fookisan:
Thanks for all the feedback.
Too bad there is nothing more direct from the airport in St. Thomas. When you were on route to St. John, did you stay a night in St. Thomas or just go straight from the airport to the ferry and onto your final destination of St. John?
Dan T
We flew into St. Thomas and Caneel Bay had a shuttle that picked us up at the airport, and took us directly to their ferry. On the ferry, they had complimentary Rum Runners for all. It went right to Caneel Bay's dock. Ditto for our return to the airport. The ferry went out of Red Hook, on the east side of St. Thomas.
There's also regular ferry's that run from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook to Cruz Bay, if you're not staying at Caneel Bay. Once you pick your hotel or villa in St. John, they should be able to help you out with that part of the trip.
My impression of the 2 major resorts on St. John:
Caneel Bay: I can't say better things about this place. It was very secluded and relaxing. Rooms don't have a TV or phone, and that suites me just fine. The rooms were small 2-story bungalo's. Most are on a beach, about 25 yards from the ocean. We stayed beachside, but on the 2nd floor. It was a bit cheaper, and this gave us a balcony, which we preferred to a patio anyway. They have a pool, but it is mostly deserted, since they have 7 picturesque beaches.
Westin: We visited this resort to see what it was like. They had 1 beach, and a big pool. It was more of a high-rise tower-type resort. It would have been adequate, but we were spoiled by Caneel Bay. If the price is right, I would stay there. But if the Westin is similiar in cost to Caneel Bay, then I would vote for the latter.
Also, St. John has many villas for weekly rental. This is a nice option, especially if there's 4 (or more) members of your group. Of course, you are more "on your own" with this route, but St. John is a very small island. If you're staying in/very near Cruz Bay, you won't needa car. If you're staying on the other side of the island, in the town of Coral Bay, this may be different. We visited for the day, and it was difficult to get a feel for that town.
Have fun. Hope you post a trip report when you return.
Mike