forrestg

This forum was very helpful to us in choosing a Caribbean destination, so I wanted to return the favor by writing a few comments re our trip. Let me preface my review of Caneel with two comments. First, my wife and I are not accostomed to spending time at 'high end' resorts. Secondly, this was our first time to the Caribbean.

I'm not going to put in an extreme amount of detail here, because there have been other excellent reviews posted on this board that have juicy details. After spending a few days at the Ritz on STT, we were anxious to escape to Caneel. We were picked up by the Caneel ferry at Red Hook. Upon arrival at Caneel, it took us several hours to stop gawking with our mouths dragging the ground. The resort is story-book beautiful. Our room [69] was on Scott Beach. It was nice having direct beach access, but the view of the water from the room was obstructed by trees. The fact that the rooms at Scott are single-level and the beach is 'adults only' is a plus. The room was just as I had expected - sparce, with no more room than an average hotel. Decor was tasteful, and we certinaly appreciated the air conditioning. However, we felt that Scott wasn't worth the extra $$ when one could stay at Turtle or Hawksnest...both just a brief stroll from Scott beach and with less obstructed views of the water.

All of the beaches at Caneel were wonderful - each having its own special attraction. We had four days at STJ and planned to explore the island quite a bit...we NEVER left Caneel and still felt that we didn't get enough time to explore the resort. The convenience of seven unique beaches at your fingertips and the awesome beauty of the resort are without a doubt the strong points at Caneel.

Now, to be fair, I must comment on what seems to be the Achilles heel at the resort - SERVICE. While there were a few staff members that made us feel welcome, the vast majority did not even seem to be friendly. No smiles...just crass looks most of the time. If you demand impeccable service (and you should for the rates they command) be warned! Perhaps their service/hospitality is better during the high season (we were there in the fall), but we felt the friendliness of the staff left a lot to be desired. Luckily, we read similar reviews on this forum that expressed concern over Caneel service, so we were somewhat prepared. However, once you plop down the $$$ for the bill, you can't help but think how much more Rosewood could elevate the Caneel experience if only the Staff were friendly. I'm not asking for someone to run to my beach chair and refill my drink or be at my beckoned command but a feeling of being welcomed would have been nice.

Having said that, I think that we would go back to Caneel simply for the beauty and relaxation. Snorkeling at the resort was nice. The day trip to Little Dix was awesome! Please feel free to write back with questions.

spk

I was at Caneel many years ago and LOVED it! I heard Rosewood may be selling it, so I am not shocked to hear about the service. I am going to Virgin Gorda in March and spending a few days at Little Dix. CANNOT WAIT! Thanks for the post.

travleis

Well, forrestg, whether or not you have spent a lot of time at 'high end' resorts for comparison, I think your review was extremely accurate. Soon after returning from a great relaxing trip it's easy to look back with rose colored glasses and forget the little flaws and such. And that's not a bad thing at all. No point in focusing on the negative...unless you're writing a review for the benefit of others.

I am always impressed when people take the time to research their trips so they know what to expect. If there are negative aspects to be encountered, being prepared can minimize their impact.
Your perceptions of the rooms, service, beaches and resort as a whole are exactly how I'd describe them.
Not everyone agrees, but at least the info is out there for people to access if they so choose.

Thanks for the great report.
BTW, what were your perceptions of the R-C on STT?

owa

Thanks for the trip report. We were at Caneel December '02 for the first time. We loved it, and like you, had never stayed at such an expensive resort. I especially appreciated your remarks on the room on Scott's beach. We had oceanview when we went with a wonderful view. We are going back in November, and have talked about asking for Scott beach. Maybe not a good idea. We had friendly staff, some not so friendly. We talked to someone that had stayed at the Ritz, came to Caneel, and were very disappointed in the rooms compared to the Ritz. As you said, being able to snorkel in a few minutes is the best.

owa

I forgot to ask. How was the food?

forrestg

travleis - It's tough for me to make worthwhile comments on the STT Ritz. This was the first R-C we have ever stayed at, so all I can compare it to are the Courtyards and Residence Inns that I usually stay at. The grounds were impeccable, rooms were very nice (I found myself not wanting to leave all that marble in the bathroom!) and the view from our oceanview room was excellent. We appreciated the large patio with cushy chairs to enjoy our morning coffee. Even though the resort was very empty, we felt the service was top notch. Friendly staff always willing to help. Can't speak to the food as we dined off the property. Beach...well...I thought the beach was nice until we went to Caneel... We also liked the pool with the infiniti edge - seemingly melting into the Caribbean...very nice, although a bit smaller than we expected. 'Fitness center' was more than adequate. My biggest gripe with the property was that it was quite a haul (uphill) to get from the rooms to the main house and parking area and there were quite a few kids (hard to have a romantic honeymoon moment in the pool with kids splashing around...)

owa- We stuck to the 'bar' for most lunch/dinner meals at Caneel, so our meals weren't very extravagant. I thought they were relatively average compared to other food we had on STT. Breakfast was included in the rate...an astounding assortment of anything you could possbily want...fruits that I didn't even recognize...but again, average. We did manage to get off the resort for dinner twice and enjoyed both meals in Cruz Bay.

travleis

Well it sounds like overall you had a really great trip.
The only downside, of course, is that you've now set the bar pretty high
The 'ol Courtyard will seem a lot more average next time
Hopefully you'll have lots more years and opportunites to check out some of the other great resorts in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

SSypniewski

I too enjoyed your trip report. I staying at Caneel this past October and I think our room # was 72? We were also on Scotts beach. You're review was exactly how I felt as well. There were only a few people that took some time to say hello and be very helpful while the majority of the service of people seemed put out. Again, I did the same thing as you and did a lot of research and was prepared. I am now going to go back to the USVIs and spend some time on STT. As far as the Ritz goes, If I'm one that enjoys staying on a beautiful beach (like Scotts) do you think its almost disappointing to stay in an OceanView room at the RItz? Do you think it would almost make more sense to sacrifice the beautiful grounds and maybe stay on Sapphire instead? After a few days on STT we're going to go over to either STJ or Tortola. Thanks again for the report! - Susan

cdt

I wouldn't do too much sacrificing to stay at Sapphire - the beach there isn't that spectacular.

We stayed at Sapphire Beach (not the resort, but a neighboring condo) because we read that it was the best beach on the island with a hotel on it. That may be true, by a very small margin, but the beach is fairly narrow and fairly busy.

If you can afford the Ritz, I would say enjoy its relative privacy and maybe schedule one day at Magen's Bay if there's a day with very few cruise ships in port.

SSypniewski

I will keep that in mind. I will probably then stick with the Ritz. I just hope their rates lower a little more for October. It just seems quite high for that time of year. Does anyone know if they tend to do any special offers? Thanks, Susan

forrestg

Susan-
I think the Ritz is the best choice. We got an outstanding rate last year - they were running a special if you used an AmEx card. I think they frequently run specials during the low season. We too are starting to decide where to go next - definitely Caribbean. Peter Island and Biras Creek look interesting. I want to go somewhere for about a week and never have to leave the resort, but at the same time, never get bored. Any suggestions?

ejcrowe

To forrestg:

As for your comment about not wanting to leave the resort, but not wanting to be bored either, I would recommend taking a closer look at Guana Island, especially since the other two places you're considering, Peter Island and Biras Creek, are so often in the running with Guana.

Like PI, the resort IS the island, but it's got a completely different feel to it. The snorkeling and hiking there are incredible, among the best I've ever experienced in the Caribbean. The staff is warm and gracious. The food, while not Continental-gourmet, is always amazingly fresh and good as they raise most of their own fruits and vegetables and catch much of their own fish. The beaches are gorgeous, and some are reached only by boat, so you could have a lovely castaway picnic. They also provide kayaks, windsurfers, tennis, croquet, and other diversions.
For really great review, I recommend Scubamom's website: www.scubamom.com. She's got one lenghty review devoted to Guana and another review that compares Peter, Little Dix, Guana, and Biras and their relative strenghts and weaknesses. I'd be glad to answer any other questions as well.

SSypniewski

I was thinking about Guana Island however it is a little pricey plus they're closed Sept-Oct. so that's ruled out. I was also considering Peter Island but I think we may opt for a villa on St. John or Tortolla instead. -Susan

forrestg

Susan-
We are now thinking of a villa in STJ. Do you have any recommendations? We only have two couples - I would prefer to be on the north side.

Thanks!!

SSypniewski

I was hoping I would get a recommendation! I'm not sure myself. I am looking for a nice hillside villa that has beautiful views, king size bed, pool, a/c and not too far from Cruz Bay. However being that its just my husband and I it still gets a little pricey even during low season. Does anyone have recommendations on a good villa website to rent from? Thanks, Susan

forrestg

ejcrowe-
Is the snorkeling at Guana far superior to that at PIR?

Many thanks..

tmybahama

My wife and I are thinking of taking a trip to the Ritz. We too like to stay in higher end Hotels. Would you not suggest the Ritz?

traveldoc

Just returned from a week on Scott Beach at Caneel. Full disclosure: we are Caneeliacs, having first visited in '87, and, as best we can recall, this was our 12th visit. Over the years we've visited other beautiful places, but never have found anywhere even remotely as beautiful as Caneel. As per other bloggers, the beaches at Caneel are simply without equal as to beauty, snorkling, fish, space. The rooms are basic, not Four Seasons quality. The food has risen at least two notches in our estimation, since 03. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. Caveat: they are definitely not into putting up with arrogant, obnoxious, demanding, folks who treat them as if somehow it was still 1799, and we have seen it happen, with not unexpected results. As others have suggested, preface your requests for service with a pleasant smile, a good day, and keep your voice down so that everyone within two blocks can't hear you, and things will be peachy. There is simply no place in the Caribbean that can compare with this wonderful place

wlittell

Traveldoc & All: In your opinion, would a courtyard room at Caneel (near the tennis courts but apparently not close to the beach) be better than an oceanview lower room at Gallows Point? Does the answer change if the price differential for Caneel is only $50/day?

We visited St. John 6 or so years ago and stayed at Maho Bay and loved it, but I'm considering whether we might want to "trade up" for a possible visit later this month or next. I'm hoping that some flexibility with our dates will allow us to find room somewhere.

Thanks!

ejcrowe

forrestg: I've never stayed at Peter Island, so I cannot compare the snorkeling to Guana's. However, I believe that Scubamom DOES do a comparison among Biras, Guana, Peter Island, and Little Dix in one of her excellent overviews of the resorts--snorkeling is one of the aspects she rates each place for. It's definitely worth checking out. www.scubamom.com Have fun planning your next vacation. My husband and I can't wait until we get back to Guana, which probably won't be for a couple of years.