luv2plan

I currently have a reservation at caneel in July for ocean view and am now able to upgrade to ocean front but I'm confused as to the differences: there is OceanFront (BC), (BL) or (BT)? What do these stand for & which should I choose?

It is just my husband & I for 5nts without our two boys! We love to snorkel and relax.

Thank you for your time & have a great weekend!

xkenx

If you go to the Caneel website, click on travel items, then bring up the pdf grounds map. It shows what room categories are where. The rooms directly on a sand beach are called beach front or premium beach front. IMO the best beach front rooms are upstairs on Hawksnest Beach for privacy, and particularly in summer, because it faces east to the the tradewinds and has lots of shade on the beach, particularly in the afternoon. You can probably just use the ceiling fan for cooling, and keep everything open 24/7 to drink in the air and listen to the nature sounds. Fine wade-in snorkeling, plus only a hundred yards or so to stroll over to Scott or Turtle Beach for alternate snorkeling.

poss

Our favorite rooms have always been Paradise Beach or Cottage Point. We don't like Scott's Beach because there's no real privacy, and we don't like being "flat." The ones I mentioned sit up a bit and have spectacular views. (1-2 min walk to beach) I don't prefer Hawksnest because they seem to have a "motel" feel to me. I.e. I don't enjoy having someone above or below me. But I agree with previous poster's mention that Hawksnest, because of the shade and nice breeze, might be lovely in July. (Actually all the beaches have plenty of shade.) In any case, in July, I imagine that the resort will not be full, so once you're there, you may be able to take half an hour or so and scout the rooms so that you can choose your druthers.
If you love to snorkel, you will love Caneel!

Becca

I have to respectfully disagree about not having real privacy on Scott's Beach. My husband and I have stayed in a premium beachfront room on Scott's Beach, and I would say that 9 out of 10 times we were on that beach, we were the only people there. We felt like we had the utmost in privacy on Scott's Beach of anywhere we have ever stayed in the Caribbean (or anywhere, for that matter). Also, Scott's Beach does not allow children under the age of 12, which really adds to the privacy. We will choose premium beachfront on Scott's Beach everytime we stay at Caneel!

marbleheadguy

In July on St. John...you compete for rooms due to the regionally popular St. John Festival...that fills the island from June thru July 6th...aftet that---its heaven...

Scott's Beach is my preference too...

But you want intimate...Honeymoon Beach...

poss

We thoroughly dislike having to draw curtains or be clothed when we're in our rooms. For that reason, we always choose rooms that are not on ground floor. People freely stroll across the fronts of rooms at Scott's so that one can see into windows and lanais. In some of the other rooms, there's no way anyone can see in (or at least virtually no way). We've enjoyed breakfast and cocktails and simply snoozing on the lanai in the altogether at some of the other rooms around Caneel-- no way on Scott's.
Unless I'm mistaken, there are no Caneel accommodations on Honeymooon Beach. It is, though, a lovely relatively uncrowded beach (except for some boat traffic). In fact, all of the beaches at Caneel are wonderfully uncrowded.

msjames

to the people in the know, is Scott Beach the only kid-free beach at Caneel? Thanks!

StanKase

All beaches are "really" kid friendly now. That is why we have not returned in 4 years although prior to that ewe were there 6 times in 10 years for up to 8 nights.

For privacy, if you can get in, Cottage #7 Rooms C, D, E, F but definetely NOT A or B are my first choice despite the up-charge. My second choice, considered ocean front is Hawks Nest. Especially in the summer it usually gets the most breezes throughout the day. But, do expect 90 as day time highs and 76-80 as the lows.But as in many resorts put on DEET (30-50%) if on the beach after 4PM to repell the sand flies.

luv2plan

I appreciate all the advice. Scotts beach is not an option for us, it is "premium ocean front".

Our options are: Little Caneel & Caneel Beaches, which both seem to be busier than the others. Or Turtle Bay Beach, which I've read has boat traffic noise. Or Hawksnest Beach. So, I requested Hawksnest second floor.

Are the bugs really that bad? Or is it just after it rains? or always? My husband was eaten alive in Provo, he will be sorely upset if we encounter the same problem. We will be there July 12-17.

Thanks again for all the information.

Have a wonderful week!

StanKase

Our experience over the years and different seasons from trips in Feb. and june for example had no significant difference except visits from June to Oct. seemed to be a bit more rainy and that obviuosly brings out the mosquitos but off with 20% DEET works there. All year-round sand flies come on the beaches around 3-4 but a good incest replelent even with only 10% DEET will work.
You picked the ideal location at Hawks Nest, in my opinion.It is a bit cooler there from a breeze.

msjames

StanKase, your answer regarding the kids and beaches isn't what I wanted to hear.

WaywardSeal

Scott beach is "supposed" to be kid free. I agree with Stankase, although I'm partial to Scott Beach and always enjoy staying in the rooms, I did notice several families not observing the no children policy, during my last visit.
But it doesn’t keep me from staying in the rooms there-you have to keep in mind you're still on a very secluded beach within a secluded resort-it's not exactly similar to staying on Collins Ave. in SoBe. My point is you have to keep it in perspective.