To be a truly great resort you need to have more than just a spectacular property and stellar service, both of which Caneel Bay in St. John has in spades. You need to offer special, unexpected little touches that your guests will remember, which Caneel Bay also does. The first night we were there, we heard a knock on our door. It was the housekeeper, who explained that she needed to give us our “nightly shell.” Every night, Caneel Bay leaves a shell with an inspirational quote on your pillow. Here are the three shells and quotes we received during our stay.

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” — Deepak Chopra (1946—present) Endocrinologist, Philosopher and Author

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” — John Muir (1838—1914) Naturalist and early advocate of U.S. Wilderness protection

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman (1822—1913) Abolitionist and Humanitarian

Caneel Bay also offered what is undeniably my favorite perk: free wifi. More luxury hotels need to do that! But free wifi is not the kind of the perk that stays in your memory…