Anguilla - May/June 2005

A Little Longer Stay

We finally stayed for a few more nights after some short trips, but we fear we got it backwards. We stayed on Anguilla for 4 nights and then went to St Barts for 8 nights.

A Place to Stay for a Short Trip

Sherril Hughes has the Paradise Cove. The property has been adversely impacted by the development of the Golf Course, but I am sure some golfers will stay there. Frankley it is a wonderful place with a great pool and fine rooms, but the location is being compromised. It is not beach front, but it is an easy drive to Smokey's in the Cove and Rendevous, Maundays or Meads Bay.

Eats

Smokey's on the Cove and Elodia's are great. Oliver's is always good and Flavours is always good but sometimes better than others.  (Update - Flavours is now closed and converted to La Vue Apartments)

Straw Hat is OK but now our style. The atmosphere there can be beaten at Elodia's and Uncle Ernie's during the day. Remember, if you are like us you will agree, but if you are not like us you might want to check out the Straw Hat, but Oliver's, Tasty's, Hibernia, and On and On are better for us.

Reverse For More Fun

See our St Barts post in this Blog, but frankley folks, visit St Barts for three days and Anguilla for 8. We like Anguilla better. We are not famous and do not need to hob knob, nor do we need to pay $100 for pizza to feel important, but we do think St Barts is worth a visit. We also do not think it is reasonable to day trip St Barts. So, combine St Barts and Anguilla as we did, just stay on Anguilla longer. See our October/November Post or our June/July Post for places to stay.

How to Two Trip It

Fly into St Martin and take a taxi to Marigot. Eat lunch there and relax for a few. Then you can catch a round trip ferry to St Barts for about 90 US$. The trip over will take you maybe 1 hour or a bit less. Go here to start your searches.

Now by the time you add it all up, those a bit less money concerned will find it just as easy to buy a round trip flight from SXM airport on and number of carriers. But be warned. If you have not read our Rules of the Road first and understand what is going to happen to your bags if you have too much luggage then think again about flying over.

Stay for sure at Saline Garden. It is spartan but cool with outdoor kitchenettes that are adequate if not completely minimal. You can cook and eat lunch there and Jean Phillipe will provide a wonderful morning start to your day. Saline Beach is not far away and you can walk or drive to it. You can lose your inhibitions on this beach without worry. Translation - It is appropriate to go nude on this beach at either end. Most particularly as you approach the beach over the dune go past the rock divide to the left a 100 meters or so and you can be even more comfortable there.

You will encounter naked people on this beach.

Sights and Eats

Be sure to eat in St Jean at any place along the road. It is fun there. Be sure to travel towards Columbier and find the highest point on the island. Jean Phillipe can direct you there by the roads and you will be treated to a wonderful view of the Island.

Be sure to drive all the way around the island. Be sure to eat at Gustavia anywhere you are told by your host. There are just too many great places to eat.

Visit all of the beaches but be prepared to walk some. Saline is as good as it gets. Goveneurs Beach is good too, but some rich guy bought most of the land just behind the beach and put in a huge complex of some sort.....not sure the status here.

Rich and Famous

If you want to see the rich and famous but you are not and you are on a budget, go December 15th and stay at the Hotel Gustavia. Make your reservations well in advance. It is affordable and you will see everyone!

We will not go back to St Barts. It is just not our style, but we can recommend it. You will not be disappointed, but you can do better if you too are like us.....Read our post on Understanding us to understand if you are like us.