St. John Honeymoon?

kellyanne31

Hi everyone! My fiance and I have been doing a lot of research for our honeymoon after our April 2015 wedding. We're looking mainly at the Caribbean since we'll be coming from Washington, DC and would prefer to minimize travel time during our one week off. 

We've heard amazing things about St. John from friends - I've been looking into Caneel Bay, which is more or less in our budget (but stretching it a little). I was wondering if anyone has been to St. John or Caneel Bay in particular and could speak to whether it may be a good match for us - we're both doctors and are looking forward to some secluded time away from our pagers, haha. Our ideal spot would be tranquil but also with good restaurants and maybe some bars/shopping to check out. I'm always a fan of nature to explore and athletic, physical activities, etc. 

Anyway, it's getting close to our wedding, just wanted any last minute advice/suggestions before pulling the trigger on St. John. Anywhere of a similar nature we should look into as well? I'd appreciate any advice! 

Thanks! 

Kelly 

Jells2dot0

St.John is a gorgeous island and Caneel Bay is a great place to disconnect. The beaches in St. John are gorgeous and Cruz Bay has a lot of cute shops and restaurant areas. Plus, St. John is 2/3 National Park, so you have plenty to explore. When I was there, I also rented a boat for a day and cruises along the BVIs. Just be sure to have passports if you want to island hop the BVIs.

lyndausvi

I love St John and Caneel Bay.    Like jells said it's 2/3 national park, lots of hiking, snorkeling and stuff.

Caneel has their own boat shuttle from STT.  They have a booth at the airport where you check-in, take you via taxi to their own boat and then directly to their own dock where golf carts are waiting to whisk you to your room.  Of course it's an additional cost, but worth it.  You other options is taking taxi to the public ferry, then another taxi in St John to Caneel.  Not complicated, just not as convenienteither.

My favorite restaurant is at Caneel Bay.  Zozo's is not owned by the hotel. The sunset views are amazing.  The food is amazing too.

   Caneel has 7 beaches, so you could go to a different one every day.   Honeymoon beach is not as private like the others.   *** note - all beaches are public, but 6 of the 7 Caneel beaches the public can only access via the water. So making it pretty much private.    The Hawksnest beach you can see a bunch of turtles.

I haven't been there in 3 years, but back then there was no room service per se.  The rooms are spread out over 40 acres, you need to take a shuttle to some of the rooms.  So because of that there is not practical way to get food to some of the units.   

Caneel has a sister property in Virgin Gorda (BVI) called Little Dix.   A few times a week they run a boat up there.  I think it would be worth the trip (take your passport).   There are other trips to the BVI you can take also.   They have a good dive shop out of Caneel too.

I love St John.  So much so I lived their for 7 years (then St Thomas for another 7 years).   The people are great.  Lots of  great people, restaurants, activities.      Feel free to ask me questions.

stephc314

Caneel Bay is amazing.  My husband and I were married there 6/14.  THE best trip of my life.  Caneel is relaxing, quiet, beautiful and you can choose to disconnect.  There is wi-fi so it's not like you're completely off the grid, but no television/telephones in the rooms.  

We stayed in Cottage 7B and I would absolutely stay there again in a heartbeat.  I wish we would've stayed longer, and I absolutely cannot wait to go back again someday.

Feel free to PM me for pictures/more info.  Happy to help! 

kellyanne31

Thanks everyone for the advice! Beachfront room is booked and we are officially heading to Caneel Bay in April - can't wait!