The Owner Advantage
Book Direct. Save the Fees.
Get More.
Skip the Airbnb & VRBO markups, talk directly to the owners, and get insider access to St. Thomas — every time.
The Difference
Direct vs. Airbnb vs. VRBO
Same villa. Different experience. Here's what changes when you book with the owners instead of through a platform.
| Feature | Direct | Airbnb | VRBO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Fee | 0% | ~14% | ~13% |
| Cleaning Fee Transparency | Shown upfront, no surprises | Buried in checkout | Buried in checkout |
| Cancellation Flexibility | Human, case-by-case | Platform-locked tiers | Platform-locked tiers |
| Direct Host Contact | Text & call the owners | Through the app only | Through the app only |
| Concierge Support | Included — chef, charters, taxis | Not offered | Not offered |
| Same-Property Rebooking Discount | Returning guest pricing | Not offered | Not offered |
| Local Recommendations | Curated by owners | Generic platform tips | Generic platform tips |
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Real Numbers
What You Actually Save
Typical 5-night stay · $445/night
Nightly rate
$445
× 5 nights = $2,225
Airbnb fee (~14%)
+$311
Total ≈ $2,536
VRBO fee (~13%)
+$289
Total ≈ $2,514
Booking direct
$2,225
Save ~$311 vs. Airbnb · Save ~$289 vs. VRBO
On a typical 5-night stay. Longer stays = bigger savings.
Why It Works
Three Reasons It's Better
You talk to us
Direct host contact for concierge requests, restaurant recommendations, taxi help, and anything else you need on island. No app middleman.
Best Rate Guaranteed
Find a lower rate on Airbnb or VRBO for the same dates? We'll match it and refund the difference — direct will always be the lowest total price.
Trusted Locals
Managed by Sunswept VI — professional USVI property managers since 2010. Real people, real island knowledge, and real accountability.
Direct Guests
They Booked Direct
“Great location. Right on the beach with 2 big balconies. Quiet location with restaurants and bar just a couple min walk. The pool had nice sea views and the snorkeling right out front was incredible.”
Noelle & Matt
Sapphire Beach
“This is definitely a place to chill at beautiful Sapphire Beach. Building C is a prime spot in the complex — not too far and not too close to everything. The condo was clean, comfortable, and had every detail thought out.”
Josh
Sapphire Beach
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Is it actually cheaper to book direct?+
Yes — meaningfully. Airbnb adds ~14% in guest service fees and VRBO adds ~13% on top of the nightly rate. We don't charge those because there's no middleman. On a typical week-long stay you'll save several hundred dollars by booking with us directly.
What if I have to cancel?+
Life happens and we work with you. Our standard policy is a full refund up to 30 days before check-in, and 50% up to 14 days out. Outside of that we'll always try to rebook your dates and refund what we can — something the OTA platforms can't do.
How do I pay?+
We use Stripe for secure card payments — Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and Apple/Google Pay all work. A 50% deposit holds your dates, with the balance due 30 days before arrival. You'll get a real receipt and a real human to call.
Do you charge cleaning fees?+
Yes, but the fee is shown upfront on the booking page before you pay — not buried at checkout. It covers a full professional turnover including linens, towels, and a deep clean between every stay. No resort fees, no hidden surprises.
Can I get help with restaurants and activities?+
Absolutely — that's one of the best parts of booking direct. We've lived and worked on St. Thomas for over a decade and will text you our favorite restaurants, snorkel spots, charter captains, and grocery delivery contacts. Real recs from real locals.
What's your refund policy?+
Full refund 30+ days before check-in, 50% refund 14–30 days before, and we'll always try to rebook your dates if you cancel last-minute. If a hurricane or named storm forces evacuation, we issue a full refund or credit — no questions asked.
Ready?
Pick Your Villa. Book Direct.
Live availability, real pricing, no platform fees. Ninety seconds and you're booked.
