mrsduke

We're about to book a week at the Frangiapani on Anguilla in mid-December after vacationing for 3 consecutive years at Caneel Bay on St. John. We'd love to hear some opinions from those of you who have been to this site on Anguilla recently.

MaryD

We've stayed at Frangipani several times & are going back in November. It's on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island (& perhaps the Caribbean) -- just breathtaking. The resort is very small & doesn't offer the level of service that the big 3 on the island do (Cap Juluca, Malliouhana & CuisinArt) but the staff, while inobtrusive, is lovely & will help you get whatever it is you want. Nice restaurant & bar; beautiful pool. The units are huge & you are right on the beach. It's near the west end restaurants & you can rent a car on the premises for $215/week. We LOVE it!!

HowardC

I agree with MaryD. We are staying there for our 14th time over Thanksgiving. It is small quiet and intimate. There are 5 condo suites that can be either 1,2 or 3 bedroom suites one true one bedroom suite, one junior efficiency suite and the penthouse. All suites have kitchens, bath and a half or two baths depending on the suite, washers and dryers etc. Besides the pool and restaurant there is also a tennis court on site. Meads Bay is a great beach. The Sun Sea and Sand package is the best deal on the island for the money and what you get. The staff will go out of their way to ensure your stay at Frangipani is an enjoyable one.

nancylee

We have been trying to decide on where to stay on our first trip to Anguilla this coming winter. After reading the 2 replies to mrsduke, we have decided on Frangipani. It is not as expensive as the big three (Cap Julica etc.). We really like to have a kitchen, as well as a tennis court, and the rooms seem large and comfortable. We also have spent previous winters at Caneel Bay, but it has gotten very pricey and do not like being without telephones in room. We will miss the excellent snorkeling at Caneel. Can anybody tell me anything about whether snorkeling is possible at Frangipani, and if not, are there any other beaches on Anguilla for snorkeling?

MaryD

Snorkeling is very good (not great) off the beaches on Anguilla. The best is Little Bay which you get to by going to Crocus Bay & getting Calvin to take you there (He'll come back for you as well). There's decent snorkeling around Shoal Bay East & also it can be very good at Junks Hole. I've heard you can snorkel at the end of Meads Bay that is closest to Frangi but haven't tried it. There are a number of boat charters that will take you to the deserted barrier islands all around Anguilla. The Gov't has sunk some boats that also make for nice snorkeling.

penny

We went to Caneel, after many trips to Anguilla staying at Cap Juluca. Caneel has much better from the beach snorkeling, but Anguilla is so much easier to get around, to explore, and find a beach bar on almost every beach. Meads Bay is spectacular, I walked it every morning when we stayed at Malli. Frangipani is a lovely place, although we have never stayed there, I know its location is wonderful, and has many repeat guests. I must say I am spoiled from Caneels
sea life, and CJ's Maundays Bay is like the dead sea. Bart at Renezvous has told us to come anytime to the reef near Cedar Grove. You will love Anguilla, it has stunning beaches.

nancylee

Thank you MaryD and Penny for good advice on snorkeling. It was very helpful. Questions: How does one get in touch with or find Calvin at Crocus Bay? Who is Bart at Rendezvous?

penny

Bart is the lovely manager at Rendezvous, he also dives. We love to go to lunch there. The restaurant Cedar Grove is low key. Nice spot. Nice tables set up over looking the water. He feels the sea life is returning.
Hurricanes Luis and Lenny did a lot of damage. I have noticed more fish at Maundays Bay-nothing like Caneel, so we are spoiled!!
Others will help you with Calvin, we usually do not snorkel on Anguilla, as we like it at our doorstep!