You’re looking at photos of Smith Bay. The water is that specific shade of electric turquoise that looks like a Photoshop filter, but it’s actually real. You see the name Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham St. Thomas and you wonder if it’s just a giant, cheesy tourist trap or a legitimate Caribbean paradise. Honestly? It’s a bit of both, and that’s exactly why people keep going back.
Most folks get confused right out of the gate. They hear "Wyndham" and "St. Thomas" and expect a traditional hotel where you check in, get a tiny room with a coffee maker, and call it a day. That is not what this is. This property is a timeshare-based resort, which changes the entire vibe of your stay. If you go in expecting the Ritz-Carlton, you’re gonna have a bad time. But if you want a massive suite with a frozen concoction maker—yes, an actual machine in the room for margaritas—then you’re in the right place.
Why Location Matters More Than Luxury at This St. Thomas Spot
Water Bay is where the magic happens. The resort is tucked into a hillside on the East End of St. Thomas. It’s rugged. It’s steep. If you have bad knees, you’re going to become very well-acquainted with the shuttle drivers. They zip around the property in modified golf carts because walking up those inclines in 90-degree heat with 80% humidity is a recipe for a bad mood.
The beach right on-site is Water Bay. It’s pretty, but it’s not the best for swimming because of the seagrass. However, you’re a five-minute walk from Coki Beach. Coki is legendary. It’s loud, it’s vibrant, and the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. You can literally walk off the sand and be surrounded by yellowtail snapper and sergeant majors.
Being on the East End also means you’re close to Red Hook. This is crucial. Red Hook is the heartbeat of the local scene. It’s where you catch the ferry to St. John. It’s where the best bars are. If you stay at a resort on the other side of the island, you’re spending $60 in taxis every time you want a decent dinner. At the Wyndham property, you’re just a five-minute drive away.
✨ Don't miss: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
The Room Situation: Studios vs. Suites
Size matters here. The "hotel" rooms are officially called Studios. They’re fine, but they don't have the full kitchen. If you’re trying to save money by cooking—which you should, because island groceries are expensive but restaurant prices are astronomical—you want the one or two-bedroom suites.
- The Margaritaville Factor: Every room comes with a Frozen Conconction Maker. It’s the centerpiece of the counter. It’s loud. It crushes ice like a beast.
- The Layout: The rooms are designed with a "nautical chic" vibe. Think white wood, navy blues, and Jimmy Buffett lyrics subtly integrated into the decor. It’s clean. It’s modern. It’s surprisingly high-quality compared to some of the older, more "tired" resorts on the island.
- Balconies: Most rooms have them. Sitting out there at 6:00 AM with a coffee (or 6:00 PM with a tequila drink) watching the boats head toward the British Virgin Islands is why you pay the big bucks.
Let’s Talk About the "Wyndham" Catch
Here is the thing no one tells you until you’re standing in the lobby with your luggage. Because this is a Vacation Club, the staff is trained to get you into a sales presentation. They call it an "owner's update" or a "resort orientation."
Listen closely: You do not have to do this.
They will offer you $150 in resort credit or a sunset cruise. If your time is worth more than that, just say "No, thank you" and keep walking. Some people love the hustle and want the freebies. Others find it annoying. Knowing it’s coming makes it way less stressful when the "concierge" starts asking about your long-term travel goals.
🔗 Read more: Why Molly Butler Lodge & Restaurant is Still the Heart of Greer After a Century
The Food and Drink Reality Check
The main restaurant on-site is, unsurprisingly, the Margaritaville Restaurant. It’s exactly what you think it is. Cheeseburgers in paradise, nachos the size of a hubcap, and lots of salt.
Is it the best food on the island? No way.
Is it convenient when you’ve been snorkeling all day and can’t be bothered to put on real shoes? Absolutely.
The 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar is the social hub. It’s right by the pool. The bartenders are usually fast, the drinks are strong, and the music is always upbeat. But here is a pro tip: walk over to Shoreline Drive and hit up some of the local spots in Red Hook like The Tap & Still for a burger or Duffy’s Love Shack for the kitschy island experience. You’ll save money and get a better taste of the USVI.
Navigating the Island from Water Bay
St. Thomas is not a walking island. The roads are narrow, winding, and people drive on the left. It’s chaotic. At the Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham St. Thomas, you have a few choices for getting around.
💡 You might also like: 3000 Yen to USD: What Your Money Actually Buys in Japan Today
- Safari Buses: These are open-air trucks converted into buses. They cost about $1 to $2 per person. They run a specific loop. It’t the cheapest way to see the island, but they aren't on a strict schedule.
- Taxis: They charge per person, not per ride. This can get pricey fast if you have a family of four. A trip to Charlotte Amalie can easily cost you $40+ one way.
- Rental Cars: Only do this if you are brave. Driving on the left on steep hills with no guardrails is an adrenaline sport.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Beach
Don't expect a private, secluded beach. Water Bay is shared. Because of the way the bay is shaped, it sometimes collects sargassum (seaweed). The resort staff works hard to clear it, but nature happens. If you want that pristine, white-sand-for-miles experience, you take the ferry from Red Hook to St. John and go to Trunk Bay. It's a 20-minute boat ride and it’s consistently ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the world. Use the Wyndham resort as your home base, but don't spend every second on the property.
Practical Advice for Your Stay
Bring your own snorkel gear. The resort rents it, but it’s expensive and, frankly, I’d rather have my own mouthpiece. Also, stop at the Cost-U-Less or Walgreens on the way from the airport. Stock up on water, snacks, and rum. The prices at the resort gift shop will make your eyes water. A gallon of milk on the island can be $8. Plan accordingly.
Check the cruise ship schedule. When there are five ships in port at Charlotte Amalie, the island is packed. Those are the days you stay at the resort pool or find a hidden cove like Secret Harbour. When the ships leave, the island breathes again.
Is It Worth It?
If you want a predictable, branded experience with a bit of "island time" flare, yes. It’s great for families because of the kitchenettes and the pool scene. It’s great for groups who want to drink margaritas and not worry about a massive bill at the end of the night because they bought their own booze at the grocery store. It’s not a secluded honeymoon hideaway. It’s a party. It’s a vacation. It’s exactly what Jimmy Buffett would have wanted.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book a high-floor room: The views are significantly better and you’ll hear less noise from the pool area.
- Download a taxi app: Or keep a few local taxi numbers in your phone. VI Taxi is a solid start.
- Get a reef-safe sunscreen: The US Virgin Islands have strict laws about this to protect the coral. If it’s not reef-safe, they can technically confiscate it.
- Plan your St. John day trip for a Tuesday or Wednesday: These are typically lower-volume days for the ferry and the National Park beaches.
- Check the "Sargassum Reports" online: Before you head out, check local Facebook groups or weather sites to see which beaches are clear of seaweed.