Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
Family-friendly resort in South Coast.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(480 discussions)
Bolongo Bay is genuinely one of a kind in the US Virgin Islands - it introduced the all-inclusive concept to St. Thomas back in 1989 and remains the only AI resort on the island. For US travelers who want a Caribbean all-inclusive without dealing with passports, foreign currency, or language barriers, it's a uniquely compelling option. The vibe is deeply intimate - 74 rooms run by a family that's been doing this for decades - and the staff culture reflects that. This isn't a corporate resort where faces rotate every six months; it's a tight community that guests genuinely connect with.
The food program punches above what the resort's size suggests. A four-course dinner with a bottle of wine every night is not something you typically find at budget-to-mid-tier all-inclusives, and travelers consistently describe the meals as legitimately good. The water sports package is equally impressive - kayaks, Hobie Cats, paddleboards, and snorkel gear are available at no extra charge, and the Heavenly Days catamaran excursion is the kind of experience guests talk about for years. The beach cove is genuinely beautiful and private, though the rocky entry does require water shoes. The caveat is that the rooms and facilities reflect the property's age - guests expecting sleek modern resort aesthetics will need to adjust expectations.
Bolongo Bay is best for couples and small groups who value authentic warmth, water activities, and a genuine Caribbean beach experience over modern amenities and nightlife. It regularly gets compared favorably to larger St. Thomas resorts by guests who prioritize connection over scale. Budget-wise it's competitive with mainland US beach resorts, especially when you factor in the included four-course dinners and full water sports access. If you want a quiet, activity-rich base for exploring St. Thomas with people who actually know your name, this is your resort.
Pros
- +The only all-inclusive resort on St. Thomas - a genuine differentiator that lets you enjoy USVI without tracking every purchase while still being in US territory
- +Legendary catamaran snorkel excursion aboard Heavenly Days, including a 'Snorkel Booze Hunt' and swimming stops that guests describe as one of the best half-day experiences in the Caribbean
- +Four-course dinner with a full bottle of wine included every night - a dinner experience that consistently surprises guests coming from buffet-heavy all-inclusive backgrounds
- +Complimentary water sports equipment including snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, Hobie Cat sailboats, kayaks, and swim mats - no nickel-and-diming for beach toys
- +Intimate, family-owned and operated atmosphere - staff are treated as part of the community, and that warmth translates directly into how guests are treated
- +Beautiful and private beach cove that rarely feels crowded due to the resort's small size (74 rooms), giving guests a calm, exclusive feel
- +US dollar, English-language, familiar American conveniences without passport requirements for US citizens - USVI entry is as easy as a domestic trip
- +Breakfast, lunch, and full dinner included daily with genuinely praised food quality - travelers call it 'delicious' and well above all-inclusive average
Cons
- −The beach has a rocky shoreline in spots - water shoes or sandals are strongly recommended for comfortable entry into the water, which not all guests expect
- −Rooms are dated, with a 1970s-era property that has been updated but still shows its age - bathrooms in particular have been flagged for mold and mildew issues
- −At 74 rooms it's quite small - limited room category variety means fewer options for couples wanting ocean view suites, plunge pools, or modern room features
- −Mosquitoes can be significant on the property, particularly at dawn and dusk - travelers strongly recommend bringing repellent
- −No swim-up bar, nightclub, or large-scale entertainment programming - the evening experience is quiet and low-key, which disappoints guests expecting resort-scale nightlife
- −Getting to other parts of St. Thomas for day trips requires arranging a taxi - the location is comfortable but not walkable to major shopping or sightseeing areas
- −Occasional housekeeping and customer service inconsistencies reported by guests - when things go wrong the small team can be slower to respond than larger resort operations
- −Limited on-site dining variety - one main restaurant means if you're not enjoying a particular menu or chef style, your options within the resort are limited
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“We spent last week at this amazing resort. The all inclusive package was quite a good deal. The staff are absolutely incredible. Ask for Santana for dinner. Dave and Dave our management staff were always checking in on us. Jake and Jonathan at t...”
“Bolongo bay was amazing. Had our names posted on a board welcoming us as soon as we walked into the lobby. I believe the guy’s name was Jermaine but he took us to our rooms and showed us around, very pleasant and welcoming. Food was a solid 8/10, but...”
“I just spent a beautiful Christmas week here and I will be 100% be working on going back next year. It's smaller, homey and family owned. That's exactly what I wanted. I had followed them on ticktock for a couple years being envious of the ppl that g...”