Honeymoon Beach

[Kate59]

Hi All,
Heading to STJ this weekend and was wondering if you can get to Honeymoon Beach thru Caneel even when Caneel is still closed. Wanting to taxi there from town and back. Hubby doesn't like the hike from town.
Thanks

[Teresa_Rae]

I have never done it, but my understanding is that yes, you can still get there through Caneel's property, but you'll have to walk in from the road.

Have you considered the Lind Point Trail instead? Then you wouldn't have to pay for a taxi...nor would you have to wait for a taxi to come by on your return trip.

[Kate59]

Yes, I think we did the hike from the national park headquarters if that is the Lind Point trail, not bad hiking there but the way back is tiring after a long day on the beach.
Thanks for your reply!

[Teresa_Rae]

Yes, I think we did the hike from the national park headquarters if that is the Lind Point trail, not bad hiking there but the way back is tiring after a long day on the beach.
Thanks for your reply!

Yes, you can park at the NPS Visitors' Center and hike the Lind Point Trail from there. It is a bit tiring on the way back, but if you go through Caneel you'll have the added walk through the property since you have to enter through the road, so it might end up being 6 of one, half dozen of the other (though the Lind Point Trail would be a bit more of a change in elevation).

[Coconuts]

Kate: You're all set, if you simply follow a few basics. We were there a few weeks ago, and can confirm the following info. Have your taxi drop you off at the entrance to Caneel. You simply stroll in, announce your intentions to walk to Honeymoon Beach to the person at the entrance kiosk, and proceed through the resort to Honeymoon Beach. You do need to exactly follow the signs, though, and not wonder off into the resort. Even small detours (to dodge the stairs, for example) may be noticed by resort security staff. The concession at Honeymoon Beach is actually still open; we were there a few weeks ago, during maximum low season, and were surprised to find that we could have bought or rented much of what we had lugged in. You can rent chairs, kayaks, and such there, and buy a variety of non and alcoholic beverages there, as well as ice cream. Honeymoon Beach also has free hammocks and picnic tables.

A visit to Honeymoon Beach makes for a wonderful day, and picking up a West Indian hot take-out meal at the St. John Market or Starfish Market deli counters will provide you with a delicious and cost-effective lunch, letting you stay at this beautiful beach all day. Note that the food market deli counters transition from serving breakfast to varied hot lunches between 10:30 and 11 AM. They both offer great fried chicken, although SJM is better and more consistent in this staple, and while it may be unfamiliar, if they are serving curry goat or oxtail stew, go for it! SJM also has a great conch chowder every Friday morning, and will also sell you a delicious and healthy "Bush Tea" (turmeric and ginger).

From our perspective, the largely level entry from the Caneel entrance beats coming in via the Lind Point trail, unless hiking was your primary goal. I suspect that your hubby will be all in for the main entrance version.

Enjoy!!

All the best,

Kevin
http://www.cocoplum.vi