Good Afternoon everyone! I hope that all of you have been well…I have absolutely missed sharing the stories of St. John with you! When this one hit the interwebs last week, I was so excited to be able to report back to you on the new developments in the Caneel Bay story. In March, the National Park Service concluded the second public comment period in regard to the fate of the Caneel Bay Resort, stating that they would release the results by late Spring. In the true spirit of Island Time, we finally received word from them last week about the completion of the Caneel Bay redevelopment and management environmental assessment (EA) and their decision to move forward with the development of overnight accommodations at Caneel. But this time with more emphasis on public access, conservation and potential community collaboration.
These public comment periods are coordinated by the NATIONAL Park Service and they are required to read and intake every comment submitted. During this second comment period, a total of 1,122 comments were received and 13.5% of those comments were from folks based in the Virgin Islands. In reading through a lot of the posted comments (you can read them all at the end of the full report), there are some definitive differences in opinion. Many submissions leaned towards an exclusive resort with limited or no public access. Some were highly in favor of no re-development of the land and keeping it fully open to the public. In short, there were a lot of weigh-ins from both sides.
First, let me get you all up to date on the public comment periods that have led to where we are now. In a nutshell:
- The first public comment period on the future development of Caneel Bay concluded in February of 2022 and featured four options for the community and visitors to weigh in on.
- Alternative A– Enhanced public access, recreational opportunities, resource protection and park operational efficiency, while re-establishing a world-class overnight experience at a luxury resort.
- Alternative B– A similar management approach to Alternative A, except the resort area is expanded (ie, less public access).
- Alternative C- A similar approach to A and B but with the exclusion of public access. No visitor services would be provided at the site for non-resort guests, and the NPS would not provide a community space at the Caneel Bay area.
- Alternative D- (No action alternative) The NPS would not issue any permit, lease or concession contract. The NPS would minimally restore the site to allow for safe access by visitors through existing roads and trails, including safe access to beaches.
- The second public comment period (Caneel Bay Area Redevelopment and Management Environmental Assessment) which closed in March of this year, whittled the options down to Option A (No action taken) or Option B (Redevelopment of overnight accommodations).
Again, this is a very brief synopsis, but if you want a full catch up you can find the article about the first comment period here and the second comment period here.
Two other items worth mentioning here are that the Retained Use Estate (RUE), the Rockefeller agreement about management of the land and accommodations at Caneel Bay, expires on September 30, 2023. Upon the expiration of this document, the land should revert to management under NPS. BUT, in June of last year, EHI Acquisitions, a subsidiary of the current management company who took over the RUE in 2004 (CBI Acquisitions), filed a lawsuit against the United States Government that, in a nutshell, claims quiet title to the Caneel Bay land, docks, improvements to the property, etc. Even though, much of it still remains damaged under their management since the storms of 2017.
In September, US Attorney, Delia Smith, filed a motion to dismiss the claim and EHI filed a response. Currently the two sides are in mediation with a possible court hearing scheduled for October 16 (yes, after the RUE officially expires). So, even though NPS has a course of action planned currently, things are still kind of a mess on the legal side of things and the situation could shift yet again. My apologies for keeping this section brief, but if you are interested, you can read more about the initial lawsuit here.
Phew. Now that’s all out of the way, let’s take a look at the decision and the planned process for redevelopment.
NPS heard and incorporated the need for ensuring greater public access, promoting a National Park Service experience, protecting the special resources at Caneel, and strengthening the local economy with high quality jobs. We look forward to creating the best possible future for Caneel Bay and the people of St. John and the Virgin Islands.
The selected Alternative B identifies planned future use areas zoned for hotel lodging, public beach access, conservation, NPS interpretation and programming, and potential community and/or partnership spaces within the Caneel campus. – NPS Park Planning
Now, in looking at the map below, the day use/public access area (blue zone) is a bit expanded from what it was previous to 2017 with the addition of public beach usage of Caneel Bay Beach and Little Caneel (the beaches to the immediate left and right of the dock). Additional public access zones can be found within the green and orange areas on the map with the resort accommodations falling into the purple section.
- Day-Use Zone (Blue): Visitors, including residents of St. John, will be provided access to several beaches within the Caneel Bay area for recreation/day-use. In this zone, visitors will be provided amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
- Conservation Zone (Green): All Park visitors will be able to connect with the natural areas of the Park through pedestrian access on some existing roads and trails throughout the Caneel Bay area. This zone will be managed by the NPS.
- Interpretive/Engagement Zone (Orange): All visitors will have an opportunity to have a national park experience by engaging with the NPS onsite, including through an NPS visitor contact station. Visitors will be encouraged to learn about the site’s history through interpretation of cultural sites, including the archaic, colonial, and post-emancipation era sites.
- Lodging Zone (Purple): Visitors will be provided an overnight experience commensurate with storied legacy and site history of Caneel Bay. The overnight experience will be that of a twenty-first century eco-resort.
But there is, once again, more to this story. You all remember the environmental contaminations found on the Caneel Bay land, correct? Well, NPS is going to have to clean up all of that AND the storm debris in an environmentally safe and effective way PRIOR to public access or redevelopment. So, it could be a long time before we see any true changes out there. As stated on the NPS website, “No firm timetable exists for public access, but the NPS will prioritize providing limited beach access to the public once conditions allow.”
However, there are a few quick takeaways I’ve gathered after conversations with “people in the know” and reading the full Finding of No Significant Impact NPS document dated July of 2023, that I am pretty excited about.
- The historical and cultural significance of this particular parcel of land is so incredibly important to the people of the Virgin Islands. And the land at Caneel Bay has never, yes never, undergone a complete archeological survey. According to the Programmatic Agreement Between NPS and the VI State Historic Preservation Office NPS will identify the historic properties on this land, some of which will likely be eligible for the National Registrar of Historic Places. A complete archeological survey will be conducted on all areas of interest.
- While the clean-up may be a lengthy process, it will be conducted by NPS standards and regulations, reducing the negative impact on our island’s environmental resources and protecting the cultural and historical resources on the Caneel Bay lands.
This is where we are at present. I’m sure as the window closes on the expiration of the RUE there will be more news and public announcements about next steps. And we will be sure to let you know what they are as soon as we do!
Great Job Hillary. Nicely done
The RUE expires next month and it’s time to kick EHI/CBI (or whatever they call themselves today) out on their rear ends. Their lawsuit claiming that they somehow own Caneel Bay is absurd and only a negotiating ploy as they try to salvage every last dime for their investors. CBI’s shortsighted failure to pay to fully insure their Caneel Bay investment created their own demise.
Plan “B” has been chosen and is the best compromise to appease the most people. Unfortunately, the government operates on permanent “island time” and it will still be years until Caneel Bay reopens to overnight guests. Hopefully, something was learned by this fiasco and the next concessionaire will be required to fully insure the property so this doesn’t happen again.
Unfortunately it will probably be 10 years before anything is completed. Between the legal issues, government involvement, public bickering, environmental remediation, and now archaeological issues, many of us older admirers of Caneel may never be able to enjoy it again. It’s very sad. I am just thankful that my wife and I visited every year from the first time we discovered back in 2005 until right before the storm in 2017. I’m thankful that ZoZo’s recaptured a little piece of Caneel for us to enjoy, and recall our memories.
Hopefully the right decisions will be made for the younger generations to experience what we were able to enjoy for so many years. I’m afraid the present is lost for many of us.
ST JOHN ALREADY HAS A COUPLE HUNDRED LUXURY VILLAS. ST JOHN DOES NOT DEED ANY MORE LUXURY OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS.
HOTELS JOBS ARE NOTORIOUSLY LOW PAYING. JOBS, IF ANY, ON THE CANEEL PROPERTY MUST PAY ST JOHN RESIDENTS A LIVING WAGE.
THE PROPOSAL TO LIMIT THE PUBLIC AREAS AS DESCRIBED ON THE MAP IS AN AFFRONT TO THE RESIDENTS OF ST JOHN WITH THE MOST EXQUISITE BEACHES (TURTLE BAY, SCOTT BEACH & CANEEL HAWKSNEST) LIMITED TO THE VERY RICH.
THE PROSPECT OF 21ST CENTURY CONSTRUCTION ON THIS FRAGILE PENINSULA IS A CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER FOR LAND AND MARINE LIFE.
A HOTEL OF ANY KIND WITH THE REQUISITE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FOOTPRINT IS A SURE WAY TO KILL THE GOLDEN GOOSE.
Caneel Bay is a special place, has a long tradition, and many people/families have great memories and experiences there. The decision has been made for this unique experience to continue to be made available to future generations.
The “hotel jobs” as you describe should pay the market rate for comparable work anywhere else on the island. If you don’t like the pay, don’t work there. No one is forcing you.
As a compromise, some beaches on the Caneel property are being opened to the public. There are also lots of gorgeous public beaches along the north shore, some rated among the best in the world. Plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.
Environmental impact has been considered, the decision has been made. It is a compromise. Move on.
Glad to see something is in motion. Well the construction of an old style Caneel Bay hotel. Things will never be the same at the site but a development for the affluent and jobs presented will be most welcome!
Caneel was never a posh hotel, rooms never had , Phones , TVs, Refrigerators etc. What Caneel did have was relaxing cottages on the beach . If you wanted to go eat or go some where you would go up to your waiting area for the trolly to come by.
7 TOXIC WASTE SITES ARE TESTAMENT TO WHAT DECADES OF PRIVATE HOTEL MANAGEMENT HAVE WROUGHT.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A CIVIL ENGINEER OR AN ENVIRONMENTALIST TO GRASP THE PITFALLS OF A HOTEL FOOTPRINT TO THIS PRISTINE RESOURCE.
LAURENCE ROCKEFELLER IS DEAD AND GONE. HIS IMPERFECT VISION FOR ST JOHN HAS ALWAYS RESTRICTED LAND USE (LACK OF ACCESS FOR FISHING, FOR INSTANCE).
THERE ARE ST JOHN RESIDENTS WHO HAVE NEVER SET FOOT ON SEVERAL CANEEL BEACHES. NOW THE PROPOSED PLAN SHUTS THEM OUT ENTIRELY IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW.
The National Park Service made a serious effort to solicit, listen to, and consider all of the various viewpoints, and has made a final, compromising decision on the direction forward.
Note this is no longer a “proposed” plan, it is “THE” plan.
You are entitled to your intransigent opinion, but the direction is decided.
Peace to you.
so it took three years wasting taxpayer dollars to reach the obvious conclusion. Had there been no Irma, would the NPS really have shut down the resort and fired the staff?
40 years ago the land was gifted for $1, not the buildings owned by Jackson Hole, then the grantor (currently CBI). These were never intended to be given away free. would any owner make improvements over 40 years if it was to be given away? if the NPS negotiated immediately after Irma, the insurance money (required by RUE and bought and paid for) would have been spent and resort possibly rebuilt by now.
I am not a lawyer, but seems NPS agreed in para. 8 of the RUE to give the land back to the current grantor if they did not buy the buildings. CBI offered to sell the buildings, NPS refused (didn’t even negotiate) and so according to the rules the NPS signed and agreed to 40 years ago, NPS does not get the land. they would have gotten the land and buildings forever, for the small price of the buildings. not unreasonable at all.
NPS delay created the current housing shortage on island as monthly rentals were converted to Airbnb’s; of course the usvi government enjoys collecting the 12.5% hotel tax while creating a housing crisis. bring the resort jobs back, and require all airbnb’s created after Irma to return to their rental status.
I never knew how lucky I was to stay at and enjoy Caneel Bay back in 2013 for a special occasion with my wife. I long for the opportunity to see and experience what we did back then on Hawks nest Beach, and other amazing areas of the property. It has been a sad and frustrating saga, although far less than what some have had to endure, to watch this all play out following the storms. I hope they get this right, and make it a beautiful, relaxing, natural setting, and that is a jewel for the locals and visitors alike. So much amazing opportunity here on many levels to get things right…
For decades Caneel Bay was the “nicest” and most pristine paradise in the entire Caribbean….why? Because it has always been a hotel/resort and had the money to spend to keep it that way. I know the mantra of the sentiment of this island is “no hotels/resorts“ and “hotels/resorts are evil”, but you don’t even realize the only reason Caneel Bay is the nicest, most pristine and beautiful place in the Caribbean is because of these evil hotels/resorts. Not to mention they employ so many of the island’s residents, tourism is almost 100% of the economy on the island, why block the biggest tourist attraction? Geez
To the residence of St. John: for close to 15 years we visited Caneel Bay annually with our family. We built strong relationships with those who worked there and still maintain a few of those contacts. Please don’t demean those beautiful hard working people . They want their jobs back.
Also please don’t demean those of us who visited. Over the life of the property there are far more of us than you and we contributed much much more to the Island than you have.
May I live long enough to once again walk on the sandy beaches of Caneel.
PREVENTING THE PUBLIC ACCESSING ANY VIRGIN ISLANDS BEACH IS AGIANS THE LAW.
ALL THE NORTH SHORE BEACHES HAVE BEEN SO JAM PACKED IN RECENT YEARS THAT U CAN EASILY WAIT AN HOUR JUST TO GET A PARKING SPOT. GIVEN THE UPTIC IN TOURISM, ALL ST JOHN BEACHES MUST BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
AND I REPEAT, PREVENTING THE PUBLIC FROM ACCESSING ANY VIRGIN ISLANDS BEACH IS AGAINST THE LAW.
I AM WELL ACQUAINTED WITH THE TRADITIONS AND EXPERIENCES, AT CANEEL, AND HOW WELL CANEEL IS REGARDED BY ITS GUESTS OVER 5 DECADES. I LIVED ON THE “PLANTATION” AS IT WAS KNOWN FOR SEVERAL YEARS DURING THE 1970S. AND HAVE LIVED ON ST JOHN EVER SINCE.
I AM ALSO WELL ACQUAINTED WITH THE FRAGILE TOPOGRAPHY IF THAT PENINSULA. FOR INSTANCE, THAT FLAT AREA BEHIND SCOTT BEACH IS “FILL.” IT WAS ONCE A SALT POND. THE WATER TABLE IS AN ISSUE, WHETHER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING, OR THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT ENTAILS.
SOME PEOPLE THINK ST JOHN RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT BE PAID A LIVING WAGE. NOTED!
MOVING ON? NOPE!
The National Park plan states that on specified “Day-Use” beaches, visitors, including residents of St. John, will be provided amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
No where in the National Park plan does it state anyone is prevented from accessing any other beaches. But amenities will not be provided.
It would be utopia if everyone everywhere was paid a living wage. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work like that. If you want to earn more, acquire job skills to make yourself more valuable. How this Caneel Bay situation can be turned into a job pay rate debate is beyond me. Have you protested at the Westin for a living wage? How about at the restaurants in town?
Honeymooned there in 1978 – would love to go back – not sure I will live that long……..
Thank you for this clear and as specific as possible update.
Mary Andrews
I’m sure all caps in your comments are meant for some personal reason – maybe like your shouting to those of us that appreciate this site.
Whether you like it or not, progress on Caneel will be made and you can’t hold back this flood whether you shout or not.
Likely you want nothing built on this site. Not going to be the case. So suggest you work in concert with those planning long term redevelopment. Just my thoughts and observations
Right on Mary.
Prior to filling by the Danish West Indian Company the land behind the beach was a swamp similar to Magens Bay in St.Thomas. It was essentially uninhabitable due to the mosquitos.
The Day Use Zone was accessible to the public years ago until the current management restricted day use to Honeymoon, so what was lost is being returned.
The green areas will be accessed by NPS golf carts on the existing roads? Seems like a lot of golf carts to me.
thanks for the update, would be nice to see something similar to the trunk bay operation. not completely on board with non residents having an opinion. living here and vacationing here are insanely worlds apart.
We have been coming yearly to St. John for 35 years and love the island. It has gotten so only the well off can stay there. We began our love for St. John staying at maho bay campground. We would love to see small cottages built there for rental but not for 500$ per night. Also would love to see the beaches of caneel bay open to the public but not ruined like big maho. Anne McMath Southport NC
AM I INTERESTED IN PROVIDING MORE LUXURY EXPERIENCES, TRADITION-MAKING OPPORTUNITIES, AND SPECIAL MEMORIES FOR A WELL-HEELED FEW ON PUBLIC LAND? NO!
ANYONE WHO FEELS THEY MUST HAVE A LUXURY OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE ON ST JOHN CAN RENT ONE OF A COUPLE HUNDED VILLAS.
AM I INTERESTED IN HAVING THE 7 EXQUISITE BEACHES AT CANEEL BAY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL THE RESIDENTS OF ST JOHN? YES!
ALL CAPS? YES, ALL CAPS
The accommodations at Caneel were not “luxury” by any stretch of definition. They were basic fishing cottages. And I suggest you start your own business and pay all of your employees a “living wage”. Let me know how that works out for you.
I was a travel agent for many years sending many people to Caneel Bay. Camped ourselves at Cinnamon and Mayo with our children 7 times. Hoping someday to be able to go to Caneel. In June before the hurricane I got my wish. 1 week in Cinnamon and a week at Caneel. It was everything I always knew it would be. It was glorius! I live on Cape Hatteras Ntional Seashore and yes there are luxury rentals but nothing that compares to Caneel. I’ve been alot of places and Caneel was so special. It was done right! My wish is to get to come again but I’m 70 and I am not optimistic. I also have seen what the NPS has done here on Cape Hatteras the last 13 years.
THE NATIONAL PARK ON ST JOHN HAS BEEN A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD FROM DAY ONE. ON THE ONE HAND, IT LIMITED OVER-DEVELOPMENT, WHICH SOME PEOPLE CALL PROGRESS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PROHIBITION OF FISHING IN THE PARK IS JUST ONE SHAMEFUL ASPECT OF THE PARK’S TENURE.
IT TOLERATED, EVEN PROMOTED THAT SETUP ON HONEYMOON BEACH THIS YEAR (FEATURING CABANA RENTALS FOR MEGA-BUCKS).
BUT A ST JOHN RESIDENT WHO PUTS OUT A FISHING LINE WILL BE ARRESTED BY A PARK RANGER.
U GET MY DRIFT?
We enjoyed coming to Caneel many times between 1990-2015. I loved the lack of TV’s, phones and refrigerators. I loved walking out to the bus shelter to call down for breakfast. I loved waiting for the trolley to go to dinner. Most of all I loved walking back from the beach, across that gorgeous open space, stopping by the unheated pool for a quick dip and then into the villa. I especially enjoyed having no golf course. It was my favorite place on earth and I regret that it will change and is not available for a winter visit. But this plan does look like a good compromise and if done like the old Caneel it will bring lots of jobs and people like me will spend in town. We have several things in our home we brought back. The key is to keep it low rise, spread out, simple but elegant and not like the hundreds of other options people have elsewhere in the Caribbean. If that’s the case we’ll be back. Everyone we met was wonderful especially the daily staff at Caneel.
PS I was just glad that #45 and Javanka didn’t turn it into a golf course as part of their profiteering from 1600.
Mary Andrews
Appreciate your comments about fishing. But in all honesty the fishing off Caneel has never been that great and plenty of other locations which are much better. Fishing is not your problem – redevelopment is and sorry to say, that “pig” has already flown. Accept the redevelopment, help in it if you choose, or stand out of the way because redevelopment will ultimately occur.
Some of these comments… smh:
“If you don’t like the pay, don’t work there. No one is forcing you.”
“You are entitled to your intransigent opinion, but the direction is decided.”
“Over the life of the property there are far more of us than you and we contributed much much more to the Island than you have.”
“It would be utopia if everyone everywhere was paid a living wage. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work like that.”
Let’s be better, kinder, ok?
The idea that someone would want to throw out a fishing line on the same beach that people are swimming on is rather appalling. Not to mention that it is illegal to hunt or fish in any of the national parks. A major part of being national park status is to preserve the nature for all to enjoy it’s beauty. If fishing were allowed in the park waters, there would be no fish for anyone to see. The local fisherman seem to be catching enough elsewhere, to make a living.
As a matter of record, every each in the USVI has always been accessible to the public. This would sometimes require coming up by boat, as the inland side of the beach may be private property.
The only major source of income on St John is tourism. The idea that any local would spit in the face of a returning income is tantamount to shooting the hand that feeds you. It seems that some soapboxes in this conversation should be ignored by everyone else that has a shred of common sense. “Shouting” is usually done by someone who wants to be heard but is lacking the ability to converse with others.
Wow! The memories for me are very precious indeed. My husband and I would go and extend our stay to 14 days to support the 4th of July parade. We loved the cabin on Scott’s beach and always stayed there.
Long story short, my husband has since passed away 2019. Even the memory of getting stitches for my finger by one of the nicest people I have met was special. His love for the island and serving others meant so much to him. These will remain rare and precious experiences.
There is nothing like Caneel Bay was then; as life, things change. As much as we may not want the change, it happened; the storms ruined Caneel Bay as sickness did to my husband.
I’m sorry for your loss Donna. As much as the contributor above “shouts” about not redeveloping Caneel Bay it may not happen in my lifetime but it will happen.
I’ve been associated with St John going on 65 years and I’ve seen a lot on the island over the years – yes pre national park. So, complaining about fishing, or an ultra resort or whatever will not halt or stop the future redevelopment.
I’m one for it – providing needed jobs, a luxury place for the wealthy to stay and a place with past guest experiences and future generations to experience what once was, and future memories.
It is disappointing that something as special as Caneel Bay will not be rebuilt for so many years and that politics and special interests played such a huge role in this incomprehensible delay. Caneel Bay was an outstanding and awesomely unique experience. We stayed there over 25 times and do miss it. This year we will be fortunate to travel to the Virgin Islands again, this time staying at the newly rebuilt Little Dix Bay. Little Dix suffered from severe damages with Irma but somehow pulled it together to get back in business and to sharing their beautiful island with the world.
My wife & I celebrated our 45th anniversary at Caneel Bay in 2008. It was one of the best vacations we ever had. We felt nicely isolated and alone with the ability to take long walks on bare feet without the sound of cars, trucks, and motor bikes. The beaches were beautiful and uncrowded and the sound of birds singing in the morning was so pleasant. Over the many years we’ve vacationed in the Virgin Islands, staying at many different places, Caneel Bay was, by far, the best. We’d love to go back even if it means “spending our children’s inheritance” but, now in our mid-eighties, time is running out. Our cottage was perfect, with no phone, TV, or refrigerator. We could actually talk, listen, and cuddle without distraction as we watched the sun set every night of our stay. A wonderful cure for high blood pressure.
Wow some interesting comments from Dr. Hobbs and Mary Andrews. Well, here’s my input. I also lived on Caneel Bay Plantation but in the 1960’s. Yes Dr. no phones, no AC, no TV, also no guest room keys. Caneel was never meant to be another typical hotel experience, it was unique and was planned that way. Yes, if you chose you could wait for the shuttle to the main pavilion or, as many did, take a relaxing walk. No one complained… that is until I read your comments.
As a Rock Resort it was a not-for-profit facility. FYI food cost was about $26 per person per day for full American Plan i.e., 3 full meals a day. Yet we had some rooms that were priced at $35.00, yes at a loss of $17 each day. Most middle-class families enjoyed Caneel because rates were reasonable except for the prime Winter season when rates increases throughout the Caribbean.
I’m a Hotelier by trade. I’ve been in the Hospitality business for over 50 years and taught hotel and restaurant management as an adjunct professor for 10 years. A top Hospitality Industry leader once described the Five Phases of a Hotel. Very few Luxury or Unique hotels ever achieve the Phase One Category. Caneel opened and remained as a Phase One property as long as it was operated as a Rock Resort. After its change in management, it moved to a Phase Two hotel, still a very prestigious position.
Caneel will always be unique. I’m long retired but if it were to open again, I would pay for my own plane ticket to return just to greet arriving guests on the same dock I did some 50 odd years ago. But my pay would have to be improved. Yes still room and board again but maybe a little more than I was previously paid; a whopping $250 per MONTH. $350 per month and we have a deal!!!
Jim Mastrangelo, CHA, CHME
Ringwood, NJ