Would you rather stay in St. John, in the Virgin Islands, or St. Johns, Antigua & Barbuda? This is a question that many travelers are asking themselves when they are deciding where to go for their next vacation. Both offer amazing vacation rentals with luxurious amenities and stunning views of both ocean fronts—but which one would be better for your needs?
There’s no “right” answer to this question since it all depends on what you’re looking for in a beach destination. For example, if you have children or pets, then the Virgin Islands might be best because of its more relaxed atmosphere. On the other hand, if traveling without kids is your thing and you want an island with great nightlife options, then Antigua and Barbuda might be the better choice for you.
Adding to the mix, St. John, Virgin Islands and St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda are commonly mistaken for each other (it’s that little “s” at the end of John, you know?). We’re here to help you understand the differences and choose the best spot for your vacation.
St. John, USVI: The Jewel of the U.S.
St John, USVI, is a very popular vacation spot for both locals and tourists, with many calling it “the jewel of the U.S.” There are plenty of activities to be had there, including snorkeling in Trunk Bay where you can see colorful fish just offshore or go on hikes up mountains to enjoy amazing views from above. Moreover, St. John is home to picturesque harbors and coves and some of the most amazing beaches on earth. You’ll find miles and miles of shoreline there, meaning there are endless opportunities for fun in the sun!
If you decide to head to the USVI for vacation, you’ll be in good company, as two million visitors go there every year to enjoy its gorgeous beaches and natural beauty. St. John is a part of that massive draw, and it contains the amazing Virgin Islands National Park, which is home to white beaches, azure waters, dozens of hikes, and a range of wildlife, including donkeys, deer, sheep, mongoose and pigs.
Where is St. John, USVI?
St. John is part of the unincorporated island territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands, about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico and situated at the eastern end of the Greater Antilles in the northeast part of the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, St. John is one of three islands that make up the USVI, the other two being St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Reasons to Visit
St. John is an award-winning locale for travelers who like to stay active or just enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. For instance, the clear waters are tranquil, making snorkeling from the shore a wonderful experience for people of all ages.
Since there are so many beaches to choose from, you can experience a new underwater adventure every time. From fascinating stingrays to sea turtles to colorful tropical fish darting between the corals, you’ll find the various marine life in St. John’s waters a spectacular sight.
There are also plenty of other activities to do, including kayaking around inlets along the water or viewing the famous St. John petroglyphs at the upper waterfall of the Reef Bay trail. With excellent seafood restaurants that are kid-friendly and beaches that are made for wading and swimming, St. John is one of the best family destinations in all of the Caribbean!
Also, if you plan to travel on a budget, then St. John, USVI might be best for your needs because of the amazing deals on luxury beachfront rentals.
Luxury Beachfront Rentals Offered
Vacation VI offers a number of luxury beachfront rentals in the United States and the British Virgin Islands, including several in St. John. The high-quality customer service can’t be beaten, truly making it the best place to book your next vacation. From the 4-bedroom Casa Mare that offers views of St Thomas and the blues of the Caribbean sea to the magnificent centerpiece and 9-bedroom A La Mer in Great Cruz Bay, Vacation VI has you covered.
If you’re looking for a St. John luxury rental for your vacation, then check out our listings on Vacation VI today.
St. Johns, Antigua & Barbuda: A Beautiful Island Country
Antigua & Barbuda is a beautiful island country that is known for its rainforests, reef-lined beaches and resorts. St Johns is the capital of Antigua & Barbuda, and it has a mix of both urban and beach life as well as nightlife options for those who want to party or relax with nature. The island itself contains two UNESCO Heritage Sites, English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard.
Where is St Johns, Antigua & Barbuda?
St. Johns Antigua & Barbuda is an independent country that is located where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet, about 524 miles from Puerto Rico. It is part of the West Indies, and there’s lots of regional fare there like spicy and savory rotis, jerk, plantains and herb-infused crustaceans.
Reasons to Visit St Johns, Antigua & Barbuda
St. Johns, Antigua & Barbuda is a prime location for those who want to relax and enjoy themselves as well as do some sightseeing. For instance, the waters around St Johns are great for snorkeling or heading out on a boat tour where you can see nurse sharks up close! You’ll also find many places to enjoy a quiet evening with friends, including the many restaurants and bars found along Dickenson Bay.
The capital city of Antigua has candy-colored architecture scattered throughout, and it also houses many farmer’s markets and meat markets. It’s also one of the only places in the world where you can try a black pineapple, which is a rare type of pineapple that has been grown and cultivated on the island for years. Other places you can get lost in for hours include the Antigua & Barbuda Museum (it is housed in a 1750s colonial courthouse), the Cathedral Antigua and the Antigua rum distillery, where you can try out some local rum punch or Wadadli Beer.
Luxury Beachfront Rentals Offered
If you want to stay in St. Johns, you can find accommodations for anything from charming one-bedroom cottages in Barbuda to larger St. Johns Antigua Villa rentals. Whether you want to stay in a secluded location or one that is close to the action, there are many options for those who want to stay on the island. In addition, most of these rentals have either pools or access to shared pool areas where guests can relax and enjoy being away from it all. Many of them are also within a few minutes walk to your favorite beach in Antigua.
St. John, USVI vs. St Johns, Antigua & Barbuda
If you need more reasons to decide between the destinations, we’ve listed a few other primary differences to consider:
- St. John is very family-friendly: As mentioned, St. John USVI is perfectly tailored to families and St. Johns, while Antigua & Barbuda is more geared to the nightlife —although St. John, USVI has its share of nice beach bars and nightclubs.
- Travel considerations: When traveling, convenience can be a welcome relief. Therefore, travel and currency requirements that get in the way of a good time may make or break your decision. For example, Antigua and Barbuda use the Eastern Caribbean dollar, and the U.S. Dollar is used throughout the USVI. If you are from the U.S. mainland, you won’t need a passport to go to St. John, USVI, but you will if you go to Antigua & Barbuda.
- Mosquitoes: If you’ve ever had a beachside vacation ruined by pesky mosquitoes, then you know what we mean here! While both St. John and St. Johns, Antigua & Barbuda offer incredible beaches, it is important to remember that St Johns in Antigua & Barbuda offers more lush greenery than its US counterpart—which means there’s a lot of mosquitos. If this doesn’t bother you, then we think you should go with St. Johns, Antigua & Barbuda.
Let Vacation VI Help You Book the Caribbean Vacation of your Dreams
Color us biased at Vacation VI, but it is no exaggeration to say that St. John, USVI makes for a dream vacation. If we can coax you into vacationing with us here, then we have just the vacation rental for your needs. Simply let us show you how our luxury accommodations can help make this trip as stress-free as possible by allowing us to arrange all of your activities and transportation. We offer concierge services for your convenience and can help arrange special dinners and activities that will make this trip one that no one will forget.
For inquiries and booking for Vacation VI, St John, please contact us at +1 (800) 727-6610 or fill out our online form.
