Okay I have another question.... after reading the posts regarding all of the extra costs, etc. I am starting to think of ways to save some money. Has anyone ever packed several bottles of wine to bring with you? I know people mention packing food, etc. but being that I enjoy a glass of wine before dinner or for a night cap, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to pack several bottles of wine maybe 2 (of course wrapped so nothing breaks) to save money. Is this probably being too cheap? Or is it better to get wine once I'm there at a convenience store? Thanks again, Susan

Hello Susan,
I haven't done that on St. John, but I can tell you that on many islands that we have visited, they do have a surprisingly extensive (and sometimes well-priced) selection of wines.
We found it's much less of a hassle to pay a little more for what we might normally buy at home than to try to bring bottles along with us and worry about breakage.
Even if we can't find our favorites, we can find something that will work.
Also, since we take our dive equipment along with us, weight is a consideration when traveling to the smaller islands.
Some of the airlines really hit you hard for overweight luggage.

I've packed wine (nice to have in the room) ... be sure to wrap bottle well and then wrap again in plastic just in case.

We always pack a couple bottles of wine to take with us. Sometimes even a bottle of champagne. It may add weight to the bags but to us it adds in the convenience of not having to go get it once we're there. I didn't notice the price of the wine locally so I don't know how St. John compares to US wine prices. I recall that they had a wine opener and glasses to use in the room. What I would recommend taking are those wine bottle sealers (the ones that use suction to remove any air) to help keep your bottle fresh in case you don't drink it until the next night.

I don't think its cheap at all.

Wow, I guess I'm not the only one who has thought of this idea... I will have to remember to buy those resealable tops for the bottles, I know what kind you mean. Also when you pack them (the bottles of wine), do you pack them in your luggage or carry-on bags? :) Susan

I don't know about wine, but liquor and beer are cheap at the Starfish Market in Cruz Bay. We bought some great rum for around $5.00 there.

We normally pack it in our luggage because the wine bottles are heavy to carry. I always hate buying rum before we come home because its always so heavy.

Rum is cheap in St. John. I just don't know about the wine since they have to import it all...does anyone else know?

Nancy8 which villa did you rent on St. John and did you like it?

I think I am set with things to bring/pack. So far I am going to bringing an alarm clock, a little radio, and now a few bottles of wine. Anything else am I missing? Thanks again, Susan

Pulley,

I'm not Nancy8, but I stayed at the Sunrise Villa on St. John in Coral Bay and loved it. It was on the hill-top surrounded by jungle. It overlooked the Bay and had a view of the other islands. It had a hot tub out on the deck. It was a two bedroom with tile floors and wrought iron bedframes. One of the showers was the neato outdoor kind---fortunately, there is no place that anyone could stand to see in to the shower, the deck, or our villa for that matter. It had a full kitchen.

It was the most unique and romantic place I have ever stayed.

I can't remember the name of the rental co, but the woman at the rental co was Pam Reddinger.

I want to let everyone know that I just received a letter from Caneel Bay in response to our complaints. It appears they have taken them seriously and are already working to fix the problems. They said that fruit should have been included in the "cold" breakfast. The "free" continental breakfast is really for those guests departing early and is there only until the restaurant opens. They are going to advertise it differently. They are educating their staff to be consistent in charging for bottled water. It appears they are making changes right away. I'll be curious to hear if service is better. Whoever goes in the near future, please let us all know!!!! Thanks!

That is really good news. I just hope by October they will still be eager to continue their improvements. I usually think its a good idea for vacationers to let the resorts know where they lack so that future patrons (such as myself) will be able to have a better experience. I remember when I went to the Royal Hideaway last year in Playa Del Carmen, while it was wonderful and everything by the 2nd to last day of our stay a convention showed up with 100+ people and ruined the quiet atmosphere. I wrote them a letter and they responded by stating how in the future they will try to accommodate guests better while they have a convention simultaneously. After my trip to Caneel Bay this October I will be sure to post a report and let everyone know if they "truely" improved their service. Thanks again!! Susan

Susan, that is so funny you spoke about the Royal Hideaway as that is where we think we'll be going in Feb. This is a discussion we should take offline. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your experiences there. We haven't yet firmed up our plans. Thanks. Kelly

Hi everyone.....my wife and i are planning a trip next month to st john..we have been there a few times with cruise ship stops in st thomas but need...need....need a time to spend just the two of us. we love snorkeling and the water...just got off a 10 day mexican cruise in april so i am not looking to "dress" for dinner every evening. we are seriously looking at caneel bay....i am concerned about the various responses i've seen regarding service etc. at caneel bay.

is it truly worth the $$$$?......we are considering the breakfast only meal plan...not big on lunch...and planning to eat around. I also am under the impression that once you pay the $65.00 ferry charge you are allowed to come and go as you please throughout your stay. we will be staying there for 8 nights the last week in july. Whats the weather usually like that time of the summer?

To dekinjack:

In my opinion, the $65 ferry fee is well worth it. This includes taxi, baggage handling plus boat service to and from the resort to the airport. In addition, you have unlimited usage of their scheduled service which leaves many times daily to different points on St. Thomas.

On my first visit I tried independent shuttle service. Never again! I had to pay for taxi/tip to a public ferry to Cruz Bay, (only Caneel's private launch can give direct service to the resort), and then taxi/tip to the resort. If you elect to return by this route, the savings will be minimal and the stress maximum. Jostling your luggage up the ramp of the ferry and onto the open air, back of a pick-up Cruz Bay taxi is an experience that I do not enjoy remembering.

With Caneel's service you do not touch your luggage until you arrive in your room or depart at the airport. Meanwhile complimentary rum punches, relaxation and beautiful scenic views are a great way to begin and end your vacation.

Caneel is well worth the price. They have much repeat business, this November it will be my fifth. I have never had trouble with the service and think their food is very good. The beaches, grounds and privacy are incredible.

To Dianbridle, I noticed that you said that their food IS good. What sort of food do they offer for lunch and dinner? Is there a nice variety? I myself enjoy seafood while my husband enjoys seafood, he loves beef! For lunch, is a buffet only offered or do they have a place where you can have a smaller lunch? Also as far as any music, I saw online that there is some entertainment in the evening? I guess I still have more questions regarding Caneel Bay! Susan

They do have another option for lunch and I think its called the Beach Bar? Its right across the path from the check out desk. The offer cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches and some good salads. When on-site for lunch, that's the only place we ate and really enjoyed it!

Sorry to be asking so many questions, but do you know about how much it was to eat at the beach bar at Caneel and about how much drinks were, say for a glass of wine, beer, or a mixed tropical drink? As usual thank you, Susan

We never ordered cocktails there. The sandwiches ranged from $8-$12 as I recall. I thought it was pretty reasonable.

To : SSypniewski:

As I recall, my usual lunch was in the vacinity of $15 depending upon wheter I had one or two rum punches. My favorites were the swordfish sandwich - delicious and the Cobb Salad - outstanding.

I love seafood too so that is what I usually ordered. I was never disappointed with anything.

From reading your posts, I believe you are staying at hawksnest. Have breakfast (cold only) brought to your room and enjoy your food with the beautiful view from your balcony.

I had prawns stuffed with crabmeat at Zozo's in Cruz Bay. If you decide to eat there, have Caneel's Activities make reservations. I belive you get better and faster seating.

I'll be there in November. Cant't wait!