Traveling with family is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with unique challenges. Parents want comfort and relaxation, kids want space and freedom, and everyone wants to feel connected while still having a little privacy. Resorts have long been the default choice for family vacations, but increasingly, families are discovering that luxury villas offer a far superior way to travel.
Nowhere is this truer than on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where The Hills St. John offers a collection of spacious, fully equipped villas that provide families with the perfect balance of privacy, luxury, and togetherness. Let’s explore why villas consistently beat resorts for family travel, and why your next family getaway should be at The Hills St. John.
Do Villas Offer More Space Than Resorts?
Absolutely. Resorts typically give you adjoining hotel rooms or a family suite, which can feel cramped for longer stays. At The Hills St. John, villas range from two to four bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms, full kitchens, and expansive living spaces.
For example, Twilight Villa offers three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, a spacious great room, and a west-facing deck perfect for family dinners with a view. Compare that to a standard resort room, and it’s easy to see how everyone in the family gets more breathing room.
How Do Villas Enhance Privacy for Families?
One of the most common complaints about resorts is noise: crowded pools, busy hallways, and limited opportunities for peace. Villas eliminate this. At The Hills, each villa is designed as a private home, complete with full kitchens, outdoor dining areas, and private terraces.
Take Starfruit Villa as an example. With oversized windows and a spacious entertainment area, it feels like a home, not a hotel. Parents can enjoy a quiet glass of wine on the veranda while kids lounge inside watching a movie.
Can Families Save Money by Choosing Villas Over Resorts?
Yes, and it’s not just about nightly rates. Villas come with fully equipped kitchens, which means you can cook some meals instead of dining out three times a day. This is particularly helpful for families with picky eaters or young children who need snacks on hand.
At The Hills, properties like Mimosa Villa feature gourmet kitchens alongside modern luxuries like a 37×14 saltwater pool, making dining in both cost-effective and enjoyable.
Are Villas More Comfortable for Longer Stays?
Definitely. Resorts are built for short-term stays, but families often want to immerse themselves in a destination. Villas provide washer/dryers, full kitchens, space for remote work, allowing families to settle in and feel at home.
For instance, Frangipani Villa offers modern amenities such as a Tesla Powerwall for uninterrupted power and a chef’s kitchen, ideal for families spending a week or more on island.
Do Villas Provide Kid-Friendly Amenities?
Resorts may have kids’ clubs, but villas give families the chance to create their own version of fun. At The Hills, villas are stocked with beach chairs, coolers, and towels, making it easy to head to St. John’s famous beaches. The community pool offers safe swimming with breathtaking views, while in-villa living rooms provide game and movie nights after a day of adventure.
Jasmine Villa is particularly appealing for families. This spacious four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath villa combines comfort and style, with a modern kitchen for easy meals, airy living spaces for gathering, and private en suite bedrooms that give everyone their own retreat. Families love the expansive terrace for alfresco dining with an ocean view, while kids have plenty of room to spread out and unwind after a day exploring St. John.
How Do Villas Foster Family Connection?
Family vacations are about shared experiences. In resorts, families often scatter: kids to kids’ clubs, parents to spas. Villas, on the other hand, keep everyone together while still giving space to retreat.
Imagine waking up in Seagrape Villa, with its vaulted ceilings and panoramic views, and gathering for breakfast on the terrace before heading to Trunk Bay for snorkeling. In the evening, everyone returns to the villa for a homemade dinner and sunset views.
Do Villas Provide Resort-Level Amenities?
At The Hills St. John, the answer is yes, and more. Guests enjoy:
- Clubhouse restaurant and cocktail bar (with a pool table)
- Fitness center with treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers
- Community pool with sweeping Caribbean views
- Concierge services to arrange excursions, transportation, or private chefs
This means you get the luxury of a resort with the comfort of a private villa.
Which Villas at The Hills Are Best for Families?
Here are a few standouts for family travel:
- Twilight Villa – 3BR/3.5BA, one-level layout, perfect for families with young kids.
- Frangipani Villa– 3BR/3.5BA, upgraded design with Tesla Powerwall backup.
- Gardenia Villa – 4BR/4.5BA sleeps 8 and plenty of room for families with teens.
- Mimosa Villa – 2BR/2.5BA with a private saltwater pool and office space.
- Bougainvillea Villa – 4BR/3.5BA with oversized windows to enjoy St. John and its surrounding waters.
- Seagrape Villa – 3BR/3.5BA, spacious design with family gathering areas.
- Jasmine Villa – 4BR/4.5BA with expansive terrace, modern kitchen, and airy living spaces ideal for family dining and relaxation.
Each of these villas offers the flexibility, comfort, and luxury that make family travel truly seamless.
Why Choose St. John for Family Luxury?
Unlike more commercialized islands, St. John is 60% national park, meaning families enjoy unspoiled beaches, hiking trails, and safe, friendly communities. The Hills is perched just above Cruz Bay, giving families quick access to both natural wonders and local dining.
Whether your family loves snorkeling, hiking, boating, or just lounging poolside, St. John offers the perfect backdrop.
Final Thoughts: Why Do Villas Beat Resorts for Families?
In short:
- More space for everyone to relax.
- Privacy without sacrificing luxury.
- Cost savings with kitchens and laundry.
- Home-like comfort for longer stays.
- Kid-friendly amenities that make life easier.
- Shared experiences that strengthen family bonds.
Resorts may promise convenience, but villas deliver an authentic, stress-free, and luxurious family vacation.
Ready to Elevate Your Family Vacation?
Your family deserves more than a standard resort room. Our villas combine amenities with the privacy and comfort of a home. Don’t wait, availability is limited, and the most family-friendly villas book quickly. So book your family villa today with The Hills St. John.
