Which has a better beach -Grand Lido Negril or KU Anguilla?
Dec 2nd, 2005, 06:57 PM
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Which has a better beach -Grand Lido Negril or KU Anguilla?
We are limiting our search for our February vacation to either GL Negril or the new resort Ku in Anquilla. Both are different. Aside from the general bias against AI, am more interested in which beach is calmer and whether they are both good for swimming. Not into big waves. Also which island offers more in sightseeing. Have stayed in Jamaica twice but never Nrgril. Have not been to Anquilla.Considering beach and places to explore which resort would you pick? If someone has stayed at the old Shoal Beach Hotel in Anquilla that would be helpful because that is thenewly renovated Ku. THANKS AS ALWAYS FOR YOUR EXPERIENCED INPUT
Dec 3rd, 2005, 07:31 AM
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There's a recent trip report about Ku with a picture link on the anguillaforum.com (under trip reports). We didn't stay at Ku but visited often during our recent trip. It looks nice; the restaurant has a limited menu but what there was, was quite good. We've been going to Anguilla for years and there are beaches (33), restaurants (about 80), snorkeling & some diving but little else. What did you have in mind in the way of sightseeing? Anguilla is also flat, scrubby and relatively small (about 11,000 residents).
Dec 3rd, 2005, 12:11 PM
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MaryD--Perhaps you can answer me. I know Ku is on Shoal Bay. There are 2 Shoal Bays in Anquilla. Is the one Ku is on closer or further fom CJ?Is the beach calm in winter months? As for sightseeing, I realize the type of island Anquilla is, but I thought that if it had some things of interest to see we would want to take advantage
Dec 3rd, 2005, 12:46 PM
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Ku is on Shoal Bay East -- the other side of the island (Atlantic) than Cap Juluca (Caribbean) which is on Maunday's Bay but also near Shoal Bay West. Ku is a 20-25 minute drive from Cap. In the winter months, the Atlantic side is often calmer than than the Caribbean. There are art galleries, a rum factory, a couple of historic buildings, and lots of blue sky & blinding white sand.
Dec 3rd, 2005, 06:06 PM
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I would go to Anguilla hands down. For fun, i would suggest a late afternoon trip to Marigot on the french side of St. Maarten. It's a 25 min nice clean ferry ride, and you can get some great food and french culture over there and ferry back.
Dec 3rd, 2005, 09:00 PM
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MaryD Thanks for finally clearing up the confusion about the 2 Shoal Bays. I would have expected the Atlantic side to be less calm so your info was important to us-----Nyfineman..we have been to St. Martin literally years ago and did plan to take the ferry over. When you say you would choose Anquilla hands down is that because you do not like Negril or its beaches or is it thet you just love Anquilla. Curious because you are so definite and we are mixed up about our 2 choices not including the fact that one is an all ins. Hope to hear your reasons Thanks
Dec 18th, 2005, 12:41 AM
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"nyfineman" (or whoever been to Marigot of St. Maarten recently), can you please tell us your recommended restaurant in Marigot ? We're going to Anguilla (and will stay at KU !), and thinking about either a day trip or just a dinner trip to St. Maarten. Also, if anyone would recommend us, then we might think about a day trip to St. Barts by air or by boat. Can anyone comment on this ? Thanks bunch in advance !!
Dec 18th, 2005, 04:27 PM
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Thanks, "blamona". Actually I went St. Barts and Anguilla 12 yrs ago, and I agree your comments. Can you (or anyone) comment about doing a day trip to St. Barts from Anguilla ? Is it too much hustle ??
Dec 19th, 2005, 03:10 AM
#10
chamao:
I used to stay at Sonesta there, and they would easily make arrangements for the day trip to St. Bart's, but Sonesta doesn't exist anymore!
At Cuisinart, they could make arrangements, but I didn't do it because my husband didn't wnat to leave Anguilla! I vaguely remember there where certain days of the week they had day trips directly to St. Bart's. Cap Jaluca could also make arrangements.
There is another way. Take an early ferry to St. Martin (I think they start around 6:30AM!) It takes about 25 minutes for the crossing. Then taxi to Marigot, where there are ferries to ST. Bart's. Some of the ferries to St. Bart's can also offer package trips, includes a tour of the island, beach time, shopping time.
Any resort in Anguilla should be able to help you make arrangements. I have not stayed at KU yet, but if they can't help, I'm sure another resort can.
As for restaurants, most in St. Martin on the French side are great!!! The best restaurants tend to be around Grand Case, sorry I can't remember the names of any of them.
the last ferry back to Anguilla is usually at 11 pm.
I would not combine a day trip to both St. Martin and St. Bart's, I would separate them. It's super easy to hop back and forth from Anguilla to St. Martin, so you might want to do that a couple of times, for shopping, and Orient Beach, which is a sight to be seen!
Idleweiss: I liked Negril, but I love Anguilla.
I used to stay at Sonesta there, and they would easily make arrangements for the day trip to St. Bart's, but Sonesta doesn't exist anymore!
At Cuisinart, they could make arrangements, but I didn't do it because my husband didn't wnat to leave Anguilla! I vaguely remember there where certain days of the week they had day trips directly to St. Bart's. Cap Jaluca could also make arrangements.
There is another way. Take an early ferry to St. Martin (I think they start around 6:30AM!) It takes about 25 minutes for the crossing. Then taxi to Marigot, where there are ferries to ST. Bart's. Some of the ferries to St. Bart's can also offer package trips, includes a tour of the island, beach time, shopping time.
Any resort in Anguilla should be able to help you make arrangements. I have not stayed at KU yet, but if they can't help, I'm sure another resort can.
As for restaurants, most in St. Martin on the French side are great!!! The best restaurants tend to be around Grand Case, sorry I can't remember the names of any of them.
the last ferry back to Anguilla is usually at 11 pm.
I would not combine a day trip to both St. Martin and St. Bart's, I would separate them. It's super easy to hop back and forth from Anguilla to St. Martin, so you might want to do that a couple of times, for shopping, and Orient Beach, which is a sight to be seen!
Idleweiss: I liked Negril, but I love Anguilla.
Dec 19th, 2005, 03:10 AM
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I think comparing Grand Lido to Ku is like comparing apples to oranges. Grand Lido is a deluxe resort; Ku while it sounds very nice is not in the deluxe category. That being said, the beaches in Anguilla are the most beautiful I've ever seen. I'm not a big Jamacia fan because I don't feel real safe there so I would go almost anywhere before returning to Jamacia.
Dec 19th, 2005, 12:18 PM
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Thank you to all who have responded.I still am not sure what to do. It appears almost everyone prefers Anguilla to Negril. Without opening a can of worms about safety and crime in Jamaica to those who have been in Negril is the water warm and calm in February? To anyone who has been at the GL-Did you feel comfortable or was it very overcrowded? Does it appeal to people of all ages? We are on the over 55 age group, but enjoy walking,snorkelling, sightseeing,etc.
Blamona---I know you love the T&C. We had ruled that out because the weather is too cool for us at that time of the year.How would you compare the water in the T&C with that of Negril and Anguilla.I am primarily interested in clear, calm water and a nice sandy beach for walking . Not big on rocky entrances into the water or big waves. Since you have been to all three islands I am anxious to hear from you.
jlillberto--I think you are right about the comparison of the 2 hotels. The problem for us is in season Anguilla is SOOO expensive that we felt that KU sounded like it was in a good location on a decent beaach and it gave us the chance to get to the island with some money left to spend. GL while far from cheap was affordable for us so if we went to Negril we preferred to take that kind of vacation. We have to make up our minds very quickly or there won't be anything available.
Blamona---I know you love the T&C. We had ruled that out because the weather is too cool for us at that time of the year.How would you compare the water in the T&C with that of Negril and Anguilla.I am primarily interested in clear, calm water and a nice sandy beach for walking . Not big on rocky entrances into the water or big waves. Since you have been to all three islands I am anxious to hear from you.
jlillberto--I think you are right about the comparison of the 2 hotels. The problem for us is in season Anguilla is SOOO expensive that we felt that KU sounded like it was in a good location on a decent beaach and it gave us the chance to get to the island with some money left to spend. GL while far from cheap was affordable for us so if we went to Negril we preferred to take that kind of vacation. We have to make up our minds very quickly or there won't be anything available.
Dec 19th, 2005, 01:09 PM
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Anguilla in season can be extremely expensive. But there are many very nice hotels and resorts in Anguilla a step below Cap Juluca and Cuisinart that don't charge an arm and a leg. I haven't seen the new KU Resort so I don't know what it looks like now (although its location is ideal in the middle of beautiful Shoal Bay East).
Let me suggest two other hotels on Shoal Bay East you might consider. Allamanda Beach Club Resort (http://allamanda.ai/) is a stone's throw away from Shoal Bay East's main snorkeling and scuba center, Shoal Bay Scuba (http://www.shoalbayscuba.ai/). In the winter, Allamanda's rates will run about $150 to $200 a night. The rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, very clean and they have full kitchens (which can save you money on meals). Allamanda has a wonderful restaurant called Zara's (http://www.ai/zaras/) that serves excellent (and not overly expensive) lunches and dinners. Allamanda is also next to Gwen's Reggae Grill which is one of Anguilla's best beachside barbecue restaurants (and they have live music on Sunday afternoons).
An even nicer lodging choice on Shoal Bay East is Serenity Cottages (http://www.serenity.ai/) which is located a little farther north on a quieter, more secluded, part of the beach. The rooms at Serenity Cottage come with full kitchens, as is the case with Allamanda, but are more luxurious in my opinion. Serenity, like Allamanda, has a very nice restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, as well as a beachside bar/restaurant. Winter rates will run about $250 to $300 a night.
I can't comment or compare Negril's beach to Anguilla's, never having visited Negril. But I can tell you that Anguilla's many beaches (not just Shoal Bay East) are SPECTACULAR (a beautiful soft white sand, amazingly clean water and generally very calm).
Grand Lido Negril is a far larger resort than Allamanda, Serenity, or KU and so I imagine it will have much more of a loud party atmosphere than any place on Anguilla. If you prefer lots of activities and parties, I'd lean toward Grand Lido Negril because you'll find far less on Anguilla. But if you want a calm beautiful beach and a low-key vacation without breaking your bank account, I'd look at KU, Allamanda or Serenity.
Let me suggest two other hotels on Shoal Bay East you might consider. Allamanda Beach Club Resort (http://allamanda.ai/) is a stone's throw away from Shoal Bay East's main snorkeling and scuba center, Shoal Bay Scuba (http://www.shoalbayscuba.ai/). In the winter, Allamanda's rates will run about $150 to $200 a night. The rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, very clean and they have full kitchens (which can save you money on meals). Allamanda has a wonderful restaurant called Zara's (http://www.ai/zaras/) that serves excellent (and not overly expensive) lunches and dinners. Allamanda is also next to Gwen's Reggae Grill which is one of Anguilla's best beachside barbecue restaurants (and they have live music on Sunday afternoons).
An even nicer lodging choice on Shoal Bay East is Serenity Cottages (http://www.serenity.ai/) which is located a little farther north on a quieter, more secluded, part of the beach. The rooms at Serenity Cottage come with full kitchens, as is the case with Allamanda, but are more luxurious in my opinion. Serenity, like Allamanda, has a very nice restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, as well as a beachside bar/restaurant. Winter rates will run about $250 to $300 a night.
I can't comment or compare Negril's beach to Anguilla's, never having visited Negril. But I can tell you that Anguilla's many beaches (not just Shoal Bay East) are SPECTACULAR (a beautiful soft white sand, amazingly clean water and generally very calm).
Grand Lido Negril is a far larger resort than Allamanda, Serenity, or KU and so I imagine it will have much more of a loud party atmosphere than any place on Anguilla. If you prefer lots of activities and parties, I'd lean toward Grand Lido Negril because you'll find far less on Anguilla. But if you want a calm beautiful beach and a low-key vacation without breaking your bank account, I'd look at KU, Allamanda or Serenity.
Dec 19th, 2005, 01:41 PM
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For the person who asked about a day trip to st barth from anguilla-
you can charter a plane for about $700 each way, plus about $20 per person for taxes. You can take the public ferry to st martin, and RAPID EXPLORER to st barth, but it will be hard to make the connections. there are winair scheduled flights between the islands, stopping and changing planes in st martin, airfare is about 120 euros-each way-- and you can charter a boat to take you there, its about $1500 for the round trip.
all in all its hard to organize, and expensive.
you can charter a plane for about $700 each way, plus about $20 per person for taxes. You can take the public ferry to st martin, and RAPID EXPLORER to st barth, but it will be hard to make the connections. there are winair scheduled flights between the islands, stopping and changing planes in st martin, airfare is about 120 euros-each way-- and you can charter a boat to take you there, its about $1500 for the round trip.
all in all its hard to organize, and expensive.
Dec 19th, 2005, 02:37 PM
#15
My opinion of favorite beaches in order:
1. Grace Bay in TC. Finest sand and water anywhere in the world. Pretty cool other beaches. Fun trips to other cays, great restaurants. Very quiet relaxing island. Lot's of construction going on, as it's very up and coming. No venders on the beach, no hair braids, just peace and quiet on a beach to long to walk from one end to another. It has no real Caribbean vibe, it is all about the beach. It's flat and scubbing and dry looking, but the beaches are blinding white sand with neon blue green waters. Upscale, and expensive.
2. Anguilla. My first true love in Caribbean, I always have a soft spot for it. Gorgeous beaches, and some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. It has a neat caribbean vibe, but no shopping. Easy access to St. Martin for day trips, for a completely different experience. St. Martin has the best shopping in the Caribbean, great restaurants. Lot's of activities, casinos, even a fort to explore. No venders or braiders on the beach. Like TC, flat and scrubby and dry, blinding white sand, gorgeous turqouise waters. Even more upscale and more expensive than TC.
3. Negril (I'm only rating the 3 you asked, Negril is actually much lower on my list, but it's only my opinion!!!) Negril has a nice streach of beach, and a true Caribbean vibe. Sometimes I don't mind being approached by venders or hair braiders, but sometimes it's annoying. (I'm sure I'll get grief for this!) Sometimes I want to people watch, sometimes I want to just relax. Negril is in the people watching catagory. Jamaica is pretty big, so there's lot to do, but it's also more dangerous. It's hilly and more lush looking.
All 3 are calm great beaches for swimming, my personal favorites are Anguilla and TC.
1. Grace Bay in TC. Finest sand and water anywhere in the world. Pretty cool other beaches. Fun trips to other cays, great restaurants. Very quiet relaxing island. Lot's of construction going on, as it's very up and coming. No venders on the beach, no hair braids, just peace and quiet on a beach to long to walk from one end to another. It has no real Caribbean vibe, it is all about the beach. It's flat and scubbing and dry looking, but the beaches are blinding white sand with neon blue green waters. Upscale, and expensive.
2. Anguilla. My first true love in Caribbean, I always have a soft spot for it. Gorgeous beaches, and some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. It has a neat caribbean vibe, but no shopping. Easy access to St. Martin for day trips, for a completely different experience. St. Martin has the best shopping in the Caribbean, great restaurants. Lot's of activities, casinos, even a fort to explore. No venders or braiders on the beach. Like TC, flat and scrubby and dry, blinding white sand, gorgeous turqouise waters. Even more upscale and more expensive than TC.
3. Negril (I'm only rating the 3 you asked, Negril is actually much lower on my list, but it's only my opinion!!!) Negril has a nice streach of beach, and a true Caribbean vibe. Sometimes I don't mind being approached by venders or hair braiders, but sometimes it's annoying. (I'm sure I'll get grief for this!) Sometimes I want to people watch, sometimes I want to just relax. Negril is in the people watching catagory. Jamaica is pretty big, so there's lot to do, but it's also more dangerous. It's hilly and more lush looking.
All 3 are calm great beaches for swimming, my personal favorites are Anguilla and TC.
Dec 19th, 2005, 02:58 PM
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I believe Grand Lido is actually on Bloody Bay, not the main 7 mile beach.
BB used to be really empty and lovely but now there are two Rius on it, plus GL and 1-2 other resrots, so it's not quite what it was 10 years ago.
But the water is still lovely and clear and calm and shallow on Bloody Bay. Within two hours of Negril are YS Falls, Mayfield Falls, Roaring River, Treasure Beach, Black River, Accompong....
BB used to be really empty and lovely but now there are two Rius on it, plus GL and 1-2 other resrots, so it's not quite what it was 10 years ago.
But the water is still lovely and clear and calm and shallow on Bloody Bay. Within two hours of Negril are YS Falls, Mayfield Falls, Roaring River, Treasure Beach, Black River, Accompong....
Dec 20th, 2005, 03:07 AM
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We were married at Grand Lido albeit 15 years ago! (doesn't seem possible) Grand Lido was certainly not loud or a big party resort. It didn't seem crowded, the beach and water were great. If I were going to Jamaica, I would go to the Negril area for sure. Have you checked Swept Away? I know people who go back there year after year.
If I had to chose between KU on Anguilla or GL in Negril, I think I would choose GL only because we like more upscale properties. But that's just our preference.
I've been to Anguilla several times but only for day trips and think the beaches are great. Have been wanting to go there for several years and finally this year we've bitten the bullet and are staying at Cuisinart. I looked at KU and while it looks very nice, it just not what we want.
Good luck and do let us know what you decide!
If I had to chose between KU on Anguilla or GL in Negril, I think I would choose GL only because we like more upscale properties. But that's just our preference.
I've been to Anguilla several times but only for day trips and think the beaches are great. Have been wanting to go there for several years and finally this year we've bitten the bullet and are staying at Cuisinart. I looked at KU and while it looks very nice, it just not what we want.
Good luck and do let us know what you decide!
Dec 20th, 2005, 07:22 AM
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I've been to both Anguilla and Negril and they are very difficult to compare. Jamaica is the only island to which I have chosen to return - just love it there. Anguilla is beautiful and the beaches are spectacular, but I have never felt compelled to return. I spent a week on St. Martin this year and loved it while I was there, but it is not on my return list. I loved Tropicana restaurant in Marigot. Recently, I think there has been more crime against tourists on St. Martin than there has been in Jamaica. I have been to Swept Away in Negril and loved the beach and the location and the tropical feel of the accomodations. If you choose Anguilla, I would recommend Shoal Bay East. We stayed on Rendezvous Bay and the water was quite rough and it was windy while we were there.
Dec 20th, 2005, 09:31 AM
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I thought I was confused before but now
I really don't know what to do. So many good suggestions and just when we are positive we are going to Anguilla,someone comes up with someting making us mor inclined to go to Negril.
Laby--I checked out Allamanda and Serenity. Actually from pictures Allamnda looked more appealing(the rates definitely are) Looked both resorts up in several books I have .Serenity was listed in only one but that would not stop us from going.Need to take a look at Trip Ad.Thanks for your suggestions. If the rates and reports are comparable ,think we will still try Ku only because I assume they will try to please so they start to get good feedback on forums like this one.Very little is known at present but the Chicago Trib ran an article in their travel section on Ku about 2 weeks ago. That should give it much exposure here since it was generally favorable.
Blamona-- Thanks for your insightful rating. I knew Negril would not be high on your list, but I felt it was very helpful. I assme you have been to many places you would rate higher. Actually we have been to the BVI many times and we love the water there as well as on St. John, but we want to go where we have not been. THANKS
Liza, Jlillberto and Cartera-- Just when we decided to go to Anguilla, all of you love Negril as well. THe suggestion made about more upscale properties is definitely some thing we need to come to terms with. We also love beautiful bathrooms, and nice amenities and we can have those at GL or Swept Away. I thught SA would cater to a really young group, and as I mentioned earlier we are over 55 (OUCH) and so thought that GL would have more guests of all ages. Last year in Antigua ironically spent a great deal of time with a honeymoon couple!! Had a Ball.If we could go to CJ or Cuisinart, there would be no decision. CARTERA thanks for the info on Rendezvoud Bay--that would be a disappointment for us as I am so obsessed about peaceful,calm water.
I really don't know what to do. So many good suggestions and just when we are positive we are going to Anguilla,someone comes up with someting making us mor inclined to go to Negril.
Laby--I checked out Allamanda and Serenity. Actually from pictures Allamnda looked more appealing(the rates definitely are) Looked both resorts up in several books I have .Serenity was listed in only one but that would not stop us from going.Need to take a look at Trip Ad.Thanks for your suggestions. If the rates and reports are comparable ,think we will still try Ku only because I assume they will try to please so they start to get good feedback on forums like this one.Very little is known at present but the Chicago Trib ran an article in their travel section on Ku about 2 weeks ago. That should give it much exposure here since it was generally favorable.
Blamona-- Thanks for your insightful rating. I knew Negril would not be high on your list, but I felt it was very helpful. I assme you have been to many places you would rate higher. Actually we have been to the BVI many times and we love the water there as well as on St. John, but we want to go where we have not been. THANKS
Liza, Jlillberto and Cartera-- Just when we decided to go to Anguilla, all of you love Negril as well. THe suggestion made about more upscale properties is definitely some thing we need to come to terms with. We also love beautiful bathrooms, and nice amenities and we can have those at GL or Swept Away. I thught SA would cater to a really young group, and as I mentioned earlier we are over 55 (OUCH) and so thought that GL would have more guests of all ages. Last year in Antigua ironically spent a great deal of time with a honeymoon couple!! Had a Ball.If we could go to CJ or Cuisinart, there would be no decision. CARTERA thanks for the info on Rendezvoud Bay--that would be a disappointment for us as I am so obsessed about peaceful,calm water.
Dec 20th, 2005, 12:11 PM
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Great question, I just wanted to add my two cents.
I seems most of the replies did not answer your two questions directly. 1. Considering beach and places to explore which resort would you pick?
2. Which beach is calmer, prettier, and better swimming Shoal Bay East or Negril's 7 Mile Beach. Simple questions, tough to answer, here goes!
Resort: Grand Lido, hands down!!!! GL has much more to do. As does Negril, has more to explore and sightsee! Lido's food, activites and AI is an added plus.
Beach: I'd pick the Negril beach over Shoal Bay East. Negril's water is super calm, shallow and cystal clear, year round so you never have to worry if it's on the Atlantic/Caribbean side. I can walk out 50 yards until the water is at your shoulders, just awesome! Shoal Bay East is also a world class beach, however I don't think it's even the best on Anguilla. Try either Meads Bay or Mundy's Bay, however, neither is over 3/4 mile long were as Negril's Beach is about 7 miles.
Restaurants: If you want to explore great restaurants each day, then Anguilla is the better option. However, Grand Lido's food, and charm is wonderful. Also, trying Jamican food is a must, several nice places to eat.
Island Hopping: Anguilla wins; With several small islands such as Sandy Island, Prickley Pear, Scrub Island as well as lovely St. Barts and St. Martin.
Local activities: Negril wins, several local waterfalls, cliff diving, music, culture and fantastic sunsets.
I seems most of the replies did not answer your two questions directly. 1. Considering beach and places to explore which resort would you pick?
2. Which beach is calmer, prettier, and better swimming Shoal Bay East or Negril's 7 Mile Beach. Simple questions, tough to answer, here goes!
Resort: Grand Lido, hands down!!!! GL has much more to do. As does Negril, has more to explore and sightsee! Lido's food, activites and AI is an added plus.
Beach: I'd pick the Negril beach over Shoal Bay East. Negril's water is super calm, shallow and cystal clear, year round so you never have to worry if it's on the Atlantic/Caribbean side. I can walk out 50 yards until the water is at your shoulders, just awesome! Shoal Bay East is also a world class beach, however I don't think it's even the best on Anguilla. Try either Meads Bay or Mundy's Bay, however, neither is over 3/4 mile long were as Negril's Beach is about 7 miles.
Restaurants: If you want to explore great restaurants each day, then Anguilla is the better option. However, Grand Lido's food, and charm is wonderful. Also, trying Jamican food is a must, several nice places to eat.
Island Hopping: Anguilla wins; With several small islands such as Sandy Island, Prickley Pear, Scrub Island as well as lovely St. Barts and St. Martin.
Local activities: Negril wins, several local waterfalls, cliff diving, music, culture and fantastic sunsets.
