mcsaun

I am looking at going to either the USVI or BVI June 2004. I was looking at Caneel Bay on St. John and wanted to hear thoughts about similar places to stay in the BVI (no island in particular) or USVI (are there any others?). The only caveat is that the BVI islands would need to be accessible by short ferry ride from St. Thomas as that is where we are flying in using our Delta miles. What interested us in Caneel Bay was the convenience of the beaches (and snorkeling), the activities offered and the overall quality of the resort. We wanted a mid size resort that offered both privacy and activities. Any other thoughts?

cdt

Tortola is a beautiful island but the beaches there aren't nearly as nice as St. John and there are no resorts comparable to Caneel Bay.

Virgin Gorda has better beaches and a couple of resorts that are on the same level as Caneel: Little Dix Bay and Biras Creek. But it's a lot harder to reach by ferry from St. Thomas. There is a STT-to-VG ferry two days a week, and the rest of the time you have to change ferries in Tortola. Some connections will also require a taxi ride from Tortola's West End to Roadtown.

Best resorts on St. Thomas are Ritz and Marriott Morningstar, but I'd pick Caneel over both of them.

Here's one idea: Caneel and Little Dix are owned by the same company, and I understand you can book a stay that is split between the two resorts. They may even provide transportation from one to the other.

mcsaun

Thanks for the info cdt! A couple of other questions. We enjoy snorkeling and wanted to see if you thought the snorkeling trips offered by the resort were good or if it is something you should/could do on your own (as well as your thoughts on other programs offered by the resort), and how are the restaurants at Caneel Bay? Did you find that the meal plans were the way to go? They seem a little steep considering they do not cover alcohol. I know it seems rather trivial considering the price you pay just to stay at the resort but items start to add up before you know it and I am an accountant so it is in my blood to ponder these questions! ;-)). Thanks for your input!

jkurtiak

I have also research Caneel and Little Dix, for our honeymoon. I have found that on most islands the hotel food is always MUCH cheaper then restaurants out side of the resort. I have heard there are some great places to eat on St. John and I would rather explore those places then to pay money for meals I may not even eat. Plus then you are forced to come back to the resort for lunch and dinner every day. Unless you are going to an island where you can roam safely at night.
I have also found that it always cheaper to book smaller local reputable companies, rather then through the hotel for at least snorkeling tours.
Peter Island sounds like a good place for you to check out also.

ejcrowe

If Caneel Bay is right up your alley, you might want to also check into Guana Island, a private island resort just off the north coast ofTortola in the BVI. There are only 15 rooms on the 850 acre island, so it's never crowded, and most of the island has been left in its natural state, which makes for great hiking. Tons of walking trails transversing the island. The cost per night includes 3 meals a day and wine with lunch and dinner. Great snorkeling off two of the beaches--one is the main beach and another is one you can hike to or have the resort drop you off by boat. Beautiful island, lots of flora and fauna, great water sports, good food, nice cottages, super staff.

The "normal" transportation is a short boat ride from Tortola, but since the resort has a few boats, I imagine you could arrange to be picked up on St. Thomas for a fee. Check it out at www.guana.com

Patty

Peter Island is another option you may want to look into. I think it fits your description. There's a recent review posted on this board. Peter Island offers a St. Thomas day trip for their guests and if you time your St. Thomas arrival/departure to coincide with that trip, you can get a direct transfer between Charlotte Amalie and the resort on their yacht. Otherwise, it's a ferry from St. Thomas to Tortola, then transfer to the PIR ferry from Tortola to the resort.