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From campgrounds and small inns to world-famous resorts, low-key St. John has a wide range of accommodations. Laid-back and pristine, this Virgin Island has managed to stay in its natural state and a somewhat limited number of hotel rooms have kept excessive tourism at bay.
The most famous of all its resorts of course is Caneel Bay, a resort built on the ruins of a former sugar plantation. The original estate owned by Peter Durloe was once called "Klein Caneel", which means "Little Cinnamon" in Danish. The estate dates back to the late 1700s, and was used during the slave rebellion of 1733 as a refuge for survivors. Elegant Caneel Bay, which looks as much like a botanical garden as a resort, has beautiful old stone walls and several lovely beaches. It offers five-star meals in an open-air restaurant and a full range of water sports. Guests are picked up in St. Thomas by private launch.
For those interested in a more do-it-yourself vacation, there are some terrific campgrounds on the island. Maho Bay Campgrounds was built on a hillside overlooking Maho Bay by Stanley Selengut, a New Yorker who developed the concept of eco-tourism. Selengut built this tent cottage community without disturbing the environment, creating a resort where people can commune with nature, while still remaining comfortable. A full-service restaurant serves wonderfully prepared meals and there's even Internet service available for guests. For those looking for a novel and economical trip, Maho Bay Camps has an work exchange program during the off season months.
Another campground is Cinnamon Bay Camps, along the well-known Cinnamon Bay. The small concrete cottages have cooking facilities, bathhouses, with a restaurant and commissary on the property. Visitors can not only enjoy the natural beauty of the island, but also visit an archaeological site of Taino Indians. There, guided tours are offered and volunteers are permitted to work with student and professional archaeologists.
In Cruz Bay, there is a wonderful villa hotel called the Gallows Pointe Suite Resort, which has front-row seats overlooking the harbor near the ferry dock. Farther along the coast near the town is another upscale property, the Westin Resort St. John. This large resort spans 47 acres and boasts nearly 300 rooms, three restaurants, and a wide variety of activities from boating to tennis to diving.
Also in the town is the Inn at Tamarind Court, a small inn in walking distance of downtown stores. Another small in-town spot is the comfortable and moderately-priced St. John Inn.
Throughout the island are a huge variety of private villas for short term lease, ranging from one week to an entire season. These villas often offer a better value than many hotel accommodations.
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