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Part of
the U.S. Virgin
Islands, St. Thomas boasts gorgeous beaches and equally gorgeous
waters. While many tourists, particularly those arriving by cruise ship, choose
beachside mega-resorts for their island stays, some of the best, most intimate
accommodations can be found in tiny, family-run boutique hotels tucked away in
the hills. These spots may seem small and basic upon arrival, but many
offer absolutely breathtaking, bird's eye views of the islands and ocean
from pools, porches, rooms, restaurants, and surrounding grounds. Here are our
seven favorites.
With
only four rooms, Bellavista Bed
& Breakfast is a relaxing and upscale hilltop retreat with
personalized service from the owners, who live right next door. The property is
charming and quaint, and the pool area, sundeck, and two of the rooms have
gorgeous harbor views. The island-style decor is whimsical and fun, yet
tasteful, and quirky touches such as a cactus garden give the property
character and personality. Breakfast is one of the best parts of the stay --
it’s two courses and feels decadent, but still healthy.
Opened
in 2006, At Home In the
Tropics Bed and Breakfast Inn is a small, four-room property in a
historic part of town. Steps from Blackbeard’s Castle, the Government House,
and downtown Charlotte Amalie, At Home In the Tropics has a convenient and
central location. The four guest rooms are charming, bright, and well-appointed
with safes, flat-screen TVs, high-end toiletries, and private bathrooms. There
are plenty of common spaces and the views around the property are stunning. It
is not located directly on the beach, but the beach is never far away on St.
Thomas.
Located
up narrow, winding mountain roads, Magens Point
Resort is a secluded hillside property that has magnificent views of
Magens Bay and the surrounding area. The pool, bar, and restaurant are fun and
lively, and the resort has an energetic, friendly atmosphere. Magens Point
offers some unexpected perks for an upper-middle-range property -- an on-site
deli and convenience store, two gaming rooms, a large fitness center, spa, and
tennis courts. However, the rooms are basic and in need of some updating.
The
upper-middle-range Point Pleasant
Resort is a large, spacious hillside property on the East End of the
island, a convenient, scenic location close to Red Hook's restaurants and
shopping. Features include three pools, an on-site restaurant, and a spa. The
villas are privately owned and managed, with varying decor, but each unit is
spacious with a large living room and fully equipped kitchen. There is a small
but rocky beach in front of the property that doesn’t have much room for
lounging, but guests are free to use the beach next door at Sugar Bay Resort.
Villa Marbella Suites is located on Frenchman’s
Bay on the south coast of the island. It's a tiny hilltop property with only
four rooms, giving it a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and every unit offers
gorgeous views of the bay, Charlotte-Amalie, and the surrounding area. The
rooms are stylish yet homey and all have fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers
as well as beach towels, coolers, and bags. Property features include a pool
with terrific bay views and a gas grill, but no restaurant or beachfront.
Paradise Cove is a small 21-room property
on the East End of the island. Around the corner from Red Hook on a quiet side
street, the property is serene and peaceful. There are stunning views of
Nazareth Bay throughout the resort and a distinctive tearoom is both convenient
and delicious. While the rooms in the Escape building are nicely updated (and
pricier), the other rooms are dated and in need of a facelift. However, the
resort is still a good mid-range option for those looking to save some money in
the pricey Red Hook area.
At 900
feet above sea level, the Mafolie Hotel
is known for its incredible island and sea views. Mafolie is a landmark hotel
in St. Thomas and has been in operation since the 1940s, with many people’s
grandparents having fond memories of vacationing here. A gorgeous pool area
with a bar, cabanas, and loungers, as well as a popular restaurant, are the
highlights of the hotel. The rooms are clean and island-style but not
contemporary, and you have to drive to get to any off-site dining. However, the
hotel is a great value for the scenery, atmosphere, and amenities.
