Antigua or Anguilla?
 

My husband and I are interested in going to either one of these islands, but we cannot decide which. Has anyone been to either or both that could offer us some insight? Hotel suggestions would also be appreciated, looking for an upscale resort.

Dear Victoria, <BR>my wife and I visited Anguilla in February 1999 (we have never been to Antigua)and the island was great.It is not crowded, there are upscale resorts such as the Cusinart, the Malliouhana, the Cap Juluca. The beaches are absolutely nice, the water clear, the sea calm and good for snorkeling.Spend your holidays there if you like the sea and the nature, because there is not so much to do at night. It is a very quiet place with a few restaurants and bars. <BR>(maybe you can find more night-life in Antigua). <BR>Mauricio

Antigua and Anguilla are very different but wonderful destinations. My preference is Anguilla because of the glorious beaches and it remains very undeveloped and reminds me of the way the Caribb used to be! The Islanders are absolutely wonderful, friendly and so proud of their island. Definately check out Cap Juluca for "upscale" - it is breath-taking on a glorious beach! It is not lush and green like Antigua but it has a wonderful elegance islandwide including many outstanding restaurants. But have to admit some of my "best" meals other than on Anguilla were on Antigua - Chez Pascal, Home, LeBiestro, Julians but Antigua is a more popular island offering many options but "upscale" there might be either Jumby Bay or Curtain Bluff! There is gambling on Antigua but don't know the extent of it. You also have the option to check out other islands, if you want, such as a daytrip to St. Barts or even St. Martin if you want from Anguilla! Can you tell which is my favorite? :-)

I'll add a vote here for Antigua. Yes, they DO have some wonderful restaurants there! (We adored Home and Miller's By The Sea.) As for upscale resorts, check out Curtain Bluff and St. James Club. You can find more information about the island at www.antigua-barbuda.org

In Nov, 2000 our travel agent booked us overnight on Antigua at the Beachcomber Hotel, because it was near the airport. The beds felt like concrete and the only restaurant around was in the hotel and ridiculously overpriced. Disappointing after a lovely, relaxing week in a villa on Montserrat.

Hi Victoria-I have been to Anguilla many times. It is hard to resist the wonderful beaches, unique hotels, fine restaurants and lovely people. We love Cap Juluca-moorish white villas, set apart on a mile long beach. The island is flat and arid , only 16 miles long, fairly easy to get around. We keep returning and never tire and hope it does not change. We have enjoyed Jumby Bay-it is on a very tranquill private island,with beautiful beaches. If I had to chose one or the other I would chose Anguilla, as we love the many interesting options to dine and there are many choices.Hope this helps!

Have been to both islands. Antigua in nov of 98, stayed at the St. James Club very quite, great food, small casino & night life was not great. Mind you we were there just after hurricane George hit so not everything was up & running. <BR>Only 2 of the 3 restaurants were open, we at at the Docksider almost every night (2wks) went to town to eat at Julliens very expensive but excellent. St. James is at the very end of the island so a cab is $50 to downtown in the p.m. You need a car. Overall we enjoyed our selves stayed in a 2bdrm villa go all inclusive.... <BR>Anguilla Nov. 99 Sonesta beautiful resort only half full. Everything very expensive. Rented a car for the 2wks so we could go elsewhere to eat Frangipani is gorgeous, Pimms is a dump, can't tell you much more than that because hurricane Lenny pretty much destroyed the island and the Sonesta, We were trapped in our bathroom for about 36hrs. we were then sent home. It was a rough stay to say the least but was a gorgeous island, the sand, water & food all great. Nightlife very quite at resorts. <BR>Would love to get back there sometime. <BR>Antigua nightlife might be a little better because of the casinos. Remember no casinos in Anguilla. E.mail me for more info. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Anguilla has recvoered nicely from Lenny's wrath from what I could tell. Cap just reopened and we did lunch at Pimm's. "Dump" would be the furtherest word in my vocabulary if asked about Pimm's. It was absolutely stunning ... as was Cap! We have already decided to head back asap ... that was definately NOT the feeling we had when leaving Antigua.

Yes, i did hear anguilla recovered nicely from the wrath of Lenny. When we went to cap to make reservations at pimms for dinner the staff were not very warm in welcoming outsiders, though they should be delighted that guests from other hotels want to enjoy the cap ambiance. The crabs and snails and seaweed all over the rocks did not look very appealing never mind the smell. Maybe they have cleaned it up since then. Also it was in the day time and you could see the place needed some work. I would not want to sit by the rocks knowing all those creepy crawlers were walking around. I do have to agree the cap is beautiful. I also think La Sammana & La belle Creole on St. Martin are beautiful. La Sammana was pretty much destroyed after George in 98 & was <BR>just reopening the wk of nov99 when Lenny hit so i have no idea what is happening with that resort now.

We were blown out of our first stay at Cap last February by Lenny so it was with great anticipation that we drove over to Cap when on Anguilla! It surely did not disappoint ... and I found the staff, all of them, delightful including the staff at Pimm's. There were extraordinarily attentive as were the conseriege and anyone who we met when walking the grounds! And I sure didn't notice any unsightly seaweed, welks or any other critters that might be out of place! but then I love to watch the hermit crabs and sea life! There was one little backhoe, way down at the far end from Pimm's, in fact it looked like a Tonka trunk playing in a sandbox!! But that was the only "activity" or work that I saw. I can hardly wait to go back!!!