I am all booked for Cap Juluca and even extended my reservation, but can't get the flights I need and somewhat afraid to move all my flyer miles to Delta with a possible upcoming strike and liquidation of the airline. They want 240,000 flyer miles because the reward seats are gone. I can get to SXM on American for a reasonable price, but end up in St. Maarten at 10:30 at night and still need to get to Anguilla. Will that be possible? I am thinking that I should go in a few days early and stay in St. Maarten or St. Barths. Can you tell me where I can stay for 2-3 nights? I know some of the resorts require longer stays. I want something very nice. Thank you.

When are you going and where are you flying from? American Airlines flies right into Anguilla, avoiding the need to ferry from St. Maarten. During the winter months, I believe that AA offers two flights a day so perhaps that will work, although it's hard to say not knowing where you're flying from.

You also ought to call or e-mail Cap Juluca for advice. If anybody knows the ins and outs of flying to Anguilla, it should be CJ.

I wouldn't do anything hasty with your Delta frequent flyer miles. Just about every one of the major airlines has gone through bankruptcy proceedings in the past ten or fifteen years and they're all still flying and all still honoring their frequent flyer programs. Many of the smaller airlines have gone under but the bigger airlines, like Delta, usually weather the storms.

Hi WTexan,
Why not fly into SXM, stay overnite at a resonable place and set out in the morning to enjoy the entire day on Anguilla? I would not want to pay for CJ and get in very late. I am sure someone on this board can recommend a clean decent room to overnight in on SXM. I know you can fly into Anguilla, but when we used to do it that way we arrived very late(not to mention the rate must be higher to directly to Angulla). Now we go the SXM route. Anyway that is what I would do, hope this helps.
FF seats are very difficult to get on short notice, unless you are willing to part with large sums of miles!
Good LucCarol

I can get the flights I need on American if I go in a couple of days earlier, and I thought I might spend 2-3 days in St. Maarten. I don't like the idea of paying for CJ and getting in so late either.

Any hotel suggestions? La Samanna is sure getting terrible reviews. A small boutique hotel maybe? I could see St. Maarten and maybe take a day trip to St. Barth's so I don't have to do it from CJ. What do you think?

why not save the flyer points for later and just buy a ticket?

Do you have the option to add even one night to CJ? I have never stayed overnight on SXM, so I can't offer help there in terms of where is the best to stay. For me, one night there would be about right. Then on to Anguilla. Unless you really want an overnight at yet another island, St. Barths can be a day trp if you feel like an adventure.

I decided to buy my ticket and save the flyer miles. Can't get in and out on the days I want, so I may stay in SXM 2 nights, taking a day trip to St. Barths the second day. Where to stay?

You could certainly spend a night or two on St. Martin, and I think La Samanna would be a nice entree into your vacation. I'm not sure where you're reading these so-called bad reviews. You must simply be prepared for the fact that it's a very expensive resort and not all-inclusive in any way. And if you can afford and enjoy Cap Juluca, I think you'll have no problems with La Samanna. You can't get to Anguilla at 10:30pm, so don't even try that. But I do love St. Martin, so I think you'll enjoy a couple of days there. You can certainly do St. Barths as well, but that doesn't seem very relaxing to me. And there's plenty to occupy you on St. Martin for a day or two.

Thanks Doug, I appreciate the help!

WT