bedfordmom

If this message comes up twice, sorry -- tried to post earlier today but it didn't seem to work. My husband and I are trying to pick a locale for a fortieth birthday trip. We'd like to go somewhere out of this world, so to speak. We've narrowed it down to Cap Juluca or Jumby Bay but are having trouble deciding. It's like six of one and half dozen of the other. At one point we also considered Parrot Cay in T&C, but it seemed a bit too 'zen'. Also looked at Little Palm Island in the Florida keys, but we're going the first week in November and we were worried about the weather. Does anyone agree that their prices are very high? In any case, I've been reading this website alot and there seem to be a great number of caribbean pros out there. We've been to Little Dix and Dorado and like places like that -- lush, pretty, relaxing and easy to stay at the resort the whole time. Any advice?

blamona

I've never spent the night at either, but I've been through both, and eaten at the restaurants at both, hung out at their beachfronts.
I would pick Cap Jaluca. It's on one of the prettiest beaches in the world. Cap has something about it. You feel special just being there. The restaurants in Anguilla are the best in the Caribbean.
Anguilla is not lush, but when you see thoses beaches-who cares!
I've also been through Little Dix, and it's beautiful. Cap is different from that, but I would say I like it even more.

bedfordmom

Thanks so much for the info. Everyone seems to love, love, love Cap Juluca. It's difficult finding feedback on Jumby Bay. Would it bother you that cap is not all-inclusive? That was one thing that we found appealing about Jumby -- not having to think about all the food, etc. Any thoughts on room/location preferences at Cap?

almesq

We were at Cap last year and loved it. You won't miss the all inclusive. While we often eat our meals at the hotel when away, we went out more often in Anguilla just because there are so many good restaurants. We had dinner at Cap one night (at Pimms) which was good, but would not have wanted to eat there every night. We went to places that were a 5-10 minute cab ride from hotel, and just called our driver (he had given us his card) when we were ready to return, and he came right back to pick us up.
The beach at Cap has to be seen to be believed. It was great having the continental breakfast set up on our terrace every morning, then stepping outside to that amazing beach.
Haven't stayed at Jumby so can't comment about that, but we loved everything about Cap.
If you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to help.

almesq

As to room locations, I suggest asking for Villas 1-5. We were in 5. Villa 6 is right next to George's restaurant, so we heard it was a little loud at night (but we actually didn't notice that when we were there). The Villas on the other side of George's (7 and higher) we would not prefer because on that side of George's the beach is a bit narrower, not as much room between the villas and the water. On the 1-5 side, beach is very wide and there's plenty of room, so we liked that end better. (It's also close to the main house, Pimms/Kemia restaurants and fitness room).

island1856

We have been to both cap and jumby bay and prefer cap. There is nothing more wonderful than being right on the beach! As for the fact that cap is not all-inclusive: JB does a very nice job of keeping the food interesting despite the limited restaurant choices. However, anguilla has so many fab restaurants it would be a shame not to leave the resort to try them, so the fact that cap is not all-inclusive is a plus in our book.

bedfordmom

This information is great; thank you. By the way, what makes cap top Jumby, aside from the great food on the island. Is it just the quality of the beach? How about rooms and service at both? Does anyone know if the fitness room at Jumby is adequate? The photos of the fitness room at Cap look fine. Thanks again everyone for the feedback!

StanKase

The reason for little to no feedback on Jumby Bay is its size. It is 1/3 the number of rooms. The food at either is always a function of the chef. We have been to both and actually Jumby Bay twice. A chef change at Jumby had the food go from o'k to very good which is what we experienced on our 1 trip to Cap Jaluca. I like the small size of Jumby Bay if you select a deluxe room.
Neitheris really great for snorkeling but the beaches at or near Cap are a little nicer.
If I have confused you, it is because it is a "crap shoot" between the two in my opinion.

bedfordmom

I really appreciate your insight. We too feel like it's a crapshoot. I never thought about the size factor; that does make sense. It's strange, but even though every person seems to pick Cap over Jumby, I think we're leaning towards Jumby for a few reasons. For this vacation we're really just looking to relax, play tennis, etc. At some other point we might be into traversing an island in search of great restaurants, but not this time. Also, although the beach does look amazing at Cap, the beach at Jumby looks beautiful and the beach is not the number one priority here. I'm glad that you too feel like it's a crap shoot. We're looking into a courtyard ocean suite? What room did you stay in? There is a block of rooms a distance up the beach from the main house near the Pond house? I think that seems to be a quieter, nicer location. Any pointers to that end would be geat. Thanks for the help.

katiekate

Bedfordmom: Look at the JUMBY BAY SUITEs. They are amazing and newly built. You would be very happy with one.

penny

Bedfordmom---I love Jumby, I think I have been there over 12 times. Its so relaxing, and the beach is wonderful. Its calm as can be---not the soft talcum powder sand you find on Maunday's Bay (CJ's beach)but very nice. It is one of
my personal favorite beaches.

I am not a fan of all inclusives but this hotel has won my heart. Nothing to sign,interesting food, decent wine and upmarket liquors. The outdoor showers
were added a few years ago, nice. The staff is very attentive, the whole island is yours to explore. Sometimes on our walks back from the Estate House I feel we are the only ones on the island!

We were at LDB for 3 nights a few years ago---I prefer Jumby as it is more spread out to explore---there is just something about this place. Is it for everyone no---
This past Febuary the meals were great,
they have 3 new chefs----

I think you will like the tennis courts,
and very nice small well equipped gym.

I just got back from Cap Juluca, again I have been there over 18 times. Anguilla is a fine-fun dining island. We go out of the hotel for most of our meals. Cap is a wondeful hotel, fantastic beach.
It is home for us ---but its all about combining hotel and island.

In reading your posts it sounds like Jumby might be what you are looking for.
I will be happy to answer any questions on both hotels.

newyorkergal

I would vote for Jumby Bay. I would not say that Cap is out of this world.

katiekate

Penny: Have you ever stayed at Carlisle Bay? Or, visited the resort?

penny

Katiekate--We did stay at Carlise Bay when they first opened for 2 nights. I prefer Jumby. Yet--Carlise has its fans that prefer it to Jumby.
It is a very nice hotel. The restaurants
were excellent---nice additon to Antigua.

bedfordmom

Penny,
I think you hit the nail on the head. As much as Cap Juluca seems to top everyone's list, we're going to book Jumby Bay. At some point I'd love to see CJ, but this trip is more about relaxing and having quiet time together, etc. You have all been so incredibly helpful -- this website is fantastic; one that I'll use a lot in the future. Thanks again for all of the feedback!

penny

Enjoy! If you get a urge to go out for a long lunch one day do try Harmony Hall-
its a little bit of Italy on Antigua.