We're considering Caneel Bay for a summer vacation with 3 young children. I understand that the resort is family friendly but also realize that families are limited in accomodations and beach choices to certain areas. That's fine with me because I understand that honeymooners for example want and deserve child-less surroundings. My question is - are these areas of the hotel and beaches designated for families "lesser" than the other areas? I don't want to spend a fortune on this place to feel as though we've been pushed to the side and are being highly scrutinized as to our behavior and to which area on the resort we might want to tread.<BR><BR>We are very conscienscious (sp?) about our childrens' behaviors in public, but I don't want to feel like we've got big brother watching over us all the time.<BR><BR>Please give me your thoughts, especially those who've stayed there with children. And, if you can help it please refrain from telling me that we should pick another place if we're so concerned, because my question is about Caneel Bay, not another resort or island.<BR><BR>Thanks so much for your input!<BR><BR>Stephanie

Stephanie,<BR>Please put your worries to rest. You will not feel shunted aside at Caneel. We have taken our two children there 4 years in a row and could not be happier with the way we were treated. <BR>The family friendly beaches are every bit as lovely as the adults only beaches. You won't feel like a second class citizen at this resort. <BR>The staff was always extremely helpful and kind and patient. My children are good kids too and I think traveling is very broadening for them. They've learned so much from our trips and it helps to have places like Caneel where we feel welcome.

I would not classify Caneel as a family resort.<BR><BR>When I was there (in May, so school was still in session), there was only a handful of children, and all were very young (under four). The only time I ever saw kids were on Caneel Beach during the day. It did not seem like the parents brought the kids to dine at the Caneel resturants.<BR><BR>Contrary to popular belief on these boards, families are not limited to certain beaches or certain accompodations. Caneel was sued a while back and had to abandon that policy. However, they strongly encourage families to stay in designated areas since the resort is mainly focused on adults.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>--Lara

There was no suit. The resort requests that two of the seven remain adult only during certain periods of the year.

I just returned last week from Caneel and it is a perfect place to take children. All the beaches are beautiful so you don't have to worry about not being on a nice one. I will warn you that it is a very quiet, low key destination, but that is the true beauty of it. I would highly recommend you visit Caneel Bay....it is one of my favarite trips to date!

Actually, there was a suit filed. Got that right from the General Manager's mouth.

Stephanie,<BR>You won't feel shunned or pushed to the side. You will love it and so will your kids. <BR>Great children's programs and beaches. I just hope the weather is dry for you to enjoy St. John.

Caneel is a perfect place to bring kids! We had a great time. We stayed mostly on Caneel beach because it is right in front by the restaurant and bathrooms. (we found that to be important) Also, my daughter always found other children to play with on that beach. The whole island is very kid friendly too. We can't wait to go back. It was better and easier with a child than we could have hoped for. Have a great trip!