The US Virgin Islands Are in the Midst of a Hotel Renaissance
Imagine sipping a handcrafted cocktail in an ocean-view pool, gazing out at lush green hills. Or perhaps you’ve just arrived at a secluded island retreat, or you’re soaking in panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie from a chic rooftop lounge.
In today’s travel landscape, hotels are more than just places to sleep — they’re immersive experiences, launching pads for adventure, and destinations in their own right. And now, one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant destinations is undergoing a hospitality transformation.
After years without significant hotel development, the US Virgin Islands are experiencing a full-blown hotel revival. A wave of new properties and revitalized classics is breathing fresh energy into the territory, making it one of the Caribbean’s most exciting places to stay.
New Hotels Across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix
This hotel boom isn’t limited to one island. From St. Thomas to St. John to St. Croix, the accommodations scene has never been more dynamic. And even if you’re not staying overnight, many of these properties offer lively dining, beach clubs, and rooftop bars that make them worth a visit.
On St. John, traditionally known for its villa rentals, a new boutique hotel is turning heads. The Saint, created by the team behind The Fred in St. Croix (which helped spark this hotel resurgence when it opened in 2018), is a stylish, adults-only escape in the heart of Cruz Bay. With a creative spa, the trendy Aerial restaurant, and a buzzing Day Club, The Saint is quickly becoming the island’s social hub. Rates start at $342 per night.
A Boutique Gem in Charlotte Amalie
If you’re looking for charm and character, The Pink Palm in Charlotte Amalie delivers. This vibrant 28-room hotel is a reimagining of historic buildings in the heart of the capital. It features El Barsito, a lively restaurant and bar, and a rooftop pool deck with sweeping harbor views. The Pink Palm has brought new life to a neighborhood that’s always had charm but lacked a true boutique hotel. The owners, who also operate acclaimed properties in New York and Vermont, have infused it with personality and pedigree.
Island Privacy and Treehouse Vibes
For those craving seclusion, Lovango Resort + Beach Club offers a private-island experience just a 10-minute boat ride from St. John. The resort features a mix of accommodations, including luxurious villas, treehouse-style units, and even glamping tents for the adventurous. With a vibrant culinary scene and an annual food festival in May, Lovango is a destination unto itself.
The Return of Frenchman’s Reef
One of the USVI’s most iconic properties, Frenchman’s Reef, has made a triumphant comeback after being devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria. Now reimagined as two separate hotels — the Westin Beach Resort and Buoy Haus Beach Resort — this complex is once again the centerpiece of the territory’s hospitality scene.
Buoy Haus, perched just below the Westin on a cliffside, offers a laid-back beach vibe with a toes-in-the-sand bar and rooms just steps from the ocean. Guests also have access to the Westin’s extensive amenities, including a rum bar with stunning views. Rooms at Buoy Haus start at $411 per night.
A Major Milestone: A New-Build Hotel
Perhaps the most significant addition is the brand-new Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas — the first newly constructed hotel on the island in decades. Located near the Havensight Mall and cruise port, the hotel features The Helm, a waterfront bar that’s quickly becoming a local hotspot. Rooms start at $194 per night.
A New Era for US Virgin Islands Hospitality
All of these properties have opened within the last few years, marking a dramatic shift in the US Virgin Islands’ hotel landscape. With stylish new stays, revitalized icons, and exciting culinary and social scenes, the territory is quickly becoming one of the Caribbean’s most compelling destinations.
And this is just the beginning.
Source: caribjournal.com