Diane, It was great to hear from you!!! Yes that was a good time snorkeling on Hawksnest together. We are going to Tortola and Virgin Gorda 1 May. Are you staying at Little Dix?

Poss, I read what you just wrote about Caneel to my husband. We laughed. You are so right! Caneel at another location would not survive at those prices.

When the 10 of us were last together, I gave a long narrative of the two ways we can get to Caneel after we land in STT. I ended by asking them what they would choose. I'm sure you can guess. It is an easy and pleasant way to start a vacation. Poss, I had already considered taking the cheap ferry back since we will be at Gallows. Especially when I consider the $450 I can spend on food instead.

I think the only night meal we will eat at Caneel will be the Monday night seafood buffet. I shudder when I think of spending $650 a night for any of their other meals. Plus, I don't think my grandchildren would like enough of the courses to make it worthwhile.

Aren't we the lucky travelers to be able to about these trips. Thanks, Owa

We are fortunate indeed!
Diane: Caneel has a one-way fare, though I believe it was more $$ than half the full fare (fair enough I suppose...)
Owa: At Caneel, there's a small "grill" type restaurant near the office and just off Caneel beach. Actually the food there isn't bad at all-- salads, grilled shrimp and chicken, pasta, burgers I think, things like that. And prices aren't unreasonable. The kids will probably enjoy the food there. We ate all our lunches there, and even dinner one ngiht. No atmosphere-- but you're just off the beach. In short, not bad at all!

Hi Owa.

Yes, I will be staying at Little Dix, my first time. I am a little nervous, though, because of negative review. But then, Caneel, which I love also has their share of those. I just felt that I needed to explore other parts of the Caribbean also. I have made up my mind to have a wonderful time. I plan to try some of the beach drops, maybe, Agengenda, and dive the Rhone. I will let you know how it goes.

Diane

Diane: We liked LD very much. The rooms are much better than at Caneel. And though we're not pool people, the pool there is so lovely and so convenient that we found ourselves using it a lot. We loved the beach drops and we loved Virgin Gorda. Snorkeling situation is better at Caneel, but I'll be surpirsed if you're disappointed in Little Dix. (The little "grill" restaurant at LD is much more pleasant than the one at Caneel we thought.)

Thanks poss,

I really appreciate your reassurance. I have such devotion with Caneel, I was afraid that I might be wishing I was there instead. I plan to do the beach drop off, to help compensate for the off beach snorkeling.

Thanks again.

Diane

I thought I'd give an update on my plans so far as you have all been great with your suggestions.

I found an alternative to the Caneel ferry. Dohm's water taxi charges $20/PP. We will have to take a van from the airport to the water taxi dock. It will still be cheaper than Caneel as their one-way is $50PP. Plus, it will be more convenient and faster. We don't have to wait for other Caneel passengers, or the Caneel ferry which arrives much later than our flight. Dohm's will drop us off at Caneel's dock. I also like the way they handle e-mails and questions. Robin answered about 4 different messages filled with questions within an hour. We will take the cheap ferry from Cruz Bay on the return to St. Thomas.

All the harbor units were booked at Gallows with a wedding party when I wanted to book. We are in 1C, 2C, and 2D oceanview (upper) for those that are familiar with Gallows. Trip Adivisor just had a very negative review of Gallows.

I'm going to wait until we get back in May from the BVI to book a day sail for August. I'm hoping to get a better idea of what might suit us. We have been to the Baths, but have not snorkeled there.

Thanks again everyone. Owa

Owa-Take heart! Two newer great reviews of Gallows on TripAdvisor just posted. I am watching with interest as we will be there one night before our villa is ready at the end of the month.