This island sounds like the one for me... can anyone tell me about costs, places to stay and what to be aware of if we should go there next spring? Your comments are greatly appreciated!!

Kris, I am planning a trip to Anguilla myself. I found lots of info at Anguilla.com also, but would like an accomadation recommendation from someone who has been there. Good luck with your trip!

I found the following site gave me the most comprehensive and valuable opinions about Anguilla:

http://galaxy.cau.edu/anguilla/axa_forums.html

We have been to anguilla 3 times starting in 1992. The most reasonable place for the money is La Sarina on mead's bay. anguilla is quite the most expensive island i have been to so the beach is about 50 yars from the rooms but is worth it.If you want the best beach, stay at Shoal Bay Resort or Fountain Beach,which are both located on shoal bay beach.There are 2 shoal bays one is the west end.I think the ones we are talking about is the east end.
Right on that beach is Uncle Ernie's- which you will have the opportunity to buy his T shirt.
Dr. Hover

Kris, I have not been to Anguilla, but my sister and her husband just returned from there last weekend. They had never been before and I talked to her last night and they both LOVED it. They stayed at Cap Juluca (I sent for a brochure and it looks lovely). They loved the resort, didn't rent a car, just lazed on the beautiful beach. They said the water was very calm and warm. C.J. is very expensive, but worth it if money is not a problem. They did say that they would probably rent a car next time to try other restaurants on the island 'cus the food at Cap Juluca was very expensive (but DELICIOUS). If you'd like to e-mail my sister, e-mail me and I'll check with her to see if she's willing to chat!! It sounds wonderful--my husband and I have Anguilla/Cap Juluca on our list of "gotta-go-someday". Have fun!
Kristin

Have spent our last 3 vacations in Anguilla and love the island and its very friendly people.
We like to self cater a bit, so enjoy villa or " villas right on Mead's Bay...We looked at them last year and would certainly stay there. Blue apartment accomodations. Last yr we stayed in one of the villas at La Sirena hotel, reasonable in price and close to the beach. There's also "sur la PlageWaters has a nice and small (9) unit apartment on the beach at Shoal Bay West, shares the beach with very pricey Cove Castles, one and two bedroom units.
There are loads of superb beaches and excellent snorkelling, including Shoal Bay East(fantastic), Little Bay, Mead's Bay; also many excellent restaurants, including Ripples at Sandy Ground to mention just one, we always rent a car from Connors and go to different beaches, retaurants etc.There's an IGA in the very small capital (called "The Valley")which carries all the basics and more, and Vista supermarket above Sandy Ground for deli and other groceries. Don't miss a sail on the Catamaran "Chocolat"...and say Hi to Captain Rollins from us!
I would be happy to give you more info....just ask whatever you'd like to know and I'll do my best to help. Anguilla is a delight!
Jill