So you're thinking about booking an all inclusive resort in the US Virgin Islands? Smart move. No passport needed for US citizens, those killer Caribbean views, and someone else mixing your cocktails. But let's get real – not all "all inclusive" resorts are created equal. I learned that the hard way when I showed up expecting top-shelf liquor and got well drinks instead. Oops.
What "All Inclusive" Actually Means in the US Virgin Islands
You'd think it's straightforward, right? Pay one price, get everything. Well, not exactly. After visiting six properties across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, I noticed patterns. Most cover:
- All meals and snacks (though specialty dining often costs extra)
- Basic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Non-motorized water sports (think kayaks, not jet skis)
- Daily activities like yoga or mixology classes
Watch out: Many resorts exclude premium alcohol, spa treatments, airport transfers, and excursions. At one luxury spot in St. John, the "all inclusive" package didn't even include room service – talk about a buzzkill when you're craving midnight fries.
The Price vs. Value Breakdown
| What's Included | What's Usually Extra | Resorts That Get It Right |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet and main restaurant meals | Steakhouse or sushi upgrades ($25-50 per person) | Bolongo Bay's Iggies Beach Bar included local fish tacos |
| Domestic beer and house wines | Premium liquor brands (Patron, Grey Goose) | Divi Carina Bay had premium rum included |
| Paddleboards and snorkel gear | Scuba diving or fishing charters ($120-300+) | Secret Harbour offered free intro dives |
Top All Inclusive Resorts in the US Virgin Islands Compared
Here's the scoop on the main players based on my stays and what guests actually say:
| Resort Name | Island | Nightly Rate Range | Best For | Food Quality | Inclusion Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolongo Bay Beach Resort | St. Thomas | $450-$700 | Families, social travelers | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Great local cuisine) | ✅✅✅✅ (Premium rum included) |
| Divi Carina Bay All Inclusive Beach Resort | St. Croix | $400-$650 | Couples, casino lovers | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Standard buffet) | ✅✅✅ (Basic drinks package) |
| Secret Harbour Beach Resort | St. Thomas | $550-$900 | Divers, peace seekers | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Award-winning restaurant) | ✅✅ (Limited drinks included) |
The Unexpected Gem: Bolongo Bay
I'll be honest – I didn't expect much from this family-run spot. But their Thursday night beach party with fresh grilled lobster changed my mind. The staff remembered my name by day two, and they include catamaran trips to St. John. Huge value for money.
Choosing Your Perfect USVI All Inclusive Resort
Don't just look at pretty photos. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is beach quality non-negotiable? Some resorts like Divi have rougher shorelines
- Will you go stir-crazy? Smaller properties like Secret Harbour feel intimate but lack activities
- Are you a foodie? Resorts with only one restaurant get boring fast
Island Personalities Decoded
| Island | Vibe | Best Resort Match | What I Didn't Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas | Lively, shopping, busy ports | Bolongo Bay (free shuttle to Charlotte Amalie) | Cruise ship crowds can overwhelm beaches |
| St. John | Nature-focused, quiet, upscale | Caneel Bay (reopening 2024 as luxury all-inclusive) | Limited dining options outside resorts |
| St. Croix | Cultural, authentic, relaxed | Divi Carina (only true all-inclusive here) | Beaches aren't as spectacular as other islands |
My biggest mistake? Not realizing St. Croix is a 45-minute flight from St. Thomas. If island-hopping is your goal, stick to St. Thomas/St. John combos. That inter-island ferry is golden.
Saving Money on USVI All Inclusive Resorts
These islands aren't cheap, but work these strategies:
- Book 90+ days early for 15-30% discounts
- Travel May-November (rain risk but 40% lower rates)
- Watch for "free night" promos – Sandals does 7-for-5 deals
Hidden Fees Checklist
Always ask about these expenses:
- Resort fees ($35-75/night)
- Tips (even with "included" packages, staff appreciate cash)
- Premium dining surcharges
- Motorized water sports (jet skis = $95/hour)
What to Actually Pack for Your Resort Stay
Beyond swimsuits and sunscreen, don't forget:
- Reusable insulated cup (those tiny resort cups get annoying)
- Water shoes (some beaches have sea urchins)
- Bug spray (even luxury resorts can't control mosquitoes)
- Prescription meds (pharmacies are limited on smaller islands)
Real Guest FAQs About USVI All Inclusive Resorts
Q: Are these resorts truly hassle-free for US travelers?
A: Mostly. No passport needed, currency is USD, and English is spoken everywhere. But cell service can be spotty – download offline maps.
Q: Which all inclusive resort in the US Virgin Islands has the best beach?
A: Secret Harbour's sheltered cove wins for calm water and snorkeling. Bolongo has the widest sandy beach. Avoid Divi if powdery sand is your priority.
Q: Can I leave the resort without extra costs?
A: Absolutely. Unlike some Caribbean destinations, USVI resorts don't penalize you for exploring. Taxis are expensive though – $20+ per person for short rides.
Q: Is the food bland at these resorts?
A> Some can be. Stick to properties with local dishes – I still dream about Bolongo's jerk chicken. Buffet fatigue is real at places with limited options.
Making Your Final Resort Decision
After comparing all options, I'd pick:
- For families: Bolongo Bay (activities everywhere)
- For romance: Secret Harbour (private balconies overlooking water)
- For nightlife: Divi Carina (only resort with casino)
Pro tip: Call the resort directly before booking. Last year I got a free room upgrade just by asking about seasonal specials. Front desk staff have more flexibility than online portals.
The Future of All Inclusive Resorts in US Virgin Islands
With Sandals opening its first USVI property in 2025 on St. Vincent, expect more luxury options. But personally? I worry about losing that local charm. There's magic in small properties like Bolongo where the bartender remembers your favorite drink.
Look, if you want zero decisions beyond "beach or pool?" these resorts deliver. Just manage expectations – this isn't Mexico's hotel zone with 24/7 parties. The US Virgin Islands all inclusive experience is more about easy relaxation with Caribbean flavor. And honestly? After that first painkiller cocktail as you watch the sunset, you won't care about the little imperfections.
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