In my opinion, Caneel is a much better resort. The 7 beaches are incredible and the property is nice. The Ritz is newer with more ammenities but it gets mixed reviews on this forum.

i love both...but i only have visited them and never stayed at either...i like the idea with caneel that you have the pleasure of going to 7 different beaches but i dont think that they have really good snorkeling...i also do not like the idea of no phone or no tv in the rooms...the ritz i love the snorkeling, the infinity pool, and the restaurant, and the view of st. john's...but these places are both nice and personally i would be happy with both.

Helen

Caneel Bay is one of the most spectacular properties in the Caribbean with some of the most beautiful beached in the world. Ritz St Thomas is all about the large air conditioned rooms with marble bathrooms that could be anywhere USA. I've stayed at both and would only return to Caneel.

I've stayed at both and like both for different reasons. Been going to Caneel Bay for more than 20 years and have stayed at the Ritz a number of times and am returning for a few days in May. SO...depends what you want.

I LOVE St. John and Caneel Bay. No place like it. I've hopped all around the Caribbean and keep going back. But, if your idea of a 5-star hotel is all the bells and whistles, you need to read on...

Caneel was built by Laurence Rockefeller, along with Little Dix and Dorado Beach on Puerto Rico -- similar resorts in that the rooms are spread out over several acers, lots of gorgeous foliage, privacy, low-key atmosphere. The rooms are built to blend in with the environment and be eco friendly. More like having a small cottage in paradise. There are no telephones, no televisions, no radios. When we first started going to Caneel there was no air conditioning, but they have since added air. Makes for more comfort, BUT drowns out the wonderful birdsong, the night rains, etc. that I remember from the old days. I have never found a place with more beautiful beaches. Caneel has seven and 4 of them are spectacular. Great snorkeling right off the beach, so you never really need to leave the resort unless you care to. And you will likely never run into more than 10 or 15 people on any beach at any time. Very private, beautiful coves lined with palm and seagrape. Caneel also has their own private ferry for transfers and shopping, which is a real asset.

Don't expect the attention, service, and pampering you might get in a 5-star in NYC, however. This is the islands and this is a very low-key resort as is all of St. John. You pay for the extraordinary beauty, privacy, and wonderful atmosphere.

Other resorts that are similar to Caneel: Little Dix Bay, Peter Island, Jumby Bay (Antigua).

The Ritz is a different sort of resort. More rooms, more people, more traditional resort atmosphere. The Ritz St. Thomas, however, does have two lovely beaches on Great Bay with wonderful views and good snorkeling right off the beach. The infinity pool is lovely if a pool is important to you. There are two. The grounds are immaculate and the staff friendly and the rooms, especially the upper level rooms, have lovely views. The Ritz is convenient to Red Hook for catching the ferry over to St. John for the day, as well as for going into Charlotte Amalie shopping or going out to some of St. Thomas' restaurants. Agave Terrace is not too far away, as well as Blue Moon at Secret Harbour. Both good places to eat for variety.

You can have a wonderful time at either place. Last year we did a few days at each. We also divided our time once between Little Dix and Caneel. That's a fun way to do it, too.

Bottom line: If there's only one place to go, don't miss Caneel! (Especially this year as the Ritz is currently going through a multi million dollar renovation and there might be some construction still into the summer -- just something to think about)

Thank you for the great replies. After much reading, we've decided Caneel sounds perfect for us. We wanted somewhere laid back with great beaches. The only other thing I really want is to drink out of a coconut on the beach. Is that possible at Caneel? :)

Haven't seen any coconuts at the bar.....if you have more than 7 nights would highly recommend splitting week between Caneel Bay and Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda. Caneel ferry will take you directly to Little Dix-which is like a small Caneel but it feels like the end of the earth. Little Dix has great spa.

The drinks are served in plastic cups at the beach and in traditional glassware at the bar...sorry no coconuts.