Caneel Bay
Hotel Information: Set on its own peninsula on St John and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Caneel Bay, a Rosewood Resort, is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, providing rest and rejuvenation in harmony with nature. Known as a retreat for celebrities and others seeking relief from stress, the resort emphasizes privacy and tranquility. A degree of gentility prevails: men are asked to wear long pants (or dress shorts), collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes (no athletic shoes) after dark. Loyal guests return yearly to be greeted by long-time staff members, and "Good morning," "good afternoon," and "good evening" are expected by all.
Amenity highlights: Seven beaches fringe the resort's peninsula and provide snorkeling opportunities. Six are private; two are adults-only. A 40-foot-long, irregularly shaped freshwater pool is flanked by thickly cushioned lounge chairs isolated near tennis courts. Dining choices range from buffets to fine dining with piano music in an air-conditioned setting where men customarily wear jackets.
Insider tip: For a surcharge, the staff of Equator Restaurant sets a table in the sugar-mill ruins, dresses it with white linen, lights tiki torches nearby, and serves a private dinner under the stars.
Caneel Bay, a Rosewood Resort, offers 166 guestrooms without televisions, telephones, radios, or clocks in one- and two-story widely scattered buildings. (Telephones are available in the main building and are sprinkled around the property, and guests can borrow cellular telephones.) Made of concrete or stone and wood, earthtoned lodging buildings are designed to blend into the landscape. They have flat roofs for a low profile and are flanked by dense gardens.
Rooms feature large windows and include balconies or ground-floor terraces with cushioned wrought-iron patio furniture, including lounge chairs, chairs, and cocktail tables. Room size, construction, and decor vary, because rooms are designed to be unique. All rooms include wood, rattan, and bamboo furniture, fabrics of muted colors, terrazzo or tile floors with straw-mat area rugs, tile vanities, and wood louvers that can be opened to tradewind breezes supplemented by ceiling fans as a cooling alternative to rooms' air conditioners.
Rooms feature signature Rosewood Beds consisting of extra-thick, custom-made mattresses, Egyptian-cotton Italian-made sheets (including double-twisted, satin-finish top sheet), and down/feather pillows. Thick towels including bathsheets provide additional comfort. In-room beach towels and umbrellas provide convenience.
Complimentary amenities consist of a bottle of champagne, a large bottle of water, a keychain flashlight, Lady Primrose toiletries, and straw slippers for guests to take home. Smoking is not permitted indoors.
Ocean-view rooms are in one- and two-story buildings either set back from the water or spread around a rocky point. Tennis Garden rooms are in one-story buildings with ready access to the resort's 11 tennis courts. Also in one-story buildings, courtside rooms are located nearest the tennis courts and fitness center.
