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We Love St. John. After vacationing on about a dozen islands over the years we went back to St. John and Caneel Bay. We understand Caneel Bay is not for everyone - but it is for us. If you are lookingfor the big resort with pool this is not for you(we have never seen Caneel's pool)we had a beach front room on Caneel (#18) we sat on the porch and had our coffee watching hummingbirds and flying fish, amazingly private for being on the main beach. The staff were very attentive and friendly, the room updated and well attended to. Beautiful beaches, grounds and the view from Turlte Bay is WOW!
We rented a jeep and toured the island and beaches daily, one amazing view after another. We rented from Conrad Sutton, the jeep had only 1100 miles and everything went fine with them - we told them that they got bad reviews and were told they don't read the reviews. The parking is so convenient and great exercise walking up the hill from their lot!!
We took the day trip to Virgin Gorda from Caneel and toured the Baths - highly recommend The Baths - lunched at Little Dix and saw some of their rooms - beautiful resort. You leave Caneel at 8 and return trip is at 2:30 - about 1 1/2 hours including immigration.
Back in time for your afternoon painkiller!!
Myhusband is still raving about his grouper sandwich at MIss Lucy's and of course his daily painkiller. I had to find a recipe for Painkillers, the one a Caneel definitely the strongest!!
We had dinners at Lime Inn(we really like their food), The Balcony(beautiful view, great lobster, but tough steak and ask for rolls if you want them), LaTapa(excellent),Equator(great view),Banana Deck and Zozos(great restaurant-but there was a group of overserved who kept throwing glasses over the rail and all were disappointed that management didn't toss them out sooner-our bill was adjusted by mangement to compensate for the disturbance!) and Panni Beach(we really liked the food and view and were surprised that we don't hear more about it)
Has St. John changed since our first trip? More tourists, kids and development! But we will come back again and again for its beauty, people and tranquility. We love the town of Cruz Bay and Coral Bay (but not the way my husband drives to Coral Bay) and we love Caneel, last trip we stayed at Cap Juluca in Anquilla, great room and resort, but there is something about Caneel that we feel calls us back --- LOVE IT!!
Mike!
Thanx for the report - sounds like you had an awesome time!
We are looking for a perfect romantic dinner place during April & our villa rep. has suggested Stone Terrace, Equator or Zozo's. Others have strongly suggested Chateau Bordeaux (he did not - but, we haven't ruled it out).
Can you tell us a little bit more about Equator. You mentioned great view - but, could you also let me know about the food quality, service & overall ambiance & cost.
If by any chance you have been to either Stone Terrace, Chateau Bordeaux, Zozo's or even Asolare (rep. thought that Asolare was not worth the money - but, again, we have an open mind) - I'd appreciate your comparison.
But, again, haven't heard hardly anything on this board in regard to Equator & our rep. spoke highly of it & the one picture that I saw on Caneel's site looked really pretty!
Again, appreciate your response.
Sue
Equator is probably the most romantic we went to. The server calls you by your name each time she comes to the table - and ours is not an easy name - food was good - not as good as some of the others - but the view is awsome - I think the entres were in the $30 range, plus appetizer, salad - it is a lovely restaurant you should go.
We have never gone to Chateaux because of the drive at night(I mentioned the painkillers!!!) nor Asolare because we were told not worth the money and view from ZoZos is pretty nice also. Stone Terrace - we didn't get there this time - but I remember it being very nice with good food - the road is between the ocean and the restaurant but it is a romantic view - sit on the porch.
I don't have to tell you to enjoy - you just will.
Thank you, Mike!
We really appreciate hearing more about Equator.
I am really leaning toward picking this restuarant - it just seems to have a "special vibe". And you are right about coming down Bordeaux Mountain at nite - it might be smarter, as some have suggested, to go there for a burger or drink during the early afternoon hours.
I forgot to ask - was the menu very "eclectic" - meaning "gourmet"? Or could a simple girl like me - just get a nice Filet Mignon?
Sorry to be such a pest!
We were there last Friday - so we didn't look at the meat part - but I'm pretty sure they had filet. I had a mahi-mahi that had some asian vegetables - nothing I would order back home and really enjoyed it - my husband had tiger shrimp that were huge and he enjoyed his meal also. Hope that helps.
Thank you!
We will definitely think of you if we decide to try it out. (Which is looking pretty probable!) It looks very romantic & unique!
Can't beat this forum!!!
I concur with MIKE, Equator is a great place for an evening meal, great sunset also. Many do not go to Caneel thinking it is not in their price range.
I think you will find that it is like the other great restaruants on STJ, prices may be a little higher but you get great service, great views, and the grounds at night are wonderful under their lights.
Check out their website as they do have a dress code....
RM
Mike...we happened to be at Zozo's for the wine glass incident also. I am hoping that it was an isolated incident! and we too were a little surprised at the managements attitude. I am talking about last Sat PM...you too? It all began towrad the end of our meal when 2 glasses had been thrown...please tell me it didn't go beyond that?!
Hi!
Me, again.
Another quick question.
Is there usually live entertainment at Caneel on Saturday nites? (Tuesday will be our backup nite)
And if so, I am assuming there wouldn't be a problem with "non-guests" enjoying it.
We are thinking that if there was a steel pan band or something - it sure would cap off the evening nicely to have a drink at their Terrace Bar and listen to some "island tunes", after our dinner.
Just another thought that might keep steering us in the direction of a perfect nite at Caneel & The Equator.
Oops, one more question, did you have any opportunity or experience with items on the menu & asking for any variations in the way it was prepared or served. Just wondering ahead of time, if they seemed open to modifying dishes at all (as I am a little less adventurous in the food department than my husband).
Thanx again!
My husband and I ate at the Equator on our wedding night this past December. The food was definitely good, and the restaurant was beautiful and VERY romantic. The only thing I would suggest would be to apply bug spray before you go..... this is the only time that we were on the island that I got eaten up!
Yes, they have entertainment and it is some nice music that has steel drums. It was in the bar/lounge the last time I was there and it is open to the public.
You will find the menu has something for evryone, again go to their website, if I recall the menu was there.
Hope you enjoy it, then again no matter where you eat on STJ I thin is better than being in the cold and snow...
RM
Thank you all for your responses!
You are right - so much fun planning an "outside" romantic dinner - while the cold air surrounds us in Massachusetts.
We had pretty much narrowed our choice down between Chateau Bordeaux and The Equator - and I think that The Equator just has that special "unique" atmosphere of those ruins that seems to be pulling us in.
Again, can't thank you all enough! As I had mentioned, I hadn't seen any reference to The Equator before this trip report. So, Thanx again "MIKE" for starting this thread!
Yes, we will remember the bug spray!
I just need to put in a plug for Chateau Bordeaux (sp?), not necessarily "instead of" eating at Caneel (which we have never done, though it's possible on our next visit to STJ (LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY he says with unabashed delight!), but at least keep it in mind as a great option for one of your other dinners out.
We've eaten at CB twice and each time had a lovely & memorable meal. Very good food, gracious service and a view beyond compare.
Only thing is, if you do eat dinner there, be sure to make an early reservation to enjoy the view!
Re. the drive home: take it easy and remember to "Stay Leff Mon!"
It ended up that they threw at leat 4 glasses - but the manager came up to us and said "he at first thought it was an accident and that the 4 people's bill was $450 and he didn't want them to bolt on that"
OK...thanks for update...the first glass could have been mistaken for an accident, which is exactly what we thought. But when the 2nd glass went flying while the poor busman was down there trying to sweep up glass number 1, it was definately "no accident"!!! Did you also see the exchange of money, which the busman brought back to their table refusing it? Shortly after this point is when we left, thinking that was it. I'm sorry but a bill of $450 for 4 people is no excuse...that is completely relative to what we spent as a party of 2! It was a very poor managerial decision ...those people were drunk when glass number one went flying!!! Personally I am not that impressed w/ Zozo's as so many others are...it was not our first time there, and I was willing to give them another try. YES, the food is good BUT, there is an attitude I dont like there. The servers are not personable, and I feel a very pompous overall attitude.
I've heard there's a dress code at the Equator. Anyone know what it is?
Thanks,
WW
Check the website for caneelbay it is on there.
RM
