Does St Thomas Have All Inclusive Resorts? What Most People Get Wrong

You're scrolling through booking sites, looking for that classic Caribbean "wristband life." You want the endless margaritas, the buffet that never sleeps, and the zero-stress feeling of leaving your wallet in the room safe. But then you search for St. Thomas, and things get... weird.

The short answer? Yes. But honestly, it’s not what you’re used to if you’ve spent time in Cancun or Punta Cana.

St. Thomas is the bustling heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s got world-class jewelry shops, hills that’ll make your rental car scream, and beaches like Magens Bay that look like postcards come to life. What it doesn’t have is a coastline littered with massive, 1,000-room all-inclusive mega-resorts.

If you’re wondering does st thomas have all inclusive resorts, you need to know that the options are limited, specific, and often "all-inclusive-lite."

The Heavy Hitter: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

If you want the "true" all-inclusive experience on St. Thomas in 2026, Bolongo Bay is basically the only game in town. It’s been family-owned since the 70s, and it feels like it. In a good way.

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It’s small. 74 rooms. No massive marble lobbies or synchronized poolside dance teams. Instead, you get a place where the bartenders actually remember your name by day two. Their all-inclusive package is legit: 100% a la carte dining. That means no lukewarm buffet trays. You sit down at Iggies’ Oasis, order a steak or fresh mahi-mahi, and it’s included.

They even include premium cocktails and a crazy amount of water sports. Ever tried a "Snorkel Booze Hunt"? They hide bottles of rum in the bay, and you have to go find them. It’s chaotic. It’s fun. It’s very St. Thomas.

The "Sorta" All-Inclusive Options

This is where people get confused. You’ll see big names like The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa (formerly Frenchman’s Reef) or the Buoy Haus Beach Resort (the Autograph Collection side of the property).

Do they have all-inclusive packages? Usually, no. Not in the traditional sense.

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They are stunning, high-end properties that reopened recently after massive renovations. You can find "Breakfast Included" packages or resort credit deals, but you’re still going to be signing a check for those sunset mojitos.

Emerald Beach Resort and Secret Harbour Beach Resort often pop up in search results too. They are fantastic places to stay—Secret Harbour has some of the best snorkeling on the island right off the beach—but they operate more like traditional hotels or condo-resorts. You pay for what you eat.

The Sugar Bay Situation

If you’ve visited St. Thomas before 2017, you probably remember Sugar Bay Resort & Spa. It was the quintessential all-inclusive. Then Hurricanes Irma and Maria happened.

As of early 2026, Sugar Bay is finally in the middle of a massive structural reconstruction. Greython Construction has been working on the 50-acre site, and while the "new" Sugar Bay is coming, it’s not ready for your check-in just yet. When it does open, it’s expected to reclaim its spot as a primary all-inclusive hub, but for now, it's a construction zone with a view.

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Why the USVI Skips the "Big" All-Inclusives

It’s a fair question. Why wouldn't a place this beautiful have ten Sandals resorts?

• The Food Scene: St. Thomas has incredible local food. If you stay locked in a resort, you miss the pates, the fungi, and the "bush tea." The island wants you out in Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook spending money at local spots like Gladys’ Cafe or The Tap & Still.
• Logistics: Import costs in the USVI are sky-high. Running a "limitless" buffet is a logistical nightmare and insanely expensive for resort owners compared to Mexico.
• The Vibe: People come to the USVI for adventure and island-hopping. You’re a 20-minute ferry ride from St. John. Why stay in one place when you can go see Trunk Bay?

How to Do St. Thomas if You Can't Find an All-Inclusive

If Bolongo Bay is booked up (and it often is), don't panic. You can still have a "low-stress" vacation.

1. Go the Villa Route: Look at places like Point Pleasant Resort or Margaritaville Vacation Club. They have kitchens. Hit the local grocery store (Cost-U-Less or The Fruit Bowl), stock the fridge with local Cruzan Rum and snacks, and you’ve essentially created your own all-inclusive for half the price.
2. The Red Hook Strategy: Stay near Red Hook on the East End. There are so many bars and restaurants within walking distance that it feels like a resort. You won't feel "nickeled and dimed" because you have ten different price points to choose from for dinner.
3. Day Passes: Some hotels offer day passes for their pools and beaches. It’s a way to get the resort experience for eight hours without the $600-a-night price tag.

Final Reality Check

St. Thomas is not a "stay on the property" kind of island. If you’re dead-set on the traditional all-inclusive mega-resort experience, you might actually be happier in Punta Cana or Montego Bay.

But if you want a blend of that "everything’s taken care of" feeling with the ability to actually explore a real Caribbean culture, Bolongo Bay is your winner. Just make sure you book early—with only 74 rooms, it fills up faster than a cruise ship on a Saturday morning.

Actionable Next Steps

• Verify current availability: Check Bolongo Bay’s direct site specifically for their "All-Inclusive" rate, as they also offer a "Room Only" option.
• Calculate the "DIY All-Inclusive" cost: Compare a 5-night stay at a condo-resort like Secret Harbour (plus a $150/day food budget) against the Bolongo all-in price; often, the condo route is cheaper if you aren't a heavy drinker.
• Check the St. John Ferry schedule: No matter where you stay, plan at least one full day to take the ferry from Red Hook to St. John—it’s the best $16 you’ll spend in the Caribbean.