My husband and I are going to Anguilla next week for the first time and I have a few last minute questions. <BR> <BR>Are there any scuba diving companies on the island? Any recommendations? <BR> <BR>What is the best spa on the island, specifically for massages? <BR> <BR>We are staying 4 ngts at the Sonesta and 3 at the Malliouhana. We are planning on renting a car...is it necessary? Our plans are to explore the beaches, relax, and go to dinner at night. <BR> <BR>What restaurants should we absolutely NOT miss?? <BR> <BR>Thanks!!

We were just there staying at Malliouhana. Get a message there but book it now via email or you may not get the time you want. <BR>Anguilla is a great quiet place to relax. <BR>Our favorite restaurants were Mangoes, Tramontas, Overlook, and Olivers. We had heard bad things about Blanchards and did not go. <BR>If you are there on a Sunday, go to Scilly Cay. <BR>A car is helpful (cab fees mount up). Roads are good and driving onthe left was not a problem. <BR>Yes there are Suba Diving cos. Ask at your hotel when you get there. <BR>(We were dissappointed in the dinner at Malliouhana. Get room service in your unit for romantic private dining) <BR>Have a good time.

I would definately put Straw Hat on the must for dinner list. It was our favorite, with the great setting and good food, in December. Be sure to "find" it during daylite hours - we were glad we did when we drove back on a very dark nite!! Mango's and CuisinArt tied for last place and I wouldn't hurry back to either but you might enjoy the view from the Hydroponic Cafe at CuisinArt at lunch! Blanchard's just didn't live up to the hype with food but did with prices!!! <BR>I am sure Penny will pop in here with all kinds of last minute advice! She is truly the "expert" on Anguilla! We did rent a car and found it very convenient and less expensive as we explored beaches and dined out every nite! In fact, we only planned to keep it a couple of days and kept it until departure!

Hi Jen-You will love Anguilla. I am not a scuba diver, but if you go to www.news. ai there should be some info. I am sure the sonesta will hook you up. The island is very small there use to be a dive shop on Sandy Ground, the past owner Mr. Carty (I think) now has a private service. <BR> <BR>I am sure each hotel has great massages, Malliouhana is building a huge spa, CusinArt has a spa building, guests had mentioned Peter. Not sure of what is available at Sonesta. <BR> <BR>We always rent a car,if you want to explore the island this is the best way.You will be surprised how often you will use it. <BR> <BR>You will be staying at the West end of the island-so explore Shoal Bay West, Tratoria has a bar, beach chairs and a very empty beach. This is our favorite spot for lunch, and only 5-10 minutes from Sonesta. Nice for dinner too.Love sitting there sipping wine listening to Andre Bocelli, and Sarah Brightman. <BR> You can walk to Cove Bay from Sonesta, there is a beach bar restaurant called Smokeys, local fare and nice natural beach. Good spot to explore and have a drink-not many good reports on the food and service. Same owners as the excellent restaurant Ici on the beach at Sonesta. Another interesting place is the Dune Preserve, Bankie Banx has a great beach bar, and plays great music. When you move to Malliouhana, a new spot on Meads Bay recently opened-Coccoplum, I have read good reports, you can walk from your hotel and check it out. <BR> <BR>There are too many choices and many personal favorites-we always have a fantastic meal at Malliouhana. This past March we enjoyed Mangos, Covecastles, Pimms, tapas bar Keemia at Cap Juluca. We skipped Blanchards this trip , it has a nice setting , and I would recommend it. Also Koal Keel is an interesting place with excellent food. Sapphire is a nice new spot too! <BR>We have always enjoyed the hydroponic veggies at CusinArt. Other excellent choices are Olivers(service can be very slow), Straw Hat, tucked behind the airport on the water, and yes it is hard to find, follow Karens advice. They use to have Straw Hat shaped signs leading to the spot,but Lenny blew them away. <BR> <BR>You will love Anguilla, and I am sure you will find your favorite. Have a wonderful trip-lucky you! Karen thanks for your kind words, I am glad you have fallen in love with Anguilla. I consider you the "beach" expert!

We just returned from a week at Frangipani. This was our 2nd time on the island & we stayed at Cap Juluca the last time. Definitely rent a car because you can go to other beaches & then use it for going to dinner. The taxis can add up. <BR> <BR>Mangos, Overlook & Mangos were stupendous! Straw Hat was very good, but not our favorite (great setting, though). We also ate at Tramanto (very good), Ripples (fantastic for more of a local feel) & Sapphire (great). There are really so many fabulous restaurants you can't make a mistake. The exception would be Smokey's at the Cove. We ate lunch there one day & couldn't see why anyone would want to eat dinner there. The service was pitiful. The beach is beautiful. Make sure you go to Scilly Cay on Sunday if possible.

PS-Scilly Cay is a great spot. Its a tiny little restaurant on a very small island off Island Harbor. They are only open for lunch, I think they have the best lobster, and wow those deadly rum punches. They have the Happy Hits Band on Sundays and Sprocka on Wednesday. Give it a try!

PS-Scilly Cay is fun on Sundays with the Happy Hits band or Wednesday with Sprocka. I think they have the best lobster on the island, and wow what rum punches. A nice spot!

Thanks for all of your responses. I cannot wait to go!

Just posted a lengthy trip report at www.traveltalkonline.com

To: Penny <BR>I hope you get this message because I think you can help answer this question. (you are quite "well-known" on the Fodor's board as an expert on Anguilla) <BR>We would really like to take our 2 teenage kids on a caribbean vacation. We have always wanted to go to Cap Juluca, but considered it as a couples only, romantic resort. Do you agree? If you have any other recommendations (teenager friendly) I'd really appreciate hearing about them. Thank you very much.

Hi Kim-It is very inetesting peoples perception of Cap Juluca. As you know we have been there many many times! This past season we were there the last week in March-lots of families, and teens, as it was spring vacation for some schools. So go for it! It is not a couples only resort, and usually there is a mix except in May and June, when you will find lots and lots of honeymooners. Please feel free to ask any other questions.

Kim-Hi we were at CJ in March with our two teenage daughters, we love the hotel and Anguilla. Our girls loved the beach, and each nighr they helpd select their favorite dining spots. We all had a great time. Cannot wait to go back.

To Mary and Penny: We are definitely interested in Cap. Thank you for confirming it! Could you tell what type room (and location) you had to accomodate your family? Also, was there plenty to do during the day (for the kids) and did you have a car? Lastly, please describe the pool. Thanks.

Hi Kim-I will try and answer your guestions from speaking to moms on the beach, we do not have children but we have been there so many times I know I can help. One Mom with 2 young girls thought the junior suite was too small, as it is one large room, with a built in sofa sitting area, then she got use to it and it was fine. Our other neighbors took 2 rooms on the upper floor in villa 10. Another option is the patio suite, 2 large rooms and 2 bathrooms. <BR>The pool is very large, set behind Georges restaurant, and is always empty. I do know there were activites planned for kids every day, visit the dolphin pool etc. <BR>I would definitely recommend renting a car. The island is easy to get around, and the best past time is beach exploring, or going out on the water with Calvin , or going to Shaol Bay or <BR>Little Bay to snorkel. Cap Juluca has its own boat for day trips and beach barbeque. If you love the beach Anguilla has the best beaches. You will have a great time.

Please tell me about the snorkeling in Anguilla. Do any of the hotels have snorkeling off the beach? Considering vacationing here next year, have two families with four very active teens, ages 18,17,16,15. Any reccommendations. Also love good seafood. Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you, Patty

There is snorkeling off the beach on Shoal Bay. But for the best, you can also get someone to take you out in a boat to various places. I think "Junior" works off Shoal Bay West and he's a real good talker. The kids would have a blast. Anguilla is kind of like a small town. You will have a terrific time.

Diane -You are so right Anguilla is like a small town, everyone knows everyone. As for snorkeling from the beach it is not good on the West side of the island-Shoal Bay is suppose to be pretty good. We gave up snorkeling from the beach at Cap Juluca as you rarely see fish on Maundays Bay and Cove Bay. Have not tried to snorkel at Scilly Cay, but most people go out with Junior or Calvin (Gotcha is his boat), to Little Bay or Prickly Pear Cay. As for the seafood we only eat fish or lobster and always request the local catch, snapper, parrotfish, tuna and the best crayfish and lobster are easy to find. Anguilla is a beach!

Going to Anguilla on the 25th of May and just confirmed reservations at Frangiapani. Has anyone stayed here? Is it a good choice? Is it on a good beach? Can you snorkel at this beach? Any info, tips, advice, etc would be helpful.