Full of laid-back charm, off-the-beaten-path but always delicious dining, and serene beaches, the US Virgin Islands offer the warm getaway we’re always craving. We’re highlighting St. Thomas and St. John, and turned to our Chief Creative Officer and St. Thomas native Sophie to give us a local’s roundup. Read on to discover the best spots to stay, eat and explore.
Where to Stay
Rent a House
Definitely find one near Cruz Bay St. John.
The Westin St. John
This captivating villa resort with sandy beaches feels like your own relaxing piece of paradise.
Garden by the Sea
This feels like your island home-away-from-home for your vacation. This B&B is cozy and romantic, complete with welcoming hospitality and lush gardens.
Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel
This property offers intimate, simple, chic and affordable accommodations in a great location.
Where to Eat: Breakfast
Cruz Bay Landing
Cruz Bay Landing is thought by many to serve the best breakfast on the island, with an extensive menu with dishes like eggs benedict, fancy pancakes, loaded breakfast sandwiches and more.
St John’s Provisions
This is a go-to spot for fresh pastries, doughnuts, bagels, and delicious smoothies and coffee drinks.
Colombo’s Smoothies
Besides delicious smoothies with local flavors of course, Colombo’s serves acai bowls, coffee drinks, breakfast, and lunch.
Miss Lucy’s
Come to this waterfront spot for Sunday brunch!
Where to Eat: Lunch
The Longboard
Calling all sushi lovers, this Caribbean coastal spot serves delicious and fresh rolls and poke bowls. They also have creative cocktails and are a good dinner option!
North Shore Deli
Go for sandwiches to bring along with you for a beach day.
Skinny Legs
If you feel like venturing out to Coral Bay St. John, this funky and laid-back restaurant also has a retail store component, and has good sandwiches and cocktails.
Sun Dog Cafe
This is a popular alfresco gem with a small kitchen with a mighty following. The menu listings at the Sun Dog offer everything from salads and sandwiches to pizza and more.
Where to Eat: Dinner
The Lime Inn
The Lime Inn offers a joyful, fun vibe with its homemade recipes, tasting menus, wine pairings, delicious cocktails, and happy staff.
La Tapa
This beachside contemporary Mediterranean restaurant serves innovative dishes in a warm, rustic ambiance.
1864
Located in Mongoose Junction, 1864 has a fun and tropical atmosphere, and serves fresh seafood and hand-rolled sushi.
Zozos
If you’re looking for a leisurely and upscale experience, ZoZo's offers a four-course meal in a waterfront setting for $140 a person. They are closed on Saturdays and the menu changes weekly.
Extra Virgin
Extra Virgin offers a three-course tasting menu for $100 a person. They’re dedicated to locally grown and sourced products, so they grow many of their herbs on site and buy their fish from local fishermen.
High Tide
Located on Cruz Bay Beach, this open-air restaurant has a family-friendly vibe. Start with conch fritters served and then go for the delicious classics like surf & turf or mahi mahi. Enjoy sunset views, live music, or games on their big screens.
The Terrace
This French-influenced, chef-driven restaurant has an elevated yet accessible menu with fresh seafood, meats, and an eclectic wine list. It feels refined, contemporary, and classic all at one, with sunset waterfront views from a rustic stone setting.
Morgan’s Mango Restaurant
The food here is seafood-heavy with a West Indian-Latin flair and a fun ambiance.
Where to Celebrate: Bars
Drink
Drink focuses on fresh and refreshing cocktails, whether original or traditional. The fun bartenders will always make you something special in this beautiful atmosphere!
Lime Out
Originally created to fill a void in USVI marine tourism, this green Caribbean-style cottage on pontoons serves delicious fresh tacos and thoughtful creative cocktails to the adventurers who come to see them in Coral Bay Harbor.
The Tap Room
This is a local’s spot for island-brewed beer.
The Quiet Mon
You’ll feel like an Irishman here in this warm and friendly pub, with traditional food and beer.
Margarita Phil’s
The margaritas here are great! Grab one if you’re walking around Cruz Bay.
Greengos Caribbean Cantina
People frequent here for its good location and Mexican drinks!
Joe’s Rum Hut
You can’t go wrong with the view, food, or drinks here.
The Beach Bar
Spanning decades, The Beach Bar mixes locals and visitors for cocktails, live music and sunset backdrops every night.
Where to Shop
Mongoose Junction
This shopping mall has beach necessities, those perfect vacation gifts, authentic hook bracelets, home decor, clothing, and local art!
Cruz Bay
This is another great area for a calm and easy shopping experience, with lots of clothing boutiques, art galleries, and more.
Lulee
This is a tourist and local favorite for clothes and accessories in Mongoose.
Bajo el Sol Gallery, Art Bar & Rum Room
Located in Mongoose Junction, this is a hybrid art gallery, bookstore, café, rum and cocktail bar.