So, you’re looking for all inclusive vacations US Virgin Islands? Honestly, I have some news that might be a little annoying if you were expecting a row of massive, Sandals-style resorts lined up on the beach.
The US Virgin Islands (USVI) don't really do "all-inclusive" the way Cancun or Punta Cana does. It's just not their vibe. While the rest of the Caribbean was busy building sprawling complexes where you never have to pull out a credit card, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John stayed a bit more independent. They want you out in the local towns. They want you eating at the roadside jerk chicken stands and drinking Painkillers at soggy dollar bars.
But don't give up yet. You can still find that "everything's taken care of" feeling; you just have to know which properties actually offer it and which ones are just "resorts with breakfast."
The Reality Check on USVI All-Inclusive Packages
Here is the thing. When people search for all inclusive vacations US Virgin Islands, they usually find a lot of "European Plan" hotels. In the travel world, that’s just code for "pay for everything as you go."
Historically, the USVI has leaned into luxury villas and boutique hotels. Why? Because the islands are relatively small and the local economy relies heavily on tourists exploring. If you’re locked behind a gate eating buffet food all day, the local restaurants in Charlotte Amalie or Christiansted lose out.
Currently, there are only a handful of true, traditional all-inclusive options. Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix is the big one. It’s adults-only and recently renovated. Then you have Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas, which is basically the heart and soul of the island’s all-inclusive scene. It’s family-owned, small-scale, and feels more like a house party than a corporate hotel.
Why Bolongo Bay is the Gold Standard for All-Inclusive in St. Thomas
If you want the classic experience, Bolongo Bay is it. It’s not a 500-room mega-resort. It has 74 rooms. That’s tiny. But the reason it wins for all inclusive vacations US Virgin Islands is the transparency. Their "All-Inclusive" really means all-inclusive. You get a la carte meals—not just a sad buffet—and they include premium spirits. If you want a top-shelf rum, you get it.
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The coolest part? They include a sunset harbor cocktail cruise on their 53-foot catamaran, Heavenly Days. Most resorts charge an extra $100 for that. Here, it's just part of the Tuesday night plan.
The St. Croix Exception: Divi Carina Bay
St. Croix is the largest of the three islands, but it feels the least crowded. It's flatter, more agricultural, and has a distinct Danish history. Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino is the heavy hitter here for anyone seeking all inclusive vacations US Virgin Islands.
It went through a massive overhaul after the hurricanes a few years back and pivoted to an adults-only model. This changed the energy completely. It’s now much more of a "chill by the pool with a book" place than a "kids screaming at the splash pad" place.
What's the catch? It’s remote. You are on the eastern tip of the island. It’s beautiful, but if you want to see the Frederiksted pier or go to the Cane Bay wall for diving, you’re looking at a long drive. But if your goal is to sit in one spot and have a pina colada appear every 20 minutes, Divi delivers.
Sandcastle on the Beach
Also on St. Croix, you'll find Sandcastle on the Beach. It’s not always marketed as a traditional all-inclusive, but they offer packages that cover the essentials. It’s located in Frederiksted, which has the best sunsets on the island. Period. It's an LGBTQ-friendly, adults-only boutique spot. It’s intimate. If you hate crowds, this is your spot.
The "Almost" All-Inclusives: St. John and St. Thomas
St. John is the "nature island." Two-thirds of it is National Park. Because of that, building a massive all-inclusive resort is basically a legal nightmare.
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The Westin St. John Resort Villas is the closest you’ll get to a big-box resort experience on St. John. It's gorgeous. It has a massive pool. But it’s not all-inclusive. You’ll be paying for your mahi-mahi tacos individually.
On St. Thomas, you have the Ritz-Carlton. It is peak luxury. They offer a "Club Level" which is essentially a mini all-inclusive inside a hotel. You get breakfast, lunch, hors d'oeuvres, and an open bar in a private lounge. It’s expensive. Like, "don't look at the bill" expensive. But for some, that’s the best way to do all inclusive vacations US Virgin Islands without sacrificing quality.
Breaking Down the Costs: Is it Actually Worth It?
Let’s be real for a second. Sometimes all-inclusive is a rip-off.
In the USVI, groceries are pricey. Everything is imported. A gallon of milk can be $8. A cocktail at a nice bar is $15 to $18. When you look at the price of all inclusive vacations US Virgin Islands, you’re often looking at $500 to $800 per night for two people.
- The Math:
- Breakfast for two: $50
- Lunch with a couple of beers: $70
- Dinner with a bottle of wine: $200
- 6 Cocktails throughout the day: $100
- Total: $420
If the room itself is "worth" $300, and you’re paying $750 for the all-inclusive package, you’re basically breaking even. The value comes in the peace of mind. You aren't doing mental math every time you want a snack.
Hidden Gems and Alternative Strategies
Maybe you don't actually need a resort. A huge trend right now for all inclusive vacations US Virgin Islands is the "Crewed Yacht Charter."
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Instead of a hotel room, you hire a catamaran. It comes with a captain and a chef. You tell them what you like to eat and drink, and they stock the boat. You wake up in a different bay every morning. Maho Bay? Buck Island? Christmas Cove? You’re there.
It sounds like something for billionaires, but if you have two or three couples splitting the cost, it often comes out to roughly the same price as a high-end resort. And your "all-inclusive" drinks are whatever you asked the captain to buy at the warehouse store.
The Sugar Bay Situation
You might see old reviews for Sugar Bay Beach Resort & Spa. It used to be the go-to for all-inclusive on St. Thomas. As of right now, it’s been closed for renovations/rebranding for a long time. Don't book a "deal" you see on a sketchy third-party site for this place until you confirm they are actually open.
Crucial Tips for USVI Travel
- Don't forget your ID: You don't need a passport if you are a US citizen. That’s the biggest selling point. It’s like flying to Florida, but with better water.
- Drive on the left: They drive on the left side of the road here, but the cars are American-style (steering wheel on the left). it's confusing at first. Take it slow.
- Water is gold: Most islands rely on cisterns (rainwater collection). Don't waste it.
- The Sun is Different: You are closer to the equator. You will burn in 15 minutes. Use reef-safe sunscreen—it's actually the law in the USVI to protect the coral.
What Most People Get Wrong About USVI Resorts
People often expect the "Butler Service" they see in Jamaica. The US Virgin Islands are more "Island Time." Service is friendly, but it’s laid back. If you go in expecting military-grade efficiency at the buffet, you’re going to be frustrated.
Also, the beaches are public. Even if you stay at a fancy resort, the beach itself belongs to the people of the Virgin Islands. This is a good thing! It means you can wander onto any beach you want. But it also means your "private" resort beach might have locals and other tourists hanging out. Embrace it. The vibe is better that way.
Planning Your Next Steps
If you are ready to pull the trigger on all inclusive vacations US Virgin Islands, you need to decide on your "island flavor" first.
- Choose St. Thomas if you want easy flights, shopping, and the classic Bolongo Bay experience. It’s the busiest island and great for first-timers.
- Choose St. Croix if you want to disappear. Go to Divi Carina Bay if you want the adults-only casino vibe, or look into Sandcastle on the Beach for a boutique feel.
- Choose St. John if you actually don't mind paying for meals individually in exchange for the most beautiful beaches in the world. Use the Westin as your home base.
Check the ferry schedules if you plan on "island hopping." Moving between St. Thomas and St. John is easy (it’s a 20-minute boat ride). Moving between St. Thomas and St. Croix is harder—you either take the "QE4" ferry which can be a rough ride, or a quick "puddle jumper" seaplane flight with Silver Airways or Bohlke International Aviation.
Book your airport transport in advance. Taxis in the USVI are often shared vans with per-person pricing. It can be a bit of a shock if you’re used to Uber. Knowing the rates beforehand saves you the "tourist tax" headache at the curb.