Bolongo Bay Beach Club (340/775-1800, U.S. toll-free 800/524-4746, www.bolongobay.com, $255 winter, $199 summer) is a beachfront resort that doesn’t really feel like a typical resort. The amenities are top-notch, but the atmosphere is decidedly casual. Bolongo’s genuinely friendly staff, active water sports program, and popular restaurants make this the sort of place where fun is priority number one. The family-run resort has 75 oceanfront rooms, each with its own private balcony. The hotel is set on Bolongo Bay beach, a broad, curved ring of sand shaded by coconut palms.

Set in a sheltered, crescent-shaped bay near Red Hook, Secret Harbour Beach Resort (6280 Estate Nazareth, 340/775-5550, U.S. toll-free 800/524-2250, fax 340/775-1501, www.secretharbourvi.com, $275–315 winter, $149–189 summer) is a 60-room, full-service resort. Rooms overlook Secret Harbour and are appointed with tasteful rattan furniture, tile floors, and exposed beams in the ceiling. Amenities include a water sports center, tennis courts, pool, on-site restaurant, and gift shops. Rooms are air-conditioned, with cable TV and phone. Many have balconies overlooking the ocean.

Point Pleasant Resort (6600 Estate Smith Bay, 340/775-7200, U.S. toll-free 800/524-2300, fax 340/776-5694, www.pointpleasantresort.com, $255–355 winter, $180–255 summer) is part of the Antilles Resort family, but it retains a unique feel. Originally a family-owned resort, Point Pleasant is a series of individual villas perched over Water Bay and overlooking Coki Point. All suites come with a full kitchen, satellite TV, air-conditioning, private balconies, and ocean views. Suites range in size from junior suites perfect for two adults to deluxe suites for as many as five people. There are pools, a beach, and walking trails leading to nearby beaches and overlooks. In addition, there are two popular restaurants on-site.