Caneel Bay, St. John
Feb 27th, 2001, 04:42 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Kim-If you do a search on this forum you will find lots of info. Caneel is lovely, very relaxing and laid back. Cruz Bay is fun and has many places to eat,so I would not do the meal plan. It is easy to "venture" out for dinner and I would not hesitate to go out. I would recommend Paradiso,ZoZo,Stone Terrace,Asolare, Lime Inn, Morgans Mango and Cafe Wahoo. Enjoy!
Feb 27th, 2001, 05:16 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
My husband and I went to Caneel Bay a couple of years ago and loved it. We enjoyed the natural beauty of the resort's setting and the great beaches. It was the first time we tried snorkeling and had a wonderful time snorkeling right off their beaches. I recommend getting a unit on one of their beaches if you can swing it. My first choice would be Scott Beach, then either Hawksnest(?) or Turtle Bay. We had reserved a unit on Scott Beach, and were upgraded at no extra charge to Cottage 7 which was a more deluxe accomdodation and a suite type room. We had Paradise Beach (?if I recall) right off our unit, and although it was one of the smaller beaches, we had it to ourselves most of the time, and the snorkeling was excellent.
We opted for their meal plan, and during our visit (in March) all three restaurants were operating. Although we had some good dinners, if we went again I would not get the meal plan. Cruz Bay is neat town and a short drive (10-15 min if I recall). There are plenty of small, very casual restaurants in town. I would recommend not getting the meal plan, having a few dinners at Caneel Bay restaurants, and a few in Cruz Bay. I think you will find that the lower price of meals in the Cruz Bay restaurants will offset any cost savings from the meal plan.
We opted for their meal plan, and during our visit (in March) all three restaurants were operating. Although we had some good dinners, if we went again I would not get the meal plan. Cruz Bay is neat town and a short drive (10-15 min if I recall). There are plenty of small, very casual restaurants in town. I would recommend not getting the meal plan, having a few dinners at Caneel Bay restaurants, and a few in Cruz Bay. I think you will find that the lower price of meals in the Cruz Bay restaurants will offset any cost savings from the meal plan.
Feb 27th, 2001, 06:46 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kim;
My wife and I were at Caneel Bay last spring for 7 nights. We opted to pay the extra cost for a "premium" room and we were very glad we did. We were on on Scotts beach and our room was literally only steps to the beach. Caneels grounds are large and spread out, thus it would be wise to try and locate on or near the beach unless you dont mind walking a lot. Still the view from our room was stunning even if we never hit the beach.
As for the meal plan.....we did the "romance pkg" which included all meals.
I truly dont think it makes a whole lot of difference which way you do it.
Sadly even when you do a pkg you still must sign a ticket for everything you eat and drink. Personaly I feel that this is one reason why people do a pkg.
(so you dont have to bother signing a ticket each time. Thus if your going to sign anyway and trust me you really dont save $$ on food with a package, you might as well just do it on your own.
Two things I would highly rec. however if you dont do a pkg are......
1. The sunset cruise
2. The day trip to Little Dix Bay
Skip The Baths and head straight for
the beach at LDB. Save The Baths
for your next vacation to the BVI.
Good luck and enjoy.
PS: there are several nice restaurants on the island other than at Caneel though we personally enjoyed Caneels the best. (and no taxi $$ either.)
My wife and I were at Caneel Bay last spring for 7 nights. We opted to pay the extra cost for a "premium" room and we were very glad we did. We were on on Scotts beach and our room was literally only steps to the beach. Caneels grounds are large and spread out, thus it would be wise to try and locate on or near the beach unless you dont mind walking a lot. Still the view from our room was stunning even if we never hit the beach.
As for the meal plan.....we did the "romance pkg" which included all meals.
I truly dont think it makes a whole lot of difference which way you do it.
Sadly even when you do a pkg you still must sign a ticket for everything you eat and drink. Personaly I feel that this is one reason why people do a pkg.
(so you dont have to bother signing a ticket each time. Thus if your going to sign anyway and trust me you really dont save $$ on food with a package, you might as well just do it on your own.
Two things I would highly rec. however if you dont do a pkg are......
1. The sunset cruise
2. The day trip to Little Dix Bay
Skip The Baths and head straight for
the beach at LDB. Save The Baths
for your next vacation to the BVI.
Good luck and enjoy.
PS: there are several nice restaurants on the island other than at Caneel though we personally enjoyed Caneels the best. (and no taxi $$ either.)
Feb 27th, 2001, 05:16 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Signing the check or chit at Caneel is no big deal ... just like you would in any restuarant or at any resort that is not a/i. Sure stops any disagreements about what you ate/drank/did that is not included in the meal plan when you check out! Aside from that, you can include any gratuties on the check if you want. Sure saves carrying cash around! And the staff does not have to distinguish who is on the economy and who is not ... that is all handled by the accounting!
Mar 9th, 2001, 04:06 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Kim,
My husband and I stayed at Caneel last November (10th Anniversary).
We had a beach front room on Hawksnest; had the beach to oursselves most of the time.
We didn't do the meal plan mainly because we love hanging out in Cruz bay. Not sure if you can get the Meal Plan for some of the days; that may be a good compromise.
The resort was fairly quiet when we were there. It is not a place to stay if you want to do a lot of socializing with other guests. We loved it and will return soon.
My husband and I stayed at Caneel last November (10th Anniversary).
We had a beach front room on Hawksnest; had the beach to oursselves most of the time.
We didn't do the meal plan mainly because we love hanging out in Cruz bay. Not sure if you can get the Meal Plan for some of the days; that may be a good compromise.
The resort was fairly quiet when we were there. It is not a place to stay if you want to do a lot of socializing with other guests. We loved it and will return soon.
Mar 10th, 2001, 06:35 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
I believe I have read that there is a children's program offered at Caneel. Is that true, and did you find a lot of children on the premises? We hesitate to vacation there as we do not enjoy resorts that cater to children.(we do have them, just like to get away sometimes)
Mar 10th, 2001, 07:48 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Yes, Caneel does now offer the "family vacation." The Kids' Club is located in the Turtle Bay area but Caneel has designated two beaches, Scott's and Paradise, as "adults only" beaches. I don't know that they atttempt to locate families in one or more areas of the resort. They also offer a second room at a reduced rate to encourage families during the "off season." I don't know if that is true for the shoulder season (mid November and later). I have not returned for several reasons and one of them is the intrusion of kids.
Mar 11th, 2001, 10:57 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
The childrens program at Caneel is first rate. We were there with our 5 yr old and she had a great time.
Like everything else at Caneel...
it's expensive, but worth it. We had a room directly on Scott's Beach with our child and no one even knew she was there. Have fun!
Like everything else at Caneel...
it's expensive, but worth it. We had a room directly on Scott's Beach with our child and no one even knew she was there. Have fun!
Mar 11th, 2001, 12:58 PM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
KarenW - Thanks for directing me here - I just got the answer to my questions about children at Caneel Bay. I was actually considering it until I read Paul's reply. Again, I'm know that not all children are intrusive, but it only takes one . . . can anyone recommend a resort where children are not permitted?
Mar 11th, 2001, 01:00 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
KarenW - Thanks for directing me here - I just got the answer to my questions about children at Caneel Bay. I was actually considering it until I read Paul's reply. Again, I know that not all children are intrusive, but it only takes one . . . can anyone recommend a resort where children are not permitted?
Mar 11th, 2001, 04:01 PM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
I totally understand your point. That being said however all of us "babyboomers" with kids are here to stay for a bit I'm afraid. What's more my family and I enjoy quality properties as well. To date besides Caneel weve done Half Moon, Little Dix, and La Sammana. I guess we've been fortunate but we've yet to witness any "challenges" what-so-ever. It is
indeed unfortunate that a few parents let their kids ruin things for others.
I've no plans to change my habits because of them however. Good luck!
indeed unfortunate that a few parents let their kids ruin things for others.
I've no plans to change my habits because of them however. Good luck!
Mar 11th, 2001, 05:33 PM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Paul,
I don't think anyone asked you to change your habits but I find it interesting that you ask others to change to accomodate you and the other "baby boomers." Some of us ol' timers (altho I still do qualify as a baby boomer, I think - or on the cusp) don't understand a "family vacation" where the kid is shuttled off to a camp or babysitter to spend time with strangers for caregivers so the parents can enjoy "alone" time. (without even checking out the caregivers, I might add). Altho Rosewood and other resorts are responding to the market with the "trend" to bring 'em along, it is unfortunate that some people just don't see that their little darlin' is an intrusion. We recently had a "screamer" in the villa next to us at CuisinArt - didn't make for a very relaxing nor peaceful nite for anyone in the near area! So, if you aren't the parent that drags the kid to dinner at 9 and wonders why he/she is restless and whiney, or lets him/her scream with joy (usually little girls that shriek and shriek and shriek in that ear-splitting scream for hours) while other are enjoying the peacefulness of the beach, or have the child adjust to the parents' schedule so that they are overtired, cranky and a general nuisance, you are one of a small group. You are entitled to do whatever you want as we are and when any child infringes on others, I try to remember it is not the child's fault but the ignorant parents' problem. When the child built the sand castle under my chair and threw sand, how come it wasn't near the parents? We've paid our dues too and it is not unreasonable that we need some down time from the little darlin's ... and so do you! Just because it is the "in" thing to do, sometimes being "trendy" is not the best for anyone but especially the child! And those "challenges" you mention are often the very things that parents have learned to ignore or accept as just part of the li'l darlin's behavior. And it isn't cute!
I don't think anyone asked you to change your habits but I find it interesting that you ask others to change to accomodate you and the other "baby boomers." Some of us ol' timers (altho I still do qualify as a baby boomer, I think - or on the cusp) don't understand a "family vacation" where the kid is shuttled off to a camp or babysitter to spend time with strangers for caregivers so the parents can enjoy "alone" time. (without even checking out the caregivers, I might add). Altho Rosewood and other resorts are responding to the market with the "trend" to bring 'em along, it is unfortunate that some people just don't see that their little darlin' is an intrusion. We recently had a "screamer" in the villa next to us at CuisinArt - didn't make for a very relaxing nor peaceful nite for anyone in the near area! So, if you aren't the parent that drags the kid to dinner at 9 and wonders why he/she is restless and whiney, or lets him/her scream with joy (usually little girls that shriek and shriek and shriek in that ear-splitting scream for hours) while other are enjoying the peacefulness of the beach, or have the child adjust to the parents' schedule so that they are overtired, cranky and a general nuisance, you are one of a small group. You are entitled to do whatever you want as we are and when any child infringes on others, I try to remember it is not the child's fault but the ignorant parents' problem. When the child built the sand castle under my chair and threw sand, how come it wasn't near the parents? We've paid our dues too and it is not unreasonable that we need some down time from the little darlin's ... and so do you! Just because it is the "in" thing to do, sometimes being "trendy" is not the best for anyone but especially the child! And those "challenges" you mention are often the very things that parents have learned to ignore or accept as just part of the li'l darlin's behavior. And it isn't cute!
Mar 12th, 2001, 04:26 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Caneel and all the "crown" resorts all have chldrens programs. This past January I was told children were not allowed on Scott and Paradise. This was true, except for a occasional baby stroller, from other areas on the property. No it was not a problem-one cry and I would have called the desk. I may add their were lots of babies on Caneel Beach. Did not eat at the Equator as it can be high chair heaven. Yup-We had lots of kids in early April at CuisinArt. Parents had them sitting at the beach bar, asking for milk and can they serve lunch. Give me a break. I may add they were well behaved. So, what to do? Well I will not stop going to may favorite places, but I will not go during Christmas, or any other popular school breaks. Karen-Bravo! I agree with you 100%
Mar 12th, 2001, 07:40 AM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Karen--I totally agree with you. Too many times our peaceful vacations have been interrupted by unruly children with parents who just don't seem to care. I do not suggest that children should always be left home while their parents are on vacation, but I prefer to vacation in an "adults only" atmosphere. Why should anyone take offense to this? It is my resonsibility to find that type of atmosphere and how else can I find it if I don't inquire.
Mar 12th, 2001, 07:58 AM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Following up on kmd's last comment...
What bothers me is the marketing of these high-end resorts. For instance, take Little Dix. On one side, they market it as very tranquil, honeymooner, romantic resort. On the other side, they push family fun and kids club. You cannot cater to everyone... resorts like Little Dix and Caneel have to decide which route they are going to go, because many people will not throw down big bucks to go to a place where they have no idea what kind of clientele will be there.
Take Sandals. They deliver a very overpriced, inferior product, yet they are very successful. They market themselves as "adults only"--that phrase is all over their ads and marketing literature. A large segment of vacationers are seeking that experience, and it is getting more and more difficult to find resorts that ban guests under age 18.
As for Caneel, we went in early May and saw few children (see my full trip report at www.caribtravelnews.com), and it was not an issue except on Caneel Beach. Depends on when you go, I guess.
What bothers me is the marketing of these high-end resorts. For instance, take Little Dix. On one side, they market it as very tranquil, honeymooner, romantic resort. On the other side, they push family fun and kids club. You cannot cater to everyone... resorts like Little Dix and Caneel have to decide which route they are going to go, because many people will not throw down big bucks to go to a place where they have no idea what kind of clientele will be there.
Take Sandals. They deliver a very overpriced, inferior product, yet they are very successful. They market themselves as "adults only"--that phrase is all over their ads and marketing literature. A large segment of vacationers are seeking that experience, and it is getting more and more difficult to find resorts that ban guests under age 18.
As for Caneel, we went in early May and saw few children (see my full trip report at www.caribtravelnews.com), and it was not an issue except on Caneel Beach. Depends on when you go, I guess.
Mar 13th, 2001, 10:25 AM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Karen, I agree! Kids are great and all that, but I would love to find a great resort that didn't allow them at all. I cruise a lot and always make sure I go when schools are "in session" so there will be as few kids as possible! I would love any suggestion for resorts that don't allow children!
