There’s no place quite like St. John, USVI — turquoise waters, stunning beaches, and a warm island breeze that instantly slows life down. But as anyone who’s visited paradise knows, island living can come with a few surprises — especially when it comes to grocery prices!
At TLC Villas, we want every guest to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free vacation. That’s why we love sharing a few insider tips to help you save money (and time) while getting ready for your stay in paradise.
Shop Before You Hop — Groceries Are Cheaper on St. Thomas
If you’re renting a car for your trip, we highly recommend doing your grocery shopping on St. Thomas before catching the ferry to St. John. Prices on St. Thomas are typically lower, and there’s a much wider selection of items and brands.
Our top picks:
- Cost U Less – Think of it as the island’s version of Costco! It’s great for stocking up on bulk snacks, drinks, and of course, alcohol — all at better prices than you’ll find on St. John.
- The Market – Located in Tutu St. Thomas is convent and decent pricing.
- Moe’s Fresh Market in Red Hook – Conveniently located near the ferry dock. If you don’t have a car, you can stop here for your groceries and easily walk over to the ferry for your ride to St. John.
Stocking up on essentials like beverages and mixers ahead of time means you’ll have more to spend on island fun and dining — and less stress once you arrive.
Want to Skip the Shopping? TLC Villas Can Help!
Don’t want to spend your vacation in the grocery aisles? We completely understand. TLC Villas partners with local provisioning services that can shop for you and have everything ready in your villa when you arrive.
Whether you’d like a fully stocked fridge or just your favorite breakfast staples and beverages, we can help coordinate everything so you can start your vacation the moment you land.
Every TLC Villa Is Ready for You
All of our properties are equipped with:
- Refrigerators and freezers to keep your groceries fresh
- Ice cube trays for your favorite island cocktails
- Coolers to pack up for a beach day adventure
We make sure your home away from home has everything you need for a comfortable and carefree stay.
A Few Island Notes
Just keep in mind — we’re not quite like the mainland. Product selections can be limited, and certain brands may not be available. But that’s all part of the island charm! With a little planning (or a helping hand from our provisioning partners), you’ll have everything you need for a seamless, stress-free getaway.
Relax — We’ll Handle the Rest
At TLC Villas, our goal is to make your St. John vacation effortless from start to finish. Whether you want help arranging provisioning, guidance on the best places to shop, or tips for navigating the ferry and car rental process, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Paradise may come at a price — but with a little planning, you’ll enjoy every moment without worry.