Where To Stay

St John island is one of the hottest Caribbean travel destinations. This tiny island is literally and figuratively “on the map”. With her beautiful North Shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach and Honeymoon Beach – it’s no wonder why so many people choose St John for their next vacation. But St John isn’t like most other tourist spots. It doesn’t have an airport ( visitors fly into St Thomas STT ). At just 9 miles long, it isn’t very big. And just over 2/3rds of the island is taken up by the Virgin Islands National Park.

Where To Stay on St John island

The pictures of stunning white sand beaches have you set on visiting St John? Next up … accommodations. And here’s where St John is different from other places in the Caribbean. St John is home to just two resorts – and they are not St John all inclusive resorts. Hotels? There are a few small inns and bed and breakfasts on the Island. So where do most people stay? They rent one of over 800 St John vacation rental villas or St John Resorts dotting the island from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. With this many options there’s bound to be a villa that matches your budget, number of guests, kid friendly, pools, ocean views and a/c. Keep reading to find out which options appeal most to you and your style of travel.

Before you book on VRBO, HomeAway, Flipkey or AirBnb – note: they all charge crazy guest service fees of 4%-20% of your booking on top of processing fees and taxes!

St John Vacation Rentals

The most popular type of accommodation is a rental villa. Ranging in size from a Caribbean-style cottage to lavish 6, 7, 8 or more bedroom compounds. And as you’d imagine there’s a range of prices that match the size and amenities of each property. Most offer privacy, ocean views and amenities like spas and pools. Many are convenient to St John’s popular beaches. Roughly half of the properties are owner managed. The other 1/2 of the properties are connected to on-island management companies. So how do you find a place to rent? Many turn to sites like VRBO, HomeAway, Flipkey and AirBnb. But before you do the same – you should know that booking through these sites carries a “penalty” in the form of a “guest service charge” ranging from 4% – 20%+ of your booking. Luckily you do have alternatives. You can research villas on the large rental sites. Then search for the owners web site. Or, you can use a St John community site like www.StJohn-VillaRentals.com . There you’ll find a huge selection of St John vacation rentals in all budgets – and deal directly with owners and management.

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Here’s what Travel + Leisure had to say about the community site ….

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One thing you’ll want to decide is Coral Bay vs Cruz Bay?

Cruz Bay is the island’s economic hub. The ferry and taxis call it home. There are a large number of restaurants and bars to choose from. You’ll find plenty of shops, several grocery stores and markets, a pharmacy and several gas stations. In contrast, Coral Bay has a handful of restaurants and bars. There are even fewer shops. And the time of writing, there’s no gas station. So what makes Coral Bay so special? Many people are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their every day lives. They want to escape to a simpler place. And for many, Coral Bay is that place. A short drive ot most North Shore beaches. A much shorter drive to beaches like Salt Pond, Little Lameshur, Hansen Bay; and snorkeling meccas like Haulover North and Pelican Rock.

Villa Rentals starting at $325/nt

1-6 Bedroom St John vacation rental villas.

Island Getaways, St. John, US Virgin Islands, www.IslandGetawaysInc.com,

CALL: (888) 693-7676 or (340) 693-7676 

St John Resorts

Unlike much of the Caribbean with it’s resort lined beaches – St John has just four resorts. Located inside the Virgin Islands National Park, and boasting seven beautiful beaches sits Caneel Bay Resort[CLOSED FOR REPAIRS] Not far from Cruz Bay is The Westin St John with resort rentals as well as timeshare opportunities. Guest might also enjoy Gallows Point and Grande Bay Resort. While not  traditional resorts they do offer amenities that a villa may not offer. Gallows Point’s rental condos and on-site amenities qualify in our book. Located on Cruz Bay; with snorkeling at your door step.

St John All-Inclusive Resorts

So many people ask – that it begs an answer! A: Unlike most of the Caribbean’s top island destinations … St John does not have an all inclusive resort on the island. You’ll find that most people come for the beaches and snorkeling, hiking and relaxed atmosphere. The St John experience isn’t for everybody. But that’s what makes it so special!

St John Timeshare Rentals

Looking for an affordable resort vacation? Consider renting or buying a timeshare at The Westin St John. See our Timeshares Section below for details.

360 VR View of Estate Lindholm

St John Inns + B&Bs

Looking for a place to rest your head that’s not a big resort and not as complicated as a rental villa? Then one of St John’s inns and bed & breakfasts might be right for you. Rates and amenities vary by location. But one thing they all share is relaxed accommodations.

The island’s most acclaimed B&B is Estate Lindholm (pictured). It sits on the hillside above Cruz Bay and inside the National Park. The 16 rooms, some with ocean views or garden views, put you within a short hike of Salomon Beach and Honeymoon Beach!

Garden by the Sea – Choose from The Garden Room, Terrace Room, Wild Ginger Room. Rates start at $175/nt. Check out the details and availability at Garden by the Sea .

Camping on St John

Want the experience of camping in the US Virgin Islands? Then you’ll want to look at Cinnamon Bay Campground or Concordia Eco Resort and the luxury Glamping Tents  at Lovango Resort & Beach Club .

Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground – [NOW OPEN]

Located inside the Virgin Islands National Park is the Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campgrounds. Choose between cottages, eco-tents or bare site!

Which one is right for you?
If you’re looking for a rustic experience but not necessarily a tent dwelling … then the Cinnamon Bay cottages are perfect. They offer fans, linens and even a refrigerator. But the best part is they are just steps from the white sand and aqua blue water of Cinnamon Bay Beach! One step down – the outdoor person will love the new eco-tents. Enjoy a tent experience with electricity, locking door, storage, deck and even king or twin beds! One rung down are the platform tents. Simple living at its best! Enjoy camp mattresses, gas stove and basic cooking equipment – just add adventures! And last there are the bare tent sites for the truly adventurous spirits! No matter which type of St John camping experience you choose … you’re just a short distance to the beach and some amazing snorkeling and watersports!

Cinnamon Reservations: Email: info@cinnamonbayvi.com
or visit their web site: www.cinnamonbayvi.com

Concordia Eco-Resort

Concordia Eco Resort was destroyed by the 2017 double CAT5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria. As of January 2020, a new owner is in the process of rebuilding the eco resort. Unfortunately emails and calls to them went unanswered. So, check here for alternatives to Concordia Eco Resort.

St John Timeshares

Visitors looking for an amenity-rich resort vacation would do well in choosing a St. John timeshare. Enjoy an affordable St. John timeshare directly on the white sand beach of Great Cruz Bay, surrounded by lush gardens and tropical plantings. Timeshare villas on the island can be found within the Westin St. John ( pictured ) and feature amenities for the whole family! The kids will love the activities, watersports and Westin Family Kids Club. Adults and parents will enjoy spa services, shopping, childcare, water sports, sports and fitness center and resort dining options!

Visitors can stay at The Westin St John for less by renting a timeshare from private reseller VacationOwnership.com. They also offer timeshare resales in St. John for those wanting a lifetime of yearly vacations to their own private paradise.