Anguilla or Nevis?
 

My husband and I are trying to decide between these two islands for one of our vacations this year - we want to travel the end of Aug thru the beginning of Sept. I've gotten mixed reviews on The Four Seasons in Nevis but worst comments about Cap Jaluca in Anguilla so we're torn...Four Seasons or Cuisinart? or Malliouhana? Any comments would be appreciated...thanks..

Malliouhana was definitely closed all of Septemebr last year &, I think, in August as well. In fact, the majority of the restaurants in Anguilla close September 1 & don't re-open until November.

Have been to both - in Nevis we stayed at the Nisbet Plantation, and it was wonderful. Much more local character, I think, than the Four Seasons (which is after all part of a chain, and we try to avoid chains - usually the service is not as good).
Nisbet, as said, was great - the best service, the best food, and the friendliest people we have ever experienced at any hotel. And this hotel is one of the few in Nevis that is on the beach. Generally, we thought the people in Nevis were wonderful, very friendly and open. The beaches in nevis are not nearly as beautiful as on Anguilla, but the landscape is more varied; it has a small rainforest, great for hiking.
As for Anguilla, I'm surprised to hear about the bad reviews for Cap J - I seem to read nothing but raves about this place! It is a beautiful hotel: Moroccan villas on a fantastic beach, great service. I did read lately that the hotel seems to have become a bit too busy and popular these days, so it's at any rate better to avoid the high season.
Malliouhana is also beautiful (we toured the property) - although it's not really on the beach, it's on a cliff. But it does have its own little, near-private beach. We saw Cuisinart too, but it looked rather 'stiff' to us - but still very pretty.
Hope this helps a bit.

As opposed to completely duplicating Carola's post, I will say I had the exact experiences she has covered in her post.

We have stayed at both Nevis FS and CJ and her impressions of both properties is spot on.

If I HAD to choose between Nevis FS and Anguilla CA, I would pick Anguilla simply because we did not find FS to be up to par for the cost.

Of course, when we were in Anguilla it was late Oct.-early Nov. and almost ALL of the good rests. were closed. Since the dining there is such a great part of the experience, I would take that into account. I know many of them are closed all month in Sept. and Oct., and as MaryD said, maybe Aug. as well.

Better check...

I have to agree with the previous posters. I've been to CJ, 4S and Nisbet. Carola's comments are right on the money. If you are looking for fantastic beaches Anguilla wins hands down. If you seek lush beauty than Nevis will fill the bill. Trouble is I think you'll find 4S is the only one of the places you mentioned that will be open in Sept. Check on the closing dates of the resorts you are considering as I would recommend you avoid staying at any resort where you are one of the last guests to stay before they close for the season. Resorts have a habit of cutting back on services the last few days they are open. Doesn't always happen but I've been to both CJ and Nisbitt at the end of season and found the change noticible from previous visits at other times of the year.