Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
Choosing between The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort and Cottages by the Sea? This in-depth comparison breaks down location, vibe, rooms, food, amenities, beach feel & more so you can decide which stay fits your next island getaway.
Best for families, couples, and active travelers who want a full-service historic St. Croix resort with beaches, golf, pools, dining, and kids’ programming in one place.
Better for travelers who want a simpler beachfront cottage stay in Frederiksted with a low-key, independent feel and easy sand-between-your-toes downtime.
If you want the broader resort experience—multiple private beaches, oceanfront restaurants, a golf course, spa, fitness center, pools, and a complimentary Kid’s Camp—The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort is the stronger choice.
If your priority is a relaxed cottage-style stay directly by the beach, with less emphasis on resort programming and more emphasis on privacy and simplicity, Cottages by the Sea is the better fit.
Bottom line: choose The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort for a polished all-ages resort with more amenities; choose Cottages by the Sea for a casual, beachfront cottage escape.
| Category | The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort | Cottages by the Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Vibe | Historic, family-owned St. Croix resort with a country-club feel, broad amenities, and an all-ages atmosphere that works for families and couples alike. | Low-key beachfront cottages with an independent, relaxed island feel—best for travelers who want simplicity over a full resort setup. |
| Location | Set on a large oceanfront estate near Christiansted, with three private beaches and harbor and Caribbean Sea views. | Beachfront setting in Frederiksted, suited to travelers who want a quieter west-end St. Croix base right by the sand. |
| Rooms & Suites | Resort accommodations across a historic tropical property, with options suited to couples, families, and guests who want services close at hand. | Cottage-style accommodations geared toward travelers who prefer a more homey, casual beach stay rather than a traditional resort room. |
| Dining | Three oceanfront or waterfront restaurants plus a lounge, with breakfast buffet commonly included in leisure rates and other meals paid separately. | Better for guests who are comfortable with a more self-directed dining style and do not need multiple resort restaurants on property. |
| Pools & Beach | Three private beaches, two freshwater outdoor pools, and complimentary use of snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards at select beaches. | A straightforward beachfront stay where the beach is the main attraction rather than a larger pool-and-amenity resort scene. |
| Kids & Family | Strong family credentials, including a complimentary daily Kid’s Camp for ages 4 to 12 and an all-ages resort atmosphere. | Can work for independent family beach trips, but the draw is the cottage setting rather than structured children’s programming. |
| Price & Value | Best value for travelers who will use the resort’s full amenity set: beaches, pools, breakfast, fitness center, golf access, dining, and kids’ activities. | Best value for travelers who want beachfront lodging without paying for a larger resort experience they may not use. |
Rooms at The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort fit a classic resort stay: comfortable, service-oriented, and spread across a historic seaside property with beaches, restaurants, and activities nearby.
The Buccaneer is the better pick if you want the ease of a full-service resort wrapped around your room stay.
Cottages by the Sea leans into a more independent beach-cottage experience, with a casual style that appeals to travelers who prefer a simple place to stay close to the shoreline.
If you want a quieter, cottage-style base and do not need resort layers around your stay, Cottages by the Sea is the more natural fit.
Dining at The Buccaneer is a major advantage if you want meals and drinks built into the resort experience, with oceanfront and waterfront venues across the property.
Expect:
Cottages by the Sea is better suited to travelers who do not need a resort restaurant lineup and are comfortable planning meals more independently during their St. Croix stay.
If having restaurants, bars, and breakfast close at hand matters most, The Buccaneer is the clear dining winner.
The Buccaneer offers one of the fuller beach setups in this comparison, with three private beaches and two freshwater outdoor pools across the resort grounds.
Cottages by the Sea is more about a direct, uncomplicated beachfront setting than a larger pool complex or resort beach program.
If you want more beach variety, pools, and included non-motorized water gear, The Buccaneer has the stronger setup.
The Buccaneer is an all-ages resort and a strong choice for families who want children’s programming without giving up a polished resort atmosphere.
Cottages by the Sea can suit families who prefer a laid-back cottage stay, but it is not the better option if structured kids’ programming is a priority.
If kids’ activities and resort support matter, The Buccaneer is the easier family pick; if your family wants a simple cottage by the beach, Cottages by the Sea can work well.
The Buccaneer delivers the most value when you will actually use the resort’s built-in amenities, from breakfast and beaches to pools, fitness, golf access, and children’s programming.
Cottages by the Sea is the better value if your main goal is a relaxed beachfront base and you do not need the broader service package of a larger resort.
Choose The Buccaneer if you want a full-service, all-ages resort with private beaches, pools, restaurants, golf access, spa services, and kids’ programming.
Cottages by the Sea is the better pick for travelers who want a casual beachfront cottage stay with less resort structure and more independent downtime.
For families, couples, and active travelers who want amenities close at hand, The Buccaneer offers the more complete St. Croix resort experience.
If you want a quieter, simpler beach stay and do not need multiple restaurants, pools, or a kids’ camp, Cottages by the Sea is the more relaxed choice.
Questions? Contact Us!
Explore more helpful planning guides and insider articles for The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort:
