5 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas, St. Thomas, 00802, VI
Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
packing
What to Pack for The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Packing List
Trying to decide what to pack for The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa? This in-depth guide breaks down the essentials for a family-friendly St. Thomas resort stay, including beach gear, pool-day items, dinner outfits, watersports basics, weather protection, travel documents, and practical extras—so you arrive prepared without overpacking. Whether you’re planning time at Morningstar Beach, spa appointments, casual resort dining, sunset activities, or excursions around the island, this breakdown shows what belongs in your suitcase and what you can leave behind.
Planning your stay guide
This Westin St. Thomas packing list is built specifically for an all-ages beachfront stay at The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Use it to pack exactly what you need for Caribbean beach days, resort pools, snorkeling, island dining, and optional day trips to St. John and surrounding islands—without overpacking.
Beach & snorkel essentials
Family-friendly must-haves
Island dining outfits
Day-trip extras
Quick tip: Pack for tropical sun + water activities first (reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, snorkel gear),
then add your resort-casual evening wear and extras based on plans (light rain layer for afternoon showers,
kids entertainment for travel, cash for local shops and excursions).
Packing for The Westin St. Thomas is all about balancing pristine Caribbean beach time,
family pool activities, and island-casual resort dining in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Jump to a section
- Explore the resort (internal links)
- The essentials (don't skip these)
- What to wear: beach, pools, dining & evenings
- Family & kids packing add-ons
- Excursion add-ons (St. John, snorkeling & islands)
- Seasonal packing tips (dry vs rainy months)
- What not to pack (save space)
- FAQ: What to pack for The Westin St. Thomas
Explore the resort
Continue planning your stay at The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa with these quick guides. Explore room options from garden views to oceanfront suites, browse dining venues including Luna Mar and Shorebird, preview beach activities and pool amenities, learn about the spa and family facilities, and discover wedding and meeting spaces—so you can book the best Caribbean experience.
Packing Essentials for The Westin St. Thomas
These are the core items most guests actually use every day at a Caribbean beachfront resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands: sun protection, water gear, comfortable island wear for dining, and simple organization for beach time, snorkeling, and evening activities.
Beach & water essentials
- Swimwear (2–3) so you always have a dry option after ocean swims
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ + after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel
- Water shoes or aqua socks (essential for rocky beach areas and coral)
- Snorkel mask and fins (optional but recommended for better fit)
- Polarized sunglasses + wide-brim hat or visor
- Beach sandals or flip-flops for sand and pool deck
- Lightweight cover-up for moving between beach and resort areas
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for beach and water activities
Travel-day must-haves
- Valid ID (U.S. citizens need government-issued photo ID; international visitors need passport)
- Resort confirmation and travel documents
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated in Caribbean heat)
- Phone charger + portable power bank
- Basic medications (pain relief, allergy meds, stomach relief, prescriptions)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes are more active at dusk and on trails)
- Small crossbody bag or beach tote for daily essentials
- Cash in small bills (U.S. dollars—for tips and local vendors)
What to Wear at The Westin St. Thomas
The Westin St. Thomas has a relaxed, island-casual vibe—especially at restaurants like Luna Mar and Shorebird. Pack outfits that stay comfortable in tropical humidity but look polished for resort dining and evening activities.
Daytime beach & pool
- Breathable tank tops, t-shirts, or linen shirts
- Casual shorts, sundresses, or lightweight pants
- Beach cover-ups or sarongs for lunch transitions
- Comfortable walking sandals for exploring resort grounds
Resort dining & evenings
- 2–3 island-casual dinner outfits (sundresses, collared shirts, nice shorts or pants)
- Comfortable dressy sandals or loafers
- Light cardigan or wrap for air-conditioned dining areas
- Optional: one slightly nicer outfit for special occasions
Evening activities & bars
- Comfortable yet presentable outfits for Edge Bar and Lobby Bar
- Light layers for indoor air conditioning
- Small crossbody or clutch for phone and room key
- Versatile pieces that work for both dinner and drinks
Family & Kids Packing Add-Ons
The Westin St. Thomas welcomes families with children's facilities, family-friendly pools, and beach activities for all ages. These extras make traveling with kids easier and more comfortable in the Caribbean.
For younger kids
- Kid-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe mineral formula)
- Rash guards or UV swim shirts for extended sun protection
- Swim diapers if needed for pool use
- Floaties or puddle jumpers (if your child uses them)
- Sand toys and beach buckets for Caribbean beach play
- Small toys or activities for travel days and downtime
- Stroller or baby carrier for walking resort grounds
- Baby monitor if staying in a suite with separate areas
For teens & tweens
- GoPro or waterproof camera for snorkeling and beach memories
- Snorkel gear they're comfortable with
- Portable speaker (use respectfully in your room)
- Card games or travel board games
- Extra phone charging cables and power banks
- Comfortable athletic wear for water sports
- Sunglasses and hats they'll actually wear
Excursion Add-Ons (St. John, Snorkeling & Island Hopping)
Many guests explore beyond the resort property, taking ferry trips to St. John, snorkeling excursions, island tours, or visits to nearby beaches and coral reefs. These add-ons make day trips more comfortable in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Water & adventure essentials
- Water shoes or aqua socks (crucial for rocky beaches and reef walks)
- Dry bag (10-20L) for boats and beach transfers
- Personal snorkel mask and fins for better comfort and fit
- Quick-dry microfiber towel for excursions and boat trips
- Underwater camera or GoPro for Caribbean marine life memories
- Seasickness tablets if you're sensitive to boat motion
- Reef-safe sunscreen backup (you'll reapply frequently)
Day-trip comfort items
- Lightweight backpack for carrying gear on island tours
- Extra sunscreen (UV intensity increases on water)
- Electrolyte powder or sports drinks for hot days
- Compact rain jacket or poncho (brief showers are common)
- Bug spray with DEET for hiking trails and nature areas
- Cash in small bills for ferry rides, tips, and beach vendors
- Waterproof watch or fitness tracker for timing and activities
Seasonal Packing Tips for St. Thomas
St. Thomas has relatively consistent warm weather year-round, but understanding the dry and rainy seasons helps you pack smarter for your Westin St. Thomas stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Dry season (December–April)
This is peak season with lower humidity, comfortable trade winds, and minimal rainfall—perfect Caribbean beach weather with slightly cooler evenings.
- Bring a light sweater or cardigan for evening breezes and A/C
- Pack long pants or maxi dresses for cooler nights
- Sun protection remains critical—UV is intense year-round
- Water temperature is comfortable (upper 70s°F)
- Less need for rain gear during this period
Rainy season (May–November)
Expect higher humidity, warmer temperatures, and afternoon showers—but rain typically passes quickly. Hurricane season runs June through November with peak activity August–October.
- Pack breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics (linen, cotton blends)
- Add a lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Bring water-resistant sandals that dry quickly
- Anti-frizz hair products and extra after-sun lotion
- Insect repellent becomes more important with increased mosquito activity
- Monitor weather forecasts during hurricane season
What Not to Pack (Save Space)
- Too many shoes — 3 pairs max per person (water shoes, walking sandals, dinner shoes)
- Heavy jeans or restrictive clothing — tropical humidity makes them uncomfortable
- Full-size toiletries — resort provides basics; bring travel sizes of favorites
- Beach towels — the resort provides pool and beach towels with towel service
- Hair dryers or styling tools — already provided in all rooms
- Excessive formal wear — even upscale dining is island-casual
- Your entire book collection — bring 1–2 books or use a Kindle/tablet
- Winter coats or heavy layers — St. Thomas stays warm year-round
Space saver: Build your wardrobe around 3–4 versatile daytime looks and
2–3 island-casual dinner outfits that mix and match. This covers most stays at The Westin St. Thomas
without overpacking your luggage.
FAQ: What to Pack for The Westin St. Thomas
What's the dress code for resort restaurants?
The dress code is island casual to resort casual. At venues like Luna Mar and Shorebird, guests typically wear sundresses, collared shirts with shorts or pants, or nice casual wear. Avoid swimwear and tank tops at dinner, but formal attire isn't necessary—St. Thomas has a relaxed Caribbean vibe.
Do I really need water shoes for the beach?
Yes, highly recommended. While the resort has sandy areas, many Caribbean beaches and snorkeling spots have rocky entries, coral, and sea urchins. Water shoes protect your feet and make ocean exploration much more comfortable and safe.
What's the #1 item people forget?
Reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes are the most commonly forgotten items. The Caribbean sun is intense year-round, and rocky beach areas require proper footwear. Both items can be purchased locally but are more expensive than bringing your own.
Should I bring my own snorkel gear?
It's optional but recommended if you plan to snorkel frequently. Having your own properly-fitted mask is more comfortable and hygienic. The resort and excursion operators provide equipment, but serious snorkelers prefer their own gear.
Is bug spray really necessary?
Yes—especially for evening activities, hiking trails, and during rainy season (May–November). Mosquitoes are more active at dusk and in shaded areas. The resort grounds are treated, but surrounding natural areas have more mosquito activity.
How much cash should I bring?
Bring $200–300 USD in small bills for tipping resort staff, ferry rides to St. John, local beach vendors, and excursion guides. U.S. currency is the official currency in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Credit cards are widely accepted at the resort, but cash is essential for tips and off-property activities.
Do I need a passport for St. Thomas?
U.S. citizens do not need a passport for the U.S. Virgin Islands—a government-issued photo ID is sufficient for domestic travel. However, if you plan to visit the nearby British Virgin Islands, you'll need a valid passport. International visitors require a passport.
What should I pack for kids at the beach?
Essential items include: kid-safe reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards or UV shirts, water shoes, sand toys, floaties if needed, and snacks for beach days. Also bring aloe vera for any sun exposure and activities for travel days.
Can I drink tap water at The Westin St. Thomas?
The resort uses desalinated water that meets safety standards, but many guests prefer bottled water for drinking. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill throughout the day—staying hydrated is crucial in Caribbean heat.
What's the best way to pack for beach and pool days?
Use a beach tote or small backpack to carry: sunscreen, water bottle, waterproof phone case, sunglasses, hat, light cover-up, and a book or tablet. Keep a small dry bag inside for electronics and valuables when you're in the water.
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- Lowest Price Guaranteed
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