Discover why Lovango Resort + Beach Club is redefining luxury in the U.S. Virgin Islands with private island villas, beachfront bliss, and effortless access to St. Thomas and St. John. 

Most people dream about escaping to a private island at least once in their life. But at Lovango Resort + Beach Club in the U.S. Virgin Islands, that fantasy somehow feels both luxurious and refreshingly laid back at the same time.

Perched between St. Thomas and St. John, Lovango delivers the kind of barefoot luxury that immediately slows your pace the second you step off the ferry. (Literally, the first picture I took was this, on the dock… barefoot luxury!) It’s one of those rare places where your biggest decision of the day becomes: infinity pool, beach cabana, snorkeling adventure . . . or another frozen cocktail.

And honestly? There’s no wrong answer.

Getting to Lovango

The journey begins with a flight into St. Thomas. From the airport, guests can arrange transportation directly to the D Dock, where the Lovango ferry departs multiple times daily beginning around 12:45 p.m.

If you arrive early, grab lunch or a tropical drink at Hook’d before boarding. The ferry ride itself takes only about 20 minutes, but it feels like the official transition from real life into vacation mode.

As the boat approaches the dock, staff members line up waiting to greet arriving guests — giving serious “White Lotus” energy in the very best way.

Island Life, Elevated

Lovango has mastered the balance between upscale resort and relaxed island retreat. The resort itself is only about seven years old, and yet it feels thoughtfully woven into the natural surroundings.

Sunrise at the BVI Lookout Point rewards early risers with panoramic views of neighboring islands. Video Marika Flatt

One of our favorite daily rituals became waking early, coffee in hand, and heading up to the BVI Lookout Point. From this peaceful perch, you can see several neighboring islands and cayes (pronounced keys), including many of the British Virgin Islands.

The island itself is safe and secure (they don’t even use keys for the villas). There are no dangerous predators here — only goats, deer, garden snakes, and plenty of tropical beauty. Lovango produces its own water and relies heavily on solar-powered energy, adding an impressive sustainability component to the experience.

Letting Go at Lovango

We loved our villa, which sits high upon the hill, built into the side of the mountain. I’m not joking that our villa was the only air-conditioned space, which only added to its blissful comfort. A king-sized bed looks out onto a private patio with the most epic view – emerald blue water channeled between Lovango and another island. But the “hero of the house” was the outdoor shower, with the same view. It is truly straight out of the movies!

Beach Club Bliss

The Beach Club serves as the social heart of the island during the day. Guests can reserve loungers or cabanas while enjoying three separate pools, including a stunning infinity-edge pool overlooking the Caribbean. Some of our favorite time was spent reading our novels while standing in the cool pool.

Service at the pools runs until roughly 5 p.m., making it dangerously easy to settle into a rhythm of frozen drinks, fresh seafood, and ocean views.

But for those wanting a quieter experience, Crescent Beach, on the north side of the island, quickly became our favorite hidden gem.

Located closer to many of the villas, Crescent Beach feels more secluded and intimate. Here you’ll find lounge chairs, daybeds, a floating swim platform, snorkeling access, showers, towels, and even an honor bar setup.

From snorkeling to the one-of-a-kind wooden jungle gym, Crescent Beach is made for adventure. Video Marika Flatt

This area is also home to perhaps the island’s most unique feature: the “Fred Flintstone” outdoor jungle gym. The workout equipment is crafted from actual wood, blending perfectly into the natural environment while delivering one of the most scenic workouts imaginable.

Snorkel gear is available through the Beach Club, and the calm turquoise waters make it easy to spend hours exploring.

Easy Island Hopping

One of Lovango’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to explore nearby islands.

Complimentary ferries shuttle guests to St. John throughout the day in about 10 minutes. Once there, enjoy Honeymoon Beach or you can grab a taxi or hop aboard one of the famous safari buses to explore the island.

A local’s recommendation: Head to Trunk Bay. Often ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, Trunk Bay sits within Virgin Islands National Park, where roughly 75% of St. John’s land remains protected. Entry to the park is approximately $7 per person.

Dining at Lovango Waterfront

Evenings at Lovango might be the most magical part of the entire experience.

Lovango Waterfront serves as the resort’s (only and) signature dinner restaurant, and there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. The open-air setting overlooks the water while twinkling lights strung through the trees transform the property from a beachy daytime retreat into a boozy, breezy island paradise.

The vibe is upscale without feeling stuffy. Guests can dress casually or elevate things a bit — just leave the swimsuits, coverups, and flip-flops behind.

One unexpected standout? The $20 bread basket. Yes, it’s worth it. Featuring roughly six house-made breads prepared fresh on property, it’s one of those indulgences you’ll still be thinking about long after returning home.

Favorite dishes included the lobster schnitzel and blue crab gnudi, though the fresh seafood offerings across the menu are all excellent choices. Pair dinner with a bottle of wine — many selections hover around the $80 range — and settle in for sunset.

An Escape Worth Planning 

Lovango closes annually in mid-July for approximately four months during peak hurricane season, making late spring and early summer especially ideal times to visit.

And right now, the resort is offering an especially tempting package: book three nights and receive the fourth night complimentary, plus kids eat free. More details can be found at Lovango Summer Offer.

For travelers craving Caribbean beauty without sacrificing comfort, style, or convenience, Lovango is exclusive without being pretentious.

As our favorite bellman, Norman, told us: There’s no such thing as luck. You are blessed to spend time on Lovango. Both Norman and Lovango will stick with us for a long time. 

Interesting Trivia

• History lovers will appreciate knowing these islands were once known as the Danish West Indies before the United States purchased them from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million in gold.
• Looking across the water from the Lovango dock, you’ll spot what is now known as Little St. James Island — formerly Epstein Island — which now has new ownership.
• The large red roof house you can spot on the top of St. John’s (from Lovango) is owned by country music star Kenny Chesney, known for his No Shoes Nation and No Shoes Radio on Sirius XM Radio.

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 Cover photo Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News (statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime, and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.