The Palms at Pelican Cove is located on a Blue Flag Beach, which means it’s a clean, safe and eco-friendly beach according to strict standards by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FFEE). That’s just one of many reasons to stay at this family-friendly resort, located on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The beach and views are incredible (don’t forget your camera), but the unique perks continue with wildlife sightings, complimentary snorkel tours and themed dining events. Families also enjoy an outdoor pool and spacious rooms — including a Child’s Room that was added in 2015.

The Palms at Pelican Cove has just 41 rooms in two beachfront buildings. Each one offers a private balcony, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, flat-screen TV and best of all (for parents) -- complimentary rum and Coke. Cots and Pack 'n Plays are available free of charge. Most rooms have showers, though a few have tubs -- specify this when booking if it's important for your family.
Communal microwaves are available in the guestroom buildings.

Garden
These rooms feature views of the hotel's lush landscaping. They have either one king or two queen beds.

Deluxe Garden
These rooms also face the gardens, but provide slight views of the ocean. They have either one king or two queen beds.

Standard Beachfront
The Standard Beachfront rooms face the ocean and have either one king or two queen beds.

Deluxe Beachfront
These rooms provide slightly more space than the Standard Beachfront rooms; they have one king bed or two queen beds.

Child's Room
Opened in 2015, this room is designed to connect to another room (or two) for a large family.

Beach
The hotel is located on a lovely stretch of beach, and plenty of loungers are available. Sandcastle-building contests are often hosted for kids.

Pool
The hotel has an outdoor pool that's surrounded by plenty of chairs and chaises for lounging. Dive-in movies are often hosted here, especially at peak visitation times. Floaties, life vests and other water gear and toys are available, as well.

Snorkel Tours
A popular activity at the resort, complimentary snorkel tours are offered upon request. Your guide will even take photos and put them on a CD as a souvenir!

Games
The hotel has tennis courts, board games and a covered Ping-Pong table. Gear can be rented at the front desk.

The Palms Restaurant
The Palms Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. It also features themed events, such as Surf and Turf Friday Nights and Caribbean Night Buffet (a tradition at hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands) on Mondays. Live music (band or DJ) is offered most nights, and brunch (a la carte) is popular on Sundays. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, and kids' menus and highchairs are offered.

Mahogany Bar
The Mahogany Bar serves light bites and refreshing cocktails -- all with a view of the ocean. It's open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with happy hours from 4 to 7 p.m.

Boxed Lunches
Planning a day trip to Buck Island? The resort can prepare boxed lunches for an additional fee. Lunches include a sandwich (several choices available), chips, dessert and bottled water.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available onsite.

Laundry
Need to wash and/or dry those wet bathing suits? The hotel has a coin-operated laundry facility, and detergent is available for purchase.

Gift Shop
The hotel has a small gift shop with toiletries, snacks, beverages and souvenirs available -- including The Palms at Pelican Cove-branded gear.

Special Needs
This resort is particularly known for catering to those with special needs -- it provides fat tire wheelchairs and ramps for access to the beach.

Wildlife
Don't be surprised to spot wildlife throughout the property, particularly iguanas. Many of them hang by the pool, and are absolutely harmless.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m. Note that the front desk is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. only.

The Art of Smart Timing
The hotel is busiest during the winter months, a popular time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. Expect fewer crowds during the fall and summer months.

Getting There
The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from Henry E. Rohlson Airport, the only airport on St. Croix.

Getting Around
Free parking is provided at the resort, and you will need car to get around the island (unless you plan to stay at the resort the entire time).

For Mom and Dad
Head to the Mahogany Bar for a nightcap, followed by a moonlit-stroll on the beach. If you'd like to do something outside of the resort, try a distillery tour (samples included) at Cruzan Rum in Frederiksted.