Elysian Beach Resort

This resort is widely praised for its beautiful private beach and serene bay location, offering calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Its setting on a hillside provides stunning views, making it a memorable destination for those seeking a tranquil escape. The property is well-suited for couples looking for a romantic getaway, as well as families who appreciate spacious accommodations and on-site amenities. Many guests highlight the overall cleanliness and the attentive service provided by the staff. To make the most of your stay, guests recommend being prepared for the resort's hilly terrain and utilizing the convenient golf cart shuttles, and also bringing insect repellent due to common mosquito presence.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort boasts a beautiful private beach with calm waters, perfect for snorkeling and relaxation, though some guests noted occasional issues with seaweed. There are ample beach chairs and shaded spots available. The pool area is consistently described as amazing, large, and often uncrowded, with some reviews mentioning it is heated. A hot tub is also available, though some guests reported it was not always functional or hot. For recreation, guests can enjoy tennis courts and various water sports activities, including kayaking, available on-site. Many rooms are equipped with a kitchenette or full kitchen, including a washer and dryer, which guests find very convenient. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, beach towel exchange, and a pool bar.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, spacious, and well-maintained, with many appreciating the comfortable beds and ample storage. Many rooms offer balconies with great views of the bay or ocean, enhancing the overall experience. In-room amenities such as kitchenettes, full kitchens, swiveling TVs, remote control A/C, and washer and dryer units are frequently highlighted as beneficial. However, some guests experienced issues with Murphy beds being uncomfortable or old. While overall cleanliness is praised, a few reviews mentioned isolated incidents of unclean linen, mold in showers, or the presence of cockroaches or mice. Noise can be an issue, with some guests reporting thin walls leading to audible disturbances from neighbors, including conversations, coughing, and even phone alarms.

Dining & Food Quality
The resort features two main dining options: Sangria's, a more casual bistro, and the Caribbean Fish Market, an upscale restaurant. Most guests praise the food quality at both, with the Caribbean Fish Market frequently highlighted for its excellent seafood and steak dishes, often described as unparalleled. Sangria's is popular for breakfast and lunch, offering good options like pizza and eggs benedict. A pool bar is also available, serving drinks and some food. While the food is generally well-received, some guests found the upscale restaurant to be expensive. There were also comments about limited dining options, with some restaurants having restricted hours or being closed on certain days, such as Sundays, which can be inconvenient for guests.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's location is often described as remote, meaning it is not within walking distance of external attractions or shops. However, it is conveniently located on the east end of the island, very close to Red Hook, which offers numerous restaurants, shops, and the ferry to St. John. Guests note that taxis are readily available on-site and are essential for getting around the island, though they can be expensive. The resort itself is built on a steep hillside, requiring guests to navigate many stairs to access different areas like the beach, pool, and restaurants. To assist with this, golf cart shuttles are provided and highly recommended for transport within the property. Free parking is available for those who choose to rent a car, which is suggested for more independent exploration.

Staff & Service
The staff at the resort generally receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided by various team members, from the front desk to restaurant staff and activity coordinators. Specific mentions include assistance with transportation and advice. However, some guests reported mixed experiences, noting that certain front desk staff could be perceived as rude or uninformative during check-in. There were also isolated complaints about a lack of responsiveness to phone calls or requests for specific services like room cleaning or towel delivery. Despite these occasional issues, the overall sentiment is that the staff strives to provide a positive experience, with many guests commending their professionalism and willingness to assist.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of additional fees charged upon arrival, including a daily "governmental fee" and an "energy fee," which some found were not clearly disclosed prior to their stay. The resort operates as a timeshare property, and some guests noted that check-out policies, such as late check-out fees, were strictly enforced. Mosquitoes are a recurring concern, particularly in lower-level rooms, with many guests recommending bringing bug spray or requesting higher floors. While the resort offers a tranquil environment, some guests experienced significant noise disturbances from neighboring rooms or outdoor maintenance activities. The property also features a guest laundrette for convenience. It is advisable to plan for transportation costs, as the resort's secluded location necessitates taxis for off-property excursions.