All Inclusive On St. Croix?

Why St. Croix Isn't an All-Inclusive Destination - And Why That's a Good Thing

If you are planning a trip to the US Virgin Islands, you might be searching for "all-inclusive resorts St. Croix." It’s a common search, but you will quickly notice something: there is only one, Divi Carina Bay.

Unlike other Caribbean destinations defined by walled-off mega-resorts, St. Croix operates on a different model. This is an island designed for exploration, not isolation. There are reasons the all-inclusive concept is not popular across the United States.

Here is why the all-inclusive model is not popular on St. Croix, and how skipping the resort package unlocks a better, more authentic vacation.

1. The Culinary Experience

A primary selling point of an all-inclusive is free food and drink. However, in St. Croix, being tied to a resort meal plan is actually a limitation, not a perk. St. Croix is widely known as the culinary capital of the USVI.

By booking a standard hotel or a vacation villa, you gain the freedom to explore a dining scene that rivals major metropolitan cities. Consider the value of a refrigerator and microwave or oven to extend your dining enjoyment as leftovers.

  • Christiansted Boardwalk: You can walk from bar to bar along the harbor, sampling fresh mahi-mahi, conch fritters, and craft cocktails while watching tarpon swim in the water below.

  • Farm-to-Table: The island has a rich agricultural belt. Restaurants here source ingredients from local farms like Ridge to Reef, meaning your salad was likely picked miles away, not shipped in on a barge.

  • Local Flavor: You would miss out on authentic "pates" and “roti” from roadside stops or authentic Crucian barbecue at places like La Reine Chicken Shack if you were obligated to eat at a hotel buffet.

2. Activities Are Spread Out, Not Walled In

On many islands, the resort is the destination. On St. Croix, the resort is just a place to sleep and the island’s geography demands mobility. The best experiences are scattered across three distinct landscapes: the arid East End, the lush rainforest West End, and the historic towns in between.

Visitor Priorities vs. Resort Bubbles:

  • Snorkeling: The best snorkeling isn't usually off a hotel beach. It is at Cane Bay, the Frederiksted Pier (famous for seahorses and octopuses) or Buck Island Reef National Monument, which requires a boat charter.

  • Hiking: You cannot find the Annaly Bay Tide Pools inside a gated community. Getting there requires a hike through the rainforest, offering views no hotel balcony can match.

  • History: St. Croix is home to two historic towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, both featuring 18th-century Danish architecture. Walking these streets gives you a sense of place that a sanitized resort compound cannot replicate.

3. The Economy of "Community Tourism"

St. Croix thrives on a community tourism model. When you stay at a boutique hotel, rent a villa, or dine at independent restaurants, your travel dollars go directly into the local economy rather than to international hotel conglomerates.

This vibe is palpable on the island. Locals are incredibly welcoming because they are accustomed to visitors mingling in town, not hiding behind gates. This creates a safer, friendlier atmosphere where "going off-property" is the norm, not a risk.

4. Privacy Over Crowds

The all-inclusive model relies on volume—crowded pools, lines for the buffet, and fighting for beach chairs. St. Croix offers the opposite luxury: space.

The Rental Advantage: For the price of an all-inclusive package elsewhere, you can often rent a private villa in St. Croix with:

  • A private pool with infinity edge on the Caribbean Sea (no sharing with strangers).

  • A full kitchen (perfect for breakfast on the patio).

  • Panoramic oceanfront views without obstructions.

5. Rental Cars Unlock the True Island

To truly see St. Croix, you need a vehicle, not a shuttle bus. If you ask on a forum about taxis or public transit there will be many comments saying you need to rent a car. Driving on the left (a quirky holdover from history) is part of the adventure. There are more tips on driving on St. Croix here. Having your own vehicle allows you to "beach hop"—starting your day with sunrise at Point Udall, the first sunrise in the United States, and a hike to Isaacs Bay Beach, stopping at Hay Penny beach where a mile of undeveloped beach awaits and and ending it with sunset cocktails at Rainbow Beach.

The Verdict: How to Book Instead

If you want the convenience of an all-inclusive without the restrictions, build your own "inclusive" package:

  • Stay: Book a villa or a boutique hotel like The Buccaneer (which offers breakfast and luxury without the lockdown feel) or Sand Castle on the Beach.

  • Eat: Set a daily dining budget and use it to explore a new restaurant every night. Make sure you have a plan for leftovers which can be a great cost-effective lunch.

  • Do: Rent a car for the week. The money you save on resort fees will easily cover the rental and gas.