U.S. Virgin Islands: Pick your island carefully

St. Thomas is the most developed of the Virgin Islands. Stay here if you want to shop, see historic sights, play golf, or dine out a lot. The more luxurious resorts are on the island’s eastern end. St. John is mostly national park, and as the least developed of the three islands is good if you want a small-island feel and easy access to great hiking. That said, most of the villas aren’t right on the beach. St. Croix has everything from simple inns to luxury resorts, including some places that specialize in diving on the north coast. That said, none of its beaches rivals those on St. Thomas or St. John.