Originally conceived in the fifties as a secluded retreat for Laurance S. Rockefeller to entertain his wellconnected friends, Caneel Bay in St. John has been owned by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts since 1993. Yet whilst the international standards of this prestigious hotel company have long been in place, the original escapist ambience (free wi-fi notwithstanding!) remains very much in tact.

It sits on a peninsula flanked by seven beaches and surrounded by the undulating greenery of the Virgin Islands National Park. Unsurprisingly the recreational activities are tailored to this back-to-nature setting and include snorkelling, windsurfing and scuba-diving, with sunset cocktail cruises and sailing trips to nearby islands also offered. A work-out facility, eleven tennis courts and an aptly-titled ‘Self Centre’ offering sessions in yoga, meditation and breathing pay homage to more contemporary interests, whilst scheduled ferries to St. Thomas permit duty-free shopping and golf on the highly-rated Mahogany Run Golf Course.

The restaurants successfully manage to cater to a discerning clientele whilst also reflecting their tropical setting. Gourmet cuisine awaits in an elegantly restored manor house, Caribbean specialities are served in an 18th century sugar mill, with casual daytime fare on the menu in the beachside terrace.

And at night guests can look forward to retiring to their spacious air-conditioned rooms, most of them overlooking the powder white beaches and charmingly styled with natural woods, native stone, hand-crafted furnishings and richly woven fabrics. Each one is equipped with everything one needs for a decidedly restful stay and that doesn’t include TVs or telephones!

ACCOMMODATION: 166 GUEST ROOMS.
ACCESS: BY BOAT FROMST. THOMAS.
CHILDREN: WELCOME, WITH THEIR OWN CLUB.
7 NIGHTS: FROM £2,115 P.P. IN THE HIGH-SEASON (£170 P.P.P.N.) & £1,495 P.P.
IN THE LOW-SEASON (£120 P.P.P.N.).
MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST INCLUDED IN THE LOWSEASON. VARIOUS MEAL PLANS AVAILABLE.
SPECIAL OFFERS: FREE NIGHTS, FAMILY.