As for spas, I visited the new spa at Malli in June 2003. It is by far the nicest Caribbean spa I've ever seen.
My only gripe with Malli is that the rooms are tired looking and lack the more luxurious amenities we value. The beach there is very nice. Again, Cap's is unbeatable IMO due to its private, enclosed half moon shape and the view of St. Martin in the distance.

As for the turtle hunts, they occur only 6 (?) months a year but I think it's high season for turtle mating on Jumby Bay. These turtles attract a lot of attention because they're rare and there's a special scientific society that monitors their activity. Jumby guets are invited along to watch if they wish to go. I think the turtles only inhabit one or two of the beaches.
There are, of course, no starfish on the beach.

**Fortunately the zoologists are only armed with clipboards---they're not wearing battle fatigues and carrying paintball guns! Now there's a visual for you snohflake---nekkid tourists being chased down a secluded beach by paintgun-wielding zoologists, videotaping the whole thing; footage at 10PM on the local news back home.

OK Guys - DID IT !!!

You Win Snohflake, I just hung up the phone after booking Malliouhana. Went for the Junior Terrace Suite, Bechfront overlooking Turtle cove (Did I just say turtle?) Must run for the moment, but I will fill you in on the details & would like to pick your brain for some Dining Suggestions (if you don't mind)later. Thanks to all for the Help !!! (Many Sounds of Excitement) Speak to you in a few hours!!

** . . . nekkid tourists being chased down a secluded beach by paintgun-wielding zoologists, videotaping the whole thing . . . **

Okay Rwilliams, you just stop it now. If I have to stifle my laughter any more I'm going to bust a gut. And I'm just green with envy that you've tried out the new spa. Details please. Details.

YAHOO sunsets! I'm thrilled you made your decision and that I helped you along, but OH THE PRESSURE! You just better have a great time otherwise I will feel terrible. Feel free to pick whatever is left of my feeble brain (it's all rwilliams' fault) re. restaurants and such.

Talk to you soon!

stayed in the last duplex/suite (#26?) at the end of the string, next to where the hotel villas begin. visited friends in another duplex suite. our room was larger and location appeared to be the more private, due to one side being flanked by wall/foliage. we also had the luxury of a very large, private patio.

snohflake: unfortunately I only toured the spa. Didn't actually indulge.
We were simply wandering around Malliouhana (staying at Cap Juluca) to see what it was like and spotted the spa because it's obviously new and separate from the rest of the resort.
At first we thought it was a huge luxury home or condo from the outside.
Both inside and out this is a spa which would be praised on the mainland US or anywhere else, let alone the Caribbean, where most spas are more on the humble side.

Just got back from a short trip to Bermuda. Interesting thread! I see you have chosen Malliouhana, junior suite on Turtle Cove! Its a huge room, terrace, lower terrace, and wonderful view. Lots of closet space, the best part is Turtle Cove, its very private
and closer to the room, just down some steps. Not full service, one gentleman covers this small area. I have not used the spa service but it should be wonderful. The restaurant is very good, although our last experience was not up to par, it might have been an off night. My other choices would be Mangos, Trattoria Tramonto, Blanchards, and Altamer. Nightlife, go to the Pumphouse, or Johnnos on Sandy Ground.
Malli will be relaxing, the owner will personally great you, with his little dog. I have stayed at all the resorts you mentioned, Anguilla is my favorite island! It is very relaxing!

This reply may be late, but my Husband and I just returned from our 5th trip to Little Dix in mid. Dec. and it was wonderful. We stayed at Caneel about 12 yrs. ago and would not return because of poor service, food was just o.k., and most of all we found the staff was not friendly or accomodating. One thing we love about Little Dix is that not only do we get excellent service but the staff is always very friendly. In all of our travels we still haven't found a beach that we like as well either -- it's just a great calm beach to snorkel off of. I vote for Little Dix!