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Caneel Bay Resort: Redevelopment is Imminent Despite Federal Appeal

Jenn Manes May 6, 2025

The plan to redevelop the shuttered Caneel Bay Resort continues despite a federal appeal filed by the company that ran the resort prior to Hurricane Irma.

Caneel Bay Resort has been closed since the summer of 2017. It was not operating when Hurricane Irma hit, due to its annual seasonal closure. The resort sustained catastrophic damage, as did a majority of the island, and has remained closed since. Little to no cleanup has occurred with regard to the 166 rooms and other structures on the property.

Bids from interested developers were due in March. The National Park Service will not release the number of bids received, nor will they release who, of the 22 groups that visited the site last fall, has submitted bids. A representative from the National Park Service told me last week that they are currently “finalizing qualification reviews” and that they would have more information to release at the end of May or in early June.

The National Park Service intends to award a contract to a developer/person/business/nonprofit who wants to rebuild the resort following the National Park Service’s parameters. For example, the resort must be low profile, cannot exceed more than 166 rooms, and has to have public access, among other criteria.

Despite the National Park Service’s Plans to move forward, EHI Acquisitions – the company that operated the Caneel Bay Resort through Sept. 6, 2017 – will not let go. They tried to obtain ownership via a federal lawsuit and failed last year. They subsequently filed an appeal, which was heard in federal court last week. The appeal is based on the definition of the word “offer.”

EHI Acquisitions “offered” the Caneel Bay property back to the National Park Service for a monetary sum. The National Park Service balked and stated that no money should change hands. That is the issue at hand in a nutshell. Again, a federal judge ruled in favor of the National Park Service in April 2024. Click here to read EHI’s appeal in its entirety.

In the meantime, beachgoers can walk to Caneel Beach via the main parking lot. It’s is a quick five-minute walk past the plantation buildings, including the former ZoZo’s restaurant, and past a few destroyed buildings. It’s an odd little walk, but the beach, once you arrive, is stunning.

You can also taxi through the resort to Honeymoon Beach via a $6 shuttle. You can also walk to Honeymoon and Salomon beaches via the Lind Point Trail. All of Cannes’s seven beaches are also accessible via water.

I will let you know as soon as the National Park Service releases more information and also when a decision is made on the appeal.

Interesting Links Regarding Caneel Bay

Caneel Bay Resort Property to Become National Park

Rebuilding Caneel Bay Update: Interested Businesses & Organizations

I Visited Caneel Beach & It was Amazing!

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See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

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St. John is Named “Best of the Best”

Jenn Manes May 5, 2025

Well friends, this is no surprise here – St. John was, once again, named the best of the best!

The World’s 50 Best Beaches list came out again last week, and our very own Trunk Bay didn’t take first place this year, as usual, but it was named to the list’s Hall of Fame due to the number of times it’s taken the top spot. Here’s what they had to say about one of many of your favorite spots:

Trunk Bay is located less than 15 minutes from Cruz Bay. It is easily accessible via taxi, which costs $9 per person, per way. St. John taxis are cash only. There is a packing lot at Trunk Bay, but it is very small. So it is best to either go early, or take a taxi. The is a $5 entry fee. Cash is not accepted for the entry fee. It is credit or debit card only.

Once you are inside Trunk Bay, there are showers, restrooms, chair, snorkel gear and life vest rentals. These are all available until 4 p.m. daily. There is also a great little spot that serves lunch – both hot and cold options – and there is a full bar. Happy hour at Trunk Bay is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily. You have to love that!

Want to know more about what food and drinks are available at Trunk Bay? Please click here to read Explore STJ’s Trunk Bay Beach & Eats article.

Want to know more about Trunk Bay amenities and facilities? Click here to read an article about Spending the day at Trunk Bay.

Bring a little Trunk Bay home with you with this custom-made 500-piece puzzle! The next shipment goes out on Tuesday, May 13th. Order yours today.

Where to Store Luggage on Your Last Day

Jenn Manes May 1, 2025

A little news you can use right here…

Check out on your last day is typically around 10 a.m. Most flights do not leave the St. Thomas airport until mid-to-late afternoon, leaving you with several hours to fill. One of the top questions I receive here at Explore STJ is where to store luggage on your last day. Here are a few ideas…

For starters, it takes about an hour from the time the ferry leaves St. John until you get to the airport in St. Thomas. If you take the 11 a.m. ferry from Cruz Bay to Red Hook, you can expect to get to the airport around noon. The noon ferry will get you to the airport around 1 p.m. and so on. (The Charlotte Amalie and Crown Bay ferries are different, so for the purpose of this article, I am going to stick with the Red Hook times.)

Store Your Luggage at a Restaurant

A lot of people like to enjoy one last breakfast on island, and perhaps a mimosa or two on departure day. High Tide and Cruz Bay Landing are two popular options, and both can accommodate a good amount of luggage. It is very common for diners to drag their luggage to both of these restaurants, and store it off to the side. The best part is that both of these restaurants are located right beside or across the street from the ferry dock, making it super convenient for you.

The Pelican Post

The Pelican Post is a business operating in the former Connections location in Cruz Bay. The Pelican Post is located just one block up from the ferry dock beside the intersection near Woody’s. They store luggage for people for a pretty decent price. A small bag or backpack is just $5, and a larger suitcase is just $10. This is a good option of you’d like to wander a bit more on your last day, do some shopping or perhaps quickly hit a beach on your last day. The Pelican Post is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you’d like to chat with the ladies over at The Pelican Post, you can call them at 340-693-4535.

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

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On the Market: Waterfront, Flat w/ Sunset Views & More!

Jenn Manes April 30, 2025

This could be your beautiful view overlooking Rendezvous!

Did you know that there are 190 land parcels currently sale in St. John? These parcels range in price from $50,000 to $7.5 million, and of course there are numerous properties in between that range. Today I would like to tell you about three properties that may pique your interest. One is waterfront; one gives you water rights out in Coral Bay; and one has amazing sunset views. Want to know more? Then read on!

15A-5-2 Rendezvous & Ditleff

There is an amazing 5.15+ acre waterfront property in one of my favorite areas of the island – Rendezvous Bay. This property has a whopping 360-feet of waterfront shoreline access in addition to more than 480-feet of road frontage with easy utility access in place. This property faces south with Ditleff Point to your east and Boatman Point to your west. It is located less than 10 minutes from Cruz Bay and has easy paved access to everything St. John has to offer, including the National Park, beaches, boating, watersports, restaurants, and more. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to subdivide or perhaps you are looking to build your dream home with an even dreamier view! This property is listed for $2,050,000 with 340 Real Estate Co. Please email Tina Petitto, of 340 Real Estate Co., at tina340realestate@gmail.com for more information.

15A-5 REM Rendezvous & Ditleff

There is a second 5.5+ acre parcel right next door, which was recently subdivided into three R-1 dwellings, which means you can have two dwellings per lots for a total of six dwellings on this 5.5+ acre parcel. This parcel also has 360 feet of waterfront shoreline access in additional to 550-feet of road access. Picture yourself waking up to the beautiful turquoise waters of Rendezvous Bay while catching a glimpse of St. Croix to the south. This is truly a remarkable property. This parcel is listed for $2,331,000 with 340 Real Estate Co.

*You can purchase both properties together for a total of 10+ acres. The three subdivided lots are listed between $735,000 and $815,000 each.

Please email Tina Petitto, of 340 Real Estate Co., at tina340realestate@gmail.com for more information.

4C REM, 4C Little Plantation

I have to be honest, I am shocked that this parcel is still on the market. This 7.29-acre property is prime for development. It is located right on Route 107 in Coral Bay and has littoral rights, meaning it comes with water rights. This allows you to build a dock in additional to other development opportunities. Not only is it located directly across from Lime Out, St. John’s unbelievably popular floating bar, but it’s a stone’s throw from the Isola Shoppes, which is where the proposed Summer’s End Marina has its own littoral rights. This parcel is listed for $1,245,000 with 340 Real Estate Co. The owners are very motivated, so make an offer!

1E Rem, 1E Bethany

Want to be closer to Cruz Bay? Check out this fairly flat parcel perched high above Cruz Bay. Enjoy year-round sunsets in addition to incredible daytime views spanning from Chocolate Hole and Great Cruz Bay out to St. Thomas and the outlying islands. This property is located just below of Sunset Ridge and is accessible via paved road. This property is a must-see, and its owners are also very motivated. This parcel is listed for $759,000 with 340 Real Estate Co.

If you are interested in any of this properties, please contact Tammy Donnelly, owner of 340 Real Estate Co. You can reach Tammy via email at 340realestateco@gmail.com or by call/text at 340-643-6068.

If you are looking to list your property, I would love to help you! I, too, am a licensed real estate agent with 340 Real Estate Co. Please email me at jenn@explorestj.com or call/text 203-376-3786 if you’d like to chat.

Island Green Living’s Annual Earth Month Raffle Ends Tomorrow!

Jenn Manes April 29, 2025

The Beach Villa is located on the waters of Great Cruz Bay.

There is another great raffle happening! It ends tomorrow, so you will have to purchase a ticket soon if you’d like to get in on the action!

Island Green Living is currently holding its annual Earth Month raffle. All raffle proceeds go toward Island Green’s programming, which includes the island’s only plastic and can recycling. So far, Island Green has collected 120,000+ pounds of ocean-bound plastics since its inception in February 2022 and more than 4.2 million aluminum cans. Pretty impressive stuff! In addition, Resource Depot, St. John’s only reuse store, has saved one million pounds of pre-owned building materials, furnishings, clothing etc. from the landfill.

Tickets are $50 each. There will be one grand prize winner. Here is what you can win:

🏝️ GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES

Seven-Night Vacation for Up to 6 Guests

🏠 Luxury Villa Stay

7-night stay at The Beach Villa by Artistic Villas
Five-bedroom beachfront masterpiece with private pool & garden
(Extra guests welcome at additional cost)

✈️ Airfare Voucher

Up to $2,000 towards airfare, sponsored by the USVI Department of Tourism

🚙 Jeep Wrangler JL Rental

4-door Jeep rental for the week, compliments of Bougainvillea Leasing Ltd.

🍽️ Island Dining Package

Welcome breakfast for 6, prepared by Chef Vincent Alterio of St. John Speakeasy
$150 at La Tapa Plage – Mediterranean cuisine, Wharfside Village
$150 at Ocean 362 – “Island to Table” dining with sunset views
$100 at Sam & Jack’s – Gourmet deli in Cruz Bay
$100 at Paulie’s Luncheonette – Casual dining with water views
$100 at Cruz Bay Landing – All-day eats and drinks
$200 at Lime Out – Floating taco restaurant (via boat experience below)

🌊 Experiences & Shopping

2-hour private Taco Run for up to 12 guests aboard Salt Deck with Salty Daze Charters USVI
$250 to be used toward any available sail on Kekoa
$100 gift card to Jolly Dog, Coral Bay
$100 gift card to Bamboula, Mongoose Junction
$200 gift card to Caravan Jewelry, Mongoose Junction
Private tour and voluntourism opportunity with Island Green Living’s ReSource Depot

Click here to purchase a ticket.

Side note: This is not an Explore STJ-sponsored raffle. Explore STJ (Jenn Manes) is not involved in this raffle in any way. I am simply helping Island Green promote it. This is an Island Green-sponsored raffle.

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

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What to Do on a Rainy St. John Day

Jenn Manes April 27, 2025

Well folks, it’s currently raining pretty hard. Rain is in the forecast for the next few days, but hopefully it will be more on and off rain. Here’s a few ways you can entertain yourselves on a rainy St. John day.

Shop, Dine & Drink

The shops and restaurants will remain open even if we receive monsoon rains. Mongoose Junction is a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day. Enjoy a locally crafted beer from The Tap Room or an ice cream cone over at Scoops. Looking to shop? I love Sugar Birds for unique souvenirs, Big Planet, Just Beach, and Lulee for clothing, and Caravan Gallery for jewelry. There are a ton of other great spots at Mongoose, so check out everything while you’re there. When it rains super hard, the gut that runs underneath Mongoose will become a raging river. It’s a pretty neat thing to check out.

Grab an umbrella and head over to Wharfside Village. I am fairly certain that The Beach Bar and High Tide will be rocking. There’s great shopping over there too. Or perhaps check out the casino! Check out the Spice Shop, The Little Things, the jewelry stores, and more.

For those of you who enjoy having a shot while you’re on vacation, The Upstairs, which is located across from The Longboard, offers free rain shots. Please drink responsibly!

If you have a vehicle, you can head up Centerline Road and check out Shambles or Mid Way Cafe & Grill. Both have ample covered spaces and are great places to grab a bite or enjoy a few cocktails. The Windmill Bar is holding a fundraiser today to support the St. John Revolving Fund. Be sure to stop by.

Over in Coral Bay? Head to Skinny Legs and join in on the fun. There is a great retail shop there called Mumbo Jumbo, so you can combine some retail therapy with one of Skinny’s famous burgers. Once you’re done, walk across the street and check out Pirate’s Cove or go around the corner to Jolly Dog.

Explore the Island

If you have a vehicle, take a ride around the island. Be careful if it is raining hard because small rocks sometimes fall into the roadway and there can be a lot of water that pools on the roadways.

You can grab a book and sit under the pavilion at Hawksnest, or grab a raincoat and check out some of the island’s rich history. You can explore Catherineberg, Annaberg, or even the Cinnamon Bay Sugar Factory. All are very cool spots, rain or shine.

Hike to a Waterfall

When we get a decent amount of rain like we’ve been getting here and there, a waterfall should form at Reef Bay. This is definitely a sneaker or sandals with straps kind of hike, as it will definitely be slippery. The trailhead for the Reef Bay trail is about five miles outside of Cruz Bay and about three miles outside of Coral Bay on Route 10, also known as Centerline Road. The trail is 2.1 miles in each direction if you are going from the road to the ocean, and it is quite steep. There is a spur trail on the right that will lead you to the petroglyphs where the waterfall will form. Pack a bag, bring snacks, and plenty of water for this hike.

A small waterfall is likely to form between Cinnamon and Maho bays. The water will flow across the road, so be careful when driving in that area.

For those of you who are off-island, you can still see what’s going on. Check out more than 20 live-streaming webcams at www.explorestj.com/webcams.

Stay dry everyone! Sunny skies, soon come!

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

Click Here to Book Now.