Please Help!!<BR><BR>We've had to cancel a ski trip out west due to a sick pet, and want to rebook a relaxing beach vacation - exactly what we'll need when we're able to go...<BR><BR>After lots of reading and research, we keep going back to Caneel or Little Dix Bay, leaning more toward Caneel.<BR><BR>1) We are 40/50 age group, <BR>2) Want clean, comfortable lodging <BR>3) Want quiet and FEW kids<BR>4) Want great beach(es)<BR>5) Would like to have a small town to go into<BR>6) Would like different food options - off <BR> resort - for variety and to save $$<BR>7) Ability to visit another island<BR>8) Want a low-key resort<BR><BR>We can't decide which resort fits our needs best. I am VERY worried about the negative posts for both Caneel and Little Dix regarding bugs, rude staff, filthy rooms, etc.<BR><BR>Could someone comment on the major resort differences - they both look great on the web sites - and which might suit us best.<BR><BR>Could those of you who have been to either resort also comment on the negatives - I don't want to have this vacation turn into a nightmare, especially after having to cancel our dream vacation this year.

I've been traveling to Caneel and/or Little Dix for the last 6 years in a row.<BR>I've never experienced any of the problems that you're talking about. Where on earth did you hear that the rooms at Caneel were &quot;filthy&quot;? That is patently absurd. As far as bugs go, I've never had any problems other than outside dealing with the mosquitos and NoSeeUm's. A strong Deet spray application solves that problem. As far as &quot;rude&quot; staff goes, again I've never had an issue with that. I've always been well taken care of by kind low key staff. <BR>If you go anywhere expecting problems and expecing your vacation to turn into a &quot;nightmare&quot; you increase your chances of having exactly that happen.<BR>If I were you I would choose Caneel Bay, it's truly beautiful, 7 stunning beaches, lovely rooms and you are closeby to Cruz Bay where there are lots of teriffic restaurants to choose from. Just be sure to choose a week that's not a school vacation week and children will not be a problem.<BR>I'll be going back next May and I can't wait.

Caneel is gorgeous but have you thought of renting a villa. We almost chose Caneel and then decided on a villa. It had so much privacy. We toured Caneel, quiet, upscale but we felt we got a lot more for our money and enjoyment renting villa. <BR><BR>Just a suggestion. You won't be disappointed in Caneel. It is not a rundown property to say the least.

I am currently at Canel completing a nine day stay - my fouth visit. Can't say enough about how wonderful it is. The beaches are brathtaking, the staff extrodinary, the food delicious. However I have alo had meals in Cruz Bay. Liked Lime Inn for lunch, and had two great dinners a Zozo's. People that I have met here are very nice, not stuffy a all. I hav seen a few children, but not many. They have a kids club and nanny service, which seems to keep them occupied and away from the adults. They also offer unlimited several times a day water taxi service to St. Thomas. This is a first class hotel with outstanding service and cleanliness - rooms are cleaned twice daily with turn-down service at night. I experienced no problems with bugs or mosquitos. It is a perfect place for a fantasy vacation.

Hi,<BR><BR>I too have seen the many negative posts here for Caneel and often wonder if there is another resort they are talking about as none of it sounded like the resort I visited 2 years ago.<BR><BR>St. John is one of our favorite destinations and our week at Caneel was wonderful. given your list, I think it would suit you just find.<BR><BR>We, too, are 40/50 age group. <BR><BR>We saw few kids at Caneel (traveled in November); some beaches (scott's is one) are kid-free. <BR><BR>the Beaches are all great and most can be snorkeled from. we had a beachfront room on Hawksnest which was kept extremely clean. I still have the shells and verses that were left at evening &quot;turn down&quot;.<BR><BR>We ate all of our meals (except a couple of breakfasts) in Cruz Bay. there are a number of good restaurants. Taxi's were always available, but you may want to consider renting a Jeep so that you can explore off-resort. <BR><BR>You can ferry to either St. thomas or the BVI's for day trips; other charters also available. <BR><BR>Caneel is very low-key; if you need something, you will be serviced; otherwise, no one will bother you. Although the staff was not overly &quot;friendly&quot;, I wouldn't categorize anyone as being rude.<BR><BR>I have never been to Little Dix, so I cannot give you a comparison.<BR><BR>sorry about your cancelled ski plans out west; that is where we will be headed this winter.<BR><BR>

MY HUSBAND &amp; I JUST RETURNED FROM CANEEL BAY AND MUST AGREE THAT IT IS ONE OF THE MOST RELAXING PLACES TO VISIT IN THE CARIBBEAN. WE ALMOST DIDN'T GO BECAUSE OF THE NEGATIVE RESPONSES ON THIS WEB SITE. THANK GOODNESS WE DIDN'T LISTEN TO ANY OF THESE PEOPLE. THIS WAS OUR FOURTH TRIP TO CANEEL, AND HOPEFULLY NOT OUR LAST. THE ONLY NEGATIVE WOULD BE THE $90 PER PERSON MEAL PLAN (B&amp;D). THE FOOD IS GOOD, BUT I THINK YOU SHOULD GO TO SOME OF THE LOCAL RESTAURANTS FOR A VARIETY. WE PLAN TO DO THAT ON OUR NEXT TRIP TO CANEEL. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN TO LITTLE DIX, BUT HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT POSITIVE INFO ABOUT IT FROM PEOPLE WE TALKED TO AT CANEEL. YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF VISITING OTHER ISLANDS - WE DIDN'T BECAUSE WE HATED LEAVING THE 7 WONDERFUL BEACHES AT CANEEL I THINK YOU'LL BE HAPPY AT EITHER RESORT.