BootsnAll Travel Community

We have been going to Caneel Bay on St. John for 9 years. Love the National Park aspect of it...not very developed and we love to hike and snorkel. We love this place but it is getting very pricey each year and at some point it is going to out price us... The property Caneel is like 170 acres with only 140 rooms and there is 7 beaches and snorkeling. But there are like 52 on the island...i am trying to find another place that we would love as much as this place...anyone know ??????

Kathleen

Are you firm on resort vacationing? If not, you might look into the island's many rental properties. One of the best vacations I ever had was in a beautiful rental house on Reef Bay. Everything from massive homes to small condos are available for a wide range of prices. Rent a car and you've got the run of the island and all its glorious beaches -- including all of the national park. You won't be waited on, of course, but visiting the supermarket in town is an experience not to be missed.

You might also look at St. Lucia. Yeah, it has a Sandals and the like in Rodney Bay, but I'm thinking more of something like Villa des Pitons. I don't know this place specifically (although it looks wonderful), but I've spent several days at various times on a sailboat moored in the harbor between the Pitons. The scenery is among the Caribbean's best, and St. Lucia recognizes the value of its natural beauty -- much of the island is protected not unlike St. John.

That looks like a beautiful place.... someone told me St. Lucia is a gambling place and I did not know if that was true. It looks like we would need to rent a car as the closest beach is a few miles away?

Gambling, huh? I suppose there are casinos, but it's hardly Las Vegas. My experiences on the island have included some excellent Scuba diving with a local dive master, hiking, boating, and a tour by van of the inland mountains and eastern coastline.

You're right about those villas being a few miles from the beach. You might check out Jalousie Plantation Resort, which is nestled right down there between the Pitons with walkable beach access. Pricing may be no better than Caneel bay, though.

Another option is this place in Marigot Bay. The Moorings sailboat charter base is here, so I've stayed at their hotel.