USVI-On-Line

Thanks for the (mostly) reassuring replies.

I know Caneel Bay isn't the most popular place around this site (and others) but I have to ask why someone will always feel compelled to give me a lecture about Caneel Bay not being the same as the Four Seasons. I don't believe I ever suggested as much. Posts like that suggest I haven't done enough homework to decide if a "resort" is right for me or not. Not only that but they are incredibly condescending as are the comments that suggest that I use my manners.

Crabs anyone??

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I am sorry if you thought I was lecturing you, I was referring to the unpleasant review that you questioned and posted,and what his expectations were and what he did wrong. I do not know you and thought you were new to the forum and asking advice as a first timer to Caneel and St John.
I recommended Caneel to a friend and they were very disappointed with the service, I have learned now not to make recommendations. She felt for $1000 a night she should be waited on hand and foot and was sorely disappointed. Most of the bad reviews that you read on tripadvisor is from people with higher expectations. I am sorry I offended you and it was not my intent to lecture! I thought I was offering friendly advice to a new person on the forum and new to St John. My husband used to insure Caneel and I have been many times, if you have any other questions about the resort I would be happy to answer them.

How about a pretty little deer? We saw four of them together on the main Caneel lawn last year. This one is at the Catherineberg ruins:

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Allright, lunch is over, back to work!

I agree with Betty about being hesitant in giving recommendations regarding villas, resorts, restaurants, etc. We are all so different in our expectations....guess I'm too insecure and consider myself to be a relative newbie with only 3 St. John trips so far. On the other hand I really trust and respect the suggestions/advice given by the folks on this forum.
Personally, I don't put much stock in Trip Advisor reviews....IMHO many tend to be written by people with an agenda who are looking to "get back" at an establishment by trashing it, for whatever reasons....some legitimate, others not so legitimate.

I've not stayed at Caneel, but would if I were not more into the villa thing. I've been there many times and love the property. We feel we get more for our $$ in a villa, but if you can afford it or got a great deal, I think you will have a great time! I had the best lunch of my entire vacation last March at Caneel. It was also the most expensive.

I've not seen a rat on STJ in 15 years. I saw a scorpion once and would much prefer a rat to one of those horid little creatures.

Betty, thank you.

We're planning a trip to celebrate the end of my cancer treatments so of course we tried to chose the most relaxing place possible. I've asked a lot of questions about the place while doing my research and am usually met with responses that tell me how to conduct myself and that I should have appropriate expectations. I shouldn't have jumped on you for your response. Truth is, I'm frustrated by all the scolding I seem to get about Caneel Bay. I shouldn't have taken it out on you alone.

I love Caneel, staying in a villa right now, but have already been to Caneel twice this week--once to eat dinner at the Caneel Beach Bar (food was excellent, service great) & then yesterday to their beaches.

Stayed their on our 1st trip & we loved it!!

HawkeyeChick---Caneel Bay is wonderful---I wouldn't worry---at least about Caneel (or rats for that matter). Personally, I always worry about the weather---that is harder to predict. Although we stayed in a villa this last trip, we had lunch at the Caneel Bar, and dinner at Equator---both were excellent. Also went there for drinks, and enjoyed their beaches two afternoons. Turtle Bay is fabulous. Enjoy!!

Hawkeye, I have several pictures of our room at Caneel and would be happy to send them to you if you'd like. Drop me an email.
I won't bore the others with more pictures from my trip

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Hawkeye: Congrats on ending your treatments. You'll love Caneel. We stay at Gallows, but every now and then sneak onto the Caneel beaches (don't tell anyone!)

Scott beach is lovely and so is the little beach to the one side of it...great snorkeling to the left side by the rocks.

We were just there 2 weeks and ago and had two sets of donkeys on Hawksnests (Caneel's Hawksnest, not public beach) trying to mate on the beach. I looked at my hubby and said, "Sex on the Beach" anyone! Never seen rats on island. There was a bat living in the tree next to Stone Terrace that use to terrorize me each night walking back to Gallows, but didn't see it this time.

Caneel's sister resort, Little Dix Bay, on Virgin Gorda, BVI is beautiful as well. I know you can split your trip between the two resorts. We've splurged and stayed there twice...absolutely loved it!

Wherever you stay, enjoy this magnificant creation!

I hope I can say this without too much abuse!
The poster on trip advisor nailed it in the first 2 lines.
5 star location, 2 star resort. Although I would up it to 3-4 star. The location, beaches, and scenery are one of the best in the world, no doubt. You pay for the perfect natural beauty of the setting, and it is indeed perfect. If that suits you, (and who couldn't love the slice of paradise) it's great. However for the price you pay, one sort of expects alot of amenities that you won't find there. As long as you realize what won't be there, Caneel is the ideal place to unwind, count your blessings, and enjoy a singular beautiful spot on earth.

Guys, thank you.

Mary Beth, I'd love to see the photos. I'm at sidsbud@aol.com. Thanks!

I've read many times that you pay for the beaches, not the rooms, at Caneel...which is why we're staying in the cheapy rooms. We actually didn't know villas were that popular on STJ until I came here. We looked into it but, pricewise, it was about the same as the Caneel room we're staying in. That's great but I'm sick of making my own bed