Take me away to Caneel Bay

In Family, Travel by savvysassymoms2 Comments

Caneel Bay Ferry St John Us Virgin Islands Family Travel

Caneel Bay, St. John US Virgin Islands

As we jetted across the water on the ferry ride from St. Thomas over to Caneel Bay, McKenna was cuddled up next to me, her tiny cheek was pressed against mine and one of her curls kept blowing in my face. We had just arrived from a very long travel day and we were catching the very last ferry of the night. Anxious to see the clear blue waters that the caribbean is known for, instead, we both sat quietly gazing up at the millions of stars lighting up the black sky. This was the beginning of our first mother daughter trip together and a ferry ride I’ll never forget.

Caneel Bay is located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands, it sits on 170 acres, nestled along the Virgin Islands National Park and home to seven beautiful beaches. The entire resort and property has a very laid back, beach chic vibe that compliments the island instead of taking it over. I found this very refreshing. There is a calmness here, even the water is calm. You won’t hear waves crashing, instead you’ll hear a steady pulse of the water hitting the sand. Which is why it doesn’t take long before you easily fall into the rhythm of the island and unplug from it all.

Turquoise Blue Water US Virgin Islands St John Caneel Bay Family Travel

Caneel Bay Dock US Virgin Islands

Caneel Bay Resort

The Caneel Bay Resort has a variety of different room options from ocean view, garden view and beach front. The rooms are spread out throughout the property so it never feels crowded. It reminded me a bit like summer camp with the different cabin and lodging areas. Our room was right on Caneel Beach and along our particular stretch of sand there were about 12 rooms and it was as if we were all sharing our own private island. Our room was literally steps feet from the beach. I rolled out of bed, opened the door and walked 25 feet and my toes were in the water, if we were any closer I would have been sleeping in the sand.

These rooms are excellent for families because they are so convenient to the ferry dock, water activity rentals, restaurants, tennis courts and gift shop. There is also a floating dock at Caneel Beach for the kids to swim out to and jump off of, they could have done this all day long.

Caneel Bay Donkeys St John US Virgin Islands
There are also roaming donkeys on Caneel Bay, but don’t be alarmed, they are tame and very friendly. They’ll even stop for pictures and the kids can pet them.

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Snorkeling on St. John

Our first morning we walked a short walk over to Honeymoon beach where we got suited up for our kayak and snorkel tour with Virgin Islands Eco Tours. This was the first time McKenna had been in a kayak and she was a little hesitant to snorkel, but she quickly got over that when we were told there were turtles down below! We saw three turtles and even witnessed them come up for their five breaths of air and then dive back down. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. McKenna would pop up and scream with excitement when she started seeing all the colorful fish near the coral. Our guide Robb from Virgin Islands Eco Tours was incredible with the kids and took some amazing underwater photos for us.

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Sand Art Honeymoon Beach Caneel Bay St John US Virgin Islands

Honeymoon Beach

After the snorkel tour the kids were lucky enough to be the first to create sand art on Honeymoon Beach. They are just starting this program and our kids took it for a test run with Robb still by their side! This is a great activity to get the kids out of the sun for awhile and create a special keepsake to take home. Honeymoon beach is open to the public and anyone can rent water equipment or book a tour with Virgin Island Eco Tours.

Caneel Bay Kids Club St John Virgin Islands

Caneel Bay Kids Club

There is a free kids club at Caneel Bay. Hooray! This might be one of the biggest perks for families looking for a caribbean vacation. Sometimes moms and dads want to be able to explore on their own, get a massage or spend some alone time with one another. Turtle Town is for children ages 3 -11 and hosts a variety of daily activities and fun educational programing for the kids. They even host a kids dinner and a movie so parents can enjoy a night out on the town.

Caneel Bay Tennis Courts

Tennis Lessons

Tennis lessons are available everyday for both adults and children. This was a great way to start the day the Moms were on one court while the kids had a blast on the court right next to us. You and your kids do not have to be serious tennis players to take a lesson. The kids will have a blast and the adults can get a little work out in.

We also had dinner on the beach, which you can have specially set up for you and your family or group. There was a local man selling some unique island arts and crafts. McKenna loved learning how to use the Ra Ra Toy which is a traditional island toy and St. John’s version of the yo yo.

Ra Ra Toy US Virging Islands St John Caneel BayCaneel Bay Gelato

Be sure to stop in the Caneel Bay gift shop for any essentials you might have forgotten or to buy a new sun dress or cover up, they have a beautiful collection of clothing and accessories. They also have a kids section with adorable clothing, swimsuits, toys and souvenirs. Inside the gift shop is Canella Cafe, where you can order sandwiches and snacks to go for your day at the beach and be sure to grab a scoop of gelato!

Cruz Bay St John Virgin Islands

Shopping in Cruz Bay Caneel Bay US Virgin Islands Hook Bracelet
Shopping in Cruz Bay

Cruz Bay is just a 10 minute shuttle ride from Caneel Bay and on the way you will see a few look out points of Caneel Bay and Cruz Bay, so be sure to ask your driver to stop so you can grab some gorgeous ariel views! Cruz Bay is a popular spot to do some shopping and has a lot of great restaurants and bars. Some of the local favorites are; Fatty Crab, a fun and casual restaurant for the whole family. High Tide, where the kids can play on the beach and often features live music, and LaTapa a fine dining just for mom and dad and has live jazz music on some evenings.

We went to Cruz Bay on a little bit of a mission, to find the original St. John hook bracelets! The hook bracelets are a famous caribbean treasure that represent love and unity. Depending on how you wear your bracelet, with the hook facing out or facing in, it lets people know if your heart is taken. We all loved them so much we each bought one at the Bamboo Studio. This is the perfect little gift to take home from St. John. I was on this trip with my friends Nicole and Kim Marie, which makes these bracelets even more special to me.

Caneel Bay View Family Travel
A Classic Family Vacation

I wasn’t sure what to expect when we boarded the plane to Caneel Bay, other than the turquoise water of course, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Caneel Bay reminded me of how family vacations should be spent. So many family vacations today consist of packed itineraries and schedules that leave little time for relaxing and just spending quality time together. Caneel Bay has the perfect balance of plenty of things to do but also leaves time to soak up the sun and actually relax and enjoy your vacation. Finally, I went home from a vacation feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Has your family been to the Virgin Islands?

Meet the Author | savvysassymoms


Andrea is a Mom who hasn't lost her style to motherhood. Andrea loves social media and works on a variety of social media campaigns with brands big and small. Connect with Savvy Sassy Moms on Instagram

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