Caneel Public Beach - Public Unwelcome

[Betty]

Things will not change with new management, because it is SAME management, and SAME group of owners from NYC and CT. Rosewood was their Marketing and Brand only. The owners are losing money at Caneel and the feedback from guests is their biggest concern. When a guest is paying $800. a night on Big Caneel Beach to have a beachfront room and tourists are there with coolers chairs etc it brings the value down of the resort. They thought they would keep "Interlopers" out with the $20 parking charge. They are now going to make it unenjoyable for "Interlopers" to sit on Big Caneel Beach, they want the locales, cruise tourists and other vacationers to go to Honeymoon.

[hugo]

Betty is totally right. Caneel probably has never made very much money; although before 1986, under Rockefeller ownership, it didn't have to. The big looming elephant in the room now is the switch from the retained estate scenario to a lease from the NPS. Although Congress has approved this in theory, the owners can not expect to continue using the 170 acres for free, just because they are important to the economy of the VI.

[hugo]

The other factor worth pointing out is the tremendous increase in the number of people using the North Shore beaches in the past 15 years, since the number of rental villas has at least tripled.

[Knolmom]

It must have looked a bit " tawdry" you might say, to the high season guests last February to see two couples with at least 5 children including toddlers and teens rolling down the hill from the parking lot pushing strollers laden with beach chairs, umbrellas and noodles, masks and fins, pails and shovels, headed for the main beach. I must admit, I had a little chuckle myself. I don't know if they were locals or tourists but they sure looked like the clampits trying to prevent their gear from spilling down the hill. They were definitely not guests at the hotel for sure. Don't ask me how I know.

[Knolmom]

Further to the above post, my little chuckle to myself was, " I guess the $20 per carload wasn't enough to deter these folks , I guess now Caneel will have to find some other was to keep the public from using the beach". Six months later, so be it.

[Vickie12]

Two years ago, we went to Caneel Bay to be turned away by security guard. Was told no one except guest could enter. Can travelers to the island enjoy the beach at Caneel and have lunch?

[Knolmom]

Vickie, on rare occasions, if there is a notable celebrity in residence, the guards may turn non guests away. Normally, non guests are welcomed at all restaurants, bars and the Caneel main beach and Honeymoon beach. There is a $20 charge for parking which is refunded if you make more than a $20 purchase on the property.

[Vickie12]

Thanks...that is good to know. Returning for another vacation in December.