Caneel Bay

reconnect with nature at the harmony-inducing ultra luxury sanctuary and rediscover authenticity...

Our Review

Caneel Bay is paradise as it was intended, a natural sanctuary so pristine you’d think you discovered the Garden of Eden. Disconnect from the stress, hustle, and even the bustle of modern life and reconnect with pure authentic living - the way life was meant to be experienced: with the wind at your back, your feet in the sand, and the glory of nature enveloping you in its warm embrace. Located on a sprawling 170 lush Caribbean acres (with seven secluded beaches) on the US Virgin Island of St. John, this ultra luxury beach resort is an oasis of bliss and beauty. Blending seamlessly with the landscape, Caneel Bay remains a testament to its founder, legendary conservationist Laurance Rockefeller, who championed wilderness preservation and ecology.

Upon entry into this veritable heaven on Earth, you instantly feel a sense of liberation. You discover your intimate guest room, one of 166 charming accommodations nestled within Caneel’s lush grounds, and your soaring freedom’s found a home base. Outfitted in casual luxury, the rooms are welcomingly devoid of digital distractions, artfully decorated in natural wood and stone with commissioned artwork and handcrafted furniture - all inspiring you to take a load off and simply BE. Pick your paradise view, from garden to ocean view to beachfront, or go all out and stay in Rockefeller’s private estate house. Whichever accommodation you choose, you’re guaranteed peace and quiet. Here at Caneel, serenity is the name of the game.

In this joyful retreat, you’ll probably be feeling a little playful. Luckily, there’s an abundance of activities available. Enjoy complimentary Sunfish sailboats, kayaks, and snorkeling gear. Play tennis, swim in the pool, and stay in shape at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Sample Caribbean rums or lay back and watch a feature movie presentation. For an additional charge you can take a Zumba or Yoga class, learn how to scuba dive, take a watercolor lesson, rent a powerboat to explore the sea or a jeep to explore the verdant landscape. Then reward yourself with some outstanding pampering via therapeutic massage in a cabana or en suite. Feel the waves of relaxation washing over you like the soothing vibes of the Caribbean herself.

The dining experience can often be one of the most memorable aspects of a vacation, and at Caneel Bay, the cuisine is nothing short of phenomenal. Turtle Bay Estate House, for example is one of St. John’s most elegant restaurants, a romantic atmosphere offering a creative steakhouse-inspired theme. The Wine Room at Turtle Bay is an 18th-century plantation house that seats 10 guests for a special private dinner. Caneel Beach Terrace surfside buffet-style dining and the Bar & Grill is a groovy lounge with the only TVs on the island. But the pièce de résistance is definitely Sugar Mill: an amazingly romantic restaurant perched high atop the ruins of an 18th-century sugar mill that serves only best delicacies of the Caribbean. So yes, the dining experience is simply intoxicating and sure to leave lingering taste memories.

So come to Caneel Bay for an absolutely gorgeous tropical island experience, where an abundance of breathtaking scenery, fragrant flowers and colorful birds abound with the occasional plantation ruin to add to the St. John’s allure. The service at Caneel Bay is nothing short of premium and the focus on details shines brilliantly, like so many diamonds reflecting upon the water. Come reconnect with authenticity and discover your own paradise. Life just doesn’t get much more pristine than this.