My wife and I love STJ, and like mentioned above we tend to head towards private villas vice the resorts. Why... because that is what we like, and we realize many like the resort environment.
However, I think the Westin gets some unfair knocks over their “Beach”. I just looked at what they say on their website about the beach. “Our St. John beach hotel is situated along the shores of Great Cruz Bay, just steps from the Caribbean. Great Cruz Bay is a calm, tranquil bay with a pristinely landscaped white sand beach. Spend the day relaxing and taking in the view, or wade in the bay's smooth waters.” All of which is true. A very scenic man made beach just steps away from many of the rooms. BUT - I think the keyword in that sentence is - wade.
One just has to look at all the boats in Great Cruz Bay, and they will know it is not the place to swim. Neither is Cruz Bay, Frank Bay, or Coral Bay. Chocolate Hole is pushing it also. They are lovely bays and are also homes for many boats and/or ferry traffic. I am pretty sure that the only regulations about pumping waste water off boats is one of: Please be a good steward and dump while underway not in the harbor. As in any marina in the USA, even with dump laws, I personally do not swim in harbors/marinas.
There are some beautiful beaches and VERY few resorts on STJ - So it would be my recommendation to anyone if staying at the Westin get a car, taxi, or walk/hitch hike to STJ’s wonderful beaches. Then come back to the Westin, enjoy the pool, the view of boats, and WADE out to listen to the clanging of the sailboats with a rum punch in hand. Once again the "keyword" - Wade. You will not be in paradise, but you can see it from there.
