Three All-Inclusive Resorts in St. Thomas You Need to Know

Though it's a petite 32 square miles, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas boasts a few great all-inclusive hotels—all the better for having a stress-free home base while sailing, snorkeling, diving, dining, or shopping. If traveling from the U.S., you don't need a passport for the Virgin Islands, so take advantage of the many nonstop flights that can get you here.

Upon arrival, order a plate of the local wahoo, a fish you'll see grilled island-wide. The legal drinking age in the Virgin Islands is only 18, which is perhaps why only a few spots have decided to offer all-inclusive options.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

This beachfront property is a relatively budget-friendly all-inclusive, with doubles starting at $635 nightly, including taxes, for a party of two. That includes all your drinks and meals at one of two open-air beachside restaurants (save for lobster and some premium spirits), plus a swim-up pool bar, Champagne by the glass, use of paddleboats, kayaks, Hobie Cats, and scuba lessons.

Active military staff staying at least four days get 30 percent off, and 95 percent of meals are made to order (the exception being a busy morning breakfast buffet on weekends).

Sugar Bay Resort & Spa

Popular for its truly all-inclusive packages, Sugar Bay's rates include taxes, dining in any of the six restaurants or bars, house-brand cocktails, domestic beer, wine by the glass, kids' club half-day programs, Wi-Fi, the fitness center, non-motorized water sports, mini golf, tennis, and basketball courts. (Read the fine print, as always, for exceptions.)

The hotel itself is decked out with a royal-blue-and-white theme that's a welcome departure from the standard super-tropical feel of these sorts of places, and terraces boast fabulous views of aquamarine waters. Iguanas wander all over the property, as do cats—but ask for a room far from the roosters the hotel keeps if you don't want to start every day at the crack of dawn.

Head directly to the omelet station in the morning—the gent running it has an excellent reputation—and know that if you go fishing, the kitchen can cook your catch for your dinner.

Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Resort

Got Marriott rewards points to use up? You could do a lot worse than spending them on a stay here. With more than half a dozen cafés, bars, and restaurants, this Marriott has an intimate vibe despite its size, and boasts great ocean views thanks to its spot on a peninsula-like outcropping of St. Thomas.

Though not technically an all-inclusive, couples can book a package option here, which includes all three meals, drinks by the glass with rare exceptions, and fitness centers. Its fans love the unusual night kayaking expeditions, which—although an extra fee—entail paddling under the stars in boats with clear bellies lit by LED lights. You'll spy rays, tarpon, and other aquatic creatures flitting beneath your boat, and it's a fabulous opportunity to see the local landscape in a whole new way.