Our visit to Anguilla for February 2009 is now in the history books and so it Temenos! We were hurt by the condition of several of the promised developments and the economic realities as they are affecting the Anguillian People.
The last of my political commentary will be that I feel that non-belonger developers should certainly have known better than to think some of these ideas like Fairmont, Shoal Bay Resort and Temenos could really provide return on investment. Now it is my view that the developers should take losses now and return the land to the original owners at a reduced cost so that the environmental blight of failed developments does not harm the island charm. Of course with the exception of what is now called the Flag, no other major development has any chance of success in the high end market here. So give back the blight at Shoal Bay....it is not going to happen and for sure Fairmont simply needs to get out and return the land to more realistic long term use.
Overall there are some encouraging signs for the rest of us. Crocus Bay is going to make a nice come back when the Lloyd's finish the new beach side restaurant in March or April. Next season or even this summer will be a great taste test. So here it is. See the Brooklands in the upper left at the end of the video.
For those of you wanting to stay long term on the island and really know its value, we have now toured Brooklands Apartments at the peak of Crocus Hill overlooking the Bay. Chrissy Brooks has a wonderful long term rental for you and me and my wife will now be taking advantage of that great value on the island.
Allamanda was our current stay on the island and this time around we were reasonably pleased. The one bedrooms on the second floor are very adequate for the knowledgeable Anguillian traveler. We toured many other places as we want to expand our places to stay.
Serenity is a Great value for a two bedroom. The rooms are very nicely appointed and laid out with fine tile and beautiful wood work. Do not let Elodias and Allamanda fool you to thinking Serenity is the same. It is upscale for sure and mid range prices. between the Ku and Serenity, I think you have to examine your options!
Shoal Bay Villas is now for sale on a long land lease property. I was happy to see it full. 7.5 Million US will likely get you this 14 unit hotel. I think you can make it work for that price with financing, but for a cash buyer! I will be happy to manage it and you should get an 8% cap rate at 7.5 million.
We toured real estate more vigorously this time around as we have now made some decisions on build or buy and whether or not we are really going to get this done. If you want my advice on real estate in Anguilla, I do not yet consider myself any kind of expert, but I have reached the point where it is pretty clear to me what differentiates price points all across the whole island.
Now on with the eats.
We added new places to our restaurant reviews. Gee Wees on the main road to the west end well past Connors Real Estate at the Blowing Point turn offers some great affordable meals. Good fried snapper and some nice deserts.
Es-Oven is now on the MUST DO LIST. The prices are fair but typical of dinner. The Trigger Fish, one of my favorite fishes, is excellent. It is a must do. We also added Zara's for obvious reasons and found the atmosphere to exceed the food. A nice small restaurant with a friendly vibe. The menu is good enough and it does attract a good crowd nightly.
Smokey's on the Cove would like to humbly thank Omar for his great new look and new upscale future!!! We think it is now the best Beach Restaurant on the island! If Temenos ever gets its act together, plan on seeing the rich and famous here....unless of course they think being rich and famous makes them somehow less human! Denzel!! go here...you will love it. Jen, check it out we won't bother you!
Pumphouse is interesting but with a limited menu. Nothing to write home about, but the garbage pizza is worth it. The vibe is ok and the drinks are really the best on the island. Eat elsewhere drink here.
On Friday or Saturday go down to the Valley on the main square and buy some chicken and rib combos from the locals cooking by the road near the open fruit and veggie market. That was the best for many reasons. Don't be afraid to eat at the English Rose.
I fear Anguillians have pushed the island too far for now and I look for real estate values to come down significantly. The banks have now priced mortgages to squeeze out all but the cash buyer. Cash buyers however will not buy in any volume on this island in its current state. There are just too many issues with Anguilla right now....but the opportunist? There are foreclosures on Anguilla believe it or not. Shoal Mate Villa went into foreclosure and was auctioned.
Words and Pictures to Tell the Story
A Cool Beach if You Dare at Katouche Bay
Maybe they Don't Want Pictures but you Want to Eat Here Once!
West End! Watch the Waves Past Sherricks Bay
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