Laurance Rockefeller's vision of a vacation
Caneel Bay Resort keeps the tradition alive
Maura Curley
Through different presidential administrations, hurricanes, and the tides of economic and social change, it has remained- and island oasis- free from daily distraction.
St. John's Caneel Bay Resort, has hosted heads of state, corporate moguls, movie stars, celebrities, and the simply well heeled during the past five decades.
From the beginning Caneel has embraced low-key luxury, knowledgeable that its guests preferred a paradise of natural splendor and highly personal service to opulence and accoutrements of the burgeoning modern age.
Founder Laurance Rockerfeller secured the resort's unique location - on 170 lush acres in the midst of the Virgin Islands National Park- in the early 1950'S when he sailed into St. John. When the island population was less than 500 residents he purchased many parcels of land, including, the old Caneel Bay plantation.
Rockefeller envisioned a small, luxury-camping site there, designed to have a low-impact on the environment. After supervising Caneel's creation, he donated the property to a non-profit, conservation-oriented foundation supported by the Rockefeller family. The foundation later gave 5,000 acres surrounding it to the federal government, which became St. John's National Park lands.
Today Caneel Bay Resort, managed by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, known for its portfolio of luxury properties, has maintained its Old World charm, while evolving to meet guest's expectations.
Its 166 guest rooms, tucked into tropical fauna, some bordering the resort's seven beaches, still don't have telephones or televisions.
But cell phones are provided free of charge, and televisions are on the grounds, along with a state of the art business center with high spend internet access.
There's dazzling dining in the ruins of an 18th century Sugar Mill, on a terrace and bar by the beach. and in a grand estate house, with its own climate controlled wine room and an impressive collection of over 1,000 bottles.
There's also a fitness center, pool, terrific tennis, a self center, founded six years ago by island resident Jan Kinder, an educator for Deepak Chopa, sailing and snorkel trips, nature hikes, and shopping excursions.
And the resort even offers activities for children, no doubt attended by some offspring of parents who have their own childhood memories of vacationing at genteel Caneel.
Visit Caneel's website here.
The private welcome dock at Caneel Bay Resort in St. John. virginvoices.com photo by D.B. Bostdorf
Maura Curley is publisher of virginvoices.com
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