Caneel Bay Resort was once a popular destination for travelers seeking luxury and relaxation on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. However, in recent years, the resort has been closed due to various reasons.
History of Caneel Bay Resort
Caneel Bay Resort was founded in 1956 by Laurance Rockefeller, a member of one of America’s wealthiest families. The resort was built on a 170-acre estate on St. John’s north shore, which included seven pristine beaches.
Reasons for Closure
The closure of Caneel Bay Resort is due to several factors that have impacted its operations over the years. Here are some of the reasons:
Impact of Hurricane Irma and Maria
One of the main reasons for the closure is the devastating impact that Hurricane Irma and Maria had on the US Virgin Islands in 2017. The hurricanes caused widespread damage to properties and infrastructure on St. John, including Caneel Bay Resort.
The resort suffered significant damage from high winds and storm surges, which caused flooding and erosion along its beaches. As a result, the resort was forced to close indefinitely while repairs were made.
Legal Dispute with US National Park Service
Another reason why Caneel Bay Resort remains closed is due to an ongoing legal dispute with the US National Park Service (NPS). The NPS owns most of the land surrounding Caneel Bay Resort and has leased it to the resort since its inception.
However, in 2010, the lease agreement expired, and negotiations between Caneel Bay Resort and NPS failed to reach an agreement on a new lease. As a result, Caneel Bay Resort has been operating under an expired lease ever since.
In 2018, NPS announced that it would not renew Caneel Bay Resort’s lease, citing concerns over the resort’s environmental impact and the lack of a clear plan for its future operations.
Future Plans for Caneel Bay Resort
Despite its closure, there are still plans to reopen Caneel Bay Resort in the future. The owners of the resort, STJ Resort LLC, have submitted a proposal to NPS outlining their plans to renovate and reopen the resort.
The proposal includes plans to rebuild damaged infrastructure, implement sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and create new jobs for locals. However, negotiations between STJ Resort LLC and NPS are ongoing, and there is no set timeline for when or if Caneel Bay Resort will reopen.
Conclusion
Caneel Bay Resort remains closed due to a combination of factors that have impacted its operations over the years. While there are still plans to reopen the resort in the future, it will likely take time and effort to overcome the legal and environmental challenges that have contributed to its closure.