Estate Lindholm

Not always the case in the U.S. Virgin Islands, there's a nice dose of history to be had here, as the hotel is built on the site of 18th-century Dutch ruins. As remnants of the original structures remain, the property has a lovely, vintage charm. The decor blends these historical elements with natural stonework, wrought iron gates, flower-covered pergolas, and carved tropical woodwork to create a sense of seclusion and intimacy. As a tiny, adult-only property, the vibe is quiet and relaxed. The grounds offer a number of secluded, garden-style nooks for relaxing and reading. The main social space is a split-level outdoor terrace that includes a small pool and a dining space where breakfast is served each morning (the owner makes frequent appearances during breakfast hours). However, most guests make good use of their private balconies. The hotel was sold out during our visit, but we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

The hotel is situated on the side of a winding road that connects downtown Cruz Bay to St. John’s most popular north shore beaches. Trunk Bay Beach, Cinnamon Bay Beach, and Maho Bay Beach are all within a 10-minute drive. Honeymoon and Salomon Beaches are roughly five minutes away via a short, steep downhill hike. The entire town of Cruz Bay is reachable in just over 10 minutes on foot, and is home to dozens of restaurants, shops, and bars. The popular Asolare restaurant is also located next door, with a dinner-only menu of gourmet, Caribbean-inspired dishes.

There is no airport on the tiny island of St. John. International guests arriving at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) will need to take a 40-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie terminal to Cruz Bay in St. John. Alternatively, guests can take a 35-minute taxi ride from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook, then catch a 20-minute ferry to Cruz Bay from there.

As a true inn, every room features a unique layout and individual decor. The style is charming and relaxed with subtle upmarket accents. Dark wood furniture, simple, local artwork, and tasteful pillows and linens create an understated tropical-meets-garden aesthetic. Most of the colors are done in tasteful beachy hues like light blue and beige, and most furniture has a simple, homey quality. Vintage art prints hang on the walls.

Entry-level Garden View Rooms provide simple, one-room layouts with private balconies surrounded by lush gardens. Some offer glimpses of Cruz Bay, Pillsbury Sound, and St. Thomas. Harbor View Rooms offer similar layouts but offer spectacular views of Cruz Bay town. The hotel’s single Lindholm Suite is situated on the penthouse floor, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, dining and living rooms, and the best water views on the property. All rooms include mini-fridges, wet bars, microwaves, and coffeemakers -- all great features for self-catering travelers. Additional amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. We found the internet service to be fast and reliable during our stay.

Bathrooms feature clean, simple designs and appointments. Basic wood and tile vanities, glass block shower stalls, and an overall white and beige color palette create a bright aesthetic.

As a tiny, three-pearl property, the number of on-site amenities is somewhat limited. The garden terrace serves as the hotel’s main gathering space. The split-level design features a relaxed reading lounge that doubles as a breakfast area in the morning. A deluxe continental breakfast is served with hard-boiled eggs, baked goods, fresh juice, fruit, coffee, and tea. By afternoon, a self-serve honor bar is set up where guests can pour themselves a beer, wine, or mixed drink. 

On the terrace’s lower level, a small, lovely pool is adequate for the size of the hotel. Seating via a handful of lounge chairs and patio dining sets provides views to Cruz Bay. While there are no umbrellas, the surrounding natural landscape provides plenty of shade. Steps from the terrace, the tiny massage room is located in a repurposed guest room. A limited menu of basic treatments is available including Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy massage. However, the space is not large enough to accommodate couples. The hotel also provides snorkel rentals, beach chairs, towels, and coolers for guests looking to visit any of the dozen nearby beaches. Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi.