Virgin Islands National Park issues Request for Qualifications for potential operators of Caneel Bay lodging zone

News Release Date:
October 22, 2024

Contact:Ahmad Toure

ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands- The National Park Service (NPS) today released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Caneel Bay Lodging Zone leasing opportunity at Virgin Islands National Park.

Interested parties are invited to submit a summary of qualifications to rebuild, improve and operate overnight lodging accommodations and amenities at Caneel Bay, in accordance with National Park Service (NPS) policies. The RFQ is the prequalifying phase before Requests for Proposals (RFP) can be accepted by the NPS.

The Caneel Bay Resort was originally established by Laurance Rockefeller and Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc. as one of its "Rockresort" locations in the mid-1950's. Caneel Bay Resort has historically represented an early model of eco-tourist luxury accommodations. The Caneel Bay Resort has operated since the 1950's; however, since hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the operations no longer include overnight accommodations because many of the guest rooms and other support structures were severely damaged by the hurricanes.

"Caneel Bay overnight accommodations provide a unique publicly offered lease opportunity with stunning ocean views along the north shore coastal landscape," said Superintendent Penelope Del Bene. "The cultural and natural resources of the area are significantly important to the local communities."

Virgin Islands National Park will work with the operator of this iconic site to ensure high quality accommodations and services to the public are prioritized. This lease will also help the park meet the goals of providing a twenty-first century visitor experience, setting the standard as a premier eco-destination, representing a model for sustainable management practices, and participating in a circular island economy for Virgin Islanders and visitors alike.

This RFQ is part of the phased reopening of the Caneel Bay property outlined by the Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI) that Virgin Islands National Park has been implementing since the VI District Court issued their decision of ownership of Caneel Bay Resort lands and improvements to the United States in April 2024.

Tours to the Caneel Bay site for potential responders will be scheduled in early- to mid- November. Please refer to the RFQ for specifics.

The RFQ and additional information will be available at: National Park Service Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Caneel Bay Property (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.