Next Summer I would like to spend some day in the Caribbean.
Between Antigua, Anguilla and Barbuda which do you prefer for places and accomodation ???

I will be travelling to Antiqua over the Thanksgiving holiday. I will be happy to let you know what I think upon my return.

Hi there!
The three islands you mention are all quite different, so it depends what you are looking for.Antigua is much busier and more "touristy" than the other two, with more traditional hotel and resort chains, lots of cruise ships visiting, etc. Anguilla is quieter, upscale, smaller hotels, villas, excellent food, fantastic beaches and snorkelling, little in the way of nightlife comparatively. Lovely people.
Barbuda is very quiet indeed; a couple of very expensive resorts and a small village. Very flat, a great beach that I know of, I hear the snorkelling is good too.
If you would like more info, feel free to email me
Jill

Have only been to Antigua. Get away from the "tourist" places. People are great. Visit O'Grady's in St. John's on Wednesday night. Laurie Stevens is lots of fun. Good food, friendly people. Have been there twice this year. Looking forward to going back in '98. Stayed at Halcyon in Dickenson Bay. You have to visit Spinakers - the place to be.

Saw your note re Anguilla. It sounds like a place we would enjoy as we're not very keen on just lying around on a beach. Is there opportunity for walking? I'd very much appreciate your help with hotel recommendations All we get in Ottawa are brochures for resorts. OK if you like that and we might end up there anyway. Thanks in advance Tom

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Hi Tom....Anguilla is a quiet island, and perfect if you enjoy snorkelling, taking walks along deserted beaches, daysailing, reading, relaxing etc.(Our idea of heaven!) There's little in the way of shopping, though it's only 20 mins by ferry to St.Martin, and not all that much to sight-see, as the island is fairly flat. But it's safe, friendly, peaceful, with excellent restaurants and superb snorkelling. Probably the best beaches in the islands, in our view. If this sounds like your cup of tea, (it's ours!), I'd be glad to fill you in on some more details! Jill

Tom, nicest people in the world live in Anquilla. If you're looking for the best food go to Pineapple Beach Club in Antiqua. Never been to B. We never met anyone in Anquilla who was not friendly. Many of our friends have said the same thing... the island is much the same as any of the others but the people are wonderful.

Any information on Anguilla/Sonesta Hotels would also be appreciated. Thanks!

We spent 8 days on Anguilla two years ago, and snorkeled everywhere that was recommended, and dozens of other places besides, and I can't honestly understand how anyone could say the snorkeling was great, or even good. We saw a lot of dead coral, and so-so fish. I have to think that the "excellent snorkeling" comes from relatively inexperienced people.

BUT the Island is very friendly and the people are naturally warm and outgoing. We stayed at the ferryboat Inn and I would recommend it as a reasonable spot. Anguilla also is a relatively safe island, crime wise.

The only other disappointing thing about Anguilla besides the snorkeling, was the litter. It was everywhere in large amounts, blown about by the winds. All in all, been there, done that, wouldn't go back, and the guidebooks lied about the snorkeling.