Reef Bay Trail St John
Casual, all-inclusive beachfront resort in St. Thomas offering a laid-back vibe, 'Catch and Cook' dining, and memorable catamaran excursions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & karaoke
Reef Bay Trail St John
Best Time
Live music & karaoke
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Casual, all-inclusive beachfront resort in St. Thomas offering a laid-back vibe, 'Catch and Cook' dining, and memorable catamaran excursions.
"The entire property feels like a private slice of paradise with genuine, friendly staff."
🎯 All-Inclusive Ease
Opt for the all-inclusive plan to simplify budgeting and enjoy food & drinks without constant worry.
🚗 Rent a Car
Explore beyond the resort! Renting a car offers flexibility to discover St. Thomas's many beaches and sights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beachfront Bliss
Directly from your room
Step from your room onto the soft sand. The resort's prime location offers stunning ocean views and easy beach access.
Catch and Cook Experience
Resort restaurant
Go deep-sea fishing and have your fresh catch expertly prepared by the resort chefs the next evening.
Catamaran Excursions
Resort pickup
Enjoy unforgettable half-day snorkeling trips and sunset sails, often with opportunities to swim with sea turtles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the All-Inclusive Vibe
Island Exploration is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 All-Inclusive Ease
Opt for the all-inclusive plan to simplify budgeting and enjoy food & drinks without constant worry.
🚗 Rent a Car
Explore beyond the resort! Renting a car offers flexibility to discover St. Thomas's many beaches and sights.
🐢 Snorkel with Turtles
Don't miss the half-day snorkeling trip; swimming with sea turtles is a guest favorite!
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
The resort often features live music and karaoke, adding to the fun evening atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 All-Inclusive Ease
Opt for the all-inclusive plan to simplify budgeting and enjoy food & drinks without constant worry.
🚗 Rent a Car
Explore beyond the resort! Renting a car offers flexibility to discover St. Thomas's many beaches and sights.
🐢 Snorkel with Turtles
Don't miss the half-day snorkeling trip; swimming with sea turtles is a guest favorite!
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
The resort often features live music and karaoke, adding to the fun evening atmosphere.
☀️ Pack Light
Casual beachwear is the norm. Focus on swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable outfits for dining.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is praised for its friendly staff, convenient beachfront access, and enjoyable all-inclusive experience, with many guests highlighting the catamaran excursions as a trip favorite. However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in service quality and found the beach to be less appealing compared to other islands.
"5/5 — Absolutely Perfect Stay at Bolongo Bay
We had a flawless stay at Bolongo Bay. Every part of the experience clicked — from the smooth check-in, to the genuinely friendly staff, to the unbelievable convenience of walking straight from our room onto the sand. The entire property feels like a private slice of paradise.
A big surprise was how easy and enjoyable the à la carte dining was on the all-inclusive plan. No stress, no waiting around — just great food and simple, streamlined meals whenever we wanted them. The bartenders were fantastic, always friendly, helpful, and quick to make you feel at home.
The resort layout is perfect: beautiful paths, ocean views everywhere, and that short walk from room to beach that never stopped being stunning.
The catamaran excursions ended up being the highlight of our trip — swimming with turtles during the day and the sunset sail in the evening were genuine core memories. Well run, fun, and exactly the kind of experiences you hope for on a Caribbean trip.
We had a perfect stay and will absolutely be back. Bolongo Bay delivered everything we hoped for — laid-back luxury in one of the most beautiful spots in St. Thomas. Highly recommend."
Travis Trawick
"The staff was amazing at first. We were greeted by a friendly gentleman who helped us with our bags. Our lunch waitress, Sam was amazing. The pool and pool bartender were nice and our room was fine. The beach is the worst we've been to between St. John and St. Thomas. We chose the European plan and paid cash for our drinks, meals and tips. Our supper and breakfast waitresses were beyond unpleasant. Seriously, I was shocked at their rudeness. One of us ordered the fruit and yogurt for breakfast, it was less than half full and I watched a table near to us get a full one. We did not complain and were quiet and calm customers. The drinks were 10/10 GREAT! We stayed at Emerald Beach on our last night in St. Thomas and it was a million times better. I wish we wouldn't have wasted a night at Bolongo Bay as it was also twice the price of Emerald Beach."
Katie
"My husband and I are laid back people who enjoy spending our days on the beach. We rented a car from a local company and were able to come and go from Bolongo quite easily. We opted for the inclusive plan which made our stay much simpler. The main restaurant and beach bar offer a wide variety of dishes, nightly specials, and wonderful service. The room attendants were friendly, providing us a clean room to return to each day. The servers, hostesses, and bartenders were attentive, friendly, and welcoming. There was live music almost every night, a number of excursions offered through Bolongo, and the resort felt more like a family reunion of sorts. If you're looking for a relaxing and welcoming place to unwind, Bolongo is the best choice. If you're looking for an upscale Instagram-like place with a dress code and fancy rooms, this is not for you. Bolongo was the perfect retreat and home base for us, as we explored the many beaches the USVIs have to offer throughout our trip. We felt like we were family by the time we left and are already planning our next visit."
Karen Higgins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is about a 20-30 minute drive from Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. Taxis are readily available at the airport, or you can arrange a shuttle in advance. Some all-inclusive packages may include airport transfers.
While the resort is on the eastern side of the island, renting a car is highly recommended for exploring St. Thomas at your own pace. Taxis are available but can be costly for frequent use.
The main ferry terminal to St. John is in Red Hook, which is a short drive from Bolongo Bay. Many guests opt for organized catamaran excursions that depart directly from or near the resort.
The most convenient way is often through an organized tour that picks you up from the resort, like the catamaran trips. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the Red Hook ferry terminal for the public ferry.
Yes, there are safari-style buses that run along the main roads, offering a very affordable way to get around. However, they have fixed routes and schedules, so a rental car provides more freedom.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's advisable to book your accommodation and any specific packages (like all-inclusive) in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred dates and rates.
Amenities like the pool, restaurants, and bars generally have extended hours to accommodate guests throughout the day and evening. Specific times can be found upon arrival or by contacting the resort.
No, the beach is directly accessible from the resort for guests, so there are no separate entrance fees.
The all-inclusive package typically covers all meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and sometimes non-motorized water sports. It's best to confirm the exact inclusions with the resort when booking.
Yes, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort offers and often facilitates various excursions, including popular snorkeling trips and sunset sails. Booking through the resort can be convenient.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rooms range from standard to beachfront, with most offering ocean views. Some rooms provide direct beach access, allowing you to walk straight from your room onto the sand.
Yes, the resort features a lovely outdoor pool area where guests can relax and enjoy the Caribbean sunshine.
Bolongo Bay has an à la carte restaurant and a beach bar, offering a variety of dishes and nightly specials. The all-inclusive plan covers meals and drinks here.
The resort often hosts live music and karaoke nights, providing a fun and lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings. +1
Non-motorized water sports are often included with the all-inclusive package. Popular excursions like snorkeling and sailing are also available for booking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort offers à la carte dining with a variety of dishes, including nightly specials. The focus is on casual, enjoyable meals suitable for an all-inclusive experience.
While specific menus can vary, resorts like Bolongo Bay are usually accommodating of dietary requests. It's best to inform the staff in advance or speak with your server about options.
The bars serve a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including popular cocktails like Margaritas and Painkillers.
Yes, the 'Catch and Cook' program allows guests to go fishing and have their catch prepared by the resort chefs the following evening, a unique dining experience.
Reviews are mixed, with some guests praising the food and drinks as great and 10/10, while others found certain meals to be less satisfying. The à la carte dining is generally well-received.
📸 📸 Photography
The beachfront offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, perfect for capturing the Caribbean ambiance. The resort's lush paths and ocean vistas also make for great photo opportunities.
Yes, especially during snorkeling trips. If you have an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case, you can capture amazing shots of coral reefs and sea turtles.
While Bolongo Bay itself is picturesque, consider venturing out to other parts of St. Thomas for iconic shots, such as the Drake's Seat overlook or the historic Charlotte Amalie.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most beautiful, soft light for beach photography. Midday can be harsh, but offers vibrant colors.
If you're passionate about photography, a good camera will capture the beauty of the islands. However, many visitors get great shots with their smartphones, especially with the stunning natural backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for the all-inclusive package to manage food and drink costs, which can be a significant benefit with children. While the resort itself offers plenty of fun, planning a family-friendly excursion, like a boat trip with opportunities for easy snorkeling, can add another layer of excitement to your trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
To further save money, consider utilizing the resort's non-motorized water sports if included in your package. For exploring the island, using the local safari buses can be a very economical alternative to taxis or car rentals for shorter distances, though a rental car offers more freedom for a set daily rate.
couples
Evening entertainment, such as live music, adds a pleasant ambiance for couples looking to enjoy their evenings together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bolongo Bay Experience: More Than Just a Resort
The 'Catch and Cook' program is a unique highlight, allowing guests to actively participate in their dining experience by fishing and then enjoying their fresh catch.
For those looking to explore beyond the resort, Bolongo Bay serves as a convenient base. The proximity to the Red Hook ferry terminal makes day trips to St. John easily accessible, and renting a car allows for comprehensive exploration of St. Thomas's diverse landscapes and attractions.
Navigating St. Thomas: Beyond Bolongo Bay
For a change of scenery, a day trip to St. John is a must-do for many visitors. The ferry from Red Hook is a straightforward option, but organized catamaran tours often provide a more seamless experience, including snorkeling stops and transport directly from or near your resort.
When planning your island adventures, consider the travel times between locations. While Bolongo Bay is on the eastern side, accessing attractions on the western or southern parts of St. Thomas will require dedicated travel time. Utilizing local knowledge or resort concierges can help optimize your itinerary for a well-rounded St. Thomas and St. John experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit