hi everyone...ok, i think our trip is narrowed down to these and i'd like your help in the final decisions...stay on st. thomas or st. john, caneel bay resort seems great and most people seem to think high cost is justified but a few don't. on st. thomas, the choices are morning star resort or renaissance...i know the beaches on st. john are beautiful, are there enough restaurants around for dinner for a week of good food and variety? don't have to have nightlife per se but a little steel drum music would be nice. is the pool nice at caneel bay and is it by the ocean? we could stay in st. thomas and ferry over to st. john maybe 4 times or stay in st. john and ferry over to st. thomas a couple times. first trip to caribbean, plus 20th anniversary, want it to be really wonderful but not cost an arm and a leg. want to try snorkeling, spend time on beaches, and at pool, walks, a little shopping, good food, nice, clean, and safe place to stay. also, would you recommend renting a car on both islands or what is the best way to get around on each island? thanks everybody, your comments are very much appreciated.

There is enough dining on St John for at least two weeks, no question. You will find live music on both islands.<BR>I would definitely recommend renting a car regardless of which island you choose. Taxi's will get very expensive very quickly.<BR>Happy Anniversary!!

My choice would be St. John; Caneel is very expensive, but worth it (IMO). to help reduce the cost of our trip a few years ago; we spent 3 nights at a less expensive hotel (St. John Inn). We rented a jeep for those days and explored the island. We spent the last 4 days at Caneel and used taxi's to get in and out of cruz Bay for dinner. <BR><BR>The attraction at caneel is the beautiful beaches; I do not think it is worth staying at caneel, and spending days somewhere else. (again, just my opinion)<BR><BR>Caneel does not have much of a Pool area; most likely used by those who like to swim laps for exercise. No bar or service in that area. Actually, I believe only Caneel Beach has anytype of service (food/beverages), if that makes a difference.<BR><BR>There are enought restaurants on St. John to dine a different place each night.<BR><BR>It's been awhile that I've stayed on st. thomas; and am not familiar with your choices. I do remember, not feeling quite safe walking in Charlotte Amalie after dark.<BR><BR>St. John is very &quot;underdeveloped&quot;; a perfect place for R&amp;R.

I have been to Caneel 5-6 times and have never gone up to the pool. It is set back from the beach, and I understand hardly ever gets used as there are too many wonderful beaches surounding the hotel. We love the snorkeling at Caneel, dislike the main Caneel Beach as it is busy, but love Scott, and Hawksnest. Lots of nice restaurants in Cruz Bay, ZoZos, Ascolare, Paradisio. Caneel has nice<BR>low key entertainment in thier &quot;shell&quot; <BR>at the Beach Bar. Very pretty at night with the plants, tongo torchs. Caneel is a very nice hotel, nice walking paths, enjoyable breakfasts at the Turtle Bay House, or a picnic breakfast delivered to your patio. St. John is a beautiful low key island, and I love the little town of Cruz Bay. Caneels ferry goes frequently to Charlotte Amalie, so you can shop till you drop, and explore.

Just a question for penny, are you the same penny that has been to most of the Sandals resorts? Thanks