Honeymoon Havens: Us Virgin Islands Edition

where to honeymoon in us virgin islands

The US Virgin Islands are a popular destination for honeymoons, offering all the benefits of a Caribbean vacation without the need for a passport. The climate is warm all year round, and the islands boast pristine beaches, clear waters, bustling coral reefs, and postcard-worthy scenery. St. Thomas is the easiest island to get to and is often used as a home base for travellers, with plenty of opportunities for watersports, shopping, and nightlife. St. John is less developed and better suited for those seeking privacy and adventure, while St. Croix is a hub of history. Couples can choose to spend their honeymoon on one island or visit them all, depending on their preferences.

Characteristics Values
Islands St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix
Language English
Currency US Dollar
Resorts Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, Scrub Island
Activities Snorkelling, scuba diving, boat tours, hiking, shopping, sightseeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, historical tours, nightlife
Food Fresh seafood, Creole spices, homemade hot sauces
Travel No passport required for US citizens, 6-7 hours flight from the Northeast or South, 11+ hours from the Pacific Northwest

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US Virgin Islands resorts with pools

The US Virgin Islands are a great choice for a honeymoon, offering the allure of a Caribbean vacation without the need for a passport or international travel. The climate is warm all year round, and the islands provide a mix of beach lounging and adventure.

For those seeking US Virgin Islands resorts with pools, there are several options to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, St. Thomas

Buoy Haus Beach Resort, which opened in Spring 2023, offers an outdoor pool, a spa, and a Caribbean restaurant. The resort has just 92 guest rooms and two suites, all with balconies, coastal-inspired decor, and sitting areas. On-site dining options range from upscale Spanish or Japanese cuisine to casual beach meals, and you can also enjoy poolside service. In addition to the pool, the resort features a spa and a fitness centre.

The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort, St. Croix

This resort offers three private beaches, three restaurants, boutiques, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, two pools, a fitness centre, and a water sports centre. It is highly rated for its cleanliness and friendly staff. The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort is also known for its accessibility features, with accessible entrances, restaurants, lounges, meeting spaces, and guest rooms.

The Westin St. John Resort, St. John

Located on Great Cruz Bay, this resort offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour concierge service, and easy access to nearby Mangrove Bay and Caneel Bay. While specific details about the pool are not mentioned, The Westin St. John Resort receives great reviews for its views and is known for its infinity pool.

Lovango Resort and Beach Club, St. John

A secluded paradise located just 10 minutes by ferry from St. John and St. Thomas, Lovango Resort and Beach Club offers whimsical glamping tents and sustainable practices. The resort features a sparkling infinity pool overlooking a white sand beach with aquamarine waters. The resort is open seasonally, usually between December and July.

Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, St. Croix

An adults-only oasis, this resort offers a pool, pickleball, and on-site water sports rentals such as kayaks and paddleboards. Couples can also book island activities, such as food tours or downtown shopping, with the help of a concierge.

In addition to these resorts, it is worth noting that private villa rentals with pools are also available on St. John and can provide a more private and adventurous honeymoon experience.

When planning your honeymoon, it is recommended to consider the peak tourist season, which is December through March, and book reservations in advance to ensure your desired experiences.

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St. Thomas: Gateway to Paradise

St. Thomas is the perfect gateway to your US Virgin Islands honeymoon. As the "Gateway to Paradise", it is the easiest island to get to and can serve as a home base for your trip. With its high-end shops and yacht-filled waterways, St. Thomas has a cosmopolitan appeal.

For those looking for a mix of beach lounging and adventure, St. Thomas has plenty of opportunities for watersports, as well as duty-free shopping. The city of Charlotte Amalie is filled with Danish colonial architecture and pirate history. Take a boat tour to get out on the water, or explore the smaller, uninhabited islands like Water Island or Buck Island, home to the Buck Island Reef National Monument, one of the most pristine barrier reef systems in the Caribbean.

For a historical, cultural, and architectural fix, visit Fort Christian, completed in 1680, the second-oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, and the Pirates Treasure shipwreck showcase. Climb the 99 Steps up Government Hill, built by the Danes in the mid-1700s, and take in the view from scenic lookout points like Drake's Seat and Valdemar Hill. Nature lovers can explore the 5,500-acre Virgin Islands National Park, and at the end of the day, enjoy the sunset on a romantic cocktail cruise.

St. Thomas has a range of accommodation options, from resorts to private villas, and its restaurants serve fresh seafood with Creole spices, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

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St. John: Back to nature

St. John is the perfect destination for couples who want to get back to nature on their honeymoon. As the US Virgin Islands' least developed island, it offers a more secluded and private experience compared to the more touristy St. Thomas. With only one resort, St. John is ideal for couples who want to create their own adventure and explore the natural beauty of the island.

For accommodation, renting a private villa with a pool is a popular choice for honeymooners. This option provides the ultimate privacy and seclusion, allowing couples to enjoy their own space while still being able to explore the island. To get around the island, it is recommended to rent a Jeep, which offers the flexibility to discover new beaches and locations at your own pace.

St. John is known for its pristine beaches, offering the perfect setting for romantic walks, sunbathing, and water sports. Couples can also enjoy sailing and snorkelling, exploring the bustling coral reefs and the uninhabited Water Island, home to the aptly named Honeymoon Beach. For a truly unique experience, take a clear-bottomed kayak tour at night to see the bio-luminescent bay in St. Croix, located a short distance from St. John.

For nature lovers, the Virgin Islands National Park is a must-visit attraction. This 5,500-acre preserve encompasses two-thirds of St. John and offers hiking trails through lush jungles, scenic shorelines, and breathtaking views. The island also boasts historical and cultural sites, such as Fort Christian and the second-oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere.

When it comes to dining, St. John offers a variety of options, from romantic dinners with ocean views to local bars and restaurants. The local cuisine features fresh seafood with Creole spices, served at beachfront high-end restaurants. For a truly indulgent experience, couples can also opt for couple's massages at spa resorts, taking advantage of the stunning ocean views and relaxing atmosphere.

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St. Croix: History and bio-luminescent bays

St. Croix is a hub of history and offers a balance of adventure and relaxation for couples. It is one of the three islands that make up the US Virgin Islands and is known for its breathtaking bioluminescent bays.

St. Croix is home to two of the Caribbean's rare bioluminescent bays: Salt River Bay and Altona Lagoon. These "living lights" are a spectacular sight, with tiny sparkles or individual flashes of light created by dinoflagellates, the most common type of bioluminescent organism found in the bays. On a clear night, you can even see the bioluminescent glow from the shore. To get a closer look, join a guided kayak tour at night and paddle through the glowing waters. Keep in mind that the visibility of bioluminescence depends on weather conditions and the lunar cycle.

Salt River Bay, a national historical park and ecological preserve, is particularly rich in natural and cultural history. It protects endangered species and offers a peaceful escape, surrounded by mangrove forests, upland watersheds, and marine environments. The Sunset and Moonlight Tour is a great option to catch the sunset, explore the bay's history, and experience the bioluminescence as you kayak back to shore.

If you're looking for a place to stay in St. Croix, consider the Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, an adults-only resort offering an array of activities, including water sports, a pool, and pickleball. The resort also provides easy access to island activities such as food tours and downtown shopping.

St. Croix offers a unique blend of history, natural wonders, and romantic experiences, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a mix of exploration and relaxation on their honeymoon.

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Virgin Islands National Park

The Virgin Islands are a great choice for a honeymoon, offering all the trimmings of a Caribbean vacation without the need for international travel. The climate is warm all year round, and the seafood is fresh and seasoned with Creole spices. The Virgin Islands National Park, located on St. John, encompasses about two-thirds of the island and its surrounding reefs. Honeymoon Beach, a pristine stretch of sand, is located within the park.

To get to Honeymoon Beach, you can take a Caribbean taxi (a pick-up truck with a bench in the back) or hike the Lind Point Trail, which starts at the VINP Visitor Center on the east side of Cruz Bay. The scenic hike is about 1 mile each way and takes about 20-30 minutes. Virgin Islands Ecotours offers a $49 day pass that includes snorkelling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, floats, and beach chairs. You can explore the waters near Caneel Bay Resort, admire beautiful sailboats, and check out the National Park Service Head Ranger's house.

St. John is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, measuring just 9 miles by 3 miles (28 square miles). It is known for its natural beauty and is less developed than the other islands, making it a great choice for those seeking a more private and adventurous honeymoon. If you're looking for a mix of beach lounging and exploration, St. John is a good option. You can rent a villa with a pool or stay at a resort, and explore a new beach each day.

For a more luxurious experience, the Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, which opened in Spring 2023, offers couples' massages and stunning ocean views. The Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, located in St. Croix, is an adults-only resort with a pool, pickleball, and on-site water sports rentals.

Frequently asked questions

The US Virgin Islands offer a range of activities for honeymooners, including:

- Relaxing on pristine beaches

- Sailing and snorkelling

- Duty-free shopping

- Exploring the islands' history and culture

- Hiking through jungles

- Enjoying romantic dinners with ocean views

- Visiting the Virgin Islands National Park

- Scuba diving

- Boat tours

- Water sports

There are several resorts in the US Virgin Islands that cater specifically to honeymooners, including:

- Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort

- Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino

- Marriott's Frenchman's Cove

- Scrub Island

- Bolongobay

- Margaritaville

The US Virgin Islands are a popular choice for honeymooners from the US as they are an American territory and do not require a passport. It is recommended to book in advance if travelling during peak season (December to March) to ensure your ideal accommodations are available. Consider working with a travel agent or honeymoon planning expert to create a customised itinerary that suits your preferences and budget.

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