Cap Juluca.....leaving in two weeks.......last minute worries
 

My Wedding proposal nerves in high drive.....
Does anyone ...maybe Penny....know the layout of the Villas on the property? I have requested a Junior suite......they pretty much said no go for Villa 11 and 12......how close are villas 1-3 to the main house and restaurants...are they within noise distance..? I am just curious what the dreaded "center" room is like in the Junior suite villa's......I have been all over the world in five star hotels...however I am usually not this nervous or concerned about the room location.

Should I move to another category room to be further down the beach?

Anyway, maybe the point is mute.....Us airways needs to get us there first!!!

Samara, You can see maps of the resort and rooms if you go to the web site www.capjuluca.com. I've only stayed at CJ about 8 times, and I request a junior suite in the middle if I can get the top floor. I've had problems in the outside rooms when it rains and the water comes in or there is construction and workers too close for comfort to the outside rooms. So I wouldn't stress over room selection at CJ. It's hard to imagine getting a bad room.

Thank you....I am trying not to worry.....
So I am assuming that the 2nd floor center room in the Junior Suite Villas is ok from what you said......just read some people absolutely said no center room....maybe they were referring to the lower level...and they also said the solarium is a must.....
Can i ask a question.....are there often construction workers around?

Oh, no, the construction issue was when they were recovering from a major hurricane. None of that this year. Yes, it's the rooftop terrace that I love. Only available in a center room. Have you requested one and told them this is a special occasion?

Well....I actually did not know that there was a good "center room".......I had not idea that the Junior suites had a rooftop terrace room.
I was just concentrating on the solarium bath. Now I am just worried about getting
a lower level center room being a first time Cap guest.....maybe they should not charge the same price as the other Junior Suites...have you seen this room?

Is there a particular person at reservations or an email to make a special occasion request.....I just kind of doubted it would do any good.......

That's a good question. I've emailed the one who used to take care of those things for me to find out what's going on. But she is now at another hotel, so I don't know if I'll hear back. Last month I found that every time I asked a question by email, someone different responded. In the end, things weren't pulled together the way I remember. I think your best bet is to call directly to the hotel (I know it's expensive) and ask for the Reservations Manager. I do think they honestly try to accomodate special requests. However, there aren't many junior suites with rooftop terraces, so there's no guarantee. It's just a nice surprise when you get one!

Thank you....

Is the lower center room of the Junior suite villa without the terrace really that bad?
So many people say to avoid it....I might just request not to have that room and settle with any other Junior Suite...i am going to need a vacation from all the stress of this planning...\

When were you there last......???

I have never stayed in a room that I didn't like. I was there last month, Dec. 8-13. Maybe I stay in the luxury room more than the junior suite. I tend to book through American Express Platinum Travel Services to pay the luxury room rate, with the possible upgrade to a junior suite when available. The only room I now stay away from is the superior room. The bathroom is not as big in the superior room as the others. Those are center and smallest rooms. I don't think you can go wrong with a junior suite. Go to their web site to study the floor plan more thoroughly. Or wait for Penny to chime in . I get the feeling she has studied this more closely than me. My first stay was for my 10th anniversary and we were in a junior suite and loved it. It was like a second honeymoon. I am now a frequent guest of the island.

Thank you so much.....was the weather nice
when you were there....when you have another moment.....what restaurants wold you not miss.....any at the hotel not to miss?

Yes, the weather was nice. It's almost always nice there. There are so many good restaurants, it's hard to know where to begin. We usually try to do too much and leave there stuffed to the gills. Scilly Cay for a Sunday lunch is a must-do. For me, Blanchards for dinner is my favorite. The Malliouhana Salad for lunch in their main restaurant has an incredible view to go with it. But it's good to mix it up with some more casual restaurants. I tend to stick with restaurants right on the water. I loved the stmosphere of Prickly Pear for lunch. Johnnos is fun late on a Friday night for dancing when the Musington Brothers are playing. There are never enough days to do it all. You might want to take a boat excursion through the hotel for snorkelling or the Sunset Cruise for a little tour. I only make a few key reservations before I go. It's nice to wait and decide the day of.

Samara-nice to see you posting again.
So you are going in 2 weeks! Lucky gal!
Ann has given you great advice! All the junior suites are lovely--I have not stayed in the upper center suite (room 5)so I have no idea about the bathroom, but they will have the roof top terrace. I am pretty sure villa 2 has two roof top terraces, I think that is the only villa that will have that-
I noticed they have 2 domes (stairways).

I can tell you I have stayed in the middle lower floor (room 2) and it was very nice, my memory might be off, but I do not think there was a solarium in this room.
I always prefer a lower room, (others love the upper floors)so it is a personal choice. I have never had a water problem even during November 03 rains.

So I think it comes down to this ....ALL junior suites will have a solarium (glass enclosed bathroom wall-with a walled private area) except the upper floor center room which will have access to a 3rd floor roof terrace-sun area-----this is most requested by honeymooners-----And the other exception
(with no solarium or sunning roof terrace would be the lower floor center room (room 2). ALL rooms will have patios or terraces. Does this make any sense to you! LOL! I hope it does not confuse you more!!


Ann, I got all those emails from different people in reservations too!
Also it was the first time I got the letter addressing my specific room request not available. I always ask.

So-I just called the hotel, ask for Patricia, she is head of reservation.
Yes, she will call you back. You can imagine some of the calls she gets. I just explained to her I was confused,
also it was right after the Today
destination wedding, so I was concerned.
I also did not make demands, I just reguested a lower end room in villas
2, 3, 11 and 12. Well, all was quiet on the phone, then she laughed, said
this would give them more flexibility!

We arrived--and I got the room I had orginally requested! I do know they will try to please!!!!

Samara-
The main building is really set quite a distance from villa 1,2,3. My husband prefers this end, as the beach is wide,
it also gets the afternoon late sun.

Villas 11 and 12 are at the far west
end of the beach, a bit quieter, also
the beach is a bit narrower, more dramatic views of St. Martin, and you really hear,-- sometimes feel the pound of the surf! Very nice!


Ahhh the big restaurant debate! At the hotel we love sitting by the rocks at Kemia, great a sunset, and a late quiet lunch. Georges is a the hub of the beach-what a setting!!! We have been to the hotel so many times, but Pimms has a lovely setting! Wilma is a great hostess!

Outside the hotel my favorite is Trattoria Tramonto, northern Italian,
great setting for lunch and dinner,
so relaxing, and IMHO very Romantic at
night. Very low key, nice music. Right on the sand!

Blanchards is lovely too, Mangos,
Malli at sunset, Covecastles (anguilla
forum has their new menu), Altamer, Koal Keel. Too many choices! ALR
help me out!

I know you will have a magical time. Its a sure location!!Wait till you come back at night and find the room lit by the hurricane lamp!!
All my best to you!! You are a romantic! Any other questions!

Samara,

We returned from our first trip to Anguilla and Cap Juluca in early November, and it was the best trip we have ever taken. It was our 20th anniversary, and I had done a lot of research, to make sure everything was perfect. I had booked us in a Junior Suite, and at the last minute, after reading input from this forum, requested a upper middle suite with the rooftop patio. It was the first week after their shut down, and we got just what we wanted. It was an amazing room, and extremely romantic. I really like the privacy of upper floor units. The roof top patio was the ultimate and we spent many wonderful nights up there with candlelight, just watching the stars and listening to the waves. We were in Building #1, and despite a couple of weddings going on, it was not too much of a problem. To me, the beach is really the best in front of the units between the main house and George's. I had really liked the look of the solariums off of the baths in the Junior Suites, but the center suites do not have these. However, the roof top patio made up for the lack of the solarium. The bathroom in our suite was still great!
As far as restaurants go, we had some really great nights out. We hit Trattoria Tramonto, Oliver's, and Pimm's at CJ, as well as two nights at Picante. We are pretty casual, so our favorite was Picante, which had great Mexican food and terrific service. Also very close to the hotel! Trattoria has a great setting, and as many have shared, the lobster raviolli was awesome. I think our favorite was Oliver's! However, Pimm's is really beautiful, yet a little pricey.
Best of luck and anxious to hear how it turns out for you!
Enjoy!

I found the rooftop terrace is also a great place to have a massage. We did this the day of arrival and it was like getting an extra night sleep.
Oh, maybe I should correct my earlier posting. You can BOOK a Sunset boat cruise through the hotel, not actually CRUISE through the hotel in a boat.
Tell us what kind of restaurants you like and we can help make suggestions. Otherwise, we may be all over the place. Considering the prupose of your trip, however, I would recommend Cove Castles. It is a very intimate restaurant. Cap Juluca's Beach Barbeque is very pretty set up on the beach with the torches. Blanchards is such a pretty restaurant and serves a wonderful Caribbean Sampler and a dessert called Cracked Coconut that's amazing. How long are you staying?

Oh....you all are so very helpful......I am truly
appreciative.....

I guess I just have to calm down and enjoy...
I will try to request any Junior suite except
lower level center room...room 2.....does that sound right? I do not want them to think I am demanding.....Should I also ask not to be put into Villa 1 or just leave it at no room 2..

We are only staying 7 days......
I was going to plan all this stuff ahead of time but maybe I will just wait to go with the flow.....

We arrive late on the 22nd ( Saturday)....the only thing I was thinking of planning was Scilly Cay on Sunday....do I need reservations....how does that work?

Any suggestions for night of arrival dinner...should we just stick to the hotel or room service since we will not probaly get to the resort until early evening///???

We are just going to cab it the whole week...I wish there was a way to get one driver the whole week......the only restaurants i think I may be set on are Mangos, Trattoria Tramonto and Olivers.....any better nights or time......

Anything I am missing.......???

Maybe Valium...only kidding really......

He likes boats and fishing....any suggestions? My final question for the day.... He is a man and his team for football is playing in the finals....does the main house have satellite TV......???? He swears/...just to peak......Thanks!!!

Samara,
There is a TV in the lounge. It was great for us, as we were there during the national elections, and it was our only way of staying in touch. On your night of arrival, you might want to head over to Picante's, less than a 5 minute ride by cab, or better yet, pick up something for take-out. We did have room service on our first night, and it was a fortune! If money doesn't matter, then go for it. You might also want to request a CD player for your room. I believe they will provide for $20 a week.
I know you said you were going to be using taxi all week, but you might want to consider getting a rental car. It is very easy to get around, and does give you the freedom to go where you want, and when you want, and honestly, it was much cheaper than getting cabs everywhere.
I am not trying to sound thrifty, but this is the first time we have rented a car on vacation, and it was such a great way to see all of the nooks and crannies of the island!
Relax and enjoy!

I second the car -- you can get them starting at $215/wk and the island is laid out so that it is essentially one long main road with smaller roads off of it leading to beaches/resorts. if not, get a card from the cab driver who takes you to Cap or the 1st one you ride with. One driver will be more than happy to drive you around all week & return for you when you dine out. Cabs are quite expensive, though, as rates are set by the Government.

Thank you so much....

I will consider the car....always good to get input.....I just worry about driving at night sometimes if we have a few drinks or wine....

Does anyone know the cab rates.....is it by mile or set fee based on location...????
Picantes sounds good.....

Also.....anyone been to Scilly Cay on Sundays....best time to go...reservations..
distance?

Thanks!

Set by the Government. Cap Juluca to the airport (near The Valley) is $20 each way; even short trips will run you $8-10 each way not including tip. There are many other beaches & restaurants to enjoy -- that's the beauty of Anguilla. We've never found driving at night to be a problem -- it is a very flat island, you know.

Samara,
Room 2 is considered a Superior Room, which is two price levels below the junior suite, so you will not get one of those. Superior is the lowest price, then luxury, then jr. suite, so you will be fine no matter what room you are assigned.
Cap Juluca has a concierge who will make any lunch and dinner reservations you want. If they call Scilly Cay for you, just be sure to specify whether you are driving to Island Harbor yourself or whether you want to go on the Cap Juluca boat. I make a reservation before I go, but that may not be necessary if you are not in a large group. If you know you want lobster, you can reserve one ahead of time if they are in short supply. Most dinner reservations I make the day of (by lunchtime). Most restaurants are closed one or two days a week, so that gives you a chance to make another choice if that's the case.
Just go and relax. Take one day at a time. It'll be fun.

How far is Island Harbour.......would we then get on a boat to Scilly Cay? Has anyone ever done the Cap boat to Scilly Cay?
Price? Time difference///???

I am so excited!.

Anguilla is 15 miles long -- total (a very small island)! If you drive, it's about 25 minutes from Cap. You park at a dock and then stand there & wave and a boat comes to pick you up (this is a very informal island).

Samara-you are too cute! I am excited for you. I hope you post on this forum
when you get back.

Now as far as the junior suites go-any villa will be fine, I just never stayed in villa 1. Now room 2 in villas 1-12
is the center lower floor room--so
just get any junior suite, as you prefer not to have room 2 (lower center). In villas 1,2,3,11, 12 it is
a junior suite-sorry Ann.

As far as the first night, its a hard choice. Stay at the hotel, or go out.
It really depends how travel affects you! Picante is just 3 minutes away-
go to Kemia or Geroges for a drink.

I agree that you should rent a car--but
you could ask for Mac, he is wonderful,
and does a lot of business out of CJ-
all over the island!
We ask for him---and although we only use a cab one night he always remembers us. He always remembers my traditional rum/coke to the ferry!

I would suggest reservations at Scilly,
since the prime tables fill up--but if you elect to use cap's boat it is a lot of fun. You will also get to view the island from the water. Caps crew will take car of everything-just book thru the concierge. They do this trip on Sunday-weather permitting.

Relax--you are getting lots of help.

Sorry, then, I misread their floorplan. Do all unit 5's have a rooftop terrace? I see there is a luxury unit #5. Is that diferent?

Hi Ann!! Confusing isn't it! Honestly this is the first time I checked the plans on CJ web site. I have a floor plan map of all the villas-they gave it out in 92! Right now I misplaced it so I am working from memory! Not sure what you are asking me, but let me try to assume you are asking if room 5 in all villas have the 3rd floor terrace.
The answer would be yes-except the last
6 pool villas at the west end. So at the luxury room price you can get the 3rd foor terrace!!
Now that I look at the floor plan on
the web site--the luxury rooms are pretty damn good!

Thanks, Penny. That clears up the confusion that the woman checking me in apologized that they couldn't give me an upgrade, yet when we entered a room 5, there was a rooftop terrace. I can hardly tell the difference between a luxury and a jr. suite. i must've been in a luxury room 5 with a rooftop terrace. In villa 5, would that be the case?

Ann that sounds right to me, villa 5
room 5-luxury upper center room-with
the stairway to the 3rd floor terrace!
How can you go wrong! Cap is one of the few beachfront hotels that honestly
has no bad room! Its hard to tell one from the other!!! IMHO all rooms are fantastic!

Thanks once again, Penny. I'm glad someone knows exactly where I was for those five days in December!

If you do not feel comfortable driving, you can request for the same taxi driver to take you around. Just ask your hotel concierge to arrange it. Hope you have a great time.

By the way, never feel as if you are too picky. This is your vacation and we are here to help. If you have a room preference and special request, just let us know. Best to make it clear before you leave. You can check your hotel website for the contact information.

Samara,

My wife and I staying in a Junior Suite Bottom Middle in Aug. 2004. While it didn't have the Solarium, the bathroom was very nice and the room was just as big as the other Junior Suites that we saw. All in all, I don't think that we would've used the Solarium anyway and it was a totally satifacory experience.

No worries, you'll have a wonderful time! CJ is an amazing place!

Thank you everyone......
I guess I am just a detailed person....but I know the hotel probably hears it all and does the best they can......

Anyway....i have contacted the concierge via email with some dinner reservation requests.....no word yet.....

Just looked at the weather and it looks like a snow storm is headed toward me on day of departure......just what Us airways needs....another excuse to cancel a flight....

Oh.....reading mixed opinions on what to pack for dinner attire......pants/shorts....
What is your opinion....the only place we ever wore shorts for dinner was Hawaii and Australia.....

I just cannot thank you all for all your help....
I hope I do not chicken out.....the proposal that is!!!

Anguilla can be causal, Pimms likes men to wear long pants, it is the norm for most of the spots-Koal Keel, Blanchards, Malli, Altamer, Covecastles. My husband wears dress shorts to Mangos, Trattoria, etc.-more casual attire at lunch.. Beach cover-ups at Georges etc.
I know the feeling about snow for my trips-we leave the end of the month for
Jumby Bay. I become a weather watcher too!
You won't chicken out-the setting is too perfect.

Thanks Penny.....

I always tend to be on the dressier side....just me.....

Could he get away with wearing long pants to Trattoria and Mangos, Olivers?

Have you been to Jumbo Bay before?
Where are you from.....? I am from PA ...
New hope /Bucks County and we always seem to get more snow than anyone around us......I walk to the airport in snow shoes if necessary......

Sorry I meant Jumby Bay.......

AND my conservative husband loves to wear his long pants!! Do not worry-what you hardly ever see is a Navy blazer, tie. Although my husband travels with the navy jacket--not necessary on the island. As for the most part I wear
silk, linen smart casual. I tend to wear flat sandals--easier in the sandy parking lots etc.
I am from Northen NJ, now live in NY
suburbs---although I must admit I have never been to New Hope!!!
Yes, we have been to Jumby many times. If you do a search you will see lots of info.

The answer is Yes, long pants at any of the above spots you mentioned will be perfect!

Thank you Penny....

I almost got relocated to North Jersey and was going to live in Mendham.....

Anyway......I appreciate your help.....
I will probaly pack flats.....even though I like heels...but have been know to topple on uneven ground......!!!! In the name of vanity....

Have a great time on your trip....maybe I will try Jumby Bay....always looking for something new and that is one of the islands I have never visited....have fun!@!!!