Cap Juluca Trip Report
Jan 2nd, 2001, 05:24 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Cap Juluca Trip Report
Hey there.
We got back from Cap Juluca just before Christmas. We had been concerned because there had been reports posted that the resort was not ready for guests after the hurricane damage it suffered in '99. Let me assure anyone who is concerned that the resort is definitely ready for guests. We had a wonderful time. Our room was great -- 15 feet from the beach. The sand is so soft and white it's like pancake mix. The water is clear and blue -- spectacular! The service was pretty good, although it had some rough spots. (We had e-mailed ahead for massage appointments and dinner reservations, and they were all wrong when we got there. We asked for a safe to be installed in our room because there was supposed to be one but it just hadn't been put in yet. It was important because there are no room keys. We never got the safe despite two promises. Housekeeping didn't visit our room until mid-afternoon, which was important because we had breakfast dishes on our terrace from the delicious breakfasts that they deliver every morning.) In any event, we thought that the resort was romantic, luxurious, and beautiful. I would definitely go back, and we've recommended the resort to all of our friends since our return.
As for restaurants, our favorite was Blanchard's. It had delicious food and excellent service in a beautiful setting. We also ate at Pimms, which is the fancier restaurant at Cap Juluca. The setting was spectacular, with the waves lapping up against the rocks on the open side of the restaurant. The food was quite good, but the service was only passable. (Our waitress was well-intentioned, but her lack of knowledge combined with kitchen mistakes was a little annoying.) We also ate at Oliver's. It was extremely windy that night, and so they had to lower these plastic sheets down over the open sides of the restaurant, which had the effect of removing any atmosphere the restaurant had, for which the host was very apologetic. Nonetheless, the service was excellent, and the food delicious. Overall, Blanchards was our favorite, with Pimms second. We wanted to try Straw Hat, but were unable to. The advice we got was that Straw Hat and Hibernia are must eats.
One note of advice: The restaurants were quite expensive. We didn't mind because we were prepared for it, but you could get a nasty shock if you didn't know that dinner definitely will cost you at least $100 for two every night, not counting drinks. We did feel that the quality of the food and preparation was exceptional everywhere we ate by a New York City standard (not the usual "it was great for the Carribean" standard). We also skipped lunch every day because the Cap Juluca breakfasts were so good, and we were so happy and comfortable on the beach that we never wanted to get up!
We definitely recommend Cap Juluca to anyone who is considering it. If you have any questions, I'll check back here.
I'd like to really thank Penny, who was so helpful during our planning, and who was right about everything.
We got back from Cap Juluca just before Christmas. We had been concerned because there had been reports posted that the resort was not ready for guests after the hurricane damage it suffered in '99. Let me assure anyone who is concerned that the resort is definitely ready for guests. We had a wonderful time. Our room was great -- 15 feet from the beach. The sand is so soft and white it's like pancake mix. The water is clear and blue -- spectacular! The service was pretty good, although it had some rough spots. (We had e-mailed ahead for massage appointments and dinner reservations, and they were all wrong when we got there. We asked for a safe to be installed in our room because there was supposed to be one but it just hadn't been put in yet. It was important because there are no room keys. We never got the safe despite two promises. Housekeeping didn't visit our room until mid-afternoon, which was important because we had breakfast dishes on our terrace from the delicious breakfasts that they deliver every morning.) In any event, we thought that the resort was romantic, luxurious, and beautiful. I would definitely go back, and we've recommended the resort to all of our friends since our return.
As for restaurants, our favorite was Blanchard's. It had delicious food and excellent service in a beautiful setting. We also ate at Pimms, which is the fancier restaurant at Cap Juluca. The setting was spectacular, with the waves lapping up against the rocks on the open side of the restaurant. The food was quite good, but the service was only passable. (Our waitress was well-intentioned, but her lack of knowledge combined with kitchen mistakes was a little annoying.) We also ate at Oliver's. It was extremely windy that night, and so they had to lower these plastic sheets down over the open sides of the restaurant, which had the effect of removing any atmosphere the restaurant had, for which the host was very apologetic. Nonetheless, the service was excellent, and the food delicious. Overall, Blanchards was our favorite, with Pimms second. We wanted to try Straw Hat, but were unable to. The advice we got was that Straw Hat and Hibernia are must eats.
One note of advice: The restaurants were quite expensive. We didn't mind because we were prepared for it, but you could get a nasty shock if you didn't know that dinner definitely will cost you at least $100 for two every night, not counting drinks. We did feel that the quality of the food and preparation was exceptional everywhere we ate by a New York City standard (not the usual "it was great for the Carribean" standard). We also skipped lunch every day because the Cap Juluca breakfasts were so good, and we were so happy and comfortable on the beach that we never wanted to get up!
We definitely recommend Cap Juluca to anyone who is considering it. If you have any questions, I'll check back here.
I'd like to really thank Penny, who was so helpful during our planning, and who was right about everything.
Jan 2nd, 2001, 08:09 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Jackie-It is always nice to be thanked. I am glad you appreciated my help. Which villa were you in? I bet you hated to leave! That beach and hotel are just magical and I can never get enough. I guess the weather was fine too! I must tell you we missed the safe box in the room too. We did use the one at the lobby, but it was a pain. I am going to go out and buy the Blanchards new book, it has been getting good reviews, and I need warm thoughts as the weather outside NYC is very COLD today. Happy New Year!
Jan 2nd, 2001, 02:22 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
The safes are being replaced-when we were there in November we were told the replacements had not come in yet.
CuisinArt is a wonderful addition to Anguilla, but if you want villas spaced far apart and a perfect setting you cannot beat Cap Juluca. There was an excellent write up in this Sundays NY Times travel section on the spa at CuisinArt.
CuisinArt is a wonderful addition to Anguilla, but if you want villas spaced far apart and a perfect setting you cannot beat Cap Juluca. There was an excellent write up in this Sundays NY Times travel section on the spa at CuisinArt.
Jan 3rd, 2001, 10:39 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Abby: I don't have any information on CuisinArt that would enable me to make a comparison with Cap Juluca. The New York Times article was very good, though. All I can tell you is that Cap Juluca is romantic, relaxing and beautiful.
Penny, We were in the first villa in room two. I liked the location of that villa a lot. I don't know if get into NYC very often, but the Blanchards are going to be doing a reading and book signing at the Barnes & Noble on 67th and Broadway some time this week, if you're interested.
Regarding the safes, they were removed for the room renovations and just weren't reinstalled. We were told that it was no problem to reinstall our safe right away, but it just never happened. They were reinstalling them as rooms were vacated during the week we were there, so I'm sure they're all installed by now.
Penny, We were in the first villa in room two. I liked the location of that villa a lot. I don't know if get into NYC very often, but the Blanchards are going to be doing a reading and book signing at the Barnes & Noble on 67th and Broadway some time this week, if you're interested.
Regarding the safes, they were removed for the room renovations and just weren't reinstalled. We were told that it was no problem to reinstall our safe right away, but it just never happened. They were reinstalling them as rooms were vacated during the week we were there, so I'm sure they're all installed by now.
Jan 5th, 2001, 09:02 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks Jackie for the info about the Blanchards. I just read on caribbean on line forum that they will be on Saturdays (Jan 6th )Today Show talking about their new book. Thought anyone who has been to the restaurant would enjoy watching. Think beach!
Jan 5th, 2001, 10:09 AM
#9
Guest
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The name of the book is "A Trip to the Beach", by Bob and Melinda Blanchard. Sorry I did not give the name. The book is how they came to Anguilla, left Aspen, how they opened their restaurant, the ups and downs of doing businesss on a tropical island and living on the island, and the sweet people on Anguilla.
Jan 5th, 2001, 06:05 PM
#10
Guest
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The Blanchards will be on Sunday Jan 7th- weekend today. There was a mix up on info on dates. I even called NBC, and weekend today said they were not on the schedule. Another poster called the restaurant and was told This Sunday. Well lets see!Ah the world of communication!
Jan 6th, 2001, 06:44 AM
#12
Guest
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It is my understanding that there are no direct flights into Anguilla from the NYC area (the airport is not currently able to handle big jets). Fly to SJU and transfer to flight to Anguilla. An option is to fly direct to SXM and ferry or hop over to Anguilla from there! Think that the ferry takes about 20 minutes! And Cap is stunning!! Definately recommended for the not so rich nor famous as well!!
Jan 14th, 2001, 02:27 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Have stayed at Cuisinart twice since it opened. We certainly recommend it. We
also met other guests that have previously stayed at Cap Jaluca. Generally speaking many people have told us that the "infrastructure" at Cuisinart is better--ie, hot water, a/c, services, etc. But both are very good resorts.
also met other guests that have previously stayed at Cap Jaluca. Generally speaking many people have told us that the "infrastructure" at Cuisinart is better--ie, hot water, a/c, services, etc. But both are very good resorts.
Jan 15th, 2001, 04:16 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Am thisclose to making reservations for Cap Juluca in June. The rooms have no keys? Even though the most valuable thing I might have is a small camera, never ever take jewelry, not sure I'm comfortable with an "open door" policy.
Could someone tell me a little more about this? Thanks.
Could someone tell me a little more about this? Thanks.
Jan 15th, 2001, 05:17 AM
#15
Guest
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The open door policy will not bother you once you get used to it. Crime can happen anywhere so it pays to be cautious . We have been to Cap Juluca 8 times and have never had a problem. We always lock our cash etc. in the room safe. On our second visit (after 2 many rum punches) we forgot to lock the saftey box and left the key(now codes) at the bedside table. When we got back from dinner I immediately went to the box, everything was there! We had cash and my very favorite gold bracelet that I forgot to put on. Our bed was turned down and the key was right where we left it. At night you can secure the shutter doors and lock the bolt the entrance door into your room. I hope this helps. You will love Cap Juluca! It is not unuusal for resorts on low crime islands not to have room keys.
Jan 25th, 2001, 07:28 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have to tell you that the no room key bothered me initially (because I'm sensitive to any possible scam that could be going on, especially regarding personal safety), but after we were there for a day I didn't worry about it. You can lock yourself inside the room, so night safety isn't an issue. Regarding your valuables during the day, if you are a seasoned traveller you know that room safes aren't really that safe. You shouldn't leave anything in any room safe that you would be devastated if you lost (ie. wear your wedding ring all the time, and leave your engagement ring at home). The things we would have locked up had we had a safe would have been our plane tickets, passports, and wallets, so we just stuck them in a plastic bag and put it in the beach bag we took with us every day. (We also could have put them in the main hotel safe.) I take my camera with me everywhere, so that wasn't an issue for us. Otherwise, we had no valuables. Since most people who go to Cap Juluca learn before they go that there are no room keys, I think that anyone who might have been tempted to burgle the rooms figures that the guests have not brought valuables to the island. If you are women staying without men, I would check the room when you come in at night to make sure you are alone, but I do that anywhere I'm staying alone, even in five star hotels with room keys. The island is really safe. You're going to have a great time!
