When you’re planning your vacation, there’s one question that trumps all the rest: where to stay? Your accommodations set the tone for your entire trip, whether you’re looking for fun-filled adventure or a restful escape from day-to-day life. If you’re headed to the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are many options to choose from, including cruises, condos, villas and hotels. Today we’re evaluating the pros and cons of luxury villas and resorts. We know there’s no right answer for every traveler, but we hope our findings help you make an educated decision that leads to a vacation you’ll never forget!
Pictured: Estate Sherpenjewel
Looking for Privacy? Choose Luxury Villas
If privacy is paramount, a luxury villa is your best choice. Imagine yourself in a secluded villa overlooking Magens Bay - just you, your guests and the island breeze for company. It’s a scene that’s hard to imagine at a hotel or resort. When you’re staying at a private villa, you can turn the music up or nap by the pool without interruption - your home, your call!
Pictured: Chasing Daylight’s private gated entry
Want All the Amenities? Choose Resorts
If you want to bounce from the hotel bar to the hot tub to the tennis court and back again, a resort might be right for you. There’s no denying that many island resorts feature a host of amenities for their guests. That said, if you have your heart set on a luxury villa but it doesn’t offer all the amenities you want, just ask! Many concierge services (ours included) can arrange private spa services, chefs, personal trainers and more - right in the comfort of your own villa!
Seeking Space? Choose Luxury Villas
One of the top benefits of staying in a luxury villa is that you’re not confined to a single room. Relax on the deck, prepare your favorite breakfast in the kitchen, or catch a late-night movie in the common area while the rest of the group heads to bed. As you can imagine, this extra space makes villas a popular choice for families and large groups. You can gather together to eat or relax, then unwind and rest in your own private quarters.
Pictured: Yellowbird Villa’s spacious common area
Convenience is Key? Choose Resorts or Luxury Villas
Vacations are all about taking it easy. With this mindset, many travelers opt to stay in a resort so they don’t have to worry about details like grocery shopping, running to the laundromat or buying their own beach equipment. These same conveniences - and many more - can be found in villas. A provisioning service can stock the fridge for you, and most villas come with onsite washers and dryers (no need to pay for an expensive hotel laundry service!) Many villas are also outfitted with everything you need for a day at the beach, and if not, a concierge service should be able to source whatever equipment you need.
Need Family Friendly Accommodations? Choose Luxury Villas
Luxury villas are the clear winner when it comes to finding a place that will work for the entire family. Accommodating everyone’s schedules and interests can be tricky, but a villa gives everyone in your group the ability to vacation at their own pace. Grandpa can watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee, the baby can take a midday nap and the teenagers can spend the entire day at the pool, all while comfortably sharing the same space.
Pictured: Lovenlund Villa’s Private Pool and Deck
No matter where you choose to spend your vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, we hope you have a wonderful time! If you need additional help finding the perfect place for your next family vacation, you can reach us anytime at concierge@islandluxuryvi.com.