where to go enroute to Anguilla?
 

We've booked a week's accomodations on Anguilla for our upcoming vacation in November 2002. <BR><BR>We have four days and nights before AXA, and are looking for suggestions on where to stay on our way there.<BR><BR>St. Martin seemed to be a logical stop-we can fly directly there, hang out, even food shop before taking the ferry to Blowing Point and checking in to our villa. We are concerned and a bit dismayed by the negative feedback we've received not only from this forum, but also from friends, business associates and travel agents regarding SXM.<BR><BR>If you had a couple of days to spare enroute to Anguilla, where would you go?? We don't want this little side trip to be a major production...we don't want to go the Hawaii on our way to AXA...LOL!! Something nearby, easy to get to from Boston/Logan, somewhere that we can then continue on to Anguilla without much difficulty.<BR><BR>We are a married couple in our forties. Have been to Dominican Republic, a couple of Bahama islands, Tortola/Virgin Gorda, Provo. Like the beach, the outdoors, dining out, general rest and relaxation. Not looking for duty free shopping, discos, casinos, nightclub, organized AI type of places.<BR><BR>Many thanks for reading our post.

Other than St Barts, anything else will pale in comparison. From BOS you can charter to SXM and either spend time there or over to St Barts. Nov is out of season so many less expensive options. There is even air service from St Barts to Anguilla.<BR>Another option is to fly from BOS to San Juan and stay at a resort in Puerto Rico.<BR>Other "on the way" ooptions will entail more defficult connections.

Oops! You wont be able to charter since they are on a Sat to Sat schedule lock. To get to SXM from Boston you will need to connect in either MIA, SJU, PHL, or CLT.

The St. Barth's tip is a good one. As, another option, you could do a couple of days on Saba. It's a half-hour ferry ride from St. Martin. VERY quiet and slow paced. Very small, but it does have lots of charm, and great hiking. The drawback is that there is no beach on the island, but you'll get all the beach you can take on AXA.

Another vote for St. Barths.<BR>Not far from Anguilla, but same level of comfort with European flair.<BR><BR>I would not suggest St. Martin either.<BR><BR>St. Barths has beautiful beaches, beautiful villas, very safe and peaceful, and lots of shopping (great food shopping) Maybe you can fly from St. Barths direct to Anguilla? Not sure but worth checking out (via puddle jumper)!<BR><BR>Type in St. Barths in your search engine and check out all the options<BR><BR>Have a great trip!<BR>We are also going to Anguilla in November, and looking forward to it as well!!

I would recommend St. Barts or Saba over St. Martin if you aren't into nightlife and shopping and as they are very different to Anguilla. <BR>Winward Airlines flies between all three islands, so you shouldn't have a problem there. St. Martin is better for food shopping before going to Anguilla if you can manage it - might make the trip too harassing though. St. Barts has a "Match" spermarket right next to the airport where you could stock up on some things like nice cheeses etc.

French St. Martin is very nice at Orient Beach--Esmeralda, L'Hoste (small intimate) or Greeen Cay Villas--dine at the outstanding restaurants in Grand Case or Marigot--you will need a rental car. We stayed at Esmeralda a few months ago, beautiful landscaping, large units with cathedral ceilings, small kitchenette, 1 restaurant and 1 beach bar--quiet--each 3 units share a pool. The more expensive units are closer to the beach. Only complaint was the front desk--very slow. <BR>Other suggestion, fly into Miami Beach and stay at the Ian Schrager designed Delano Hotel by the beach, our friends stayed there a few months ago and really loved it--has been featured in Travel & Leisure. Miami Beach has been ranked one of the best beaches in the world by Discovery.com, Travel Channel.<BR>St. Barts is very scenic and very expensive. You might try a small hotel like La Banane (see Fodors review), we're considering staying there--just type out in Google and get info.

That's La Banane Hotel, St. Barts. Also go into Where2Stay.com--travelers reviews, rates, information and link to La Banane's website.

How about St. Kitts (Ottley's Plantation Inn) or Nevis (Four Season Resort)? These are only a short flight away from Anguilla/St. Martin.

Travel to St. Maarten much more to offer too..