helios

Hello Kristen, Thanks for making your Anguilla pics available. They are really helpful. And congrats and good luck with your new family.

My wife and I (after a cancelled trip last year) are having trouble with our decision this year to resurrect Anguilla. We are not able to reserve the suite at Frangipani and are now left scratching our heads. I think we are down to the Serenity Cottage and Shoal Bay Villas. Our concern with Shoal Bay is that we will be on a beach with a busy, touristy feel to it. We know it won't be wall-to-wall, but that is an extreme example anyway. A beach can feel touristy nonetheless. You seemed to have gone almost everywhere. In your opinion, is Shoal Bay "unromantic" versus Mead's Bay. Also, do you know the Serenity location on Shoal? I was told that it is away from the busier section, about a 1.5 miles from the Shoal Bay Villas area but that means it is also a trek/drive away from the better restauarants. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Michael

ALR

Have you considered Blue Waters? It is a nice apartment resort on a quiet beach Shoal Bay West. It doesn't have a pool and restaurant like Frangipani does, but it is next to Trattoria and Altamer, so there is dining nearby. Cove Castles is also onthe same beach.
Serenity is more like 1/2 mile from the lower part of Shoal Bay. It's an easy walk. It's just around a point past Gwen's on Upper Shoal Bay. So you shouldn't see the others on Shoal Bay. The rooms are not smack on the beach like the other resorts we're talking about. You can see the photos on their web site www.serenity.ai. It looks very clean and well-maintained. I guess it's only about two years old. It has a restaurant and beach bar.

MaryD

Hi - have been going to Anguilla since the mid-90's and have stayed at various spots around the island. When are you going? From April thru August, there just aren't that many people anywhere on the island so Shoal Bay East won't be busy. As ALR notes, Serenity isn't that far & the part of the beach that it overlooks is quite quiet. I think Shoal Bay East is a magnificent beach as is Shoal Bay West (Blue Waters) and Rendezvous Bay (Rendezvous Bay Hotel). In fact, those 2 beaches are on the Caribbean and have stunning views of St. Martin -- the twinkling lights are very romantic (& if you don't believe me, have dinner at Trattoria or Altamer!).

Is there a particular suite you couldn't get at Frangi? -- they're all very lovely (we've stayed in most of them).

P.S. The "better" restaurants are, with one exception, on the west end of the island.

helios

Hi All. Thanks for your replies. In answer to your questions, we are planning a rtrip 4/28 - 5/7. The Frangipani has no suites at all. All they have now are garden view studios. Serenity has a 2nd floor studio with a partial ocean view, Shoal Bay Villas has an oceanfront suite on the 2nd floor and studio oceanfront on the 1st floor. Our quandry is mostly about the beachfront environment directly in front of the resort, and the quality/freshness of the rooms. I have heard the Shoal Bay Villa rooms are somewhat plain, but we know the Frangipani is supposed to be slightly higher end, so we are prepared for a drop in quality. Just how much is the question. Also, I can't seem to get the proper bearings from Serenity to , say the resdtaurant area on Shoal Bay. On wrote 1.5 miles, another .5. That is a difference. The choice of beaches is hard enough. Normally, I would say, we'd go the Caribbean side, since I have been on islands which have resorts on both, and the Atlantic sides have always been choppier enough to choose Caribbean each time.. But, on Anguilla, there seems to be agreement that both sides are equally beautiful, with equally swimmable and enchanting water. Is thsi true? Very confusing. Again, thanks so much.

MaryD

Both sides are beautiful and with 33 beaches, you can always find one that suits you that day (we go to a different one than where we're staying nearly every day that we're there). Serenity is more like a 1/2 mile from the "action" at Shoal Bay East but it's never busy like beaches on other islands. The restaurants on that beach are mostly beach bar variety & they are not open at night (exceptions are Zara's & Serenity).

Rendezvous Bay Hotel has spacious, bright beach villa rooms about 15-20 feet from the water -- we've stayed there & just love the atmosphere. If you think Meads Bay is the place for you, you might want to take a look at Carimar -- large apartments right on the beach. Again, Blue Waters is also lovely. Have you looked at http://hotels.ai? A complete listing with web sites for all.

It's just me but I always stay where I can see the water 1st thing in the morning -- garden views I can get at home!

helios

Hi Mary. Thanks for helping out. I agree with you about the view. That's what's keeping us from the Frangipani this time around. I did go to the web site you mentioned, checked a lot of places. Rendevous Bay Hotel, one of our early alternatives after Frang, is sold out for our time frame. We also looked at La Sirena, Paradise Cove, Carimar and Shoal Bay Villas. Tried to locate Blue Waters, but apparently it has no web site other than the Bob Green site. I am sure it is better in some cases to not have a web site, as this can keep it a little more exclusive and "undiscovered", but I am always more comfortable if I can vierw the place up close. I get nervous when I cannot do that for a resort, hotel, condo, etc, where the environment is so key. I had to search through about 20 different links before I could get a decent composite of Blue Waters. In short, the concern I have is the lack of AC. I am not one of those people that can live without AC in the Summer, so I am not willing to take the chance going without it, especially when, during our trip to Turks last year at the same time (April-May), we were both thankful we had it in our room. Looks like we are leaning towards the Serenity Cottage because of the location (Shoal Bay East, but on a quieter stretch), but stil, we are not entirely comfortable because there is not a lot of feedback on this facility. Four total reviews, 3 positive, 1 negative (which i dismissed as a malcontent), but looks okay.

helios

Boy, I'll tell you. This is so frustrating. I thougth I had the thing figured out, until I found out abou the restaurant situation. After deciding on, and RESERVING a room at Serenity Cottage, I now find out that it is a mediocre/poor location for eating dinner out in Anguilla. According to the reservation attendant, it is AT LEAST a 20 minute drive to any oceanside/waterview restaurant serving dinner, because all the place (save maybe one) on Shoal Bay close after lunch. That means, limited drinking during, and a certain amount of stress following, every dinner, when we venture out of the Serenity restaurant. And, isn't that what honeymoons are for, to explore other places, especially great restaurants? I can tell you from experience on Turks, that driving at night to and from dinner is not one of the most fun things to do, especially when it is 20-30 minutes on marginal roads, in darkness, with a 1/2 bottle of wine in your stomach. Oh, sorry, I can't drink more than a glass now. I guess my options now include a possible $50 penalty if we cancel Serenity and start reverting back to Mead's, Rendevous and Shoal's West. Damn! I thought we were done with this. Why does this have to be so hard? Guess I sound like the malcontent now. Is there a therapist in the house?

MaryD

Hello -- I told you in my earlier post that the restaurants on Shoal Bay East are NOT open at night. There is no place in Anguilla with a lot of restaurants on one beach (except Sandy Ground but there are only serviceable accommodations there). If you stay on Shoal Bay West, there is Altamers & Trattoria; on Meads Bay, you have Malli, Frangipani, Olivers (a short cab ride); on Rendezvous Bay, you have CuisinArt, Anguilla Great House and Cedar Grove.

Driving is very, very easy on the island as there is essentially one long road with beach roads peeling off it. We drive everywhere & we always have wine with dinner -- there's no traffic & it's well lit on the main roads. Pick the place -- the food will follow.

helios

Okay Doctor, are you saying everything will be alright, and I should chill out. BTW, how much do you charge for this therapy session?

helios

Do you think we should reconsider the Serenity location if we intend to eat out every night? Notes: we will not have a suite with kitchen at Serenity. We have extended our stay to ten nights.

MaryD

Here's what you have for dinner options near Serenity: Serenity (new chef; supposed to be good); Zara's (excellent); Hibernia (the next village over & maybe the best on the island); Smitty's (an island experience); Arawak (Maria's home cooking-- wow). The last 3 are about a 10 minute ride (new road being built as we speak).

You're going to love this place!!

helios

You are right Mary. You made good mention of the restaurants closing on Shoal Bay. I must have assumed that the drive to alternative oceanfront places would be closer than 20-30 minutes. Been so busy. Tring to come home after work and do this research. Things bound to fall through the cracks, forget stuff, etc. I am guitly of obsessing a bit. After all, this a postphoned honeymoon that was supposed to take place last year, but got cancelled because of a lost passport and visa (hers). So now, we are trying to resurrect the whole thing and try to get everything right. Considering this a first marriage for both of us, in our mid forties, I think it is only natural we obsess a little. Okay, it's more me who is obsessing. I mean, we've waited so long to "take the plunge" as it is. Is anyone out there getting entertained by this?

HowardC

Just go back from Anguilla and Frangipani. I e-mailed my friend who does Frang reservations to see if there may have been a cancelation or if they could accomodate you to no avail. They are full. Suggest you look at Nathans Cove which is on Meads Bay Beach between Frangipani and Carimar. They have two two bedroom suites and one four bedroom. Have talked to people who have stayed there and they said it was very nice. Has A/C and kitchens. Downside no pool or restaurant but there are plenty of restaurants in the area. You can find out more info on Bob Greens www.news.ai web site. We like the west end better but love going to Shoal Bay East for lunch etc.

helios

Thanks Howard. You were a great help to us last year when we originally started planning this whole thing. I believe we spoke on the phone at one point. We never went because my fiance lost her visa at the last minute. (Hmm... is there a message I should get here?) Anyway, we lost nearly $500 to the Frang in deposit money (not too mention another $400 to the L'esplanade in St. Martin. I was actually quite disappointed Valentin didn't carry it over for the year, meaning until April/May2005. He offered a very limited carry-over good through last December only, with lots of black-out dates. It was virtually impossible for us to re-book by then. So, I had a karmic conflict about returning there, especially since our second choice, Rendevouz Bay said they would have definitely carried over the deposit the full year. Mr. Gumbs is a nice man. Must be in the family stock. BTW, they are sold out our week because Bart is getting married and filling the place. Jesus, I'm writing a column on Anguilla and I haven't even been there yet. Anyway, here we are again, Groundhog Day. Hope you've been doing well.

ALR

Helios,
Blue Waters doesn't have a web site, but it is a wonderful apartment resort. I have stayed there before and will be back in less than three weeks. If you want A/C, though, Serenity is as good a bet as any. I have booked there for June. I toured the property on my last trip and was excited to discover it. I think it will be great to be just around the point from Shoal Bay, but have a little privacy at times. It is very well maintained, so looks very clean and new. I've never stayed up at that end of the island before, but look forward to going to all the great restaurants up at that end this time. If you want to be in the West End, tho, look at Carimar. At Carimar, they will bring in portable A/C units for the bedrooms on request, so you might consider it if you want another option.

penny

helios you are receving great advice from Anguilla pros! I must admit Blue Waters has always had my interest, I love the location. Ann, so you are off soon. Maybe I will check out BW's rooms! Howard you are the best! Good tip on Nathans Cove or is it Turtle Nest. I am confused!

helios

Thanks everybody for all your help. You are all fantastic. ALR, we really like the location of Serenity. Looks like we are on the same page with you about that. The one thing we forgot to consider was sunsets. Judging from the location of Serenity (Upper Shoal), it looks like we may not be able to see any from there. Is this accurate?

HowardC

Penny--Nathans Cove is next to Cocoplums. Turtles Nest would be another option if you could get a suite on the east side of the building. On the west they are building Winddrift Villas. Only saw about 6 people at Turtles Nest last week.

Helios--Probably won't see too many sunsets fron Serenity since it is back in the Cove When we were at frang last week didn't see one good sunset, As I recall last year all suites at Serenity weren't air conditioned. Think only the ones on the ground floor and you don't get much of a view from there. May have changed. It is just a question of how long you want to drive to eat out. The beach at Upper Shoal Bay east is quite narrow and more shell than sand. Off shore snorkeling is good. By the Way if she can get them Veronique does a lobster dinner at Le Bar on Tuesday night.

Laby

Helios - how was your stay at Serenity Cottage? We're also considering Serenity for a future Anguillan vacation. It sounds delightful with its on-site restaurant and looks to be in a wonderful location.

BGracekirkpat

I just read through this entire chat session about Serenity Cottage on Anguilla's Shoal Bay East, and I just need to say set everything straight and AFFIRM that it is perfect for a clean, relaxing, aesthetic, adventurous, GORGEOUS beach getaway in Anguilla. It amazes me that people do not emphasize that Serenity Cottage is located on the world's most perfect beach (travel channel), and it astounded me that there were SO FEW people on the beach! We practically had it to ourselves every day and we were there in prime season (late Feb. '05. I believe this is because most people want to stay in the more renowned "Cap Julucas" of Anguilla. Walk down the Shoal Bay East beach in the days to listen to reggae and have fabulous BBQ chicken at Ernie's famous bar or another reggae bar closer to Serenity (Gwen's), or the fun bistro next to Ernie's (plenty of options within a 5-10 minute BEACH stroll from Serenity), watch the sunset at night with really NO ONE else around! Total SERENITY. the accommodations are clean and airy (tall ceilings make a huge difference. Balconies are very spacious). the only difference is all the huge resorts are on the opposite side of the island. if you want that, go there. if you want QUIET, and beautiful, peaceful views of the water, and the most exquisite beach and sand you'll ever experience, stay here. the prices are phenomenal for Anguilla. If you want a car, just walk down the beach to Ernie's and tell them you want to rent a car from them. My husband and I paid $200 cash for seven days for a car, and it had air conditioning, and was perfectly comfortable and reliable.
I don't want to totally expose Serenity because it is so wonderful. but this hidden jewel will eventually be discovered. go now, enjoy, and relish in the fact that you found this place that so few have discovered. make sure that you relish this, however, when you are being served a rum punch from Serenity's tiki bar, on Serenity's exclusive beachfront....and don't forget to jump in the water directly in front of you and snorkel to the reefs about 50 yards away - manta ray, sea turtles and millions of tropical fish await.

PS: I'm a restaurant fanatic when I travel. I was fine with Serenity's place for one night - so pretty in the night and great food. But with a car we went to Blanchard's famous restaurant, Hibernia was heavenly good, we went to Altimer for lunch, and we had lobster whenever we wanted at the bistro next to Ernie's, as well as rum punches and pina coladas and BBQ chicken...and we walked down the beach three mornings to scuba dive at Shoal Bay Scuba (less than five minute walk from Serenity)....everything you could want RIGHT THERE....and yet, nothing commercial to get in your way.
Hoping this helps anyone who is wondering if Serenity Cottage is worth their time and money. I recommend 2D for two people. everything you need.