travel2

I am just about settled on going to Caneel Bay for my honeymoon in Sept of 2000. But I would like to know if there are activities, tours, hiking areas nearby within walking distance. Or if I should plan to rent a car, or if taxis are sufficient. Also, are there any places I absolutely should see? Any recommended restaurants? How much should I expect to pay for meals, be it hamburgers or filet mignon? <BR>How are the included and on site activities at Caneel Bay? <BR>Thanks!

Mel

We are heading out for Caneel Bay soon. We are pumped, as we have done research on this location and believe that of all the world travels we have done, we expect this to top it all! Will post a "result" upon return. Renting a Jeep to tour island, and doing lots, lots and lots of snorkeling!!! <BR>Wish us waves and sand!

Karen

Sand it is ... but a minimum of waves ... just wonderful water lapping at the shore line! You can access the Nat'l Park tours and even hike into Cruz Bay from Caneel and Caneel will probably offer a plethora of options. Taxis are a good option if you do not plan to jeep about and leave Caneel infrequently ... but that is your preference. Much too early to predict what and who will be there in the restaurants ... some of the tried and true will remain unchanged, I am sure, but wait until closer to time to hear the latest ... the restaurants change very quickly!

Mel

Welllll, back from 1wk Caneel Bay. What a gorgeous place! We really liked alot. Was VERY hot, humidity very high. Some of the rooms are being converted to air condit., however, ours was not yet. On Hawknest Bay and rm. right on the beach. Was VERY romantic. Brkfst and dinner included in rate, and had only a couple really good meals. Rstrnt. svc. was not very good at all--lots of staff standing around and had to ask more than once for items. Had great day trips-to Baths on Gorda and a Beach BBQ with snorkel trip. Snorkeling was very good in Hawksnest @ rocks. Snorkled every day, somewhere. Rented Jeep one day for island, was waste, really. Island taxis are all over, and will go everywhere-small island. Next time there, renting a yacht for a week-that way can go every island on own! Enjoyed day trip to Dixie also... <BR>Have fun! Report back sometime!!

Jim

Caneel Bay is a great choice - you will have a great time in St. John. If you haven't booked, you might want to consider renting a private luxury villa on the island. There are many available, and many will be less expensive than Caneel Bay. Upside is privacy and room. Downside is no room service. <BR> <BR>I'd have to disagree with Mel on the car, though. He is right that there are taxis all over the place, but only in the most popular tourist attractions. You won't find any taxis at Leinster Bay, which you should not miss -- it is a favorite beach of many of the locals. While I'm sure you could get a taxi to take you to Miss Lucy's (outstanding West Indian food), they don't come by very often, so you might wait a while after you eat. Some of the other areas that you can get to with a car that are tough with a taxi: <BR>Skinny Legs. Cold beer, great cheeseburgers. Don't miss it. <BR>Vie's Snack Shack. Call to see if she is open. <BR>East End of the island. Very beautiful <BR>Tons of good restaurants - from very high end to low end. For a first class meal at Chateau Bordeaux, with wine was about $150/couple. Entrees are about $30 each. Middle of the road restaurants would cost about $50-$70/couple, and Skinny Legs was about $25 for 2 cheeseburgers and 4 beers. Overall, I'd say the prices are about 25%-30% higher than what you'd pay here in the U.S. <BR> <BR>Good luck. <BR> <BR>- Jim