Expensive Tastes a la Cap Juluca or Jumby Bay -- But Somewhat Limited Budget - Please Help!
Jul 16th, 2003, 10:13 AM
#44
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Hi! I can't believe this thread is still alive! We decided to choose Peter Island and we leave in a couple of weeks. I'll tell you how we arrived at our decision.
Cap Juluca looked and seemed heavenly and we really do love a great beach that we can be on in seconds, but we were not looking for beach or restaurant hopping and we both were strongly leaning towards a more lush tropical island.
Jumby Bay was a strong contender, but in the end, we seemed to be leaning more towards either Four Seasons Nevis or Peter Island Resort in the BVI.
I realize that Four Seasons Nevis and Peter Island Resort are really quite different in a lot of ways. But both appealed to us. We knew if we went to Four Seasons, we would enjoy the pampering and the luxurious beachfront rooms and the spa. And I knew we would find the island charming.
But something kept pulling both of us to Peter Island. It had a certain "je ne sais quoi" -- that mix of casual elegance and something kind of other worldly that we knew we had never before experienced. A private island that we could really explore but not to have to worry about renting cars or jeeps or picking restaurants and making researvations every night. Beautiful beachfront rooms, but maybe not quite as perfect and pristine as the Four Seasons.
In the end, it was something that Caribeean Rez posted on this thread on 5/30 -- she pointed out that the rates at Peter Island Resort are going up 25% for 2004 so go now if you're worried about paying too much!
The Four Seasons, however wonderful, and believe me, from what I've seen, it looks lovely, -- is just not that distinct compared to Peter Island Resort. So in the end, we figured we could go always go to a Four Seasons resort somewhere in the future. Better to go to Peter Island now!
I've downloaded their screen saver and I just dream about being on that beach in a few weeks and spending a week in Paradise! The people at the resort couldn't be nicer and special thank yous to Jewel who has been so incredibly accomodating with our scheduling. I will file a trip report as soon as we return!
Carribbean Rez -- thanks for your insightful comments and special thank yous to all who posted and gave such great advice. We literally have a list now of all the other places we wish to visit in the coming years! Have a great summer everybody!
Cap Juluca looked and seemed heavenly and we really do love a great beach that we can be on in seconds, but we were not looking for beach or restaurant hopping and we both were strongly leaning towards a more lush tropical island.
Jumby Bay was a strong contender, but in the end, we seemed to be leaning more towards either Four Seasons Nevis or Peter Island Resort in the BVI.
I realize that Four Seasons Nevis and Peter Island Resort are really quite different in a lot of ways. But both appealed to us. We knew if we went to Four Seasons, we would enjoy the pampering and the luxurious beachfront rooms and the spa. And I knew we would find the island charming.
But something kept pulling both of us to Peter Island. It had a certain "je ne sais quoi" -- that mix of casual elegance and something kind of other worldly that we knew we had never before experienced. A private island that we could really explore but not to have to worry about renting cars or jeeps or picking restaurants and making researvations every night. Beautiful beachfront rooms, but maybe not quite as perfect and pristine as the Four Seasons.
In the end, it was something that Caribeean Rez posted on this thread on 5/30 -- she pointed out that the rates at Peter Island Resort are going up 25% for 2004 so go now if you're worried about paying too much!
The Four Seasons, however wonderful, and believe me, from what I've seen, it looks lovely, -- is just not that distinct compared to Peter Island Resort. So in the end, we figured we could go always go to a Four Seasons resort somewhere in the future. Better to go to Peter Island now!
I've downloaded their screen saver and I just dream about being on that beach in a few weeks and spending a week in Paradise! The people at the resort couldn't be nicer and special thank yous to Jewel who has been so incredibly accomodating with our scheduling. I will file a trip report as soon as we return!
Carribbean Rez -- thanks for your insightful comments and special thank yous to all who posted and gave such great advice. We literally have a list now of all the other places we wish to visit in the coming years! Have a great summer everybody!
Jul 16th, 2003, 10:50 AM
#45
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Redwolf, excellent choice. I think you should get September's Caribbean Travel and life...there is a story about "escape to an exotic private island" and Peter Island is one of the 4 reports. It sounds and looks absolutely perfect.
I have not been to Peter Island, but I have been to BVI - (Biras Creek) and it is absolutely beautiful, and I think something magical about the area.
Congratulations and have a wonderful time.
I have not been to Peter Island, but I have been to BVI - (Biras Creek) and it is absolutely beautiful, and I think something magical about the area.
Congratulations and have a wonderful time.
Jul 16th, 2003, 12:29 PM
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SandyFeet: Thanks for your good wishes!
Just before in my previous post, I forgot to write the most important thing. I started this post back two months ago to try and get recommendations from people about resorts that were not as expensive as Cap Juluca, Jumby Bay, Four Seasons Nevis or Peter Island. Despite some good recommendations from many of you, in the end, after researching other resorts, it really came down to these few. We really wanted something exceptional, and with a certain degree of class, and each of these resorts really embodies that notion. Any of these resorts would have been great choices. Thanks again!
Just before in my previous post, I forgot to write the most important thing. I started this post back two months ago to try and get recommendations from people about resorts that were not as expensive as Cap Juluca, Jumby Bay, Four Seasons Nevis or Peter Island. Despite some good recommendations from many of you, in the end, after researching other resorts, it really came down to these few. We really wanted something exceptional, and with a certain degree of class, and each of these resorts really embodies that notion. Any of these resorts would have been great choices. Thanks again!
Jul 16th, 2003, 12:50 PM
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redwolf:
You are analytical when it comes to these things in much the same way I am. We've been to both CJ and PI twice, but never to JB or FS-Vevis. It's so hard to compare CJ and PI. At CJ, you are a part of the rhythm of the island and its people. At PI, you are part of nature. The absolute best part of PI is the walking (or for the Lance Armstrong types, bicycling). Despite PI seeming to be a small island, for a hiker it is huge, with tremendous variation of terrain. So, if you like to walk at all, you really should take advantage of exploring PI. It's guranteed to keep you in shape if you walk even only to White Bay (a little paradise all its own), but the ultimate is a walk (at least one way; you might want the "van" to take you back during the dark) to Sunset point. Also, explore Big Reef Beach, very close to the developed part, but where nobody ever goes. I saw a frigate bird that came right down to ground level, something you don't see often. Also, you may see the rays cruising along the beach.
Also, snorkeling is great; you'll see turtles and rays for sure and maybe lots of other stuff.
Say "hi" to Jeanne!
You are analytical when it comes to these things in much the same way I am. We've been to both CJ and PI twice, but never to JB or FS-Vevis. It's so hard to compare CJ and PI. At CJ, you are a part of the rhythm of the island and its people. At PI, you are part of nature. The absolute best part of PI is the walking (or for the Lance Armstrong types, bicycling). Despite PI seeming to be a small island, for a hiker it is huge, with tremendous variation of terrain. So, if you like to walk at all, you really should take advantage of exploring PI. It's guranteed to keep you in shape if you walk even only to White Bay (a little paradise all its own), but the ultimate is a walk (at least one way; you might want the "van" to take you back during the dark) to Sunset point. Also, explore Big Reef Beach, very close to the developed part, but where nobody ever goes. I saw a frigate bird that came right down to ground level, something you don't see often. Also, you may see the rays cruising along the beach.
Also, snorkeling is great; you'll see turtles and rays for sure and maybe lots of other stuff.
Say "hi" to Jeanne!
Jul 16th, 2003, 01:09 PM
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Steve: You are so right about being analytical. I nearly drove myself crazy analyzing and assessing our choices, thinking things to death! In the end, I went with my gut. I so appreciate your suggestions. The hiking and the biking is partly why I chose Peter Island, albeit I have only ever biked flat roads and I'm not in shape to bike there by a long shot. but I can walk and we would love to be hiking. Also my husband scuba dives so this place will be great for him. We both snorkel but me not all that often. What I am really trying to book is an afternoon and/or sunset sail on Simaril but I've been told it may be booked all week with no spots open. We are looking into that now and maybe the resort will have an alternative, or maybe we'll just go on the dive boat. I just keep looking at the gorgeous photos on my screen saver and I can almost feel myself on those beaches. The ones you've mentioned look incomparable! I just didn't think we could get that experience at Cap Juluca. Also, for us, we live in south Florida and we are near the beach, so beach by itself is not really enough. Of course, I realize that Anguilla's beaches and sand are incomparable and I believe that. We shall get there -- next year!
Jul 17th, 2003, 05:03 AM
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redwolf:
I've yet to sail the Silmaril, but it comes highly recommended. Also, since we had accomodations next to the harbor for both of our stays (it sounds like you opted for beachfront, which would be our choice next time), I walked by the Silmaril several times a day and often talked to Paul, the captain. He's a great guy and you'll really enjoy he and Judy as your hosts.
The Dive operation there (I see that they have changed their name and are now owned by Andy, the guy who ran it before) is absolutely topnotch. Andy is wonderful (maybe the best instructor I've ever seen), but so is everybody else I've worked with there. I'm certified, although not the most experienced diver by any means and two of my children did resort courses there (which I photographed!). You should consider a resort course there; it's probably the best scuba intro I can imagine. It might be worthwhile communicating with Andy ahead of time.
There is a free snorkel boat trip each week and it is really great. Also, some dives that your husband may go on work well for you to snorkel up top and watch.
For future reference, there are some nice dives from Anguilla, but not nearly as nice as from Peter Island.
From PI there is a shallow 30-40-foot dive (I think it's Painted Walls, but that might be another one), where you swim under arches that is really cool, even for somebody who usually does deeper dives. If he dives several times, then I'm sure he'll want to dive the Rhone, although lots and lots of closer dives are really good too. Andy is of course the best source of info on this.
Have a great time!
I've yet to sail the Silmaril, but it comes highly recommended. Also, since we had accomodations next to the harbor for both of our stays (it sounds like you opted for beachfront, which would be our choice next time), I walked by the Silmaril several times a day and often talked to Paul, the captain. He's a great guy and you'll really enjoy he and Judy as your hosts.
The Dive operation there (I see that they have changed their name and are now owned by Andy, the guy who ran it before) is absolutely topnotch. Andy is wonderful (maybe the best instructor I've ever seen), but so is everybody else I've worked with there. I'm certified, although not the most experienced diver by any means and two of my children did resort courses there (which I photographed!). You should consider a resort course there; it's probably the best scuba intro I can imagine. It might be worthwhile communicating with Andy ahead of time.
There is a free snorkel boat trip each week and it is really great. Also, some dives that your husband may go on work well for you to snorkel up top and watch.
For future reference, there are some nice dives from Anguilla, but not nearly as nice as from Peter Island.
From PI there is a shallow 30-40-foot dive (I think it's Painted Walls, but that might be another one), where you swim under arches that is really cool, even for somebody who usually does deeper dives. If he dives several times, then I'm sure he'll want to dive the Rhone, although lots and lots of closer dives are really good too. Andy is of course the best source of info on this.
Have a great time!
Mar 24th, 2004, 02:19 PM
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I don't think anyone has mentioned some of the out islands of the Bahamas.
Tiemo...Small Hope...Pink Sands..Cape Santa Maria..etc. The original post sounds like my wife wrote it. If I didn't know better, very much the same tastes and pocketbook.
We stayed at LDBay a few years ago when the Chef was in Gourmet mag. It was great, I think I am still paying for it. "Honey is that you"?
jb
Tiemo...Small Hope...Pink Sands..Cape Santa Maria..etc. The original post sounds like my wife wrote it. If I didn't know better, very much the same tastes and pocketbook.
We stayed at LDBay a few years ago when the Chef was in Gourmet mag. It was great, I think I am still paying for it. "Honey is that you"?
jb
May 6th, 2004, 11:54 AM
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My wife and I just returned from Nevis and we stayed at Villa Paradiso, a new spectacular hotel. The villas are incredible, right on the beach and Nevis looks like the South Pacific. And we used the facilities at the Four Seasons which is about 5 minutes down the beach. Plenty of shade, air conditioned and the furnishings are the best we have ever seen. Plus the cook
(extra charge) is amazing. Take a look.
(extra charge) is amazing. Take a look.
Aug 5th, 2004, 12:43 PM
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We have stayed at Cap Juluca and Maillouahana many times, but my kids (6 and 13)want to go somewhere new next winter. Jumby Bay seems great - but can any of you tell me how the beaches compare? I've never seen a beach more beautiful than CJ.
Aug 5th, 2004, 12:54 PM
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If Cap Juluca's beach is a 10 on a scale of 10 (it is in my book, anyway), I'd give Jumby Bay's main beach a 7-7.5.
The sand is more tannish and more granular, it gets bits of debris in it, etc. The water isn't quite as pretty in color as the water off CJ's beach.
Now none of these comments are meant to imply that Jumby is a poor choice. But you asked specifically how its beach compares to one of the best around.
Overall I enjoy vacationing at Jumby more than at CJ because I like the rooms a lot better and I like the island better.
But for pure beach quality, CJ's better no question about it.
The sand is more tannish and more granular, it gets bits of debris in it, etc. The water isn't quite as pretty in color as the water off CJ's beach.
Now none of these comments are meant to imply that Jumby is a poor choice. But you asked specifically how its beach compares to one of the best around.
Overall I enjoy vacationing at Jumby more than at CJ because I like the rooms a lot better and I like the island better.
But for pure beach quality, CJ's better no question about it.
Aug 5th, 2004, 03:56 PM
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Caps beach is stunning, the colors are just perfect yet I really love Jumby's beach as it is like a swimming pool,
and makes Maundays Bay seem noisy! Really we joke we leave Anguilla to
unwind at Jumby!
and makes Maundays Bay seem noisy! Really we joke we leave Anguilla to
unwind at Jumby!
