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RESORT COMPARISON · ST THOMAS

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort vs The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

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What the badges mean:FPFamily Preferred — solid family choiceFFFamily First — built around kids & teens
KIDDOMETER RECOMMENDATION

Best for most families: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

FPFamily Preferred

Bolongo Bay offers a unique all-inclusive option with abundant complimentary water sports, making it family-friendly despite lacking extensive dedicated kids' club programming.

WHY BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT STANDS OUT
✓ All Inclusive
✓ OUR PICK
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
FPFamily Preferred

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

$$$$ Per night, avg.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort offers an informal beachfront setting that caters to families with its kid-friendly environment. Guests can enjoy various water sports directly from the Caribbean beach and relax at the outdoor pool with a swim-up bar.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
FPFamily Preferred

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

$$$$ Per night, avg.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas provides a family-friendly Caribbean retreat with a kids' club and two outdoor pools, including one with a waterslide. Spacious suites offer separate living areas, with select options featuring kitchenettes for added convenience during extended stays.

AT A GLANCE

Quick Facts

FEATURE
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
All Inclusive
✓ Yes
Not included
Kids Club
Not included
✓ Yes
Waterslide
Not included
✓ Yes
Spa
Not included
✓ Yes
Family Rooms
Not included
✓ Yes
Grocery Nearby
Not included
✓ Yes
Price
$$$$
$$$$
Best For
Best for families with elementary-age kids and teenagers who enjoy beach activities and water sports, as well as those seeking a relaxed environment for exploration.
Best for families with elementary and pre-teen children, as well as those with younger kids, seeking a resort experience with varied activities and spacious accommodations.
WHAT THEY BOTH SHARE
✓ Beachfront
AROUND THE RESORT

Nearby Highlights

BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT
→Bolongo Bay Beach — Directly on
→Red Hook — 15 min drive
→Coral World Ocean Park — 15 min drive
→Magens Bay Beach — 15-20 min drive
→Paradise Point (Skyride) — 15 min drive
THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. THOMAS
→Great Bay Beach — Directly on
→Red Hook — Less than 5 min drive
→Coral World Ocean Park — 2.4 miles / 7 min drive
→Coki Beach — 2.5 miles / 7 min drive
→Magens Bay Beach — Approximately 20-25 min drive
THE UPSIDE

Things Families Love

BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT
✓Family-owned resort provides a warm, personalized Caribbean experience
✓Complimentary non-motorized watersports: kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie Cats, snorkel gear
✓Direct beach access from many rooms, calm bay waters great for swimming
✓All-inclusive option includes a la carte dining, kids' menus, and premium drinks
✓Heavenly Days catamaran offers "Swim with Sea Turtles" excursions from the resort
THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. THOMAS
✓Ritz Kids program offers daily activities and a dedicated club space with gaming consoles and crafts
✓Family pool with a 60-foot waterslide and an adjacent splash pad for young children
✓Complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie Cats, and snorkeling gear directly from the beach
✓Four on-site restaurants, including Sails and Alloro, offering kid-friendly menu items and relaxed dining
✓Innovative "Baby Concierge" program provides essential baby gear like rockers and bassinets, reducing luggage
✓Spacious rooms and suites, many with private balconies and ocean views, accommodating families comfortably
BEFORE YOU BOOK

Things to Know

BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT
!Rooms are clean but some guests note they are dated
!Beach can be rocky
!water shoes are recommended for comfortable swimming
!Limited dedicated kids' programming, resort can feel more adult-oriented during off-peak times
!Cribs and in-room microwaves incur an additional daily fee
THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. THOMAS
!The Ritz Kids Club, while available, is sometimes underutilized by families who prefer to stay together at the pools and beach
!While the resort is family-friendly, some reviews mention service can be on "island time"
!The beach, though private, is cut off by rocky outcroppings, limiting long leisurely walks
!The family pool, while heated, has been noted as being colder than other pools on the property by some guests
!Getting around the island from the resort often requires taxis or ride-shares, which can be priced per person
RATES & PHOTOS

Full Profiles & Booking

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
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The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
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