock your room. The Patio at Sunset Grill is a tiki-style restaurant serving Caribbean and Southwestern fusion dishes (we love the lobster and shrimp tostadas) while Sunset Grille is a more upscale American-style steakhouse with an incredible view of the water.
Throughout the resort, Wi-Fi is complimentary, and there is a full-time concierge to help you coordinate any tours or reservations. Secret Harbour Beach Resort also features an on-site dive shop. Aqua Action Dive and Watersports Center is a PADI Five-Star facility and has tours available for divers of all levels.
Room rates at Secret Harbour Beach Resort start at $376 per room per night.
Every room at Emerald Beach Resort faces the beach and overlooks Lindbergh Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
There are three places to eat at the resort: Caribbean Fusion (the place to go for local meats and seafood), Emerald Cafe (your go-to spot for grab-and-go coffee or tea and breakfast treats) or Emerald Beach Bar (our favorite spot to kick back with a Corona and soak in the sunset).
Otherwise, you’re just minutes away from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas — the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands — where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shopping options. But be sure to take time to kick back on a lounge chair at the resort beach and soak in the rays — you are here to unwind, after all.
The 90-key resort offers two room types: Beach Front Deluxe King Rooms and Beach Front Deluxe Double Rooms. Every room comes with a private balcony or patio and complimentary Wi-Fi. The resort’s concierge can help book tours and transportation as well as assist with ferry transfers to neighboring islands.
Room rates at Emerald Beach Resort start at $175 per night.
It's more than cheeseburgers in this slice of paradise. With views of St. John, guests at the Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham — part of the late Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville empire — can expect to enjoy crystal-clear water for snorkeling, diving, fishing and more.
There’s nothing to fuss over at this Wyndham property, as the goal is to relax as much as possible — preferably in a hammock. There is one restaurant, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, along with the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar (the ideal place to get a frozen libation or two). The hotel does not offer all-inclusive rates, but guests can sign up for Insider Extras, where they’ll receive awards and discounts every time they book.
Guests can choose from studio, one- and two-bedroom suites that sleep between two and six people and range in size from 324 to 1,070 square feet. All units have an outdoor seating area, kitchenette and even a Frozen Concoction Maker, perfect for making frozen cocktails in the comfort of your own room. We'll drink to that (ideally with a perfect sunset).
Rates at Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham start at $295 per night.
Though not on St. Thomas, Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix is less than 30 minutes away by plane, or about two hours by ferry, from St. Thomas and is another option for those looking for a truly all-inclusive vacation.
St. Croix is still a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and therefore does not require a passport for U.S. citizens. In 2021, the adults-only hotel underwent a top-to-bottom renovation that included updates to rooms and suites, the addition of seven restaurants and the introduction of a wide selection of activities such as tennis and pickleball.
The cuisine at its various restaurants includes Italian, pan-Asian fusion and gourmet coffee. Tuscany Ristorante Italiano is the resort's signature restaurant and is our favorite for its ocean views and carb-y masterpieces.
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino features Beachfront King and Double Rooms ranging in size from 356 to 379 square feet and Hillside One-Bedroom Suites with separate living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens that clock in at over 1,000 square feet. Espresso machines, refrigerators and a private deck or balcony are among the standard amenities.
You can find Divi Resorts on other Caribbean islands, including Aruba, St. Croix and St. Maarten.
Rates at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino start at $460 per night, based on double occupancy.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.