10 Best Family Resorts in the US Virgin Islands: A Local’s Guide

Hey there, fellow island hoppers and family vacationers! As someone who’s been lucky enough to call the US Virgin Islands home for years, I’m stoked to share my insider’s guide to the best family resorts in this Caribbean paradise. Whether you’re looking for white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, or fun-filled activities for the kiddos, I’ve got you covered. So grab a piña colada (virgin for the little ones, of course), and let’s dive into the 10 best family resorts in the USVI!

But first, let’s break it down with a quick comparison table:

Resort Name	Island	Price Range	Kid-Friendly Activities	Beach Access	Pool	All-Inclusive Option	Website
The Buccaneer	St. Croix	$$$$	Kids’ Camp, Water Sports	Yes	Yes	No	Visit Site
The Westin St. John Resort Villas	St. John	$$$$	Kids’ Club, Water Sports	Yes	Yes	No	Visit Site
Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove	St. Thomas	$$$	Kids’ Activities, Pool Games	Yes	Yes	No	Visit Site
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort	St. Thomas	$$	Water Sports, Pool Activities	Yes	Yes	Yes	Visit Site
Emerald Beach Resort	St. Thomas	$$	Beach Activities, Pool	Yes	Yes	No	Visit Site
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino	St. Croix	$$$	Kids’ Activities, Water Sports	Yes	Yes	Yes	Visit Site
Sugar Bay Resort & Spa	St. Thomas	$$$	Kids’ Club, Water Sports	Yes	Yes	Yes	Visit Site
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas	St. Thomas	$$$$	Ritz Kids Program, Water Sports	Yes	Yes	No	Visit Site
Gallows Point Resort	St. John	$$$	Snorkeling, Pool	Yes	Yes	No	Visit Site
Secret Harbour Beach Resort	St. Thomas	$$$	Beach Activities, Water Sports	Yes	Yes	No	Visit Site

Now, let’s dive into the details of each resort and why they’re perfect for your family getaway!

1. The Buccaneer – St. Croix

Alright, folks, let’s kick things off with a real gem – The Buccaneer on St. Croix. This place is like the grande dame of USVI resorts, and lemme tell you, she’s aged like fine wine.

First things first – the beach. The Buccaneer’s got not one, not two, but three private beaches. That’s right, you’ve got options! Mermaid Beach is perfect for the little ones with its calm waters, while Grotto Beach is great for snorkeling. And if you’re feeling fancy, Whistle Beach is your secluded slice of paradise.

But what really sets The Buccaneer apart is their kids’ program. The Buccaneer Kids’ Camp is like summer camp on steroids. We’re talking treasure hunts, crab races, and even hermit crab Olympics (yes, that’s a thing, and it’s hilarious). For the older kids, there’s a teen program with activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

And don’t even get me started on the accommodations. The family cottages are spacious enough that you won’t be tripping over each other, and they’ve got views that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.

Pro tip: Book a sunset sail with the resort. It’s a great way to see the island, and the kids will love pretending to be pirates (just maybe don’t teach them about the rum part of “yo ho ho and a bottle of rum”).

2. The Westin St. John Resort Villas – St. John

Next up, we’re island-hopping over to St. John for The Westin St. John Resort Villas. Now, if you’re looking for a home away from home (but, you know, way nicer), this is your spot.

The villas here are no joke. We’re talking full kitchens, washer/dryers, and enough space that you won’t hear “Mom, he’s touching me!” every five minutes. Plus, they’ve got studio options all the way up to three-bedroom villas, so whether you’re a family of three or rolling deep with the whole clan, they’ve got you covered.

But let’s talk about the real star of the show – the pool. This isn’t just any pool, folks. It’s a quarter-acre, zero-entry pool that’s basically begging for Marco Polo tournaments. And for the littles, there’s a splash pad that’ll keep them entertained for hours.

The Westin Kids Club is also on point. They’ve got programs for kids 4-12, so you can actually have some adult time without feeling guilty. Go ahead, order that second piña colada. You deserve it.

Pro tip: Rent a jeep and explore St. John. Two-thirds of the island is a national park, and there are some beaches that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a postcard.

3. Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove – St. Thomas

Alright, let’s head back to St. Thomas for Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. This place is like the Swiss Army knife of family resorts – it’s got a tool for every situation.

First off, the views. Holy moly, the views. You’re perched on a hillside overlooking Pacquereau Bay, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of view that makes you want to wake up early. (I know, I know, “wake up early” and “vacation” don’t usually go together, but trust me on this one.)

The villas here are top-notch. Two and three-bedroom options mean plenty of space for everyone, and the full kitchens are a game-changer for families. Chicken nugget emergency at 9 PM? No problem.

But what really sets Frenchman’s Cove apart is the activities. They’ve got a different schedule every day, and it’s not just your standard resort stuff. We’re talking iguana feedings, coconut bowling, and even hermit crab races. (What is it with the USVI and racing hermit crabs? I don’t know, but it’s oddly entertaining.)

The infinity pool is a showstopper, and the beach is just steps away. And for the kids, there’s a stellar activity center with video games, ping pong, and daily activities.

Pro tip: Take the ferry over to St. John for the day. It’s a quick trip, and you’ll get to experience two islands in one vacation. How’s that for bragging rights?

4. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort – St. Thomas

Now, if you’re looking for that classic Caribbean vibe with a side of “don’t worry, be happy,” Bolongo Bay on St. Thomas is your jam.

This place is all about laid-back luxury. It’s not fancy-schmancy, but that’s kind of the point. You want a place where the kids can be kids without you stress-sweating about them breaking something expensive? This is it.

Bolongo Bay is one of the few all-inclusive options in the USVI, which can be a real sanity-saver when traveling with kids. (No more “But Mom, can I get a virgin piña colada?” every five minutes.) But if all-inclusive isn’t your thing, they’ve got room-only rates too.

The beach here is the real deal – we’re talking soft sand, clear water, and enough water sports to tire out even the most energetic kiddos. They’ve got Hobie Cats, standup paddleboards, kayaks, and even a Discover Scuba program for the older kids.

And let’s talk about the Iggies Beach Bar. This place is an institution. Live music, great food, and a vibe that’ll have you on island time faster than you can say “another round, please.”

Pro tip: Book a sunset sail on the resort’s catamaran, Heavenly Days. It’s a great way to see the island, and the kids will love helping to hoist the sails.

5. Emerald Beach Resort – St. Thomas

Alright, budget-conscious families, this one’s for you. Emerald Beach Resort on St. Thomas proves you don’t have to break the bank for a killer Caribbean vacation.

This place is all about location, location, location. You’re right on a beautiful stretch of Lindbergh Bay, and you’re so close to the airport you could practically wave to the planes. (Don’t worry, it’s not noisy – just convenient.)

The rooms here are simple but clean and comfortable, and they all have balconies or patios with ocean views. Because let’s face it, you’re not here to hang out in your room anyway.

What Emerald Beach lacks in fancy frills, it makes up for in good old-fashioned fun. The beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and they’ve got kayaks and paddleboards for rent. The pool is nothing fancy, but it does the job when the kids need a break from the salt water.

And can we talk about the restaurant for a sec? Palms Restaurant is right on the beach, and they do a mean fish taco. Plus, kids under 12 eat free with a paying adult. Cha-ching!

Pro tip: Take a trip to nearby Brewers Bay. It’s one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, and it’s usually way less crowded than some of the more famous beaches.

6. Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino – St. Croix

Back to St. Croix we go for the Divi Carina Bay. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Casino? For a family vacation?” But hear me out, because this place is way more than just poker tables and slot machines.

First off, it’s all-inclusive. And I mean all-inclusive. We’re talking meals, drinks, activities, the works. For families, this is like striking gold. No more budgeting for every little thing or saying no to that second ice cream cone.

The beach here is postcard-perfect, and the pools (yes, plural) are pretty sweet too. They’ve got a main pool with a swim-up bar (virgin daiquiris for the kiddos, of course) and a quieter pool if you need a break from the action.

For the kids, there’s a great activities program with stuff like pool games, beach volleyball, and arts and crafts. And for the whole family, they’ve got things like movie nights under the stars and Caribbean dance lessons. (Warning: your kids will definitely laugh at your attempts to dance. Ask me how I know.)

And yes, there’s a casino. But it’s totally separate from the rest of the resort, so you don’t have to worry about the little ones wandering in. Maybe you can sneak away for a game of blackjack after the kids are in bed. (Just don’t bet the college fund, okay?)

Pro tip: Take a trip to the nearby St. George Village Botanical Garden. It’s a great way to learn about the island’s history and see some cool plants. Plus, the kids can run around and burn off some energy.

7. Sugar Bay Resort & Spa – St. Thomas (Closed)

Alright, let’s head back to St. Thomas for Sugar Bay Resort & Spa. This place is like the Goldilocks of USVI resorts – not too big, not too small, just right.

Sugar Bay is another all-inclusive option, which is always a win in my book when you’re traveling with kids. The food here is pretty darn good, with a mix of buffet and à la carte options. And trust me, even the pickiest eaters will find something they like.

The beach is nice, but the real star of the show here is the pool complex. We’re talking three interconnected pools, a waterfall, and a swim-up bar. It’s like a water park, but classy.

For the kids, there’s the Sugar Birds Kids Club. They’ve got activities for kids 4-12, including stuff like nature walks, arts and crafts, and even mini-golf. And for the teens, there’s a game room with ping pong, foosball, and video games.

The rooms here are spacious and most have killer views of the bay. And can we talk about the bathrooms for a sec? They’re huge. Like, “have a dance party while you brush your teeth” huge.

Pro tip: Take the Skyride to Paradise Point. It’s a cable car that takes you up to one of the best views on the island. The kids will love the ride, and you’ll love the photo ops.

8. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Okay, fancy pants, this one’s for you. If you’re looking to splurge on a truly luxurious family vacation, The Ritz-Carlton on St. Thomas is where it’s at.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “The Ritz? With kids?” But let me tell you, these folks know how to cater to families while still keeping things swanky.

First off, the beach. Oh my goodness, the beach. It’s like someone took all the best parts of every Caribbean beach and smooshed them into one perfect stretch of sand. And the water? Crystal clear and calm – perfect for little swimmers.

The pools here are no joke either. There’s a family pool that’s great for the kiddos, and an adults-only infinity pool for when you need a little “me time.” (No judgment here – we all need a break sometimes.)

But what really sets the Ritz apart is their Ritz Kids program. We’re talking eco-tours, sailing lessons, and even a program where kids can help feed the resort’s iguanas. It’s educational, but in a “wow, this is cool” kind of way, not a “Mom, this feels like school” kind of way.

And let’s not forget about the food. The restaurants here are top-notch, but they still manage to be kid-friendly. They’ve even got a sushi-making class for kids. (Warning: this may result in your child insisting they’re the next Iron Chef.)

Pro tip: Book a sunset sail on the resort’s luxury catamaran, Lady Lynsey II. It’s a splurge, but it’s worth it for the views and the memories.

9. Gallows Point Resort – St. John

Back to St. John we go for Gallows Point Resort. Now, this place is a bit different from the others on our list, but hear me out, because it might just be perfect for your family.

Gallows Point isn’t a traditional resort – it’s more like having your own apartment in paradise. Each unit is a spacious suite with a full kitchen, living room, and private balcony or patio. For families who like a little more space and the option to cook their own meals, this is ideal.

The property is set on a peninsula, so you’ve got water views for days. There’s no beach right on the property, but you’re just a short walk from Cruz Bay Beach, and the resort provides free beach chairs, coolers, and snorkel gear.

There’s a beautiful pool with panoramic views of the Caribbean, and the sunsets from here are absolutely killer. Seriously, your Instagram followers will think you’re using a filter. (You’re not. It really is that beautiful.)

Now, there’s no kids’ club here, but that doesn’t mean it’s not family-friendly. It’s perfect for families who like to do their own thing and explore. And let’s be real, sometimes the best family memories come from unstructured time together.

Pro tip: Take advantage of the concierge service to book family-friendly activities around the island. They can hook you up with everything from snorkel trips to hiking tours in the national park.

10. Secret Harbour Beach Resort – St. Thomas

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got Secret Harbour Beach Resort on St. Thomas. And let me tell you, this place is a hidden gem (see what I did there?).

First things first – the beach. Oh. My. Goodness. We’re talking soft white sand, crystal clear water, and a calm bay that’s perfect for little swimmers. It’s like Mother Nature looked at a postcard and said, “Yeah, I can do that.”

The resort is on the smaller side, which gives it a really intimate, laid-back vibe. No huge crowds or fighting for beach chairs here. It’s the kind of place where you can really unwind and spend quality time with the fam.

Now, let’s talk accommodations. The rooms here are actually condos, which is a game-changer for families. We’re talking full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and enough space that you won’t be tripping over each other’s suitcases. Plus, they’ve all been recently renovated, so everything is fresh and modern.

For activities, they’ve got you covered. There’s a PADI dive center right on site, so if you’ve got older kids who want to try scuba, this is the place to do it. They also offer snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards. And the snorkeling right off the beach? Top-notch. We’re talking sea turtles, colorful fish, maybe even a spotted eagle ray if you’re lucky.

The pool isn’t huge, but it’s got a great view of the bay and it’s perfect for when the kids need a break from the salt water. And can we talk about the restaurant for a sec? The Sunset Grille is right on the beach, and they do a mean fish taco. Plus, the sunset views from here are absolutely killer.

Now, there’s no formal kids’ club here, but honestly, you won’t miss it. The beach and pool provide plenty of entertainment, and the staff is great about suggesting family-friendly activities around the island.

Pro tip: Take a day trip to St. John. The ferry terminal is just a short drive away, and you can explore the beautiful beaches of the Virgin Islands National Park.

Wrapping It Up

Alright, folks, there you have it – the 10 best family resorts in the US Virgin Islands. From luxurious digs to laid-back vibes, from all-inclusive ease to DIY adventures, there’s something here for every family.

Remember, the best family vacation is one where everyone gets to relax and have fun. Whether that means a jam-packed schedule of activities or lazy days on the beach is up to you. The beauty of the USVI is that you can have it all.

A few final tips for your USVI family adventure:

1. Don’t forget the sunscreen. The Caribbean sun is no joke, and nothing ruins a vacation faster than a family of lobsters.
2. Try the local food. From fresh seafood to tropical fruits, the flavors here are amazing. Get the kids to try something new – you might be surprised!
3. Island time is real. Things move a little slower here, so embrace it. It’s all part of the relaxation process.
4. Get out and explore. Each island has its own personality, so don’t be afraid to venture beyond your resort.
5. Most importantly, make memories. Take photos, try new things, and soak in every moment with your loved ones.

Whether you’re building sandcastles on Magens Bay, snorkeling with sea turtles off St. John, or watching the sunset from a catamaran, the USVI is a place where family memories are made.

So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready for sun, sand, and smiles. The US Virgin Islands are waiting to welcome you to paradise. Trust me, once you experience these islands with your family, you’ll be planning your next trip before you even leave.

See you on the beach, and don’t forget to save me a spot under the palm trees!