Anguilla is like a DREAM!

Old Aug 10th, 2017, 06:14 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Anguilla is like a DREAM!

A little overdue, but our vacation to Anguilla in May was spectacular! I’ve pulled together a few bullet points, but honestly, if you’re thinking about going - JUST GO!

- We flew directly to/from Anguilla via Puerto Rico and while I can’t compare it to ferrying over from St. Martin, we found this option super easy and convenient. It’s what I would do again.

- We stayed at the Carimar Beach Club. It was almost perfect! It’s exceptionally clean, the staff were very kind, the proximity to the beach and the beach itself were ideal. The only downsides: 1) no a/c in the entire unit, only in the bedrooms and only when you are in them (the door automatically locks behind you and it will only run if the door is closed). 2) no pool. Not a big deal for us, the beach is MORE than enough, but something to note. Otherwise this place is so peaceful, calm, and quiet. While there isn’t a restaurant onsite, the Blanchard’s Beach Shack is awesome and there are plenty of other nearby restaurants to easily walk to as well.

- We enjoyed everywhere we ate! Blanchards - both the Beach Shack and their restaurant - were excellent. The Beach Shack was so reasonably priced and everything we tried (which was a lot over the course of the week) was outstanding. We also really like Jacala (and the staff were wonderful) and The Straw Hat. Plenty of fun beach bars, too - Elvis’, the SunShine Shack, and the Bamboo Beer Box were awesome. The owners at almost all of these places introduced themselves and greeted us! Definitely kind and welcoming customer service. Smokey's at the Cove was our least favorite - the food and staff were not memorable.

- We didn’t snorkel much, but we didn’t see much where we did. The water is so perfect and crystal clear though!

- There were mosquitos at night, but bug spray (that I brought and the Carimar provided) helped. Nothing over what would be expected on a tropical island.

- We did a day trip to St. Martin and that was easy enough. Customs went quick on both islands and it was a fun experience, worth the 1/2 of a day.

- Best Buy was the all-purpose grocery store and we found everything we needed there. Yes, prices are a little high, but it’s to be expected.

- Every person we encountered was so genuinely kind! They are 1/2 the reason I would want to go back; I felt so comfortable and welcomed. (the other 1/2 is the beach/water!)

- We had a little rain, but it didn't hinder our day too much - we chose to just read on our patio during that time instead of the beach.

- We rented a Jeep through the Carimar for the week. It was ready upon our arrival (we took a taxi from the airport since we arrived at night we figured it’d be easier) and then just left it at the airport when we left. Very simple and convenient! I wouldn’t say a vehicle is necessary because there is enough to walk to, but we enjoyed going for a drive every day and seeing different parts of the island and trying different restaurants.

- I hear Anguilla being compared to Turks and Caicos often and for me, Anguilla wins HANDS DOWN! Grace Bay on Providenciales is unbelievable, but the less intimate feel of the resorts there and the indifferent staff and locals we encountered are the difference. Anguilla’s beaches are GORGEOUS and the people are so kind. Plus, it still has a Caribbean feel, less resort-y and more authentic.

Any couple looking for a relaxing and quiet vacation, I’d recommend: Staying at the Carimar, walking down Meads Bay and grabbing lunch at the Blanchard’s Beach Shack, keep walking for afternoon drinks at the BeerBox, and ending with a nice dinner at Jacala. When we go back with our kids I plan to consider Frangipani because of the pool, but would consider the Carimar again despite no pool because of the nice two bedroom/huge condo option.

Thanks to all of those who helped me plan! Feel free to ask any questions; I may be able to help!

Last edited by ibtyen; Nov 28th, 2017 at 10:16 AM.
pijeta is offline  
Old Aug 10th, 2017, 07:57 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've never understood the requirement for a pool when staying on a stunning beach like Meads Bay.
Odin is offline  
Old Aug 11th, 2017, 01:49 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Anguilla is our absolute favorite island! So glad you loved it too. We stayed on Meads our first two visits but love Shoal Bay East even more. Check out Shoal Bay Villas!
Kristen1206 is offline  
Old Aug 15th, 2017, 04:16 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Love love Anguilla. I would echo your feelings regarding comparison between the two islands. We have been to Turks once and planning a potential third trip to Anguilla in the near future.
mnag is offline  
Old Aug 19th, 2017, 01:26 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 224
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Thank you so much for writing this!!! I have been debating which island I wanted to go to and I think this put it over the top for me now!!!
palmtree2384 is offline  
Old Aug 21st, 2017, 08:00 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Anguilla is almost unreal!!! Absolutely stunning, stunning beaches, relaxed vibe and lovely people! It is expensive compared to other destinations, but worth it. Not for party animals although there is action for those who want it, but more the perfect beach holiday. Rendezvous Bay is my personal favourite beach, with Shoal Bay East and Mead`s a close second, but really, even the last favourite beach on Anguilla would be top beach elsewhere And for a few hours Robinson Cruzoe experience, check out Dog`s Island
idamontreal is offline  
Old Oct 9th, 2017, 07:09 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A lot of the islands on the north side of the CAribbean are stunning. I would like to visit Curacao and Carriacou soon dou
bussa17 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JBeth
Caribbean Islands
4
May 3rd, 2015 05:00 PM
janiekins
Caribbean Islands
11
Jun 10th, 2011 01:10 PM
Lmaev
Caribbean Islands
10
Jul 30th, 2010 09:08 AM
Shari
Caribbean Islands
15
Mar 21st, 2006 06:21 AM
Carolyn
Caribbean Islands
11
Nov 19th, 2002 09:18 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -