a la Anguilla and BVIs
 

i'm currently starting the search for our honeymoon destination, which will be mid-July 2004. we are looking for a relaxed atmosphere, and plan mostly on sunning, swimming, snorkeling, and just relaxing. we'd like some, but not all dining at the resort. <BR><BR>i was first introduced to Anguilla through CJ, but it's really our of our price range. i have found some reasonable-looking places on Anguilla(such as RendBay, Frang, Cinnamon, CarimarBC), as well as some places that seem to have a similar laid-back and friendly feel in Tortola(FortRec, SugMill, MangoBay, LongBay, NailsBay). <BR><BR>sorry for the long-winded setup, but the question for all of you more experienced travelers is: are there any other islands/locations i should look for siimilar atmospheres and/or prices? <BR><BR>any comments on the resorts mentioned would also be appreciated.

Hi dreamizon!<BR><BR>My husband and I stayed at the Carimar Beach Club on Anguilla in October 2001 and absolutely loved it. There is not a restaurant on the premises, but its location on Meads Bay is absolutely perfect. No pool, but who needs one when you have Meads Bay. It is tucked between the Frang and Malliouhana, one of the more expensive hotels on the island. Anyway, we usually prepared breakfast and lunch in our room (fully equipped kitchens) to save some $$$$$ and then had dinner out, except we did have some pasta two nights at &quot;home.&quot; The units at Carimar are beautifully appointed, with ceilings fans, dining areas, living area. No TV and No AC, but you can get a bedroom AC unit (which works pretty well I must say) for $10 a day. The Carimar is just down the street from a little grocery store and if you rent a vehicle you can go to the main market - which is huge - in town. Anguilla is a lovely island and I think it is a good choice for a honeymoon. Congratulations and good luck with your plans. By the way, if you do go to Anguilla, you must have a wonderfully romantic dinner at Altamer. We splurged and it was worth every penny!!

thanks SusanLynne. <BR><BR>i was hoping we could get away with eating out the whole time, but with the places we're considering, maybe we need to reconsider that stipulation. Carimar is probably at the upper limit of our range, but i'll definately keep that in mind. <BR><BR>did you scope out any other places on the island during your stay? how does Carimar compare? <BR><BR>and one thing i forgot to ask the first time...how bad are the bugs on Anguilla?

Hi there! Yes, we did pop in to visit several other properties while there. We walked around Frang (very nice and intimate) and La Sirena (while nice, not directly on the beach, about a three minute downhill walk to the beach). We did walk around what was then the Sonesta on Rendezvous Bay (I understand it has since changed ownership). We drove past Cap Jaluca, Cove Castles. For what we spent, we were just as happy at Carimar as we would have been elsewhere. If you rent a car for much of your stay, you can find inexpensive places to eat. One of the best BBQ places on the island, is a 10 minute walk from Carimar. Up a hill and across from the grocery story I mentioned earlier. We went there twice. When I said we ate at home for breakfast and lunch, that did include several picnic lunches that we brought with us while visiting other area of the island. As for bugs, we didn't have any problems. Anguilla is an arid island, not green and lush like Hawaii or St. John or others. I don't think the Carimar Beach Club website does the place justice. Anyway ... just my humble opinion. There was a place I recall called the Arawak Beach Inn (or something along those lines) across from Scilly Cay that you may want to try and find. There was also another place on Shoal Bay that might be worth looking into. I can't remember the name of that, though I am certain that fellow Fodorites could help you out on that. It had a beautiful fountain/pool area in the middle of the complex and was adjacent to Ernie's rib place. Come on, Fodorites, help my memory ....

Cinnamon Reef has closed under a real financial mess (and is on the worst beach in Anguilla).<BR>There are two hotels right next door to each other on Shoal Bay. One is Shoal Bay Villas and the other is Shoal Bay Resort. Both have pools altho' from the beach the Resort's looks prettier. If you can't decide on which one, then go for the best rate as oth places are similar. <BR><BR>Uncle Ernie's has good food but can get too crowded sometimes, esp. Sundays. Our favourite is Gwens Reggae Grill around the corner at the end of Shoal Bay. She also has live music on Sundays, great food all the time, and very nice new hammocks under the coconut grove. Well worth the walk up the beach!<BR><BR>Definetely rent a car to get around, the taxi prices are outrageous. Eating breakfast in your room will save about $10 - $15 per person. <BR><BR>There are lots of fabulous restaurants on the island:<BR>Straw Hat<BR>Trattoria Tromonto<BR>Hibernia <BR>Mangoes<BR>Cuisinart<BR>Altamer<BR>But try these less expensive ones too:<BR>Pumphouse<BR>Snappers<BR>Flavours<BR>Ferry boat Inn <BR><BR>Write if you'd like more info. Also check out Bob Greens website www.news.ai<BR><BR><BR>

We have been to Anguilla 13 times and always stay at Frangipani. Great place to stay for a honeymoon. The Sun Sea and Sand package is the best deal for the dollar on the island. If you go to www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com and click on Anguilla and reviews I have a detailed review of Frangipani and Shoal Bay Beach Hotel (correct name--not Resort). In July you are definitely want A/C. Frang has a dual zone system, and the deluxe beachfront suites at SBBHotel have A/C. Don't know about Shoal Bay Villas. The last time I knew only one suite had A/C. Don't know what your budget is but you might consider Coral Gardens in the Turks and Caicos. On the debbies site go to Turks and Caicos and reviews for my Coral Gardens review. Great snorkeling right off the beach. Snorkeling not as good in Anguilla. Feel free to e-mail me for more info [email protected].

Topping for 25th anniversary seeker!

I will suggest something completely different - the cliffs of Negril Jamaica. I have been to Anguilla and while the beaches are wonderful, I still love the Jamaican atmosphere and the people. Take a look at www.negril.com, click on Where to Stay and then choose the cliffs and explore the hotels. Look at Tensing Pen, Blue Cove Castle and The Caves.

JMHO but the places you've picked on Tortola and Tortola itself cannot compare to Anguilla. Not only in terms of wonderful beachfront accomodations in all price ranges on Anguilla which you don't have on Tortola, but it's beaches and restaurants are hard to beat! Anguilla has some good snorkeling but most of the good snorkeling in the BVI is on the other islands not Tortola. Mango Bay, Nail Bay and other modest priced accomodations are not on Tortola and are lovely. If you go to news.ai, you'll be able to view the prices and accomodations of the wide variety of choices on Anguilla. Virgin Gorda is lovely and is a bit more lush, green and is &quot;prettier&quot; than Anguilla when it comes to tropical feel while Anguilla is flatter and more arid.