I have been planning a trip to Barbados for my husband and I and you all have been so helpful in planning. However, we've thought about it and we are thinking we are going to do Anguilla or the Out Islands instead due to the flight times, schedules and prices to Barbados from Texas.

Not sure which of these islands we'd enjoy more, but we are thinking there would be more to do in Anguilla. We're thinking of staying at Cuisinart at the beginning of May. Is this a very family oriented, loud resort, or would it be good for couples too? Also, do we HAVE to rent a car there or would it be OK to get around by walking and taxi?

Please share your expertise with me! We are looking to book something within the week. Thanks!

I appears that you have not narrowed down which out island you are interested in. I have been to Anguilla and Abacos in the out islands and can share my experience with you. Anguilla was my first caribbean experience and nothing else in my mind comes close. We were there in '98. The island itself is not very pretty (scrubby/dry) but the beaches are just awesome. Calm clear blue water. The dining choices on Anguilla are world class. Lots of romantic restaurants. Many of the restaurants are expensive though you can always find reasonably priced meals on any island. A car in my opinion is a must to enjoy the various beaches and restaurant selection on Anguilla. Abacos is nice also. We stayed on Elbow Cay. Nice little town with cute pastel houses. There are no luxurious hotels (like cuisinart) in the abacos. The beaches are nice too and empty for the most part. I think if I were to compare I would say that Anguilla has a slight edge on beaches over Abacos. The restaurants DO NOT compare to those on Anguilla. Decent selection but not world class. I think Harbor island may have a better selection of restaurants than other bahama out islands but from everything that I have read I just think that Anguilla is in a league of its own. One thing to keep in mind is that Anguilla is expensive. The restaurants/hotels on Abacos were a lot cheaper. If you are looking for green mountains and such Anguilla would not be a good choice. You will be disappointed but if all you care about is beaches and good food I would pick Anguilla. Hope this helps.

The Abacos are the best to visit either by boat or if you are spending a lot of time on a boat. There are thousands of uninhibited islands you can explore along with lots of diving and snorkeling.

Nothing cooler than finding your own private island you can spend a day on.

That being said, an Abaco boat trip is kinda campy.

For the ultimate Caribbean Resort Island experience, definitely CuisinArt no contest.

Thanks so much for your responses. I have been doing a little more research and Cuisinart looks absolutely heavenly! The prices are comparable to what we were looking at (actaully in some cases, less) than what we were looking at in Harbour Island and Abacos. I think we'll save the Out Islands for a trip with family or friends where we can rent a villa.

One question about Cuisinart. We normally do AI type places or more "adult-oriented" resorts. We do not have children and children usually do not bother me, but I wasn't sure if Cuisinart was really more of a family place, or if a couple can enjoy it as well. It seems like it would be good for either, but just wanted to get some other opinions.

I can't give you any input on the Bahamas, but I think you will fall in love with Anguilla. We are about to take our 5th trip there this summer. We are also in Texas and usually fly Continental direct to San Juan and then AA from San Juan to Anguilla. Sometimes we spend the night in Old San Juan (really fun) and sometimes we go straight to Anguilla.

We always stay at Cap Juluca, but we have driven through Cuisinart. It's a beautiful resort, but their latest additions of mini-golf and the playground make it seem more child-oriented to me. That is just my perception.

We have usually only had one or two day car rentals. What we really enjoyed last trip, was renting a scooter. We zipped all over the island from beach to beach with our snorkel gear. Taxis are good at night for dinner...no worries about twisty roads or baby goats after that great bottle of Montrachet!

Beaches are phenomenal...restaurants are numerous and excellent, but most of all, the people make the island. They are genuinely kind and happy to connect with visitors and will make your stay a pleasure. It is the place we go when we want romance, peace and tranquility.

Have fun wherever you go!

I second the suggestion to check out Cap Juluca.

Yes, the Abacos are great with friends and family.

Thanks for your responses!

Magicone--We are coming from Houston and so far, it looks like our best flight option is AA through Miami to SXM and then we'll ferry over. The flight gets in mid-afternoon and leaves around the same time. Have you ever used the ferry before, or just fly straight into AXA? The ferry sounds easy, but maybe I am wrong.

My concern with the car rental is exactly what you expressed. I don't want us to have to drive back in the dark after having a great meal and wine. Other than dinner, I don't know that we'd actually use a car very much, so maybe we'll just do a day rental once we get there.

I have checked Cap Juluca, but it says it's full for any range of dates that I put in there. Is there a secret to actually getting a reservation at the place? Also, Trip Advisor reviews seem better at Cuisinart.

The ferry is a piece of cake -- we done it dozens of time. Cab from the airport to Marigot is about $15 for 2 and takes 20-25 minutes. Pay a $3 departure tax; the fare is $12/pp. The trip to Anguilla takes about 20-25 minutes & the ferries run every 1/2 hour or so (no reservations required). I think Cuisi should be okay, kid-wise. Summers, holidays & school breaks, it seems to attract families but not so much otherwise.

I've stayed at both and would choose Cap Juluca in a second for couples.
Call Cap Juluca direct for reservations, a room always seems to open up. The staff is great. It is a fabulous place. Enjoy!

We haven't ever used the ferry, but I hear it's no problem. It's usually easier for us to take the hometown airline (Continental) with FF miles. We also like the overnight in San Juan. I'm sure you'll be fine with the ferry plan, though.

As previously suggested, call Cap direct for reservations. Sometimes I check availabiliy by e-mail, but I always call direct to book. They are very gracious and it gives you the opportunity to request a specific accommodation and to mention any special occasions.

Enjoy!

I think you'd be missing out on a lot by not renting a car for the time you're in Anguilla. The beaches at Cuisinart and Cap are nice, but there are so many gorgeous beaches to discover and wonderful places to eat casual lunches by the water. Plus, if you're interested in snorkeling you need to try either Shoal Bay East or Little Bay.

Don't let the roads scare you -- they're all pretty well paved, and even if you only go out in the evening to restaurants failry close to both hotels you mention, you'll have some excellent choices!