Mrs2B

After much consideration, we decided that we want to honeymoon on Anguilla. Our next decision is whether to stay in a hotel or rent a private vacation villa.<BR><BR>We are generally private people, prefer a quiet night together, and are willing to give up hotel services and amenities for this.<BR><BR>With Anguilla being such a quiet island, we are wondering if we'll really feel isolated or alone in a vaca home. <BR><BR>Cap, Cuisi, Malli hotels all look magnificent, but we will come close to busting our budget if we stay at any of these. We probably won't have much spending $$ to play with after paying room tariff.<BR><BR>Vacation homes we've considered are all in the Little Harbour or Cul-de-Sac area.<BR><BR>We'd appreciate any input from you all. Many thanks.

Nancy

Hello Mrs2B,<BR>Congratulations!<BR>We have done both villas and resorts, and I'll just give you my impressions...<BR>There is nothing as romantic as sitting in the dark by the pool with a glass of wine and your sweetie at your own villa with the only light coming from candles, the starry sky and the blue glow of the pool lights, BUT...<BR>For new travelers to the Caribbean, finding a good grocery with the type of food you like, cooking, renting and driving a car, etc., can be a bit overwhelming. <BR>Of course, you don't have to eat at the villa, but we found it's easier many times than trying to get ready and go out. A lot of the restaurants on Anguilla - which are great by the way - are spread out all over the island, and a rental car is a must.<BR>I personally like both equally, but my husband says staying in a villa did leave him feeling isolated, and that we did not get motivated to go do as many things as we normally would on our vacation.<BR>If you are laid back types who just want a restful time away after the bustle of your wedding, and just want to be alone, I think renting a villa is a great choice.

xxx

not intimidating to do the grocery and the shopping on Anguilla. A few choices makes that an easy task. But you deserve to be pampered a bit rather than making your own bed, having fresh linen everyday, or even having breakfast served on your patio. Check luxurylink.com as Cap and Malli do pop up there occassionally and since CuisinArt has high vacancy rates they are there frequently. They are cooperative with weeks and hotels will release availability for your dates before you bid. The privacy factor is a key at both Malli and Cap and many of the other small but lovely resorts/properties, condo-style even, that are on lovely beaches but not such a strain on the budget and a good compromise for an ideal honeymoon without sacrifice!

Elisha

Hello, I agree with Nancy's points about villa vs. hotel. I'm not comfortable going shopping in other countries for food and I am also intimidated by driving on the left hand side in a strange place but that's just me. Thats why I always stay in hotels.<BR>But I have a friend who likes her privacy and they always stay in a villa.<BR>They can go swimming whenever they want in suits or without and can lie around the pool all day or in the house without worrying about getting dressed up or having anyone disturbing them.<BR>She comes back looking like a million bucks with an allover tan and they never stay at hotels any more. Just my observation but it sounds like it might work for you.

Howard

You might consider staying at Frangipani on Meads Bay which is a great beach. Frangipani is small, intimate and romantic. In my opinion the perfect place for a honeymoon. It is a condo resort and only has six suites, a junior suite and the penthouse suite. Web site is www.frangipani.ai. They have a very nice pool and restaurant. Sort of like having your own villa with a few amenities. We have stayed there a dozen times and are going back in Nov. The Sun, Sea and Sand package is the best deal and it won't break the bank. If you need more info feel free to E-mail me

Mrs2B

Thank you for all of your thoughtful responses. We've decided to make our honeymoon a bit of an adventure and go for the villa. Wish us luck!!<BR><BR>We'll be sure to follow up with a trip report.<BR><BR>Thanks again...

anon

Check out www.18degreesnorth.com - we will be staying there in 1 1/2 weeks and can give you a full report when we return if you wish.<BR><BR>The owner Denise is a wonderful person - it has been a real joy dealing with her.

Mary

Have you looked at http://villas.ai and mycaribbean.com? We've done the villa thing on Anguilla & do love it. I would heartily recommend the Little Harbour area.

Aaron

We are considering a rental on Anguilla, too. <BR><BR>Mary, could you please elaborate regarding the Little Harbour area? We have seen online some lovely homes available for rent there. Just wondering why you'd recommend.<BR><BR>Thanks so much! Best wishes in your travels!

Mo

Take a look at http://anguillavilla.com It's on the other side of the island but there's an incredible and unobstructed view of St. Martin (and on really clear days, Saba and St. Barths). There's a small beach that no one else ever uses (there's plenty of those in Anguilla) and a pool besides.<BR><BR>Spending a lot of money and being pampered has nothing to do with romance. Some of the most romantic encounters I've had took place in quiet cafes, on a secluded starlit beach, or in a nightclub during the slow dance. Glad you're going with a villa--the property manager will be happy to answer all your questions and make recommendations, just like a concierge.

Mary

The Cul de Sac area (where we usually stay) is lovely but it's a fairly long ride out to the main road (several miles). There have also been crime problems in that section of the island, most likely because of the secluded nature of most of the villas (many behind walls) & its proximity to Blowing Point. We feel very comfortable & safe in the Little Harbour area (we used to stay at Cinnamon Reef before we made the transition to villa living -- it's a good compromise as it's a 22-villa resort). There are some beautiful villas there & the views are the most spectacular on the island! BTW, I wouldn't recommend the villa that the poster directly above suggested for a honeymoon -- it's a duplex so you could lose your privacy in an instant. Also, the road it's on is being completely re-done (widened, paved, etc & could be a mess while you're there).

Susan

For those not wanting to spend a fortune on Anguilla, but want a clean place in a great location, try the Carimar Beach Club. We stayed there last year and just loved it. It is on Meads Bay and the apartments have kitchens. Very quiet and tucked between some of the more expensive hotels., but no restaurant on the Carimar Beach Club premises.