St Martin and Anguilla Trip Report

Old Nov 18th, 2007, 11:15 AM
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St Martin and Anguilla Trip Report

Thank you to everyone who has posted and whose advice I used. I used Fodors and Anguilla Guide significantly to plan this trip. I’m not sure how much my report will contribute, as almost everything I did was based off of these websites, particularly choosing restaurants in Anguilla.

Flight: American Airlines, Boston to SXM via San Juan. No problems other than on the return, we sat on the runway in San Juan for 25 minutes waiting for a gate. Security was mess in San Juan, so with an hour to claim luggage, customs, agricultural check, and security, it was a very tight squeeze.

Ferry: On the way to Anguilla, I took the regular ferry. $3 departure tax, and $12 fare that you pay on board. I had no problems, but heard stories from others. On return, I took Fun Time Charters – highly recommended. Book says cab from Marigot to airport is around $20, but someone I met was charged $35 plus tip, 2 people. Fun Time is $65 plus $3 for shuttle; was on my hotel bill. It’s a nice boat and was a smooth ride on a breezy, slightly choppy day. I think the price is worth the convenience of going straight to Dutch side and then short shuttle from dock to airport. $5 departure tax in Blowing Point.



HOTELS:

St Martin: La Plantation in Orient Beach. I would definitely recommend. It’s not on the beach, but does have a view from the patio. I liked the location, as I wanted to be near Grand Case. I found the location of being on Orient Beach convenient to getting around the island. Staff was friendly and helpful; studio room was spacious and clean. The advertised rate was $185/night; however, I booked thru www.hotel-caribbean.com and got the room for $654 total with taxes for 4 nights, plus transportation from airport to hotel ($35 cab ride value). So, $163 a night – a great deal.

Anguilla: Ocean/Pool view room at Ku on Shoal Bay East. I loved the hotel, and would stay there again in a heartbeat. I loved the room, the staff was extremely friendly, and Deon and Emily are making positive changes at the bar and restaurant. The hotel is no longer under the management of Cap Julaca, and the staff seems happy about that. I think this is the best beach, and had a blast with the other guests.






CAR RENTAL:

St Martin: United Car Rental. Extremely easy to deal with and very pleasant. They brought car to my hotel, and then met me at the ferry in Marigot for return. $106 for 3 days, compact. Gas is expensive on the French side. Half a tank was 30 euro, so it turned into almost $44, yikes!

Anguilla: Bryan’s Car Rental. Again, easy to deal with and very pleasant. Brought car to hotel, and then I left at ferry dock. Was cheaper than Avis. Compact was $40 day with insurance. Half a tank gas was $30.




ACTIVITIES:

St Martin:

Butterfly Farm: Recommended. Was something different to do and I found to be interesting. $12 entrance fee, which is good for all the days you’re on island.

Zoo: not recommended. Not much to see, and kind of in sad shape.

Shopping: If you know your prices, you can get a good deal in Philipsburg on jewerly. It’s a headache though, as when it’s slow, they are VERY aggressive. Only other thing I bought were some nice purses in Grand Case.

If you’re interested in any boating activities, have your hotel double check. One book said there were sunset cruises from Grand Case, but given the time of year (early Nov), it was only sailing out of Simpson Bay.

Anguilla:

Snorkeling: I went on Chocolat. Very highly recommended. Double check on when they’re sailing, as they didn’t go the day I wanted. Rawlins (I hope I spelt right) and Deon were great hosts. Cost $80, meet at 9:15 and return around 3:30. Departs from dock behind Johnno’s on sandy Ground. Catarman that holds 12 people, and goes to Prickly Pear ( great snorkeling) and Sandy Island ( not as good as Prickly Pear). Lunch included ( fish, ribs or ribs and chicken). Good food, and a big plate. Unlimited drinks. 12 people is the perfect size, as there was a big catarman from St Maarten, and there were too many people on that!

Spa: I went to Malliouhana. This was my first spa visit ever, and loved it. Cuisinart would’ve been $60 less, but their treatments are 50 minutes versus 60 minutes at Malliouhana. I had the coconut scrub ( $145) and massage ($115), and would get again. Don’t remember name of person I had; she’s returning home to Bali after this season. Expansion construction is still not complete at Cuisinart.

Shopping: Not much shopping on Anguilla. I did find beautiful Christmas ornaments at a store called Something Special. Drugstore normally has a good selection of t-shirts; however, they were awaiting a new arrival so stock was limited when I was there. Drugstore also has best selection of postcards.


RESTAURANTS:

St Martin:

La Plantation included continental breakfast that’s served poolside.

Busby’s Beach Bar has 75 cent Caribs from 11-4! They’re $4 at sunset beach bar.

Orient Beach, Kontiki: The hotel has room charging privileges with the 5 restaurants on Orient Beach. All the restaurants are expensive! Kontiki, grilled ham and cheese and pina colada, 17 euro before tip. With 1.42 exchange rate, it was $33!!!

Grand Case: I recommend seeking out restaurants that offer a 1 for 1 exchange if you pay cash. Grand Case was very quiet the nights I was there, did not need reservations. I heard several times that the French side is really hurting due to the exchange rate. If you do pay with credit card you need to leave the tip in cash.

L’Auberge Gormand: Recommended. Food was good, and the service was excellent. One of the busier restaurants on the strip. Very pretty restaurant. 3 glasses of wine, bottled water, starter, entrée, dessert, and coffee was around $70 euro, or $101 USD. Did offer the one for one.

Lolo’s: I loved it here. Very casual place set amongst the expensive restaurants of Grand Case. Picnic tables and local women cooking. Service was a little slow, but for entrees that are between $8 and $12, who really cares? Also offered one for one exchange.

Le Pressoir: Highly recommended. This was a splurge – not sure if they offered cash deal; didn’t ask as I didn’t have enough. Beautiful restaurant. Outstanding food, presentation and service. They had an appetizer special of foie gras macaroons with local fruit that was really amazing. Starter, entrée, dessert and bottled water was about $70 euro. My bill was more, as I also had a bottle of wine. Expensive, with exchange rate, but didn’t regret going.


Marigot: I didn’t see any restaurants offering the cash exchange. I did see signs for a less of an exchange rate, ie $1.25 instead of $1.42

La Belle Époque: I had pizza, so not much to say. Was good - $23 USD


Anguilla:

Now this was the highlight of my trip. I spent weeks pouring over menus and people’s recommendations. Too many choices for such little time. Sad to say I missed Smokey’s and Koal Keel. Next Nov can’t come fast enough.

Zara’s - recommended. I could eat the seafood crepe and garlic snapper everyday! 2 glasses of wine, starter, entrée and bottled water - $67 with 15% service included

Picante’s - The seafood enchiladas are worth the drive from shoal bay east. Everything but the seafood enchiladas is under $20. Fun atmosphere, great service, and great food. Entrée, dessert, 2 margaritas $56 with 15% service.

Veya - I cannot say enough about this place!!! Out of all the great meals I had, this was my favorite. Gorgeous restaurant, best service I had anywhere (Nadika rocks!) amazing food, beautiful presentation, and a great wine list, especially the by the glass selection. 2 glasses of wine, bottled water, starter, entrée (best duck I’ve ever had), and dessert was $90 with 15% service.

Straw Hat - I have to say I was disappointed. It was good, but not great. I think it’s the bill that bothers me. 2 glasses of wine, bottled water, starter and entrée, $80 with 15%. For the $10 difference, I would’ve much rather been back at Veya. Though the coconut rice is a recipe I want for sure!

Overlook - I went for breakfast and it was very good. The lobster benedict was worth it! $30 with 15%.

Cuisinart - I wanted to see the property. Pancakes, coffee and juice around $22. Others were raving about the lobster here.

Trattoria Tramonto - I didn’t think it was anything special. Only went as I wasn’t hungry enough for Smokey’s. 2 glasses wine, and pasta, $32 with 15% service.

Blanchard’s - I had mixed feeling before going as it kept being mentioned to me that it’s overrated. I loved it!!! This is how I first learned about Anguilla, and I have to admit that the timing of my trip was based around going to Blanchard’s. It made for a very special last night. Beautiful setting, great service, and wonderful food. What I really liked was that I asked for help with the wine list – I was willing to spend more, but the bottle that was recommended to me was $45, and very good. I also like how happy the staff is here. There is one guy in particular that walks around with the biggest grin – it can only make you smile! This was my big splurge of the trip. Bottled water, bottle of wine, starter ( lobster and shrimp cakes are amazing!), caribbean sampler, cracked coconut and after dinner drink, $175 with 15% service. It was everything I hoped for!


Final Thoughts:

The best advice I picked up off these sites, to drive Anguilla in the daylight on your first day BEFORE you drive to dinner in the pitch black. It makes a big difference. Best advice I could give - if it’s your first time in St Martin, take a cab to the hotel, and then get car. I found it helpful in getting my bearings, and for how they drive.

The one thing I didn’t bring, but surely needed – bug spray!! And as a result of not having bug spray, hydrocortisone.

I had some concerns about traveling alone to a “honeymoon destination” and feeling alone. Not once did I feel alone or uncomfortable. I had an absolute blast and made a lot of new friends both on island and off. Now I understand why people go back to Anguilla, and why people cry at checkout (literally). As soon as I walked back into work, the first thing I said is “2 weeks next year”!












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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 11:20 AM
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http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...q&x=0&y=wyn553

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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 12:19 PM
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Thanks for the great report. The pictures were just what I needed on this grey day in NY!
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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 12:27 PM
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Thanks- I hear you - Boston has a chance of snow furries tonite. Reggae music and posting pictures has me longing to go back; and I've only been home 3 days!
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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 02:56 PM
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What an enjoyable trip report! I'm so glad tha tyou found destinations that were suitable and pleasant for your solo travels. Now I'm going to go check out your photos that you linked to. Thanks for posting!
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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 03:15 PM
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Thanks for great trip report. You make me miss St Martin. How long of a walk was it to the beach from La Plantation? I've considered staying at the hotel in the past. I thought it looked really nice, but was concerned that it would be a long walk up the hill at the end of the day after a few drinks on the beach - LOL!
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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 03:35 PM
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Kristin, what wonderful photos!
We travel to Anguilla 3 times a year, and stay at Cap Juluca or Covecastles.
I can tell you the "new" villa on Shoal Bay West is a renovation of
a villa that has been there for many years----and I am glad its almost done! The beach looked great!
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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 03:49 PM
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lucky you. I reserved with bryan's for the week of nov 3 thru 10. bryan was a big no show. got to our villa and despite his email that the car would be there. nope. he was given all our island contacts etc.. ended up with the rental agent taking me to avis and got a car at the last minute. shame on bryan's car rental.
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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 04:01 PM
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Travelenthusiast - Honestly, I didn't walk to the beach. It was very humid, and either I was on my way somewhere, or on my way back, so I drove. It depends which house you're in. I was up the hill, one from the end, so 10 min from there. I'd guess about 5 minutes from the reception area to the side where Coco's is. I liked the Kontiki side, as there were less people.

I chose this hotel because I couldn't get into Grand Case Beach Club. The room I wanted wasn't available on consecutive nights. The next availability was $80 more a night with the taxes, so that's how I ended up at La Plantation. I didn't care about being on the beach since I was on the beach in Anguilla, but even if I did care, I would stay here again since the price was right. I had drinks at Sunset Cafe in Grand Case, and while it seems nice, I preferred Orient Beach.

Justme22- sorry to hear you had a bad expeirence with Bryan's. He was late delivering my car, but was working alone and was nothing but apologetic. It sounds like he needs different help as the person (not Ronnie) that was supposed to drive the car to Ku didn't do it, and then Ronnie was running all over island to get cars where they needed to be. Nonetheless, I would rather support a local company.
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Old Nov 18th, 2007, 04:19 PM
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Thanks for the info. We are spoiled and a ten minute walk might be too much especially if it is uphill.
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Old Nov 19th, 2007, 12:07 PM
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Thank you for the trip report and the pics. Makes me want to go away. Sigh...
Didn't you have an issue with Ku re: reservation? Did you change your travel date or were they able to finally accomodate you?

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Old Nov 19th, 2007, 02:20 PM
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Caribtraveler- good memory. I did have an issue with the reservation. I'm still trying to make sense of it, as if you go thru Ku's website, it links to an outside tour company. I'm just recontacted them about the $100 credit for having to change my flight. Ku wasn't able to answer why I ended up dealing with the middle person. Next time I will call the hotel itself and hope they can match the special from www.hotel-caribbean.com; if not I did have a great expierence with hotel-caribbean.
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Old Nov 20th, 2007, 01:59 PM
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Next time you go, hit Picantes in and Ripple's in addition to Koalkeel. I liked Nat's Place in Palm Grove way more than Smokey's, but I know alot of people feel the opposite. Straw Hat got a new chef last year, and I don't think he is as good, which may explain the discrepancy there. Blanchard's is hit or miss-always better when the Blanchards are there, but when they will never say (at least not to me) whether the Blanchards will be around when I make reservations.
I don't know anyone who goes to AXA who doesn't want to return
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Old Nov 20th, 2007, 05:04 PM
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Straw Hat has a new chef this year and all is good in my favorite restaurant!
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Old Nov 23rd, 2007, 05:31 PM
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Hi
Showing my age here - went to Straw Hat quite a few years ago. At the time they had a great tee shirt which the servers wore and it was also for sale. As I recall, the artwork was of three girls from the back with only bikini bottoms and, or course, a straw hat. It was designed by an island artist. Do you remember, do they still have it?
Thanks.
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Old Nov 24th, 2007, 06:14 AM
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They had a tshirt for sale, but I didn't pay attention. I would think if the server had it on, I would've noticed. Maybe someone else can chime in?
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Old Nov 24th, 2007, 07:31 AM
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http://www.strawhat.com/shop.php#

I have a caribbean t-shirt obsession....my closet is full of them. I found this on the Straw Hat website and can be ordered online.
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Old Jan 7th, 2009, 02:18 AM
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I went on a sailing holidays in Anguilla and the trip from St Marteens to Anguilla was amazing. Lots of yachts and we also got to see some dolphins. The crew of the chartered yacht by http://www.fab safaris.co.uk were charming and made our stay fabulous. Would recommend it to anyone.
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Old Jan 7th, 2009, 02:18 AM
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sorry that link was http://www.fabsafaris.co.uk
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Old Jan 7th, 2009, 09:47 AM
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Thanks for the report and photos.

As I've said on other posts, our vacation to Anguilla was one of our best. We stayed at Shoal Bay Villas, next door to Ku and loved it.

Your photos took us back again to a wonderful time on the beach.
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