Trip report - stt/gorda
Jul 13th, 2003, 01:09 PM
#2
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mce-
Wife and I are headed to the Ritz STT later this summer. What did you think of the resort? How was the beach on the property? Were you happy with the rooms and service? Any insight/tips would be appreciated...
Wife and I are headed to the Ritz STT later this summer. What did you think of the resort? How was the beach on the property? Were you happy with the rooms and service? Any insight/tips would be appreciated...
Jul 13th, 2003, 01:11 PM
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hey...me again...
we plan to visit LD via Caneel. How would you compare/contrast LD to Caneel? We will be staying at the Ritz for a few nights, then finishing up at Caneel. Plan to take their ferry over to LD, check out that resort and go to the Baths.
we plan to visit LD via Caneel. How would you compare/contrast LD to Caneel? We will be staying at the Ritz for a few nights, then finishing up at Caneel. Plan to take their ferry over to LD, check out that resort and go to the Baths.
Jul 13th, 2003, 02:48 PM
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I think you're lucky that you're doing the ritz first and then caneel. We did LDB first and getting to the ritz was a shock. It was very, very much busier, obviously, with a lot more guests and activity. The beach is OK, but nothing compared to what you will find on St John. Being summer, though, the beach is not that crowded. The service at the Ritz is as good as what you would expect at any RC. The food is not that great, but it isn't that expensive (breakfast is 21 for the buffet, dinners run about 20 for main courses). Basically, the difference between the ritz and the rosewoods can be summed up by the 4-deep rows of chairs on the beach at the ritz, and the 20-foot gaps between the beach chairs at the rosewoods.
Everybody recommended the lady lynsey cruise so we decided to do it. That was probably the best part of the ritz by far. The food is also a lot cheaper than in the LDB which had a 65pp buffet one night, although Caneel seemed more reasonable than LDB. The rooms at the ritz are standard ritz issue - you definitely don't feel like you are alone on an island what with the tvs and cordless phones. The rosewood resorts are much more rustic, but in my opinion have the atmosphere down to a key. No tv, no room keys, rattan furnishings.
In terms of LDB/Caneel, Caneel is a LOT bigger. The beaches are great and the property is really beautiful. It didn't seem to be too crowded when we stopped by. LDB seemed more laid back though. Hope that's not too general and all over the place for you.
Everybody recommended the lady lynsey cruise so we decided to do it. That was probably the best part of the ritz by far. The food is also a lot cheaper than in the LDB which had a 65pp buffet one night, although Caneel seemed more reasonable than LDB. The rooms at the ritz are standard ritz issue - you definitely don't feel like you are alone on an island what with the tvs and cordless phones. The rosewood resorts are much more rustic, but in my opinion have the atmosphere down to a key. No tv, no room keys, rattan furnishings.
In terms of LDB/Caneel, Caneel is a LOT bigger. The beaches are great and the property is really beautiful. It didn't seem to be too crowded when we stopped by. LDB seemed more laid back though. Hope that's not too general and all over the place for you.
Jul 13th, 2003, 08:28 PM
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They have both day trips, like snorkeling excursions to other islands, and evening "sunset sails" which we took. The sunset sail (which we took) is daily, i believe, and is 70pp which includes an open bar and hors d'oevres. it was really relaxing and afforded some nice views of the area. if i remember correctly the day sails are 10-4 and are 135pp(??). but they are not daily.
i'm pretty sure you'll love both the ritz and caneel, but i think you will definitely be a rosewood resort convert afterwards if you aren't already (i am).
i'm pretty sure you'll love both the ritz and caneel, but i think you will definitely be a rosewood resort convert afterwards if you aren't already (i am).
Jul 14th, 2003, 09:54 AM
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Thanks for the info. I have a feeling you are right! This will be our first experience with any rosewood resort...I can hardly wait! Since this is our first time to the USVI, we wanted to get a flavor of both STT and STJ, with the majority of our time on STJ for rest, relaxation and enjoying beautiful beaches.
Did you guys go to the Baths on VG? We are interested in going over to see the Baths, but am a bit sensitive to wasting an entire day to do that since we only have a total of six days. We would probably take the Caneel ferry over to LD and go from there. There are a lot of posts on this forum that list the Baths as a 'must'...what do you think?
Did you guys go to the Baths on VG? We are interested in going over to see the Baths, but am a bit sensitive to wasting an entire day to do that since we only have a total of six days. We would probably take the Caneel ferry over to LD and go from there. There are a lot of posts on this forum that list the Baths as a 'must'...what do you think?
Jul 15th, 2003, 07:21 PM
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Been to both Caneel and Little Dix Bay(LDB). Love those Rosewoods! I would call both simple/casual elegance. The baths are a taxi ride (or possibly jetboat from LDB) from the resort, and I have some suggestions for food in Virgin Gorda since LDB is expensive and IMHO not worth it like some other places. The Baths are unique and I would have felt I missed something if we never visited them. You might check out Savannah Bay and Maho Bay on Virgin Gorda if you've got time (GO SNORKELING!!!!!!! you will be missing ALOT in Baths and other bays if you don't)
As for St. John, there are taxi type buses that can go from beach to beach. Caneel is fine (my husband thinks Little Dix is caribbean's best), try Trunk Bay (after 3 when ships and masses have gone) Hawks Nest Bay too. Better yet, rent a jeep for the day and explore.
Food: Fishers Cove, The Terrace (on a hill by Gallow's Point), and a barbeque stand by the warf for lunch.
As for St. John, there are taxi type buses that can go from beach to beach. Caneel is fine (my husband thinks Little Dix is caribbean's best), try Trunk Bay (after 3 when ships and masses have gone) Hawks Nest Bay too. Better yet, rent a jeep for the day and explore.
Food: Fishers Cove, The Terrace (on a hill by Gallow's Point), and a barbeque stand by the warf for lunch.
Jul 15th, 2003, 07:33 PM
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oops! my email is [email protected]
Food Virgin Gorda:
Mine Shaft (great drinks at sunset, appetisers, hang-out place)
Mad Dog's (best pina colada's anywhere, might ask to leave off the nutmeg, though) good burgers
Chez Bamboo (patio & bistro somewhat upscale dining)
Georgio's (haven't been there yet, always here good things about it)
For those who have time - I strongly suggest going for the day to Jost Van Dyke island (from St. John) WOW! you will be amazed how great that place is! walk down to Foxy's for a real treat of food/people/atmosphere. Then take a taxi to Soggy Dollar Bar. Boats anchor in the bay and people swim in to the bar. The "painkiller" drink was invented there. Get a T-shirt for a souvenir! But it is also great for remoteness and snorkeling. My personal favorite place in VI's.
Food Virgin Gorda:
Mine Shaft (great drinks at sunset, appetisers, hang-out place)
Mad Dog's (best pina colada's anywhere, might ask to leave off the nutmeg, though) good burgers
Chez Bamboo (patio & bistro somewhat upscale dining)
Georgio's (haven't been there yet, always here good things about it)
For those who have time - I strongly suggest going for the day to Jost Van Dyke island (from St. John) WOW! you will be amazed how great that place is! walk down to Foxy's for a real treat of food/people/atmosphere. Then take a taxi to Soggy Dollar Bar. Boats anchor in the bay and people swim in to the bar. The "painkiller" drink was invented there. Get a T-shirt for a souvenir! But it is also great for remoteness and snorkeling. My personal favorite place in VI's.
