For families that are still cautious about traveling outside the United States, we have a list of the top 5 Family-Friendly Resorts in the US Virgin Islands – No passport required! Located just 3.5 hours from New York, families can be transported to a dream destination with crystal clear water and sandy beaches. The US Virgin Islands have lots of outdoor adventures for land dwellers and water babies alike. Once known as a landing spot for pirates, the islands are renowned for their unique architecture and their deep appreciation for protecting their natural beauty with eco-friendly initiatives.
The US Virgin Islands are made up of three Islands; St.Thomas with a thriving carnival-like atmosphere and famous beaches like “Magens Bay”, St.John with its pristine island national park and snorkeling, and St. Croix (my personal favorite) which has unique architecture and historical ruins to check out.
St. Thomas
Most flights will fly directly into St Thomas which is the main hub of the three islands, so if you are looking for a direct flight to your destination you will want to stay here and then connect to the other islands by boat or air. The island is also a popular cruise ship destination and has a lively weekend market. St Thomas itself has lots to explore with picture-perfect beaches in protected bays or take home a hand-crafted gift from a local artisan. Looking for more things to do in St.Thomas? Check out a day in the life of community member Laura who has made St.Thomas home.
The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas
This hotel had me at “Private Cabana”, with a dedicated family pool area and splash pad. This family-friendly resort ensures everyone is pampered. Kids can join the Ritz Kids Club located in the unique setting of each property, the program brings to life four pillars—nature, exploration, responsibility and culture. The resort also has a private boat to help you explore the surrounding islands with departures from the beach in front of the hotel. Family-friendly rooms include suites and two and three-bedroom options, and take advantage of the exclusive benefits of the club-level rooms.
Megans Hideaway – VRBO
Perfect for a multigenerational or multi-family dream vacation, this VRBO rental property allows for privacy between the group with separate villas on the same compound. Overlooking the picturesque Magens Bay, the hosts are able to support you in setting up water excursions. The property sleeps up to 14 over three Villas, with a private pool and beachfront views, and access to six rental boats. With lots to do the property includes games and beach toys for children, as well as beach chairs.
Bolongo Bay
The only all-inclusive family-friendly resort on St Thomas, Bolongo Bay is a great option for those looking for a lower-priced vacation but still pack in all the water activities. The food here is authentic with lots of choices for even the pickiest of eaters and loads of local entertainment. Bolongo Bay has water activities for everyone from paddle boarding, snorkeling, and even scuba diving included in your stay! Don’t miss one of the sunset sails or searching for sea turtles. With rooms for every budget, this is a great resort for older kids that don’t require a separate sleeping space with ocean views or beachfront rooms.
St. John
This island is a natural beauty and the smallest of the US Virgin Islands, with 5000 acres of National park that makes up ⅔ of the island. The island is most known for its snorkeling and underwater nature trail, off of Trunk Bay. Don’t forget to put Maho Bay on your sightseeing list as it’s the place to check out sea turtles who reside in this protected area.
The Westin St John
It’s not hard to see why you would not fall in love with this family-friendly resort located on 1200 feet of private beach along Great Cruz Bay. My personal favorite is that familiar Westin smell and the options to have a studio or two/three Bedroom Villa accommodations making it a dream family vacation spot. Although not an all-inclusive resort, families can take advantage of the Westin Kids Club with hourly, half-day, or full-day options for kids ages 3-12. The main resort pool is a quarter acre in size and overlooks the bay, with the resort restaurant just steps away.
Take advantage of the resort transportation package upon arrival where your stay starts once you pick up your luggage in St.Thomas. The transportation package includes unlimited round trip transfers from St.Thomas to St. John for the duration of your stay. The total trip time from St.Thomas airport to the Westin Resort is 1 Hour (45 min drive across the island and a 15-minute ferry ride).
St. Croix
Since I am of Danish heritage, I was immediately drawn to St.Croix with its history and architectural design as one of the only African-Danish designs in the world, but mainly for the history and ruins, this island has to offer. The islands were heavily involved in slave trade, with the main industry being sugar and cotton plantations, and were under the rule of seven different nations which are now part of a national historic site. The island is located 45 miles off of St.Thomas and is a short 35-minute flight. The island’s airport can support flights from the US as well (Miami International Airport or Puerto Rico). For the parents don’t forget to check out the Cruzan Rum Distillery!
The Buccaneer
This family-friendly resort is a natural playground with 340 acres of property and three beaches, The Buccaneer is a great place to spend your vacation on St.Croix. The property caters to families of all ages from spacious guest suites to family cottage suites with prime pool and beachfront locations and in-suite fridges. You can pack light for your stay as the hotel provides cots, highchairs, and cribs free of charge. Take advantage of the guided island tours, horseback riding and beach games that will have everyone tuckered out at the end of the day. The on-site restaurant even features child-friendly menus.
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