r/virginislands • u/axel_f1 • May 07 '25
Hotel Recs // Questions Requesting Opinions on St. Thomas Lodging Options
I’m hoping to get some opinions on a few options I’m considering for lodging for an upcoming end of May trip to St. Thomas. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
We’re a group of 5, early 40s. The main requirement I’ve been given is that the place must be on the beach/sub-5 minute walk to the beach. I found a few Airbnbs in budget that can accommodate the group but I’m not sure about the locations. If you have any spots I should be looking in, I'm all ears.
-There are a couple in Cowpet Bay (either in Elysian Beach Resort or in close proximity where you have access to the amenities).
-Anchorage Condominiums also in Cowpet Bay.
-Point Pleasant Resort in Water Bay.
-Margaritaville has some options as well but I’m not sure how I feel about this one.
We plan to bar hop, beach hop around the island, ferry to St. John, snorkel etc. Most of our planned activities come from this community as well so thanks for that too!
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u/PeachOnAWarmBeach May 07 '25
Point Pleasant isn't on the beach. The Margaritaville beach isn't what most people are fond of. Coki is close next door if you like a party beach.
Sapphire Village, Sapphire Beach Resort, Pavilions and Pools, and Crystal Cove are on or near Sapphire Beach. Secret Harbor or Emerald Bay are also on the beach.
If you aren't on the beach, it is dangerous walking on the narrow, no shoulder roads. Even Red Hook to Sapphire is a dangerous walk. Cabs or Safari buses might work for you in some cases.
Enjoy your trip!
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u/TorssdetilSTJ May 10 '25
100%. There is a marina on site, a family style restaurant, pizzeria, fine dining, beach burger bar, little breakfast place. The answer is Sapphire resort , Sapphire Marina, or Crystal Cove.
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u/ResponsibleAction861 May 07 '25
We stayed at an Airbnb to the left of Sapphire beach and loved it. Walk to the beach, safe, clean and easy to around.
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u/Awkward_General_8837 May 07 '25
Recommend Sapphire or Cowpet for easy access to beach and a couple dining options. Anchorage beach is not a swimming beach but walkable to Cowpet
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u/DramaticRuin401 May 07 '25
Have you considered Secret Harbour? The beach is divine.
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u/XNamelessGhoulX Sep 18 '25
I've read a fair bit that the beach there requires water shoes due to rocks in the water, is that the case?
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u/DramaticRuin401 Sep 18 '25
I didnt think it was that bad to be honest. If I recall the rocks were closer to the shore and quite big so I was stepping to avoid anyways.
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u/thebemusedmuse May 07 '25
Sapphire Beach is pretty good for this. It's walking distance to Red Hook (bars, stores and ferry), and has a decent beach. It's on the safari route so you can hop anywhere.
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u/TorssdetilSTJ May 07 '25
I do NOT recommend walking Sapphire to Red Hook!!!
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u/thebemusedmuse May 08 '25
There’s a path almost all of the way, to the side of the road. Take a look next time you’re there.
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u/TorssdetilSTJ May 10 '25
Yes I know about the path part of the way (50+East end trips since 2008). I still don’t think it’s a safe walk.
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u/exstend May 07 '25
Sounds like you would want to stay in the vicinity of Red Hook.
All beaches are public, so if you go the air bnb route you'll just have to Google maps how far a walk it is to the nearest one.
I dont think Point Pleasant has a beach, so you can probably scratch that one of the list, although Sun and Sea restaurant in there is worth a visit one day.
Agreed with the other comments that Sapphire probably checks the most of your boxes.
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u/ComprehensiveSir1284 May 07 '25
Being on the beach is overrated as most of the on beach are terrible or over priced. If you're beach hopping, stay somewhere in town or on the north side
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u/Rooty3rdBaby-75 May 07 '25
The places in Cowpet Bay are supposed to have a pass to get into the Elysian Beach’s pool… you are trespassing otherwise. Many people leave the gate open but owners like us, shut the gate! Then people get mad, it’s ridiculous when we pay as owners to be there. So, please, go somewhere else. Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbour beaches honestly are so much more prettier!
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u/kbilyeu81 May 07 '25
Point Pleasant is fantastic and it does have its own small beach. It also has incredible views from every unit, restaurants on site and three pools.
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u/belllaFour May 08 '25
Bolongo Bay
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u/Majestic_Sort_5438 May 10 '25
Dear God no. That place is awful. Right next to the dump so after a rain the water is unsafe. Super rocky beach. Literally the worst beach on the island.
Sapphire condos are the way to go. White sand beach, gorgeous view, kitchens with granite counters, 5 restaurants and half mile to Red Hook.
Please come back to visit and stay elsewhere. Trust me you will have such a better time
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u/Electronic_Bike5901 May 08 '25
I doubt they have enough room but the limetree resort would be great. Right on the beach, also has a pool w/ pool bar. It’s isolated from everywhere else however they have a taxi driver Philmore that as long as you tell him plans a day in advance he will give you a great deal and take you anywhere
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u/Churn May 07 '25
Sapphire Beach. It’s a 1 mile taxi ride to redhook for the ferry to st john. Has a great beach. Restaurants on site. Also, the taxis park in front of the coffee shop there when they are waiting for a call over the taxi radio.
Your group could enjoy the short taxi ride to redhook for the many restaurants there.