Best Hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Built from a historic sugar plantation, this profoundly serene 166-room resort sits on 170 acres of a protected national park dotted with seven remote beaches. Even with a quaint pool and rustic rooms that lack TVs and phones, Caneel's attentive service and unparalleled setting make it one of the Caribbean's best resorts.

Family-owned and run since 1974, Bolongo is a laid-back resort with an excellent beach, great food, and a warm, helpful staff that keeps guests coming back year after year, despite the small pool and scarce features. Just avoid the "Value Rooms," which have old, sagging mattresses.

The Westin St. John is the best kid-friendly resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Children receive personalized amenities like coloring books or bath toys and are treated to complimentary beverages at mealtimes. The supervised kids' club ($60 per day) -- for ages three to 12 (it's four-and-up at other hotels) -- offers daily activities like sandcastle contests, movies, and swimming. And teen-interests aren't neglected: They can keep busy at the 1,200-square-foot Westin Teen Center or with activities like parasailing, kayaking, tennis, and salsa lessons.

Caneel Bay is unique in the Caribbean for its seven quiet, swimmable beaches. The resort sits on a 170-acre peninsula of protected national park, and with the exception of Caneel Beach, which also attracts nonresort guests (all beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands are technically public), the beaches feel secluded and private. Two of the beaches are childfree, to ensure an atmosphere of undisturbed tranquility.