An exclusive resort nestled within the 5,000-acre Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John. Enjoy a watercolor lesson, a Thai massage, or Self Centre mind/body session. Experience marine life up close with our resident snorkologist. Enjoy nature walks with the staff horticulturist or hike along resort trails. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_John/caneelbay/hotel/772/21/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Mon, 9 Nov 2009 18:28:27 EST There is no better antidote to our over-stressed lives, than a serene Caribbean getaway where guests can experience a complete 'disconnect,' in natural surroundings and low-key luxury. Rosewood's Caneel Bay, an exclusive resort nestled within the 5,000-acre Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John, remains faithful to this vision of founder Laurance Rockefeller and to his reverence for the environment. Seven secluded beaches border an expansive paradise of 170 lush acres. In this pristine setting, comfortably elegant resort accommodations showcase beautiful vistas of ocean or gardens, yet the structures -- artfully built in the landscape -- are barely in view. Caneel remains purposefully absent of modern glitz as well as digital and electronic distractions -- it's a place where a wake-up knock replaces a wake-up call and the furious pace of the world at home becomes a remote memory. Caneel and its genteel staff inspire individuals to relax and revitalize on all levels – to disconnect to reconnect. While you're here you can sample a different beach every day for a week. Enjoy a watercolor lesson, a Thai massage, or Self Centre mind/body session. Experience marine life up close with our resident snorkologist. Enjoy nature walks with the staff horticulturist amidst 2,000 different varieties of plants. Hike along resort trails or those of the National Park system. Savor a private dinner under the stars in candlelit sugar mill ruins, a sunset champagne picnic on a hill overlooking the islands, or a private sail on a 65-foot schooner. Or, retreat to your room for a guilt-free siesta with the island's trade winds flowing through. AMENITIES: Nestled within Caneel's lush grounds are 166 charming guest rooms and cottages that feature truly inspiring views. Each intimate retreat has been completely renovated with natural woods and native stone. Settle into the sumptuous comfort of hand-crafted furniture and richly woven fabrics. Thoughtfully indulgent amenities will pamper you in ultimate style and comfort. Relax as the cool ocean breeze whispers through the plantation shutters and our discerning staff attends to your every need. All rooms offer air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Court Side... Located near the tennis courts and fitness center, these rooms offer views of lush tropical greenery and are a short walk to the beach. Tennis Garden... Also near the tennis courts and fitness center, these slightly larger, ground-level rooms are located on a hill. They are surrounded by Caneel's beautiful foliage and fauna and are also just a stroll to the beach. Ocean View... These rooms offer panoramic patio or balcony views of the beach and sea and are minutes from the water's edge. Beach Front... Located directly on the pristine sands of Caneel's beautiful beaches, these rooms feature spacious balconies or patios. Premium... These beachfront rooms are located in single level units and offer the most privacy. All rooms feature patios that open directly onto the finest of Caneel's white sand beaches. Cottage 7... Located in what was Laurance Rockefeller's private estate house, this collection of oversized accommodations offer the most dramatic rooms and patios available, as well as breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. ACTIVITIES: Complementary Services -Airport greeting -Welcome bottle of Island Rum -Use of Sunfish sailboats and kayaks -Windsurfing -Use of snorkeling gear -Introductory scuba diving clinic -Underwater slide show -Use of tennis courts and racquets, weekly tennis round robins -Aerobic exercise -Use of Fitness Center and pool -Managing Director's cocktail reception -Garden Walk -Massage demonstrations -Feature movie presentations -Rum-tasting demonstration -Continental breakfast -Afternoon tea -NY Times facsimile -Evening turndown service -Twice-daily housekeeping service Services at Additional Cost -Full-day Hinckley sail -Scuba diving and instruction -Buccaneer Beach Barbecue -Tennis lessons -Sunset Cocktail Cruise -Day trips to Little Dix Bay -Guided snorkeling tours -Tours of St. John -Fishing charters (half- and full-day) -Boat charters -Self-drive power boat rentals -Jeep rental -Private massage -Laundry service -Babysitting and Children's Program -Self Centre programs Please note: A minimum number of participants may be required for some activities. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Turtle Bay Estate House Succumb to the charms of the Caribbean moon while enjoying an evening of romantic dining at Caneel's most elegant restaurant, Turtle Bay Estate House. Perched high on a panoramic peninsula, Turtle Bay offers an inspired menu of classical and creative American cuisine served against a backdrop of ethereal beauty. Begin with cocktails in the cozy surroundings of the parlor. Then, savor a candlelit feast in the beautifully appointed dining room. Breakfast and lunch buffets are also served in high season at Turtle Bay. Seating capacity: 132. Afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served on the terrace overlooking the channel and affords picturesque views of neighboring islands and passing yachts on the horizon. The Wine Room at Turtle Bay The new Wine Room at Turtle Bay, located within the walls of a 17th-century plantation house, seats up to 10 for private or group dinners. A prix-fixe, seven-course menu is offered with each course carefully selected to highlight top selections from Caneel's wine collection. The wine list offers 265 selections to complement wine tastings and pairing dinners. The Caribbean's only fully operational, temperature-controlled wine room boasts three large glass-enclosed display cabinets filled with over 1,000 bottles of wine and walls lined with Caneel's collection of magnums and double-magnums. Open for dinner seven nights a week in winter and four nights in fall, spring and summer. Equator Restaurant At the Equator, every evening is celebrated with passionate flair. Within the dramatic stone and coral ruins of this enchanted 18th-century sugar mill, you'll enjoy an intriguing menu of eclectic cuisine while a glorious paprika sun sets over the water. This restaurant overlooks all of Caneel Bay with the dramatic lights of St. Thomas in the distance. Its specialty menu features fresh seafood and quality meats prepared with classic and Caribbean flair. Seating Capacity: 142. Caneel Beach Terrace Sumptuous lunch buffets are available at the Caneel Beach Terrace. This open-air dining room located just a few steps from the Caneel Bay shoreline, is also a popular spot for the weekly Grand Buffet. All meals feature the finest cuisine prepared with health and fitness in mind. Seating capacity: 140 Caneel Bay Bar Lite meals served until 9:00 p.m. Live entertainment nightly. Seating capacity: 60. Hours of Operation: Days and hours of operation of the resort's dining venues vary according to season. Attire: Caneel is renowned for its blend of elegance and informality. Gentlemen are asked to wear collared shirts, slacks and closed-in shoes after sunset when dining at Turtle Bay Estate House during winter (jackets are customary during this season but not required). Ladies will feel comfortable in evening resort attire. During spring, summer and fall, dress Bermuda shorts and closed-in shoes or dress sandals are acceptable for gentlemen dining at The Equator or Caneel Terrace. Slacks are required at Turtle Bay Estate House. Type: Resort No. of Rooms: 166 Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_John/caneelbay/hotel/772/21/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 18:28:27 EST