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Caneel Bay is a Rosewood Resort located on the northwest side of St. John, one of the US Virgin Islands. The resort is nestled within Virgin Islands National Park on property once owned by Laurance Rockefeller. The hotel was one of the early members of Rockefeller's hotel chain, Rockresorts. The resort takes its name from the location of the property at Caneel Bay (Caneel means cinnamon in Danish). Mr. Rockefeller was so impressed by the area's beauty that he arranged to buy up most of the island of St. John then he donated most of it to the U.S. government for the creation of the Virgin Islands National Park, our 29th national park. Mr. Rockefeller had the resort buildings designed to blend in with the landscape, giving the area a pristine beauty, and most property lighting is indirect so that guests can be able to see the stars at night.

The main resort and dining buildings are located on Caneel Bay itself. Guests can also stay on neighboring Scott Beach, Turtle Bay and Hawk’s Nest Bay. Caneel also has several dining facilities. The Caneel Beach Terrace is the original, open air dining hall which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets along with beachfront views. The Turtle Bay Estate House and the Equator Restaurant are both built on the ruins of an old sugar mill and are open for dinners.

Caneel Bay, which is open year round, provides a variety of activities such as snorkeling. A diversity of marine life can be found in the waters surrounding the resort. Parrotfish, angelfish, and damselfish can be seen swimming around coral, bright sea fans, or spiny sea urchins. Viewers may also spot a barracuda, sea turtle, or reef squid. Snorkeling equipment is complementary with a stay at Caneel.

Visitors to Caneel Bay can also scuba dive, windsurf, or sea kayak. Several shady tennis courts make tennis a popular activity. Massage therapy is available for those who need help in destressing from their lives. Many national park trails can be accessed from the resort and are available for hiking.

• Official websiteFeatured in Atlantis Magazine Volume III Issue I - www.atlantismagazine.net

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