Best all inclusive adults only resorts in us virgin islands

St Croix’s only all-inclsuive is making a comeback as a new kind of resort, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The Divi Carina Bay all-inclusive resort is slated to reopen in October 2021, according to Divi Resorts. 

And when it does, it will be as an adults-only all-inclusive property, the only one of its kind in St Croix and the wider US Virgin Islands. 

The 196-room property has been “completely redesigned” after suffering damage during Hurricane Maria back in 2017. 

The property will unveil a host of new food and beverage concepts, including everything from a brick-oven pizza eatery to a pan-Asian fusion spot. 

The property will retain its on-site casino, which will have its own restaurant and bar options. 

Divi Carina Bay is set on the far eastern end of the island of St Croix. 

It’s been in a “soft opening” phase of late as construction and renovations continue toward the fall relaunch. 

It’s relaunch another boost for tourism in the US Virgin Islands, which has been performing very strongly amid the pandemic, leading to surging occupancy numbers and a number of new flights from major carriers. 

That’s been buoyed by the destination’s best-in-class travel screening portal. You can find more about how to visit the US Virgin Islands here.

For more, visit Divi Carina Bay. 

— CJ

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The U.S. Virgin Islands have a surprisingly small number of all-inclusive resorts, but the hotels that do provide this level of service take care of every detail for a truly sit-back-and-unwind guest experience. It’s also an ideal getaway for U.S. citizens since no passport is required for entry. 

The island is made up of four principal islands and 50 smaller islands. St. Croix is the largest island and is a favorite with honeymooners and history buffs. St. Thomas is more developed but retains a Caribbean attitude that still entices visitors to relax. And St. John is great for nature lovers, with two-thirds of the island designated as a national park and limited accommodation options. Whichever island you visit, you’ll find picturesque white-sand beaches for laying out on and clear blue waters perfect for snorkeling adventures. 

While there are only two traditional all-inclusive resorts on this list, our editors wanted to give travelers some other comparable stays with great food options and amenities that are worth considering for your next U.S. Virgin Islands vacation.

The 5 Best All-Inclusive U.S. Virgin Islands Resorts of 2022

• Best Family-Owned: Bolongo Bay
• Best for Amenities: Divi Carina Bay
• Best for Couples: Coral’s Edge
• Best View: Margaritaville Vacation Club
• Best Boutique Hotel: Sand Castle, St. Croix

Best Family-Owned: Bolongo Bay

Beach and dock at Bolongo Bay resort, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. © Bolong Bay Resort

Why We Chose It

The first all-inclusive hotel on St. Thomas has a welcoming home-away-from-home atmosphere.

Notable Amenities

Unlimited cocktails, sunset catamaran cruise and turtle snorkeling trip for longer-stay guests

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Family-owned

• A la carte dining

• Free non-motorized motorsports

Cons

• Older property

• Only one restaurant

Hotel Overview

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort lays claim to having introduced the all-inclusive concept to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1989. This family-owned hotel has since withstood fierce competition to remain present in the market.

The resort is situated in a tranquil cove on the southern coast of the island on 1,000 feet of beachfront. All 74 rooms feature private balconies, complimentary WiFi, and cable TV. Unlimited cocktails are on offer to go with the a la carte dining menu at Iggies’ Oasis Restaurant, where you’ll find Caribbean-inspired dishes such as lobster tail, jerk marinated chicken breast, and grilled mahi-mahi.

All-inclusive guests also have free access to various water sports including sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Best for Amenities: Divi Carina Bay

Why We Chose It

This secluded haven offers a choice between beachfront rooms and hillside suites.

Notable Amenities

Private balconies or patios, on-site water sports center

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fitness center

• Two outdoor pools on-site

• Six on-site restaurants and bars

Cons

• Long drive from the airport

• Far from local attractions

Hotel Overview

Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort in St. Croix temporarily stopped its all-inclusive offering from October 2021 until January 2022 while it underwent renovations. During that time, the hotel was redecorated from top to bottom and now offers bigger suites and even more amenities. The comprehensive all-inclusive package for adults (18+) includes indoor and outdoor dining, non-motorized water sports, evening entertainment, and access to a tennis court.

The main on-site restaurants dish up Italian, American, Caribbean, and Pan-Asian Fusion meals, while the Oceans poolside bar and grill prepares light meals and snacks like hot dogs and Mexican fries. For your morning cup of Joe, East End cafe has gourmet coffee on tap from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. And if you’re feeling a little peckish at night, you can head to the Carina Bay Casino for drinks and late-night snacks.

Best for Couples: Coral’s Edge

Coral's Edge Bed & Breakfast 

Why We Chose It

The on-site personal chef prepares breakfast daily and can also be booked for dinner.

Notable Amenties

Outdoor pool, access to cruiser bicycles

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Boutique property gives the hotel extra charm

• On-site personal chef

• Ocean views

Cons

• Not located right on a beach

Hotel Overview

The newest adults-only property on St. Croix has just three luxury rooms, but every review we could find for Coral’s Edge gave this venue a five-star billing. The hosts Jules and Adams (who is the on-site chef) are said to welcome travelers with a tasty cocktail and a smile. Guests have noted how helpful both hosts are in recommending great restaurants and beaches to visit. Jules and Adams can also help you out with beach chairs, coolers, and anything else you might need to enjoy your stay. They are hands-on in ensuring their guests have a great, personal experience at the Coral’s Edge.

Adams creates a satisfying breakfast meal every morning, while Jules makes the speciality mimosa of the day to accompany it. Adams is also available to devise and cook a customized five-course dinner menu for guests as they desire. Situated on the north side of the island, Coral’s Edge is a short drive away from various St. Croix attractions, and there are beaches and restaurants within walking distance.

Best View: Margaritaville Vacation Club

Why We Chose It

The Margaritaville upscale lifestyle is set in a paradisiacal location.

Notable Amenities

Swim-up bar, fitness center, massage services

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Close to the beach

• Outdoor pool

• Free WiFi in all rooms

Cons

• Limited on-site parking

• Daily housekeeping is not included in rate

Hotel Overview

Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham in St. Thomas is a laid back resort located on the beach at Water Bay at the eastern end of the island. It features 264 individually decorated studios as well as one and two-bedroom suites, each furnished with balconies or decks, a kitchenette, and a Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker to make your own signature version of the drink.

Poolside cocktails are also available at The 5 o’Clock Somewhere bar, which offers margaritas at all hours of the day. You can dine outdoors and order American and Caribbean cuisine, all while watching the ocean waves roll in.

Best Boutique Hotel: Sand Castle, St. Croix

Why We Chose It

This boutique hotel atmosphere comes with the personality of a larger property.

Notable Amenities

Complimentary kayaks and snorkel gear; two freshwater pools; book lending library

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Continental breakfast included

• Open-air seaside terrace restaurant

• Free Wi-Fi

Cons

• One restaurant on-site

• Décor is slightly outdated

Hotel Overview

Sand Castle on the Beach Resort’s current owners, Chris Richardson and Ted Bedwell, originally “accidentally” visited the property as guests in 1998. All it took was one night at the resort for them to fall in love with the “mid-century jewel” as they call it. Designed by renowned architect and St. Croix resident, John Randal McDonald, Sand Castle offers guests (aged 16+) stand-alone beachfront villas or various sized suites. All accommodations include private baths, air conditioning, and cable TV.

Breakfast burritos, seafood chowder, coconut curry chicken, and buddha bowls are on the menu at the hotel’s casual Beach Side Café restaurant. The dessert offerings include coconut rum cake and cappuccino brownie sundae.

Final Verdict

In St. Croix, Coral’s Edge is ideal for couples looking for a memorable personal touch with a daily breakfast fit for a king or queen, and a customizable dinner menu devised by the on-site private chef. Sand Castle is a great choice for travelers who prefer a boutique hotel experience while still getting most of the services provided by a larger property. Divi Carina Bay takes the cake for all the amenities and services you would expect from an established all-inclusive resort, and following an extensive refurbishment, is even more appealing. 

In St. Thomas, Bolongo Bay has been providing an all-inclusive service for over 30 years, but that longevity does show in its outdated décor and tired fixtures. In contrast, Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham has a fresher outlook in terms of appearance and what it can offer guests. This is our top choice for visiting St. Thomas, plus who can say no to 24/7 margaritas?

Compare the Best All-Inclusive U.S. Virgin Island Resorts

Please note: All hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands charge a 12.5% room tax (based on the gross room rental) on reservations for less than 90 days.

Methodology

We researched every all-inclusive resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands (as there aren't many that are traditionally all-inclusive), along with properties offering a similar level of service and choice, before deciding which hotels should be highlighted. These resorts on St. Thomas and St. Croix have matched or surpassed our strict criteria for service excellence, value for money, and first-class amenities.

We considered the resort’s reputation, location, and notable amenities (e.g., concierge services, free WiFi, on-site parking, pools, bars, and more). We also looked at the property’s dining options and the types of experiences (meals, on-site activities, etc.) included in each property’s all-inclusive rate. In finalizing this list, we also carefully weighed up many favorable and unfavorable customer reviews.

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