If anyone has stayed at Jumby Bay since it reopened under Rosewood management, I would appreciate your comments. Also, I would like to have your thoughts on Antigua diving and snorkeling.<BR><BR>Thanks for your time and help.

Hi Diane, I have been at Jumby a few times, most recently this past Febuary.<BR>The hotel is very small, much nicer than<BR>Caneel. More like a private country club! We gave up our Jan. Caneel visits as its just not as intimate for lunch or dinner, nor the personal service, attention you receive at Jumby. I do love Caneel, and will go back but Jumby wins! It does not have the snorkeling from the beach like Caneel. Only tons of starfish! Not into diving-or boat snorkeling so I cannot help you out here. Jumby is all inclusive, first class all the way. You do not have to sign for a thing, never carry any money on us- the prices have gone way up, and yes it is truly a 5 star resort. Please feel free to ask me any other questions!

Hi Penny - Which rooms have the best ocean view and or are closest to the best beach. How would you compare it to Cap?

Thanks Penny for your reply. I plan to travel from Caneel to a second island. Originally, I was thinking of going to Cap Juluca, which everyone raves about, but the Jumby Bay website looks great, and I like the idea of being on a 300 acre private island. Are the rooms relatively close to the beach?<BR><BR>Thanks again for your help.<BR><BR>Diane

Hi! I guess there are 2 Dianes!!Anyhow when you look at their website you will see a building at the top with a red roof, that is the Pond House. Its right on the beach, great views, 2 storys. Our favorite room, along the beach, but set back farther, is now called the courtyard suite. Its set back about 100 feet, 2 rooms per building, lots of louvered doors, overlooks the beach lined with palm trees and the lights of Antigua. Rosewood and the home owners have made these the prime rooms-they now have huge rain shower heads, 2 showers, one outside in a walled garden area. Yes, the rooms are relatively close to the beach. Jumby has the wonderful Estate House-sort of like the south meets Cassablana! The upstairs bar area is wonderful, some evenings there is a piano player who sounds just like Nat<BR>King Cole. This hotel is my favorite to walk down to breakfast, the setting and service is perfect. Each and every staff member will know your name, and <BR>your preferences! There are lots of walking paths, so you can walk, run or use the bikes provided. A herd of sheep roam the island, I love to hear the Baaaaah! No donkeys! I had the pleasure of meeting the hotels Horticulturist, who wants to have orchids climbing the trees. Lots of orchids in huge pots at all the dining<BR>areas, and in each room! It truly is a relaxing island!

PS-How would I compare it to Cap. It is very different, probably closer to Caneel, but on a much smaller, more personal level. Cap Juluca is very unique-a larger hotel, with Anguilla and its fun dining being a huge asset.<BR>Jumby is very very quiet, a sedate English crowd for the most part. As I mentioned it is all inclusive, so you<BR>will be dining at the hotel. Last spring we went to a few restaurants on<BR>Antigua, Cocconuts, Le Bistro. The island does not have the selection like Anguilla. Also at Jumbys current rates we did not leave the island in Feburary. The food is very very good, not boring, a nice selection. They have 2 excellent barbeques-outstanding.<BR>I can only add that Cap Juluca should be experienced!

Thanks again Penny. Both places sound wonderful, but after what you said, I am leaning towards Jumby Bay this trip, but will do the other another time. A lot depends on the times of the flights between St. Thomas and the other island. I hate wasting a day by spending it in the San Juan airport.<BR><BR>Since I love island walks, along with water activities, Jumby sounds like my kind of place. Either way, I feel I can't go wrong.<BR><BR>Thanks again.<BR><BR>Diane

Diane,<BR>You can fly directly from St. Thomas to Anguilla without stopping in San Juan on Liat, if they are still flying. The flights between St. Thomas and Antigua take a bit over 2 hours and there is one at 9 and one around 5, I believe.

Message Karibislander: Thanks for the info.<BR><BR>I heard that Liats weight limit is 44 lbs. Do you know if that is true? Since my trip is for 2 weeks, and since I have trouble packing light, I am sure my luggage will be more than that.<BR><BR>Thanks again.<BR><BR>Diane<BR><BR>

40 lbs. and they do charge for the overage but don't know the rate. Besides the smaller planes you don't want yours left behind because the plane is overweight! I have shipped rather than take as luggage and shipped the dirty stuff home as I moved on. Just a suggestion.

Ok as the carry on queen of light packing I would love to learn more about shipping ahead. Would DHL be the one to contact. I know they ship from Anguilla. I would love to lighten my load! Who do you use for Antigua? Great idea!