Flamboyan on the Bay Resort & Villas

There is a good mix guests at Flamboyan on the Bay Resort & Villas, including groups of friends, older couples, families, and younger folks. The resort is lively and energetic, especially around the upper pool area, which has lounge chairs, umbrellas, and patio tables lining the perimeter; the sports bar and restaurant are adjacent, making this the property's main hub. Shenanigan’s Sports Bar and Grill has an enthusiastic, friendly crowd, who can be found drinking and watching the multiple big-screen TVs playing sports. Every group we saw across the property seemed to be having fun and fully enjoying themselves. The lower pool is fairly quiet but offers gorgeous views of the mountains and Magens Bay.

The resort has an intimate feel that is not at all chain-like. The property has multiple cozy seating areas for guests to congregate and relax. Like many resorts in St. Thomas, the hillside location means that there are multiple levels and lots of stairs (and no elevators), which may be a challenge for guests with limited mobility. The resort is a time-share property but this aspect is not pushed.

Flamboyan on the Bay Resort & Villas is located up in the hills through winding, narrow mountain roads; some guests have complained taxi drivers may not want to make the trip. The resort has a long private drive up to the property that is scenic and lush. The resort overlooks Magens Bay Beach and the Mahogany Run Golf Course to the east.

Although the resort is secluded, there are some mountain roads nearby. You may hear some traffic off of the balconies, but it's not too noisy.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas’s main town, is 10-minute drive. Magens Bay, the closest beach to the resort, is a half mile down the road -- a four-minute drive or 15-minute walk. Note that the walk to the beach is down narrow mountain roads with no sidewalk or path; exercise caution and expect to dodge a few cars.

Crystal Cove Beach Resort on Sapphire Bay, on the east end of the island, offers older units at a good value and is located directly on the beach.

The resort was renovated in 2014 and rooms received new tile, bedding, furniture, and fixtures, but the upgrades were not comprehensive, and the overall look is still a bit dated. The 54 units are what’s expected from this caliber of property -- basic but clean. The one- and two-bedroom suites are spacious with some interesting design touches such as arched doorways, loft-style bedrooms, and spiral staircases. The furniture in the suites is simple and nothing fancy, with plenty of nautical influences -- seashell accents on the pillows, artwork depicting sea life, and whicker accent furniture. Floors are white tile and mosaic tile work has been incorporated into the backsplashes of the kitchens and bathroom sinks. The bathroom in The Two Bedroom Loft we viewed had a modern tile shower with a glass block divider. Like most areas of the property, some rooms offer gorgeous views of the bay -- others overlook the golf course.

All rooms have kitchenettes with two-burner stoves, microwaves, sinks, and a small variety of cooking and eating utensils, pots, pans, and glassware. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable, sofa beds, and private balconies. 

Despite renovations, the rooms feel old and could use some general maintenance upgrades -- we noticed that the doors to the balcony don’t slide well, the headboards were loose, and the hot and cold water were switched. The cheap stucco wall texture and popcorn ceilings both point to the units' true age. Other guests have also reported maintenance problems, such as temporary electricity outages. 

For a similar price, the nearby Mafolie Hotel also offers beautiful views, as well as a historic setting.

The upper pool is the most popular area of the resort. Nicely landscaped with palm trees and potted tropical plants, the rectangular pool has a waterfall and several entry areas, not to mention incredible views of the bay. There is a secluded hot tub up a set of stairs nearby. The lower pool is quieter, but still scenic, with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas lined up around the perimeter.

The resort has a convenience store and deli housed in a small building by the parking lot. It is well-stocked with beverages, wine, liquors, and toiletries, and also offers a coffee bar, baked goods, and deli sandwiches, all at reasonable prices.

The fitness center is large, especially for the island, with treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climbers, free weights, and strength training machines. The building itself is a bit old, however, and in need of some maintenance. There are two tennis courts on the property, and the resort has a tennis club offering tennis pro lessons and private training for a fee. The outdoor activities center with tables, chairs, and two gas grills is a spot for guests to socialize and barbecue, and also has beautiful views, like the rest of the property. The resort can host weddings on-site.

The small spa offers massages, facials, and scrubs.

You may see lots of well-fed, friendly cats roaming the property because the resort also serves as a cat sanctuary. The staff works with the Feline Foundation to help provide food, shelter, and veterinary care for both strays and unwanted cats.

Both the bar and restaurant are located by the upper pool. Shenanigan’s Sports Bar and Grill has very reasonably priced drinks and a large food menu. Simply Italian offers both indoor and outdoor seating and provides a more upscale dining experience. It is considered to have some of the best Italian food on the island, and also draws non-guests, so reservations are recommended.