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We'll be headed to St. Martin for 7 days next month. We plan on taking the short ferry ride from St. Martin to Anguilla for at least one day, if not two to enjoy the beaches and restaurants.
A few questions. Would it make more sense, based on the prices, to rent a car in Anguilla for a day trip rather than take a taxi if we want to go to a beach and hopefully a restaurant on the beach? If so, are there car rental places at the ferry terminal in Anguilla?
As far as beaches and restaurants are concerned, ideally we'd like to stop at a beach where we could rent chairs than eat somewhere on the beach or nearby for a late lunch.
Based on reading various posts, it looks like the following restaurants/cafes on the beach have chair rentals:
1. Anguilla Great House on Rendezvous Bay
2. Elodia's on Shoal Bay
3. Trattoria Tramonto on Shoal Bay
4. Uncle Ernies' on Shoal Bay
Am I missing anything on this list?
If you could choose only one beach (where there are chair & umbrella rentals) and nearby restaurant to eat at in Anguilla in a day, which would you choose? We're looking for more of a burger type of place so I'm thinking Trattoria may be too fancy.
We like peaceful beaches and not too much music or crowds.
Thanks.
Anguilla chair rental & restaurant recommendations
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If your goal is to spend the day at the beach and having lunch then the answer is simple, take a taxi to Shoal Bay East (one of the 10 Best Beaches in the Caribbean and certainly on the island) where you'll have a choice of several restaurants including Uncle Ernie's, Serenity, Gwen's, Elodia's, etc. (FYI - Trattoria Tremondo is at Shoal Bay West which is a different beach and on the complete opposite side of the island). You'll have no trouble renting chairs or umbrellas, in fact when we were there most of the restauants/beach bars that had chairs let their patrons use them for free (not sure if this is still the case). As far as choosing your lunch spot simply stroll along the beach and check out the various menus and ambiance of each place - select the spot that most appeals to YOUR senses.
Have fun, enjoy your trip to Anguilla.
The beach itself is fabulous, uncrowded and you can easily find a spot where you'll be virtually alone so there's no need to fret about overhearing loud music.
Lastly, just tell the taxi driver what time you want to be picked up for your return to St. Martin and he/she will come back to pick you up.
I agree with Roamsaround, Shoal Bay East is a perfect spot. Uncle Ernies is in a spot with a few restaurants(rental chairs) in a row. Gwen's is down the beach to your right (as you look at the water) about a 10 min. walk.
The beach is one of the best we've been on and the casual food is great. It's hard to choose which place has the best food. There are only a few places, so it's not too busy.
I think that the difference between Shoal Bay East and Shoal Bay West will be the number of people on the beach. When we were there East had more people and more beach bars. West had only Trattoria if my memory serves me right. You can rent chairs on both beaches. However, you can use Trattoria's chair for free if you have lunch there (at least that was the case in '07.
Our fav was West because the water was so beautiful and calm and there weren't that many people on the beach. Trattoria is nicer than a beach bar, but you can still eat there with your swim cover-ups and wet hair.
The day we went to East, it was cloudy and wavy so I'm sure that influenced our thoughts on that beach. We had lunch at Gwen's and were not impressed.
Regarding your cost question about rental car vs taxi, I'm not sure. I don't remember seeing car rental places at the Anguilla ferry terminal.
Have a great trip.
I think Rendezous bay is the answer. The Sunshine Shack is a place you can rent chairs and you can have drinks there. From there it's off to the Dune Preserve for an awesome lunch right ont he beach. I highly recommend it.
There are no rental agencies at the ferry. You'll have to take a taxi to the agency to pick up the car. If you're only going to one beach, then you're better off with a cab. As mentioned, arrange for a pick-up time.
I don't know the specific answer to your question, but for lunch, I would not describe Trattoria tramonto as fancy at all.
Thanks for the great info.
We're now thinking of splitting the trip to stay 3 nights on Anguilla at Frangipani or Carimar to enjoy the island w/out feeling rushed.
Smokey's on the Cove, on Cove Bay. Great food, good beach, and yes, you can rent chairs
mah1980, great idea to split your stay! The beaches of Anguilla are worth so much more than a day trip but if you do decide on this option then my vote is for Shoal Bay East.
As an update, I think that we're going to spend the whole time in Anguilla now. I just think it would be more our cup of tea as we like low key places, though we may ferry over during our stay.
Trying to decide between Cuisinart and Malliouhana now. Any input would be appreciated (both would be through specials).
i dont think you will regret your decision! we stayed at Cap and loved it. they have a special now too. but having only seen malli and cuisi, i think i like the beach at cuisi better.
Well, I think Cuisinart is the more visually appealing of the two, but Malli does seem to be the superior resort and before high season they're offering great rates. (Take this with a grain of salt, as I've not actually stayed at either one but have only visited.) I've stayed at Meads Bay next to Malli (Carimar) and we visited Rendezvous Bay many times. Both beaches were just lovely, and when water was a little rougher at one, it was perfectly calm at the other. I don't think you can go wrong no matter where you stay on the island. But whever you do, if you want a special dinner, I cannot recommend Veya highly enough!
Shoal Bay East is simply spectacular!Also, there is pretty good snorkelling right from the beach...saw some pretty purple and red corals, as well as sea turtles and barracuda, along with assorted smaller tropical fish. Some nice casual places for burgers and beer(Unle Ernies).
If you decide to stay overnight, I'd HIGHLY recommend the Malliouhana. Great venue with 2 long ,walkable beaches and access to many excellent dining options.
Definitely rent a car..driving is on the left.
IMO, Anguilla is infinitely preferable to St. Martin. We never felt unsafe in Anguilla, and the locals were friendly and helpful. All meals we ate were fantasic.