RKJ

We are going on our honeymoon December 5-13, 2005 and have settled on Anguilla. Looking for a hotel that is second best to CuisinArt price-wise with amenities such as a pool, close to beach, restaurant on-site, ac and at least a tub in the bathroom.

Anyone have any ideas?? Thanks for your help!

lizpereira

Highly recommend Jap Jaluca!

MaryD

www.frangipani.ai

MaryD

P.S. The Sun, Sea & Sand package is the best deal (& the suites are enormous -- the one we stayed in last time had 3 balconies).

RKJ

Thanks Mary D! One question. Is there any reason why the standard rate for a one bedroom suite is so much more than the Sun, Sea & Sand package? Your room sounded great - do they take requests and if so would you recommend any room in particular? What is the difference between the suite and the penthouse?

MaryD

All of the one bedroom suites are great -- personally, I wouldn't stay in the penthouse because of the 3 flights of stairs (rum punch, you know!). The suites have 1&1/2 or 2 baths, full kitchen, washer/dryer. They don't take requests for rooms but you can ask for 1st or 2nd floor. We like to sit on the balcony & look out; some people would rather walk straight out onto the beach -- personal preference. BTW, there are only 8 suites so it's a very intimate place. Don't know about the price difference; we always ask for the package.

RKJ

All booked for that week...
Back to the drawing board!

MaryD

I don't know if this will help but the Shoal Bay Beach Hotel in Anguilla has been completely remodeled with a spa, pool, beach bar & restaurant. People I know who've previewed the rooms were very impressed. No web site yet but here's the contact info: [email protected]. Phone 1-800-869-5827 or 1-264-497-2011. Fax 1-264-497-3355. It's on a gorgeous beach & they have EXTREMELY reasonable introductory
rates thru 12/15 (opening in late October).

MarionCK

While I agree with Mary's recommendation of the new "Ku", and add that you might want to explore Serenity Cottages, let me add something else to the mix !

A honeymoon is such a special trip, and if you are feeling that your top choices are unavailable, you may feel disappointed.

Maybe you should explore some options on other islands. I'll add two for your consideration

Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. Classic Caribbean style with wonderful staff and glorious food served under the stars, and dancing under those same stars. VERY romantic !

Montpelier Plantation Inn in Nevis. I will be spending a few days there in February. It is an elegant property where service and pampering rule. The owners have been delightful.

Both properties receive rave reviews on tripadvisor.com.

If your heart is set on Anguilla, I understand. It's a very magical place. But if you are starting to feel that you are *downgrading* just to be there, you might want to explore other options.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide !

Marion

RKJ

Thanks MaryD and MarionCK for your suggestions. We just booked Ku for 8 nights in December and I'm extremely interested to find out what it's like!
Check back in December for a full trip report!

MaryD

Great -- we'll be on the island for 19 days in November & definitely plan to check out the 75 foot long beach bar at KU. How many rum punches do you think it will take to work our way the whole length? I'll let you know how it looks when we return. (Shoal Bay East has the clearest turquoise water & blinding white powdery sand -- you will love it there!)

RKJ

Well, I look at it this way - if the hotel stinks at least there is the beach. And really, who can go wrong with a 75 foot bar anyway?! Try and post some pictures when you get back - I would love to them! Thanks again for the suggestion.

MarionCK

RJK,

Thanks for letting us know about your decision

Any holiday is what you make of it...and a honeymoon should be about RELAXING and Anguilla is all about that.

Best wishes to you !

Marion