CANEEL BAY RESORT FACT SHEET
Overview:
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Located in St. John, United States Virgin Islands
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Caneel Bay is set on its own private peninsula amid 170 acres in Virgin Islands National Park,
surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Pristine natural surroundings and low-key
luxury are the signatures of this exclusive retreat, which offers an inviting array of Caribbean
diversions including seven white-sand beaches, a fitness center and pool, complimentary water
sports and amenities and unspoiled natural surroundings.
Climate:
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The climate of the Virgin Islands is semi-tropical and one of the healthiest in the world.
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Average temperatures hover around 79° Fahrenheit and constant easterly breezes guarantee cool
nights year-round.
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There is no clearly defined wet or dry season and therefore, weather conditions are splendid any
month of the year.
Resort History:
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Over the centuries, Caneel Bay has been inhabited by diverse cultures from all over the world. It
was in the early eighteenth century when a group of Dutch planters, one of which was Peter
Durloe, set up plantations on St. John. Durloe named the land “Cinnamon Bay” after the
abundance of cinnamon trees found on the island. The Dutch word for “cinnamon” is “caneel.”
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Throughout the years, Caneel Bay was a thriving plantation with sugarcane being grown in the
mountain valley being refined at the plantation’s own sugar works near the beach or today’s “sugar
mill ruins” at the resort.
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Laurance S. Rockefeller "discovered" Caneel Bay in 1952 while sailing in the Caribbean. The total
population of the island was only 400, and 85 percent of the island's topography was jungle.
Envisioning the perfect vacation spot amid this unspoiled land, he purchased the Caneel Bay
Plantation.
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In 1955, Rockefeller began developing an infrastructure on the island to provide the resort with
power, fresh water and roads. He oversaw every detail of the development. He also donated the
property to Jackson Hole Preserve, a non-profit, conservation-minded foundation supported by
the Rockefeller family. The preserve later purchased 5,000 additional acres surrounding Caneel
Bay and donated the land to the federal government, thus paving the way for the creation of the
U.S.V.I. National Park.
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Caneel Bay opened in 1956 as a wholly original and ecologically sensitive resort. The resort’s logo
signifies the end of a cinnamon stick in honor of Caneel Bay’s history when it was dubbed
“Cinnamon Bay” by its former Dutch inhabitants.
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In 2006, Caneel Bay celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the release of a commemorative book
entitled, Caneel Bay, A 50-Year History. The book follows the evolution of the resort as told by its
loyal guests and long-time staff members.
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In 2013, Caneel Bay transitioned to an independent boutique property.
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In December 2016, Caneel Bay celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a commemorative weekend.
Beaches:
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Circling the peninsula, Caneel Bay features seven secluded beaches: Honeymoon Beach, Caneel
Beach, Little Caneel Beach, Paradise Beach, Scott Beach, Turtle Bay Beach and Hawks nest Beach.
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Each of the beaches is defined by its own unique personality.
Honeymoon is the only
“uninhabited” beach, free of resort accommodation. Caneel and Little Caneel are popular with
families thanks to their gentle waters and abundant water sports activities. Paradise and Scott are
known as the “peace and quiet” beaches and are famed for their glorious sunsets. Turtle Bay is an
intimate cove with gentle breezes and picturesque island vistas. And Hawksnest, known as the
“wild beach,” is preferred by those seeking a golden sunrise and the lull of gentle surf.
Guest Rooms
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166 airy, spacious guest rooms feature air-conditioning with digital in-room climate control,
louvered walls, open-picture windows and ceiling fans, enabling guests to delight in St. John's
plentiful trade winds.
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Casually elegant interiors are decorated with hand-crafted furniture, richly woven fabrics, plush
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reading chairs, commissioned artwork and tiled bathrooms.
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All rooms feature either a patio or balcony and offer breathtaking views of the pristine white-sand
beaches or lush tropical gardens.
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All guest rooms include sitting area, fully stocked refrigerator/mini-bar, safe, bathrobes and
slippers, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and umbrellas. There are no telephones or televisions in
the individual guest rooms.
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Once the island home of the Rockefeller family, the famous ‘Cottage 7’ has housed celebrities and
political figures, who enjoy its secluded location and its five individually designed rooms, all
featuring colonial-style, four-poster beds.
Resort Dining:
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Turtle Bay Estate House: Perched high atop the northern most tip of the island and affording
panoramic views, the Turtle Bay Estate House offers an inspired menu of contemporary American
cuisine served in an 18th-century plantation house. The restaurant’s verandah, surrounded by
shade trees and Caribbean hardwood furniture, is the perfect setting for afternoon tea or evening
cocktails.
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Caneel Beach Bar & Grill: This open-air bistro offers all day dining with a menu created by
Executive Chef Nicholas Arnold. Find flavors for the entire family at the Caneel Beach Bar &
Grill, located right next to the resort’s main reception area. Stay current on the latest news or catch
the game on large TV screens while you browse the menu for your favorite classic dish. Featuring
delectable sandwiches, burgers and tempting desserts, as well sushi and sashimi rolls, this casual
setting is the perfect place to unwind after a full day of recreation. At sundown, stop into the bar
for creative cocktails and unwind as the scenic Caribbean backdrop fades to night.
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The Sushi Bar: The Sushi Bar is adjacent to the Beach Bar & Grill. Chef Stephen Borela offers a
creative selection of sushi rolls and sashimi. Specialties include the St. John Roll and Sandy Beach Roll.
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ZoZo’s Ristorante: ZoZo’s Ristorante features northern Italian fare, from homemade pastas to
pistachio-crusted mahi mahi. The new concept is pioneered by John Ferrigno, who owned ZoZo’s
Ristorante when it was located at Gallow’s Point Resort near Cruz Bay. Ferrigno established the
restaurant as one of the premiere dining destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Set high atop the
resort’s 18th-century sugar mill ruins, overlooking Caneel Bay with St. Thomas on the horizon, the
lofty, open-air restaurant is prized for its evening breezes and spectacular sunset views.
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Caneel Beach Terrace: Caneel Beach Terrace is located directly adjacent to the reception/lobby
area. The dining room, which features an open-line kitchen with wood-burning oven and
rotisserie, overlooks Caneel Beach. Popular for its sumptuous breakfast buffet.
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The Wine Room: The Wine Room, located within the Turtle Bay Estate House, seats up to 10 for
private dinners. A prix-fixe, seven-course menu, carefully selected to highlight selections from
Caneel's wine collection, is offered. The wine list is comprised of 265 selections to complement
wine tastings and pairing dinners. The Caribbean's only fully operational, temperature-controlled
wine room boasts over 1,000 bottles of wine. Weekly wine tasting is offered on a complimentary
basis to preview the resort’s latest selections.
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Cannella: Caneel Bay’s coffee shop and Italian gelateria. The coffee shop serves paninis, fresh
fruit smoothies, snacks, cappuccino, lattes, and coffee, in addition to offering gelato that is inspired
by local ingredients such as tamarind and tropical fruits.
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Honeymoon Beach Hut: Located on Honeymoon Beach, the Cannella staff serves a menu of
panini’s, snacks and drinks.
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Scott Beach Hut: Enjoy a frozen drink without leaving the beach. This hut is conveniently
located on Scott Beach for guests to order their lunch and beverages throughout the day.
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Private Events in the Ruins: Private parties can be hosted at Caneel Bay’s private sugar mill
ruins, located just below Zozo’s. Guests dine in the dramatic glow of torch lights amongst
beautiful Danish stone and coral walls, decorated with conk shells and sea glass under a starlit sky.
Work with our catering team to develop a special menu for the event.
Exclusive Services
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Virgin Island Ecotours: Based out of Caneel Bay’s beachfront Honeymoon Hunt, the island
outfitter offers eco-excursions to guests, including three-hour kayak, hike, and snorkel adventures,
in addition to offering stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and beach floats for rent.
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Children’s Program: Caneel Bay offers an extensive children’s program for young guests, with
the focus on making learning fun. “Turtle Town” is the hub for children’s activities, including:
nature walks, arts and crafts, magic shows, pirate treasure hunts, a playground fish hunt and much
more. All activities take place under the guidance of caring, knowledgeable and fully trained
supervisors. Parents may join their children for some or all of the activities at Turtle Town if they
desire.
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Babysitting Services: The resort offers a nanny service available during the day and evening
hours with 24-hour notice requested.
Nannies are carefully screened by qualified childcare
professionals.
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Club Calabash: The teen center is the perfect place for tweens and teens to spend time. This fun
space includes large screen tvs, air hockey, ping pong, shuffleboard and more!
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Fitness Center: Open 24 hours, this free-standing facility located on the East side of the property
offers a variety of state-of-the-art cardiovascular and training equipment, including free weights.
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Additional Amenities:
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Massages in massage center or beachside cabanas
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Complimentary afternoon tea
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Art Classes – reserve with the concierge
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Jeep rentals for island sightseeing
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Nightly movie presentations at the Turtle Bay Estate House
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Manager’s weekly cocktail party
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Cololoba Boutique & Gift Shop: wide selection of trendy apparel and beach wear, Caneel Bay
branded item, locally crafted souvenirs, magazines and select essentials
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Complimentary inter-property trolley service runs every 15 minutes
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Convenient taxi stand located towards the resort’s entrance for easy access to St. John
Business Center
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Computers (with high-speed Internet access), phone and fax machine
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Cellular phones are available to guests at no extra charge
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High Speed WiFi access available throughout the property
Accessibility:
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U.S. citizens do not require a passport to travel to the United States Virgin Islands.
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Guests visiting Caneel Bay fly into Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas (STT) accessed by
American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, United Airlines and select
regional carriers.
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Four miles (35-minute ferry ride) from Charlotte Amalie or one mile (15-minute ferry ride) from
Red Hook
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Resort provides St. Thomas airport reception and check-in followed by a short land transfer to
Caneel Bay’s private boat service to St. John.
Staff:
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450 employees
Resort Information and Reservations:
Caneel Bay
P.O. Box 720, Cruz Bay, St. John
U.S. Virgin Islands 00831-0720
Tel: + (1) 340.776.6111
Website: http://www.caneelbay.com
Press Information:
Randie Schoenberg
Hawkins International Public Relations
Tel. 212-255-6541
Fax 212-255-6716
Email: [email protected]
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