No suggestions since I am not familiar- but wanted to wish you CONGRATULATIONS on your 35th! Wow!

Bluwater, thank you so much for your kind wishes. Our parents have been married 63 and 61 years, so, at 35 years, we have some "catching up" to do! Thanks again!

The map from Caneel (also on the website) gives you an idea of which view you prefer. Hawksnest is Alan Alda's favorite and the only view toward Sir Francis Drake Passage and Jost, Turtle is considered most prestigious and looks at the islands north of STT, Scott has the best sunsets and view of STT lights, others near the business center have the most boat activity and are closer to Honeymoon Beach and the spa. I think you should decide the area or block of rooms, then reask the question for a specific room.
Congratulations, we're at 37.

MLS, since it sounds like you've got experience with Caneel Resort I have a couple of questions... I snorkeled at Caneel in the sea grass beds in front of some of the cabins (not sure where I was, I've only been to STJ once and this was on a day sail and our captain anchored off shore and we snorkeled there to see the Sea Turtles)... my observation was that I really didn't care for the sand there... not smooth as I was used to at Trunk or Cinnamon, etc. My question is this: do those staying at Caneel have "shuttle service" to the surrounding beaches such as Hawksnest and is this really as wonderful a place to stay as the price implies? We stayed at Gallow's Point and took the taxis out to the beaches and it was very convenient to dinner in Cruz Bay where as if we had stayed at Caneel we wouldn't have been within walking distance for dinner, etc.

Kathleen: Caneel has 7 beaches. They are pretty good about making sure that guests are not bothered by "riff-raff" (;)) No need to shuttle to another beach. Mr Rockefeller's concept was camp where one could get away from the world, no phones, no TV, dining on the premises. It is a very different idea, but quite worthwhile for those who really want to unplug.

IMO Caneel beaches are the best on the island, We all like different aspects of beaches, To me, what makes SJ beaches great are the combination of relatively small coves, with calm beautiful water that are tree lined and have views of islands in the distance. In other words, they have everything.
Having stated the things I like in a beach, my favorite beaches at Caneel Bay are: 1) turtle bay and 2) hawksnest. Neither has any appreciable sea grass and both reflect my favorite aspects for beaches. Hawsnest is particularly appealing if you want to have afternoon shade, which is important for people like me who suffer the pasty white man's disease of being sun-susceptible skin. There are shuttle buses that make movement arount the resort, from beach to beach, easy. Good luck on your 35th aniversary. My wife and I are also celebrating 35 this year. I decided I loved her when we were on St John in 1970. I can't imagine a better place to spend number 35.

Caneel has shuttle service around its property, including taking people to Honeymoon which is the typical beach for STT daytrippers. There are always regular STJ "taxis" stationed at the parking lot to take you to any beach or town.
I've never heard of anyone complaining about the quality of Caneel beaches. I also think that Caneel might not let boaters anchor in their bays especially Scott, Turtle, and Hawksnest. More likely you were at Honeymoon or Solomon(sp?), the latter of which has TMM less desirable sand.
Worth it?-most Caneel guests spend the vast majority of their time eating and playing on-site.
Sounds like you have already decided that is not the experience that you want. Have a meal there-you'll get a feel for whether or not it suits you. If you need/want pampering, Caneel's probably the best spot on STJ/