Two Sandals by the Sea Inn - Bed & Breakfast

From the outside, Two Sandals appears to be both a home and an inn -- and that home-away-from home vibe is exactly what draws so many tourists to this intimate bed-and-breakfast just outside of Red Hook. Inside, the look is a fusion of contemporary design, homey details, and island accents that make this a classy, low-key option. An open-concept lobby/office/reception area is done in beige flooring, dark, polished wood furniture, and Zen-inspired accents, while sharp black-and-white photos hang on the walls. Opposite the entrance, a tiny lounge area with a two-seat bar provides the property’s only indoor social space -- the diminutive size should be a clue as to the kind of quiet atmosphere guests come here expecting. Immediately adjacent lies a communal balcony where breakfast and afternoon cocktails are served alongside partial -- though lovely -- views of Vessup Bay. Overall, the vibe is relaxed, and is predictably more suited for couples than families

The bed-and-breakfast is located along a moderately trafficked secondary road just south of Red Hook’s popular waterfront district. Dozens of shops, markets, and restaurants are all within an eight-minute walk. The Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Terminal in town provides regular ferry service to St. John and Tortola. For a bit of seaside relaxation (or excitement), Secret Harbor Beach offers snorkeling and diving opportunities within a five-minute walk of the property.Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is a 40-minute drive west along paved, well-maintained roads. The hotel provides an affordable airport shuttle with cheaper rates than most of St. Thomas’ shuttles, particularly for larger groups. Taxi service is slightly more expensive, but prices are still affordable and on par with other Caribbean tourist destinations. Alternatively, rental car counters from major brand-name providers can be found in the airport terminal.

Decor is intentionally simple at this bed-and-breakfast. Colors throughout include a contemporary blend of sand tones, gray, pale blue, sage green, and dark wood -- the palette varies a bit from room to room. Handsome platform beds are made from rough-hewn, rustic hardwood, and add a nice dose of character, with rattan nightstands and modern accent lamps creating an aesthetic that’s tasteful and crisp rather than austere. Additional details like exposed wood-beam ceilings in some units, and sparingly deployed shells (and other beachy objects) come together in appealing ways.Entry-level Sandals A and Sandals B rooms offer square footage comparable to a mid-range chain hotel. Both feature a single queen bed to accommodate two guests. The Hermosa room has a similar floor plan but adds a semi-private balcony with partial water views of Vessup Bay and American Yacht Harbor. The Malibu Suite is the property’s most spacious room, with a king-size bed and a large, water-view balcony with a hammock. On the hotel’s first floor, the Venice is an apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The large space features a separate entrance, a full kitchen (with refrigerator, electric cooktop, microwave, and utensils), living and dining areas, and a private balcony with a picnic table.All rooms include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. Minibars are available and include a small selection of beer, Gatorade, and bottled water. Free Wi-Fi is available property-wide, and the service was fast and stable during our stay. Beds in all room categories are well-reviewed as plush and comfortable.The private bathrooms match the modern, straightforward look of the rooms, with dark, chunky wood vanities, vessel sinks, and brushed nickel fixtures all adding an air of sophistication. Most feature oversized, walk-in shower stalls lined with stone and tile. The Hermosa room is the only exception, with a standard shower/tub combo. Noise from traffic and neighboring residences can be an issue from time to time. 

As a small bed-and-breakfast, the Two Sandals by the Sea Inn - Bed & Breakfast offers a predictably small list of features. The lobby lounge with a two-seat bar and a cozy outdoor balcony with partial bay views both top the list, but the lack of a pool is a noticeable miss.At the center of the main floor, the open-concept lobby serves as the social hub. The space combines the reception area, an office, a lounge space, a tiny lending library, and a two-seat bar. As it’s shared among only six rooms, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed any time of day. At night, the tiny bar offers inexpensive beer and cocktails. An adjacent screen door opens to a modest balcony with two high top tables that can comfortably accommodate eight guests. The space provides partial, though lovely, views to Vessup Bay and American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook.The free continental breakfast is served daily in the lounge, alfresco on the balcony, or guests can choose to take it in their rooms. While the offerings are simple, they include yogurt parfaits, hard-boiled eggs, and homemade items like scones that make it feel a little more special.There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel's rooms and common areas. Ample off-street parking is available, and the hotel can arrange a shuttle to the airport for a fee.