Best Fall Vacation Deals in the Virgin Islands (2022)

Review

One question you’ll want to be answered is, does the place advertised look like the brochure? Expedia verified travelers reviewed the villas and rated them as superior. One reviewer had this to say about Papaya Villa, “My stays at the property were terrific. The quaint island allows for a variety of activities. You can hang out at the beautiful beaches, hike on nature trails, swim with sea turtles, go boating, or even visit the BVIs for the day.”

The Pineapple Villa at the Hills St John is also available at a discount. The villa has a small dipping pool, and you can stay at this property for a $300 nightly rate plus the hotel tax.  The total for two guests for three nights at the Pineapple Villa is a little over $1000 without airfare. Vacation rentals at the Hills are often listed with 25% off and sometimes more on specific villas during certain weeks.

St. Croix, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

There is a piece of tropical paradise with your name on it, and it is the balmy island of St. Croix. The island is nicknamed the Twin City for its two towns, Frederiksted on the western end and Christiansted on the northeast part. St. Croix is less populated than St. John and St. Thomas, and that makes it a perfect destination to get total relaxation or some one-on-one time with your special someone. Couples and other vacationers who shun touristy spots will appreciate the Twin City’s natural wonders and the friendly, optimistic spirit of the locals living there who are called Crucians.

Must-see vacation spots in the Twin City include the pristine, untouched and unforgettable Buck Island. This “Caribbean Gem” is renowned for its magnificent scuba and snorkeling opportunities, massive coral reef, and a unique ocean ecosystem that hosts 250 species of fish.

You can have the St. Croix experience by staying in Frederiksted since certain hotels there are offering deep discounts during the autumn months. One of them is the Sand Castle on the Beach.

About Frederiksted, St Croix

Stepping into Frederiksted is like going back to colonial times, and it is known as “Freedom City” because of its role in the emancipation of slaves in 1848.  Here, you find a bustling port surrounded by noteworthy colonial attractions such as 18th-century Fort Frederick and restored sugar plantation, Estate Whim Sugar Mill. While the town is history and culture-rich, it’s also a hot spot for boutique shopping, beach activities and ecotourism. You’ll find the Sand Castle on the Beach here, and it is located 0.6 miles from the town’s center and about a five-minute drive from the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.

Sand Castle on the Beach

Many hotels in St. Croix had to do extensive remodeling after the punch felt by Hurricane Maria in 2017. One of them is the adults-only Sand Castle on the Beach hotel, and they have handled repairs quite nicely. Sand Castle is situated on one of St. Croix’s most beautiful swimming beaches, and rooms come with terraces that overlook the Caribbean sea. The Beach Side Café at the hotel serves daily fresh-catch seafood, international dishes and tapas.

There is also a bar and lounge on-site that serves craft-made cocktails and mocktails made from fresh juices. Don’t overdo it, though, and miss spending time at nearby Rhythms at Rainbow Beach. Trip Advisor lists a visit to top-rated Rainbow Beach as the #1 Top Attraction in Frederiksted, followed by Rhythms at Rainbow Beach at # 2. Rhythms is also the original home of the “Lime in the Coconut,” and island musicians often give live performances there.

Review

Google reviews for the Sand Castle were largely positive, with one traveler saying that the hotel is a “true relaxing, friendly, stress free place.” The owners were often praised for their friendly nature and hospitality by Google reviewers, also. Kayaks and snorkeling equipment are available to rent at the Sand Castle’s reception and Frederiksted has an ideal setting for sailing and jet skiing. One snorkeling enthusiast and Google reviewer commented that the hotel was a “great West End place with views of sunsets and calm water for snorkeling.”

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

If you are planning a Virgin Islands vacation, then St. Thomas’s warm waters and history of swashbuckling adventure can let you be your own pirate of the Caribbean. The Virgin Islands are chock full of pirate lore, including one yarn about French pirate Jean Hamlin. Although Hamlin wasn’t as famous as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, he eluded capture with the assistance of St. Thomas governor, Adolph Esmit. Tours from St. Thomas city, Charlotte Amalie, can take you to the highest peak on to see the pirate castles of Bluebeard and Blackbeard.

The isle of St. Thomas is nicknamed Rock City because it is essentially one huge mountain. Also, its picturesque beaches are so lovely that they even strike beach snobs with awe. St Thomas is also known for being a Caribbean shopping mecca where you can find pirate bounty in the way of inexpensive jewelry and as a port of call for cruise ships. In the spirit of pirates, ships and the rum of St. Thomas, this last autumn escape has you taking to the high seas in a discounted cruise.

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Budget-savvy travelers often visit Caribbean paradise through cruise lines. Departing from Miami, Florida in from October 24 through October 31, a cruise on Carnival’s 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise costs $46 a night for seven nights. For a total of $319, you get to visit four Caribbean ports of call, including Charlotte Amalie, the largest city in St. Thomas. You can also call to get the absolute lowest rate possible, so the cruise can potentially be even cheaper. Stops at POC can last anywhere from six to ten hours, and vacationers can get off the cruise ship and spend time hitting the local shops, relaxing on the beach, swimming or snorkeling.

Day to Day Itinerary

If you are a landlubber and want to stay in traditional lodgings vs. a boat, there are inexpensive hotels galore in St. Thomas. Cheap 3-star hotels average about $263, and the cheapest roundtrip airfare from NYC is around $287. Seven nights plus flight index will run you about $2,822 on average.

The siren song of a Caribbean vacation beckons to you, so be sure to book some of the best fall vacation deals in the Virgin Islands before they are snatched up.