If you only had 4 nights...

madcitygirl · Post by **madcitygirl** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:48 pm

Second post, same idea. I'm starting to get frustrated; but mostly because it's late, I'm tired, and I don't seem to know when to call it a night.

We have 4 nights on St. John, maybe 5. If YOU only had those nights, regardless of cost, would you just stay at Caneel, not rent a car, and just take advantage of their beaches? Also, is there a particular day we should start our trip on? We're going sometime in August.

Will our Verizon cell phones work there? Should we bring our own snorkeling equipment?

Thanks a bunch!

Melissa

madcitygirl · Post by **madcitygirl** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:01 am

Also... the room we're considering staying in at Caneel is the "Premium Beachfront". If anyone has stayed there, I'd love to hear about it!

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:13 am

madcitygirl wrote: We have 4 nights on St. John, maybe 5. If YOU only had those nights, regardless of cost, would you just stay at Caneel, not rent a car, and just take advantage of their beaches?

Yes. Without a doubt. You can get a taxi to most of the North Shore beaches and just tell them what time you want them to come back for you and they will.

If you're feeling adventurous, maybe one day you could take the bus over to Coral Bay.

Also, is there a particular day we should start our trip on? We're going sometime in August.

I would say weekday to weekday so you can avoid the mad rush at the airport/ferries.

Will our Verizon cell phones work there?

Mine did in most places, but since it's very hilly the signal is spotty. Call them and tell them you're going there so you can be sure you have the right coverage. I didn't get any roaming charges when I was there!

Should we bring our own snorkeling equipment?

You don't have to. I'm sure Caneel rents it and there are places in Cruz Bay who rent whatever you need. Personally, I don't like using a "tourist snorkel", even if they do sanitize them. It's just creepy.

sailorgirl · Post by **sailorgirl** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 6:58 am

Caneel is running some nice summer specials 325/night with the breakfast buffet included ( for two).

msgcolleen · Post by **msgcolleen** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:39 am

4 days in and around Caneel sounds perfect! It will go by so fast so don't waste your time trying to see the whole island. It would take 4 days to enjoy all the beaches on the property anyway!
I second an arrival/departure on weekdays.

Good luck~ you will have a blast!

Chickadee · Post by **Chickadee** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:51 am

Welcome, fellow Madison-ite!!

While I'm sure Caneel is really nice, for me I'd spend 4 or 5 nights in a villa and rent a car. Some places only rent for 7 days at a time, but if you look around you might be able to find some that will rent for fewer days or ones that have "holes" in their schedules I'm sure they'd be glad to fill. I love the feeling of "coming home" that staying in a villa gives me, the blissful quiet under the stars at night (but for the frogs that is), the solitude of my own place (as opposed to having other hotel guests around).

We generally find our place to stay first, then grab airfare after, but mid-weeks are generally easier on the nerves.

Snorkeling gear can be rented on-island. Just make sure to get a mask that fits you well and if the one you pick doesn't work for you, don't be afraid to go back and try another. Nothing worse than a leaking mask.

Have a great trip!!

Teresa_Rae · Post by **Teresa_Rae** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:40 am

If I were in your situation I think I’d stay at Caneel…and I’m truly a “villa person.”

To really get a feel for St. John I think you’d need to rent a car and stay for at least a week; but if you only have 4 days, I’d make it easy and stay at Caneel. But of course this is coming from someone who has already seen the rest of STJ many times and the Caneel beaches are the only place on the island that I haven’t been able to enjoy, so they really have an allure for me.

I could easily spend 4 days at Caneel beaches.

And yes, by all means bring snorkeling equipment

When you rent it the masks often don’t fit correctly, and the worst part is that you have to put a snorkel in your mouth that is full of other peoples’ teeth marks!:shock:

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:50 am

Ditto. I'd stay at Caneel if you only have 4 or 5 nights. Be sure to take one day to visit Maho or one of the other North Shore beaches, just because it's nice to get off the resort. Also, don't miss dinner in town at a nice place like Asolare or Zozo's.

savvy · Post by **savvy** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:51 am

Definitely bring your own snorkeling equipment. If you are only staying for 4 days, you won't have to bring a lot of other "stuff". And for 4 days, I think it would be great to be able to settle in at Caneel, get to know their beaches really well, and let someone else do the driving. You'll be back to STJ again and have an opportunity to plan something more elaborate.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:01 am

Assuming that this is your first trip to STJ and since it's such a short trip and you're aiming for Caneel I would enjoy what the resort has to offer.

But split the difference and rent a car for just one of those days (I'm sure Caneel will arrange it or you can take a taxi into town to go to ST. John car rental or another company). Make arrangements in advance though!

Anyway just rent a jeep for $70 (approx) and drive the Northshore road to Coral Bay. Go to Skinny Legs (open every day) for a burger or down to Vies Snack shack (open Tuesday - Saturday - if she feels like it) for a more rustic experience and hang out.

Then on the way back toward Cruz Bay swing by the Annaberg ruins and check out the vistas and the ruins themselves from that vantage point.

Finally head back to Cruz Bay and round out your day by doing a little shopping at Mongoose Junction, drop your car off, grab some dinner in town (many spots to choose from) and take a taxi back to Caneel.

As for dates of travel. If maximinzing week-end time to save vacation days isn't an issue then avoid travel on the week-ends. Not only will you get a better airfare, but the flights should be cheaper (hopefully, but not guaranteed) and less crowded.

Of course August is really off season so that may not be a problem, unless travelers are anxious for bargains and see that as their only chance to get to the USVI and same $$$.

Oh and if u rent a car-- keep LEFT!!

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:42 am

For that amount of time, I would stay at Caneel. We decided that next time we are doing a minimum of four nights at Caneel at the end of our villa stay--three does not give you a chance to get to all of their beaches.

Caneel offers complimentary snorkel gear to their guests. I would still bring my own mask and snorkel, but you can skip packing fins if you want. Just FYI too, they also have complimentary water gear for you to use--kayaks, those windsurfing things--hobie cats, I think?, paddleboats, stuff like that.

Caneel now also has on site car rentals, so if you want to get out and explore, you can get a car from them for the day.

I would recommend going in to town for dinner. I think the restaurants are better in town. For two people, taxis are $10 total each way (that includes tip).

All of the rooms are very nice at Caneel. Premium beachfront rooms are rooms 64-86, all located right on Scott Beach (my favorite beach).

If you have any other questions, let me know.

madcitygirl · Post by **madcitygirl** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 1:08 pm

Wow, you guys are great! I can't thank you enough!!

Melissa

iowaguy · Post by **iowaguy** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 1:33 pm

Good plan to stay at Caneel for a short trip. I might take heat for this, but with that short a trip, I would stick to the Caneel beaches during the day--they are some of the nicest on the north shore and there are plenty of beach options to keep you busy for that time frame. I love Turtle Bay. Do hike/walk over to Honeymoon and Salomon. Making the most of the Caneel beaches will make your trip more relaxing. I would, however, eat most of your dinners in Cruz Bay (Zozo's, Waterfront Bistro, Rhumb Lines would be my top picks----also consider Lime Inn for something casual). Enjoy!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 2:52 pm

We have done 4 nights at Caneel twice and would recommend it. (For full disclosure, these were repeat visits and familarity adds to the instant relaxation upon stepping off the plane.)

Because we were able to get to STT early in the afternoon, the first travel day felt like a first full day of vacation.

Judi · Post by **Judi** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 10:22 am

My husband and I had a "quick fix" in April for 4 nights at Estate Lindholm (other 3 trips were longer in villas). IT WAS TOO SHORT - I am in deep depresstion!!!
Caneel would be very nice! Beaches are worth staying on the property but I would head to Waterlemon Cay one morning and lunch at Miss Lucy's afterward (closed on Mondays). Rent a vehicle at Caneel for the day. Definitely go into town for dinner!
We arrived on a Saturday - not too bad! and (SAD) left on a Wednesday. After dropping the rental off we sat at the Beach Bar and drank Bloody Marys, MMMMGood!
We did bring our own snorkel gear - less hasle spending the time getting it but if Caneel has it available take advantage and it most likely is in good condition if at the resort.
FYI next time stay longer! My husband said a month (in my dreams!!!)Have a wonderful time!

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