We stayed for 10 days and would return tomorrow if we could! The location was great right in the middle of Red Hook, all the beaches just past Red Hook, Tutu for all the lower price groceries and Charolette/French Bay. Every trip was quick and easy around 15 to 20 minutes. We didn't swim in Bolonga Bay, as most days the beach had sea grass (the resort tried to keep up and maintain, but the current just brought in a lot of it). A path was always raked from our end of the bay to the resort on the other end. Minus the seas grass. There was a stunning views from the condo balcony. It was balcony, large rocks with iguanas, then crystal clear water over a rocky sea floor. What a view. We even saw a sting ray swimming one afternoon. Bolonga Bay was very quiet, just the sound of the waves splashing on the rocks outside our balcony. Very relaxing. The condo was attached to Mim's and the food was absolutely incredible. The beach bar Iggy's at the resort had nightly music and great fish tacos. Make reservations for both.
The king bed in condo was very comfortable. Kids slept on the queen bed and had no complaints. Showers had good water pressure, all kitchen items worked. The pool that was steps past Mim's (attached to our building) and was clean - nice quiet hang out after a long day. The only issue we had was the balcony door was hard to open and close. So although it may not have been as luxurious as some of the resorts, it had all the amenities and a great price to make a quick meal.
We rented a car. We did our days of snorkeling and swimming on other beaches. If a beach has an entrance fee, pay it, it is worth it. We snorkeled Linquist, Secret Harbor, Coki, Sapphire on St. Thomas and Hawksnest and Trunk on St. John's. We took the island ferry to Water Island and rented a golf cart. A must do. Check out the old military fort, go to Heidis for fish tacos. The beach/water on Water Island was beautiful with a beach bar.
We took our own snorkel gear and saw turtles at most beaches. The snorkeling is great everywhere. The only thing we would change would be the charter to Buck Island for turtles. For the $$ we were expecting more, but we saw more turtles on Water Island and LInquist snorkeling on our own. The catamaran was fun, but our family does better exploring on our own.
This vacation spoiled us. The USVI beaches, snorkeling, hospitality and beauty will be tough to match. 10 days wasn't enough! Thanks letting us stay, it was hard to leave!