Sapphire Beach Resort is the self-catering option on the east end of St. Thomas, with kitchens, sofa beds and balconies that make it a good fit for families and small groups. It is an aparthotel of about 155 units in five buildings at Estate Smith Bay, next to a small marina. Standard studio suites are about 640 square feet with a king bed and a sofa bed, and sleep four, with a beach view or a view over the yacht harbour. The villas are about 960 square feet and sleep six. Every unit has a full kitchen with a refrigerator and freezer, a stove, an oven, a microwave and cookware, along with air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a balcony and a separate sitting area. There is an outdoor pool and a children’s pool, an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, laundry facilities and a concierge. Sapphire Beach is about a five-minute walk, and the east end’s beaches, snorkelling and watersports are close.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the east end of St. Thomas, about half an hour by car from Cyril E. King Airport. Lindquist Beach is about eighteen minutes on foot, and American Yacht Harbor at Red Hook, where the ferries leave for St. John, is a short drive. Restaurants, including Duffy’s Love Shack and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, are a few minutes by car, and the Ritz-Carlton is about six minutes away. A rental car is useful here, and one can be arranged on site. Self parking is free.
The rooms
Studio suites and villas are laid out for self-catering, so shop for groceries on arrival and save on restaurant costs. Balconies and separate sitting areas give you space to spread out. The buildings have exterior corridors and no elevator, so ask for a ground-floor unit if stairs are a concern. A child up to age eleven can stay free in existing beds with a parent, and cribs and rollaway beds cost extra.
Who it suits
Families, groups of friends and long-stay visitors who want space and a kitchen at a lower price than the large east-end resorts. Snorkelling, scuba and beach volleyball are on offer, and the beaches nearby are among the island’s best for swimming. It is quieter and less polished than the big resorts, so it is a poor fit for those who want a spa, nightlife or round-the-clock services.
Good to know
The front desk keeps limited hours, so contact the resort at least a day before arrival if you will check in late. Housekeeping is on weekdays only. The minimum check-in age is 21, pets are not allowed, and free cancellation applies to selected rates. Fees may be added to the room rate, so check the total when you book. Government photo ID and a card are needed at check-in.
Why stay here
- ✓Full kitchen in every unit
- ✓Beachfront studio suites and villas
- ✓Outdoor pool and children’s pool
- ✓On-site marina
- ✓Restaurant for breakfast and lunch
- ✓Balconies
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Do the rooms have kitchens?+
Yes. Studios and villas have a full kitchen with a refrigerator and freezer, a stove, an oven, a microwave and cookware.
How far is the beach?+
Sapphire Beach is about a five-minute walk, and some units are beachfront. Check the view when you book.
Do I need a car?+
A car helps for restaurants, shops and the Red Hook ferry, and rentals can be arranged on site.
