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In-Depth Information
means no phones or TVs in the rooms. Nevertheless, the movers and shakers of the
world continue to descend on this place, though younger people tend to head
elsewhere.
The resort lies on a 170-acre portion of the national park, offering a choice of seven
beaches. Surrounded by lush greenery, the main buildings are strung along the bays,
with a Caribbean lounge and dining
room at the core. Other buildings
housing guest rooms stand along the
beaches. Most rooms are set back on
low cliffs or headlands. The decor
within is understated, with Indonesian
wicker furniture, hand-woven fabrics,
sisal mats, and plantation fans.
The resort has consistently main-
tained a high level of cuisine, often
quite formal for the laid-back Caribbean. In recent years the food has been consider-
ably improved and modernized, with more variety and more healthy choices on the
menu. In fact, Caneel Beach Terrace (p. 122) and Equator (p. 122) are two of our
favorites on St. John.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831. www.caneelbay.com. &   888/767-3966 or 340/
776-6111. Fax 340/693-8280. 166 units. Winter $470-$1,060 double; off season $350-$730 double. MAP
(breakfast and dinner) $90 per person per day extra. 1 child 15 and under stays free in parent's room.
AE, MC, V. Amenities: 5 restaurants; 2 bars; babysitting; children's center; concierge; health center and
spa; pool (outdoor); room service; 11 tennis courts. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
Westin St. John Resort & Villas This is the only resort on St. John
that actually pampers its guests, from the best spa treatments in the U.S.V.I. to such
deals as special “romance packages.” Come here if you like megaresort flash and glit-
ter as opposed to the “old-school ties” of Caneel Bay (see above). This is the most
architecturally dramatic and visually appealing hotel on St. John. The complex is set
on 34 acres of landscaped grounds on the southwest side of the island. It consists of
21 cedar-roofed postmodern buildings, each with ziggurat-shaped angles and soaring
ceilings. Herringbone-patterned brick walkways connect the gardens (with 400 palms
imported from Puerto Rico) to the 1,181-foot mediocre beach and one of the largest
pools in the Virgin Islands. Some of the stylish accommodations contain fan-shaped
windows and curved ceilings. Most units open onto private balconies, and some have
their own whirlpools. Villas, of course, offer more space and come with a full kitch-
enette. Cuisine options here are more varied than those at Caneel, featuring a con-
temporary cuisine, buffets, and even New York deli sandwiches.
Great Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831. www.westinresortstjohn.com. &   866/716-8108 in the U.S., or
340/693-8000. Fax 340/714-6038. 367 units. Winter $490-$640 double, from $1,000 villa; off season
$400-$550 double, from $900 villa. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Round-trip shuttle and private ferryboat
transfers from St. Thomas airport $95 per adult, $80 ages 4-12. Amenities: 4 restaurants; 2 bars; airport
transfers ($95 per adult, $80 ages 4-12); children's programs; concierge; golf nearby; pool (outdoor);
room service; 6 lit tennis courts; extensive watersports equipment/rentals. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer,
Jacuzzi (in some), kitchenette (in some), minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
Condos & Villas
Villa vacations are on the rise in St. John for travelers who want a home away from
home. There are actually more villa and condo beds available on St. John than there
are hotel beds. These units offer spaciousness and comfort, as well as privacy and
Caneel Bay: From Revolt
to Resort
Caneel Bay, the chic Rockresort, was
once the Pieter Duerloo plantation,
where white settlers defended them-
selves against a slave revolt.
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