The Westin St. John Resort Villas is a lovely place on Great Cruz Bay. It covers 47 acres of green land on St. John, a quiet island with lots of nature. The resort has 226 villas, from small studios to big three-bedroom homes. It’s great for families, couples, or anyone wanting a fun Caribbean trip. I’m Warren Driscoll. I’ve traveled to fancy places like Ibiza and Saint-Tropez for over seven years. Since 2018, I’ve stayed in private villas and chalets. I know what makes a vacation great. In this long guide, I share easy tips, honest reviews, and fun ideas for The Westin St. John Resort Villas. My advice comes from my trips and what other guests say. I want to help you plan a great trip with clear, simple info.
Why Stay at The Westin St. John Resort Villas?
The resort is a nice spot for a calm vacation. It’s close to St. John’s pretty beaches and Cruz Bay’s fun town. The villas have kitchens and comfy beds, which make your stay feel like home. I’ve stayed in places like this in Europe, and these things make trips easy. The resort has a big pool, a beach, and fun things like snorkeling. But some guests say rooms look old or food costs too much. I’ll tell you the good and bad in simple words to help you decide if this resort is right for you.
This guide covers rooms, the best ones to pick, things to do, and fun places nearby. I looked at other websites about this resort. Many just list basic info, like room sizes, but don’t help you choose. Some sound like ads and skip problems. My guide gives more helpful details in very easy words. I use my travel experience to make this guide better than others. It has honest tips and ideas to make your trip special.
All About the Resort
Where It Is and How to Get There
The resort is on Great Cruz Bay in St. John. It’s a 10-minute ride from Cruz Bay, the main town with shops, restaurants, and boats. St. John is special because most of it is a national park, so it’s quiet and full of nature. To get to the resort, fly to St. Thomas airport (STT). Then take a ferry to Cruz Bay. You can use the resort’s own ferry or a public one. A taxi from Cruz Bay to the resort costs $9 per person. I’ve traveled to faraway places like the French Alps. I say take the public ferry if you have light bags to save money. If you have big bags or kids, the resort ferry is easier because it drops you closer.
The resort is big, with hills and stairs. They have free shuttles to help you move around, but they don’t always come fast. Some guests in 2025 said waiting for shuttles was annoying. If you don’t like stairs, pick a ground-floor villa. I learned this from staying at big resorts in Ibiza. Ground-floor rooms make getting to the pool or beach much easier.
What the Rooms Are Like
The resort has 226 villas in different sizes. All have free Wi-Fi, TVs, and Westin’s Heavenly Beds, which are super comfy. I love these beds from my travels. They make you sleep well. Here’s what the rooms are like:
- Studios: Small, about 481 to 600 square feet. Good for couples or one person. They have a big bed, a small kitchen with a microwave and fridge, and a sitting area. Some have balconies with nice views.
- One-Bedroom Villas: Bigger, about 800 to 1,000 square feet. Good for small families. They have a full kitchen with a stove, a sofa bed, and a washer/dryer.
- Two-Bedroom Villas: About 1,200 to 1,600 square feet. Great for bigger groups. They have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a balcony.
- Three-Bedroom Villas: Very big, about 2,780 square feet. Best for large groups, up to eight people. They have private pools, big balconies with grills, and lots of space.
Some guests say older rooms look worn out. For example, a family in 2025 said their studio had a tiny closet and old furniture, which felt cramped for seven people. I’ve seen this in older villas in Europe. Ask for a new room when you book. Newer villas have better furniture and more space. The kitchens are handy for cooking meals, which I love because it saves money.
Best Rooms to Pick
Picking the right room makes your trip better. I’ve stayed in fancy villas around the world, so I know what works. Here are my top room picks based on my trips and what guests say:
Ocean View Studios (Building 23)
These studios have beautiful views of Great Cruz Bay. The water looks blue and calm. They’re quiet, away from the pool where kids play. Higher floors have the best views, perfect for couples who want a romantic trip. I stayed in ocean rooms in Ibiza, and the view made every morning special. These studios are small but cozy, with a comfy bed and a small kitchen. Ask for a high floor when you book.
Two-Bedroom Villas (Buildings 21–22)
These villas are close to the pool and beach but not too noisy. They’re big, with full kitchens, living rooms, and two bathrooms. They’re great for families or friends. I stayed in similar villas in Saint-Tropez, and the space was perfect for relaxing together. The balcony is nice for eating outside. These villas give you room to spread out and feel at home.
Three-Bedroom Pool Villas
These are the fanciest rooms. They have private pools and big balconies with grills. They’re great for big groups, like eight people. The private pool feels special, like ones I’ve enjoyed in the Alps. They cost more, so check your budget. If you want a luxury trip, these villas are worth it for the extra space and privacy.
Ground-Floor Garden Villas (Building 26)
These villas are cheaper and easy to reach. You don’t need to climb stairs. The garden views are green and pretty, and the walk to the pool or beach is nice. They’re good for families with small kids or anyone who wants an easy walk. I’ve picked ground-floor rooms in Europe to avoid stairs, and it makes the trip smoother.
Don’t pick buildings 31–34. They’re far from the main resort, across a road. You’ll need to walk uphill or wait for a shuttle, which can be slow. One guest in 2025 said it took 15 minutes to get to the pool from these buildings. Also, poolside rooms can be loud with kids playing. If you like quiet, ask for a room away from the pool.
Things to Do at the Resort
The Pool and Beach
The resort has a big pool with palm trees and a small waterfall. It’s nice for relaxing or swimming. There’s a hot tub, too. The pool is fun, but it gets busy in the afternoon with families. Iguanas walk around the pool area. Kids think they’re cool, but some adults don’t like them. The resort’s beach is sandy and good for sitting or reading. You can use kayaks or paddleboards for free with the $40 daily resort fee. The beach is nice, but the water isn’t as clear as other St. John beaches. I’ve snorkeled in many places, and I suggest visiting other beaches for better swimming.
Places to Eat
The resort has two restaurants and a small store:
- Snorkel’s Bar & Grill: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has Caribbean food, like fish tacos, and simple food, like burgers. The breakfast buffet is yummy, but some say it costs too much.
- Lemongrass Restaurant & Bar: Fancier, with tables inside or outside. It serves seafood and Caribbean dishes. The view of the water is pretty, but the food is pricey.
- The Marketplace at Cruz Bay: Has coffee, sandwiches, wraps, and snacks. You can buy drinks like beer or wine for your villa.
Food at the resort is expensive. A family in 2025 spent $200 on dinner at Lemongrass and said it wasn’t worth it. I’ve eaten at resort restaurants before, and I know prices can be high. I suggest eating in Cruz Bay at places like The Lime Inn or Morgan’s Mango. They’re cheaper and have good food. You can also order groceries for your villa, but you need to plan four days ahead. Stocking your kitchen saves money, like I do in villas.
Fitness Center and Spa
The fitness center is open all day and night. It has machines for running or lifting weights and yoga mats. There are four tennis courts and pickleball courts. I love playing tennis at resorts, and these courts are fun. The Westin Spa has massages, facials, and even kid-friendly treatments. But the spa isn’t always open. A guest in 2025 said they couldn’t get a massage because of short hours. Call the spa before you go to check when it’s open. I’ve learned to always check spa hours at resorts.
Fun for Kids
The Westin Family Kids Club is for kids aged 4 to 12. They do crafts, play games, and swim in the pool. Kids love feeding iguanas at 3 p.m. every day. The resort has movie nights by the pool and a water trampoline. It’s very kid-friendly, which is great for families. I’ve seen kids’ programs at other resorts, and they make parents’ trips easier. But if you want a quiet, romantic trip, the resort might feel too busy with kids.
Fun Things to Do Around St. John
St. John has lots of fun things to do outside the resort. I love exploring new places, and St. John is full of adventure. Here are my favorite ideas:
At the Resort
The resort’s beach and pool are good for relaxing. You can snorkel or use paddleboards for free with the resort fee. The water sports desk closes early, around 3:30 p.m., so go in the morning. Tennis and pickleball courts are fun for active people. The Kids Club keeps kids happy with games and crafts. Parents can relax while kids play. I’ve seen how kids’ programs make family trips stress-free at other resorts.
Best Beaches to Visit
St. John has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Rent a jeep to visit them. It’s the easiest way to get around. Here are my top picks:
- Trunk Bay: Famous for clear blue water and a snorkeling trail with fish. It’s a 15-minute drive from the resort. Go early to avoid crowds.
- Maho Bay: Has calm water and sea turtles. It’s great for kids or anyone who wants to swim. It’s a short drive away.
- Cinnamon Bay: Good for surfing or kayaking. The beach is big and pretty. It’s perfect for active people.
These beaches are better than the resort’s beach. The water is clearer, and the views are amazing. I’ve been to many beaches, and St. John’s are special. Take towels from the resort to save space in your bag. Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ocean, like I do when snorkeling.
Hiking in the National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park is close to the resort, just a mile away. It has over 20 trails for hiking. The Reef Bay Trail is 3 miles long and has old sugar mill ruins. It’s like stepping back in time. The Ram Head Trail is 2.2 miles and has awesome ocean views. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. I’ve hiked in tough places like the Alps, and these trails are fun but need prep. Start early in the morning when it’s cooler. The park is a big reason St. John feels so natural and peaceful.
Exploring Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay is a 10-minute taxi ride from the resort. It’s a small town with shops, restaurants, and bars. I love finding local spots when I travel, and Cruz Bay is fun to walk around. Try The Lime Inn for fresh seafood or Morgan’s Mango for Caribbean food with a cool vibe. The town has gift shops for souvenirs, like local art or jewelry. It’s small, so you can see it all in a few hours. I suggest going in the evening for dinner and lights.
Day Trips Off the Island
Take a ferry to St. Thomas for shopping or fun. It’s a quick ride from Cruz Bay. You can also book a boat tour to the British Virgin Islands to see more islands. The resort’s activities desk can help you plan these trips. I’ve done day trips from villas in Europe, and they make vacations exciting. A boat tour is great for seeing new places and taking photos.
Helpful Tips for a Great Trip
Here are easy tips to make your stay better. I’ve learned these from my travels and what guests say about the resort:
- Book your villa early. The best rooms, like three-bedroom villas, fill up fast, especially from December to April.
- Ask for a new room. Some villas have old furniture. Pick buildings 21–26 for newer ones.
- Bring snacks or food. Resort restaurants are expensive. Buy groceries at Dolphin Market, a short walk away.
- Rent a jeep. Taxis cost a lot, and a jeep lets you visit beaches and trails easily. I always rent cars in remote places.
- Check spa hours before you go. The spa’s short hours upset some guests in 2025.
- Visit beaches early in the morning. They’re less crowded, and the light is great for photos.
- Use Marriott Bonvoy points if you’re a member. You can save money on rooms, like 50,000 points for a night.
These tips help you save money and avoid problems. I’ve used similar ideas in my travels to make trips smoother.
Things That Might Not Be Great
No resort is perfect. Here are some problems to know about, based on my research and guest reviews:
- Some rooms look old. Furniture or carpets might be worn. One guest in 2025 said their studio felt dated and small.
- Food costs a lot. A family spent $200 on dinner at Lemongrass and said it wasn’t good enough for the price.
- The pool gets crowded. Afternoons are busy with kids, which can be noisy.
- The resort’s beach isn’t the best. The water is okay, but beaches like Trunk Bay are much clearer.
- The resort feels far from Cruz Bay. You need a taxi or car to get around, which can be a hassle.
Knowing these things helps you plan. For example, eat in Cruz Bay to save money or pick a quiet room if you don’t like noise.
Final Thoughts
The Westin St. John Resort Villas is a great place for a Caribbean vacation. Its big villas, nice pool, and fun activities are perfect for families or groups. But some rooms look old, and food costs a lot. Pick the right villa, visit St. John’s beaches, and use my tips for a fun trip. The Westin St. John Resort Villas can be amazing if you plan well. Have questions or ideas? Share them below to help other travelers!
Disclaimer: This article is only for sharing helpful travel tips. It is not an ad. I don’t get paid if you visit or book this resort. There are no affiliate links. Everything I write is based on my own travel experience and research. I just want to help you plan a better trip.
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Warren Driscoll writes about luxury travel. He has over seven years of experience. Since 2018, he has stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, and chalets in the French Alps. Warren’s stories have been shared by Indvidual Magazine. He writes honest reviews and gives helpful tips to help people plan great holidays. He also shares his own photos and real experiences to make his advice clear and useful.