I'd appreciate your advice ... I know you're a big fan of Coral Gardens. I saw that you said all of the rooms there have an ocean view. For our trip in August, I found a deal on TCIreservations.com where "garden" rooms start at $210 and roh rooms (best available at time of check in) are $179 per night. Do you know about these "garden" rooms and whether they're nice?

This is in our price range and Coral Gardens definitely looks nicer than the other options in this range, but I'm wondering if there must be some kind of catch?

Thanks in advance.

The garden rooms are actually the second bedroom of a two bedroom suite. They have a separate entrance. Looks inland. About 300 Sq ft. small balcony with table and two chairs. Perfectly fine if you don't plam to spend a lot of time in the room and don't need beach view. Recommend 2311, 1311, 1301, 1211 and 1201 in that order if they are available. The patio of rooms on the first floor are pretty much surrounded by foliage for privacy

The garden rooms are actually the second bedroom of a two bedroom suite. They have a separate entrance. Looks inland. About 300 Sq ft. small balcony with table and two chairs. Perfectly fine if you don't plam to spend a lot of time in the room and don't need beach view. Recommend 2311, 1311, 1301, 1211 and 1201 in that order if they are available. The patio of rooms on the first floor are pretty much surrounded by foliage for privacy. Actually said alll the suites had an ocean/beach view. Suites are condos with kitchens

ocean front rooms at Coral gardens Howard.
Does anyone, (Howard too!) know of the perfect ocean front one bedroom suite to request at Coral Gardens. We don't have any trouble with stairs, and I wonder if it is better on the second or third floor. Also is the wind an issue? Would appreciate any tips.

Thanks. I had a feeling you would know...

Our favorite suite is 1212 on the second floor. 1202 is also very nice. These used to be called Luxury Grand suites. Think they're no called Ocean View Grand. For an ocean view suite recommend 4204 or 4205 on the second floor or 4304 or 4305 on the third. Not much of a view from first floor suites.

HowardC, I remember you from 2 years ago when plannig our first trip to TCI...see that you are still around helpng answer so many questions.

Do you live in Provo or do you just visit that often?

No we don't live on Provo. Going back for our 18th visit 14-21 May. Just like the island. Just completed our 19th visit to Anguilla in Feb. Actually practicing to be a travel agent in my next life.

We will just miss you. We are arriving on the 21st of May.
I hope this year the noseeums do not attack me again ;-)

Will there be a problem with bugs in July?

Howard,
I am going to Anguilla (Cuisinart)in May for my 4th visit to the island. In December I am going to Coral Gardens in T & C. Since you are a frequent visitor to both islands, I am wondering how they compare, mainly regarding beaches and accomodations. Does Coral Gardens compare favorably to Cuisinart? I have booked a 2 bedroom oceanfront suite at CG. Thanks for your input.

Mass Mom--Have been to Provo in April May and June and haven't had any problem with bugs. Of course it depends on how much rain they've had. Normally it is minimal and there is a good breeze. At dusk if there is no breeze you might have a problem with mosquitoes. Since most dining is semi outside I tend to were long trousers to minimize exposed skin. We always travel with Off skintastic and spray liberally in the evening. Deep woods off works too. Bug spray is the perfume of choice in the islands,

Jeangail--Hard to compare Cuisinart and Coral Gardens. Have been to Provo 16 times and the last 11 stayed at CG. On Anguilla we stay at Frangipani. Cusinart is basically a full service resort where as most resorts on Provo are condo type resorts with kitchens and more self catering. The service and ammenities are fine and the staff at CG will bend over backwards to ensure you have an enjoyable vacation. Not a big fan of Santorini but the dinner restaurant at CG--Coyaba- in our opinion is the best on Provo. The beach bar restaurant at CG is very nice. There are two small pools at CG but don't compare to the pool at Cusinart. Although the beaches on Anguilla are excellent they can't compare to Grace Bay Beach which is rated one of the best in the caribbean. The colors of the water are awesome. One of the reasons we like CG is that it is the only place the reef comes right in to the beach to snorkel. Snorkel equipment is included in the room price. Not as much night life on Provo as Anguilla. Provo is more developed with more shopping places. Do you have a suite #. If it is a two bedroom Ocean View you probably want 4206 0r 4306 on the second and third floor for the best view. These suites are about 1300 sq ft. My recommendation if you can aford it is what they used to call a luxury grand suite. They may be called Ocean View Grand now. Specifically suite 1212/11 or 1202/01. These are 1800 sq ft with a wrap around balcony. Our favorite is 1212. You might call the 1-800 # and talk to Marcine to determine availability and price. If you do a HowardC search on this site you will find all my posts on Anguilla and Provo

mass-mom,

We travled at the end of April 2 years ago and I got eaten alive. My BF had no problems. I guess the week before they had a bit of rain, which produces so many noseeums. (Have it be said, I do not do well at home in the summer with mosquitos either -- live in RI). I know for sure that I will take my own bottle of bug spray as well as Afterbite.