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Hi All,
We are planning on going to St.John for our honeymoon in late October 05. This will be our first time visiting anywhere in the VI. Originally we were going to stay at Caneel Bay Resort, but after going on Trip Advisor and reading the feedback there, we decided to look into other options. Based on the Caneel Bay Resort website we thought we had made the best choice, but more than one person mentioned feeling deceived by the website, and to find something below our expectations at such high prices would be upsetting. Now that I have looked into it more I am overwhelmed with the choices. It sounds like the Westin is out (reviews in general are not good). We are leaning towards Gallows Point Resort, but the other option would be a Villa. Privacy is important to us, but we also want to be able to toally relax-- we are not interested in cooking our own meals, making our own bed etc-- we want to just escape from all of that day to day stuff for 5 days. It is that fact that causes us to lean toward Gallows, but then I look at pictures of some of the villas and they just look so beautiful!
Walking distance to restaurants and beach would also be great, although we are going to rent a car so that we can get to the north beaches.
Any advice on the perfect honeymoon spot in St John for a couple interested in some hiking, snorkeling, swimming, dining and RELAXING would be very welcome.
Thanks in advance!
Abby
I've heard good things about Gallows, but it's not going to be that private. I also hear there is some major construction going on nearby. (I'll let a local opine on this.) As for Caneel, I spent my honeymoon at Caneel (20 years ago this May!) and have been back 9 times. I love the place! But this year we are renting a villa for 2 weeks. The island isn't that hard to figure out. I would call a locally based rental agency and tell them what you are looking for. Issues I would consider is low likelyhood of construction (this is hard to predict) Close to town, but not too close. We found Catered To very helpful. I would also suggest two books, St. John off the beaten path, and St. John, Feet Fins and Four Wheel Drive, and the St. John Map (National Geographic) all of which can be found at the top of this board. They list all the hiking trails on the island, two of which are at Caneel. Most of the complaints I have heard about Caneel, in my opinion, are from peaple who find it difficult to adjust to a St. Johnian pace of life. There are no TVs in the rooms no phones, some people find this disconcerting...I think it's wonderful. Caneel is best described as "understated elegance" The good news is you have picked a wonderful spot in paradise. Happy wedding!
We stayed at Caneel for our anniversary and if you really don't want to deal with cooking, cleaning, etc. I would strongly recommend it. The food is excellent and the grounds/beaches are some of the best we have seen, especially considering the relative privacy you get by being isolated from the tourist trade.
The suites are not lavish, but certainly not lacking. Tastefully done and honoring the location is a better description. If someone went their expecting Vegas suites, they just aren't appropriate for the island.
You might have trouble finding a villa for 5 days as they prefer to rent 7. October tends to be a 'down' time on the island and some restaurants may be closed or reduced times to give owners/employees a vacation. This might be another reason to stick with Caneel so you do not have to adjust your schedule to fit closures, etc.
Having just returned (two days ago) from six lovely nights at the Westin, I would recommend.....Caneel.
I will be posting a trip report in a few days -- and we had a GREAT time at the Westin.
But the sheer natural beauty of Caneel -- the enhanced privacy -- the absence of children under the age of 12 except at certain specified times of the year (more quiet and romantic without them, don't you think?), the excellent dining (a FULL report on the Grande Buffet is coming) -- the next time I visit St. John I will be going to Caneel Bay.
If you guys are on the go-go-go and want to do watersports everyday and are okay with a more crowded-style resort where every poolside chair is taken (albeit with very nice rooms, very good food and great service) then the Westin will be great.
From an East Coasters perspective Westin vs. Caneel is like Margate vs. Longport -- or Ocean City, MD vs. Dewey Beach.
We spent our honeymoon in July at String of Pearls Villa which is beach front right next to the Westin. It is your own private villa for privacy, but we walked over to the Westin to eat and to catch taxis. This was our first trip to St. John and it was GREAT! If you want the info for this villa e-mail me and I will be happy to forward you any info. Congrats on getting married! I celebrated 8 months yesterday! Can't wait to go back to St. John!!!
String of Pearls is an ideal place for a honeymoon. It's a lovely beachfront place and it's proximity to the Westin is a plus. Check it out through St. John Properties, it may be on its website.
Just located it on the website. www.stjohn properties.com and go to vacation villa rentals.
IF you have to go to st john then caneel is the place for a honeymoon! you will love it! the beach is great...and the rooms are spread out over the property along the beach so nobody is on top of you...
however
little dix bay is another great choice over in virgin gorda! they used to have sister club trips from little dix to caneel half a week and half a week with a ferry inbetween
have a great trip
Thanks everyone! I will research String of Pearls and go back to leaning towards Caneel!
Having lived on STJ for a few years and working in the villa rental industry here...if you are looking for privacy then a villa is the way to go. There are many beautiful villas available in all price ranges...and you can enjoy some superb private chefs and all kinds of great things at your villa.
Carefree Getaways on STJ has a full concierge service that can coordinate all kinds of stuff in your villa like massage, private chef, provisioning...even boat trips to the BVI's and those kinds of activities.
Their website is www.carefreegetaways.com
Hello Abby,
If you haven't made your decision yet check out Windwardside Main House of Calabash Cottages in Coral Bay (www.calabashcottages.com).
Breathtaking views, lots of island charm and style, extensive lush tropical landscaping, huge patio with private hot tub, and TOTAL privacy. We loved every minute there!
Good luck!
Ann
