A mere 20 minutes from St Thomas by boat, St John feels a world away. With the Virgin Islands National Park covering the vast majority of the island, this little slice of the US Virgin Islands is famously tranquil and underdeveloped. Accommodation options range from intimate B&Bs to beautiful beachfront hotels, fit for a range of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay on St John are in friendly Cruz Bay, but one of our favourite spots is tucked away on the southeast coast — and some parts of the island are open to intrepid campers!
St John is lined with picturesque beaches, and the sandy stretches of Maho Beach, Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay are particular favourites. Watermelon Cay is brilliant for snorkelling, whilst there are turtles and eagle rays to be spotted on diving or snorkelling trips at various locations. There are opportunities for sailing, kayaking and water-skiing, too.
Whilst two-thirds of St John is now national park land, the island was previously home to Danish-owned sugar mills and cotton plantations, some of which are open to visitors. Annaberg Sugar Plantation is well worth exploring for an insight into St John’s turbulent history — tour the property with a knowledgeable guide if you can. Beyond the ruins of previous settlements are virgin forests and jungles, with fantastic hiking trails for outdoorsy travellers to follow. The Reef Bay Trail is a highlight, with birdwatching opportunities aplenty, as well as ancient petroglyphs and disappearing sugar mills to spot en route.
Whether you’re dreaming of laid-back beach days or spectacular hikes, the best places to stay in St John promise a quiet, nature-focused Caribbean getaway to remember for friends, families or couples.