St. John
If your wedding is like most, there will be other people there. Lots of them. So when it comes time for the new Mr. and Mrs. to jet away, you just might want a little alone time. In a gorgeous Caribbean setting. With several secluded beaches to choose from. And private massage cabanas. And a romantic dinner for two amid the ruins of an old sugar mill. Or on the beach. All at an exclusive resort founded by a Rockefeller. You just might want to go to Caneel Bay (above).
Located on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Caneel Bay is consistently chosen among the best resorts in the Caribbean, and for good reason. From the hearty greeting as you step off the resort-owned ferry onto the property's dock to the deft hands of the massage therapists at the Self Centre (try a couple's massage), the folks at Caneel Bay know how to take care of you.
If you spent the weeks before your wedding dieting and exercising furiously, then Caneel Bay is your payoff. There are several dining options, but don't miss the ultra-romantic Sugar Mill restaurant, which serves island-inspired cuisine in a gorgeous setting overlooking the entire resort. For an extra treat, make reservations for a private meal within the moody sugar mill ruins. In the morning, catch the (mostly) healthy breakfast buffet only steps from the beach.
But the best part about CB, besides the seven beaches, is the casual vibe. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may have stayed here (in Cottage 7, if you're interested), but this is a place where everyone is comfortable and feels welcome—even the tame deer that roam the property at dusk.
- Rooms start at $395 (low season) and $495 (high season). The Allure package is perfect for splurging honeymooners: full breakfast and dinner daily including gratuity, champagne upon arrival, one couple's massage, one Self Centre couple's session, dinner for two in the sugar mill ruins or on the beach, half-day sail, one-day Jeep rental to explore St. John, sunset cocktail cruise, and champagne and hors d'oeuvres picnic. Package rates start at $6,290 per person.
- Getting There: US Airways flies direct to St. Thomas daily, and Caneel Bay operates a private ferry from St. Thomas to the resort.
- Richard Thurmond
Photo: Caneel Bay
