Let's be real - planning a Caribbean vacation can feel overwhelming. When I first searched for all inclusive resorts in St Croix, I found way too many glossy brochures and not enough practical info. After three trips to this island and staying at multiple properties, I'll cut through the marketing fluff. Truth is, St. Croix doesn't have dozens of mega-resorts like Cancún. What it offers instead are intimate, authentic experiences where "all inclusive" means something different than you might expect.
Why St. Croix Stands Out for All Inclusive Vacations
Most folks dreaming of Caribbean all inclusives imagine swim-up bars and buffet lines stretching for miles. St. Croix flips that script. Here's what makes it special:
- Zero crowds: You won't fight for pool chairs like in Punta Cana
- Real island culture: Resorts incorporate local traditions rather than feeling like generic vacation factories
- Food that actually tastes good: Surprisingly decent compared to some AI horror stories I've heard from Jamaica
- Adventure included: Many packages bundle watersports and excursions
That said, manage your expectations. The Sandals model doesn't really exist here. When we talk about all inclusive resorts St Croix style, we're looking at boutique properties where you trade massive amenities for personal service and local charm.
The Actual All Inclusive Resorts in St Croix (No Fluff)
After testing these personally, here's the real scoop:
The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort
Oldest resort on the island (family-run since 1947). Feels more like staying at a wealthy friend's estate than a corporate resort. Their all inclusive option covers:
| Inclusions | Details | Price Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meals | Breakfast & dinner daily at The Mermaid (lunch not included) | +$120/day per adult |
| Drinks | House cocktails 5-6pm only (wine/beer all day) | Premium liquor extra |
| Activities | Non-motorized watersports, tennis, golf green fees | Club rentals extra |
Personal rant: Their "all inclusive" feels more like half-board-plus. But the golf course views? Unreal. If you're okay paying extra for lunch and premium drinks, it's worth it.
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino
The closest thing to a traditional AI experience on St. Croix. What you should know:
- Only true 24/7 all-inclusive option on island
- Buffet quality varies wildly - great jerk chicken, sad pizza
- Casino gets noisy weekends (request oceanview room)
- House rum is Cruzan (local!) but wine selection is tragic
Their pricing structure actually makes sense:
Pro tip: Book through their "Play & Stay" package during casino events. Even if you only play $20, the room discounts are insane. Saved me $103/night last April.
Club St. Croix Beach & Tennis Resort
Don't let the generic name fool you - this timeshare property offers shockingly good AI packages. Includes:
- All meals at their oceanfront grill
- Unlimited premium drinks (yes, even top-shelf)
- Daily snorkeling trips to Buck Island
- Tennis clinics with pro (Tues/Thurs)
Downside? Rooms feel dated. But when my AC broke, they upgraded me to an oceanfront suite immediately. Service recovery: A+.
What Nobody Tells You About St. Croix All Inclusive Packages
Having been burned before, I now scrutinize inclusions like a detective. Here's what matters:
| Potential Gotcha | How to Avoid | Resorts That Get It Right |
|---|---|---|
| "All meals" = only buffet | Ask how many à la carte options are included | Club St. Croix includes 3 specialty restaurants |
| Water sports "available" ≠ included | Get specific list of included activities in writing | The Buccaneer includes kayaks/paddleboards |
| Resort fees added later | Demand full price breakdown before booking | Divi includes all fees in package price |
The Taxi Trap
Learned this the hard way: Many St. Croix all inclusive resorts aren't walkable to towns. Divi charges $15/person roundtrip to Christiansted. Budget accordingly.
When All Inclusive Isn't Your Best Option
Seriously consider skipping AI if:
- You're a foodie (St. Croix's best restaurants aren't in resorts)
- Planning lots of off-site excursions
- Traveling with kids under 12 (most AI perks target adults)
My worst AI experience? Paying $400 extra for "premium dining" only to discover the island's famous Balter restaurant was 10 minutes away. The garlic shrimp there haunts my dreams.
Activities Worth Leaving the Resort For
Even if you book all inclusive resorts in St Croix, venture out for these:
| Experience | Cost | Why It's Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Buck Island Snorkeling | $85-$110/person | Underwater trail through coral gardens |
| Cruz Bay Rum Distillery Tour | $25 (includes 5 tastings) | Sample rum older than you are |
| Christiansted Food Tour | $89 (3 hours) | Try authentic pates and kallaloo soup |
Cost Breakdown: Is AI Actually Cheaper?
Let's do math with real 2024 prices (per adult per day):
| Expense | AI Resort Average | Pay-As-You-Go Average |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Included | $18 (resort) / $12 (local) |
| Lunch | Usually included | $22 (resort) / $15 (food truck) |
| Dinner | Included | $45 (resort) / $30 (town) |
| Drinks | 6-8 cocktails included | $60+ (at $10/drink) |
| Total | $175-220 AI fee | $157-175 pay-as-you-go |
Reality check: AI makes sense if you'll drink 5+ cocktails daily and eat all meals onsite. Otherwise, paying separately often wins. Exception: Club St. Croix's premium-inclusive package at $189/day.
Brutally Honest FAQ
Q: Are there adults-only all inclusive resorts in St Croix?
A: Nope. The Buccaneer has adult-only pools but allows kids everywhere. If you want true adults-only, consider nearby islands.
Q: Which St. Croix all inclusive is best for families?
A: Club St. Croix wins for kid activities (daily treasure hunts, marine biology workshops). Avoid Divi if kids hate casino noise.
Q: Do any include flights?
A: Rarely. I've seen Delta Vacations bundle flights with Divi twice a year. Sign up for their emails - that's how I saved $380 last summer.
Q: Is tipping included?
A> Usually not. Budget $15-20/day for housekeeping and bartenders. Some resorts add automatic 18% gratuity - ask before double-tipping!
Booking Hacks I've Learned the Hard Way
After three trips and two booking disasters:
- Book directly after comparing: Resort websites often match third-party prices plus throw in free massages or room upgrades
- January is a scam: "Peak season" prices are 40% higher. Go early December - same weather, half the crowd
- Verify hurricane repairs: Some resorts still have construction from 2017 storms. Email to ask "which buildings are recently renovated?"
My biggest mistake? Assuming "all inclusive resorts St Croix" meant everything was covered. Spent my first day arguing about whether mojitos were considered "premium cocktails." (Spoiler: They were.) Now I demand beverage menus in writing.
Final Reality Check
St. Croix isn't the place for those seeking cookie-cutter luxury. What you get instead: uncrowded beaches where staff remember your name, local rum in your cocktails, and the feeling you've discovered something most tourists miss. Just pack your negotiation skills and a detailed understanding of what "inclusive" really means at your chosen resort. When done right, an all inclusive vacation in St Croix feels less like a packaged tour and more like staying with friends who happen to own a beachfront paradise.
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