Caneel Bay: A Reborn Paradise

Caneel Bay, nestled on a 170-acre peninsula within the Virgin Islands National Park, is a destination steeped in history and natural splendor. Originally a sugar plantation known as Little Cinnamon Bay, the land was transformed in the 1950s by Laurance Rockefeller, who established the Caneel Bay Resort with a vision of simple elegance and harmony with the environment. Rockefeller later donated a large portion of the island to the U.S. government, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty as a national park. For decades, Caneel Bay Resort offered a tranquil escape, attracting visitors with its seven beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical surroundings. The resort was designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, with low-profile buildings and minimal artificial lighting to enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings. Although the resort was severely damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and is currently undergoing redevelopment, Caneel Bay Beach has reopened for public access. Today, visitors can once again enjoy the soft white sands and calm waters of Caneel Bay Beach, as well as explore the historic Durloo Sugar Plantation ruins. The National Park Service has implemented measures to ensure visitor safety and preserve the area's natural resources, including designated parking areas, signage, and walking paths. While the Caneel Bay Beach dock remains closed, the beach is accessible by land and water, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.