ANGUILLA HOLIDAY REVIEWS
Anguilla
So tiny that it is barely visible on the world map, the little Caribbean island of Anguilla in the British West Indies is a retreat for the rich and famous. The well-heeled come to holiday in Anguilla to bask on its 33 beautiful beaches, explore the offshore islets and reefs, dine at excellent restaurants andmore
So tiny that it is barely visible on the world map, the little Caribbean island of Anguilla in the British West Indies is a retreat for the rich and famous. The well-heeled come to holiday in Anguilla to bask on its 33 beautiful beaches, explore the offshore islets and reefs, dine at excellent restaurants andmore
Paradise on Earth... - Larry & Rainy Liang. Date of travel: Aug 2007
After a little soul searching, I decided to write this, despite the fact that I don't want this place to be over run with too many 'run of the mill' tourists, who wouldn't know how to make a go of it in a 'third world country'…. Yes, paradise does exists on Earth and it's here at the very edge of the Antilles! Being the northly most island of the British West Indies, boasting 33 of the world's most alluring coral white sand beaches and home of the proud Anguillian people. We love it here! Some of the nicest, most welcoming folks I have ever had the opportunity to meet! Situated on Mead's Bay, Carimar Beach Club (where we stayed) is a welcomed departure from the fast paced rigor of life in the 'States'. The pace is step or two slower, and time is not so much a factor to one's 'success' at rest and recovery from our regular lives back at home. This 'Gem' is nestled by, what I would like to call, 'Liquid Azure' - the warm clear welcoming waters of the Caribbean. Sleepy days on the beach, complete with endless Rum cocktails and cooling trade winds make for a most memorable stay in paradise. Don't get me wrong, we have enjoyed ourselves to no end, with Angullia's annual 'Carnival'/ Summer Fest, with its rich culture, hypnotic music, flavourful foods, beautiful people, regal pageantry, and not to forget the days and days of sailboat racing. Imagine, if you can, Lake Havasu at spring break, without the "NASCAR-set", Coors Light, the college-aged knuckle heads, and the "Man". Pleasure without bounds, I say. We even saw 'Kassav' perform; the "Rolling Stones/ U2" of the Caribbean while dancing the night away into the wee hours of the morning with intermittent showers of cool rains; typical of this latitude. Rainy & I have had the honor of meeting some of the most un-assuming Ex-Pats, that have found this place and called it home long before we arrived, and have carved a niche in a place so different from their respective pasts; namely, 'Banana-Bob & Dale" of 'Bananas by the sea'. They are a jolly happy couple that own and operate a one-of-a-kind Beach-Front restaurant, which would rival any top eatery in LA, NY or Paris. We started with the Calamari with Peppercinis; Oh my, like nothing in this world! The fillet mignon & jumbo shrimp and the fresh lobster & scallop stuffed Mahi-Mahi dishes were to die for! Don't forget the Crème Brule, drizzled with Baileys for dessert. Bring your party hat after dinner for cocktails at its ever welcoming bar. Smiles are free, and the drinks are stiff. Be prepared for decadence of the highest order. 'Tasty's' eatery, just off the 'main road' near South Hill, is a non-pretentious restaurant that is owned and operated by world renowned chef, Dale Carty; This is where I discovered Curried Goat, a common local dish of magnificent proportion, uncommon flavor and complete satisfaction. Chef Dale welcomed our arrival personally, and served his dishes proudly. You may find his accolades in publications such 'Bon Appetite', 'World Traveler' and many more. Can I tell you about the locals roadside BBQ stands? Oh my, just when think you seen it and eaten it all, we find ourselves following our noses for the source of such wonderous scents of food that are clearly of not of a stove or an oven. Well past the 'The Bistro' and 'Malliohana' in Long Bay – Its home-style BBQ on 'Roids! We had BBQ Chicken & Pork Ribs and the freshly caught Red Snapper for lunch and were panging for more even before our stomachs were done with the initial 'dining sortes'. We come to understand that the hardwood slow-cook BBQ starts well before day break with the stoking of the BBQs, set up of the roadside tent & chairs and the fresh delivery of the oceans bounty. My advice is get there early, and order promptly, as to get the largest fish of the day on your plate! We even found time to go to St. Marteen/ St Martin. Only 6 miles off shore, and a ferry boat or air plane ride away. While there, we set in for some site seeing, jewellery shopping (with more then 250 jewelers on Front Street alone!), and 'KFC'. (Seeing as that there are no fast food joints on Anguilla and 'Rainman' needed the fix). Should you ever find yourself this far away from home, on this little known 'Pearl of the Caribbean', find your way to "Elvis' on the Beach", in Sandy Ground, look for the bar that is a 'beached' boat like it just came in from fishing, and ask Elvis for a "Mama-Wanna" and tell him the "GPS-Larry & Diamond-Greg" Sent you. A knowing smile will flash and the 'Liquid-Party' shall be served up ex-post haste.....
After a little soul searching, I decided to write this, despite the fact that I don't want this place to be over run with too many 'run of the mill' tourists, who wouldn't know how to make a go of it in a 'third world country'…. Yes, paradise does exists on Earth and it's here at the very edge of the Antilles! Being the northly most island of the British West Indies, boasting 33 of the world's most alluring coral white sand beaches and home of the proud Anguillian people. We love it here! Some of the nicest, most welcoming folks I have ever had the opportunity to meet! Situated on Mead's Bay, Carimar Beach Club (where we stayed) is a welcomed departure from the fast paced rigor of life in the 'States'. The pace is step or two slower, and time is not so much a factor to one's 'success' at rest and recovery from our regular lives back at home. This 'Gem' is nestled by, what I would like to call, 'Liquid Azure' - the warm clear welcoming waters of the Caribbean. Sleepy days on the beach, complete with endless Rum cocktails and cooling trade winds make for a most memorable stay in paradise. Don't get me wrong, we have enjoyed ourselves to no end, with Angullia's annual 'Carnival'/ Summer Fest, with its rich culture, hypnotic music, flavourful foods, beautiful people, regal pageantry, and not to forget the days and days of sailboat racing. Imagine, if you can, Lake Havasu at spring break, without the "NASCAR-set", Coors Light, the college-aged knuckle heads, and the "Man". Pleasure without bounds, I say. We even saw 'Kassav' perform; the "Rolling Stones/ U2" of the Caribbean while dancing the night away into the wee hours of the morning with intermittent showers of cool rains; typical of this latitude. Rainy & I have had the honor of meeting some of the most un-assuming Ex-Pats, that have found this place and called it home long before we arrived, and have carved a niche in a place so different from their respective pasts; namely, 'Banana-Bob & Dale" of 'Bananas by the sea'. They are a jolly happy couple that own and operate a one-of-a-kind Beach-Front restaurant, which would rival any top eatery in LA, NY or Paris. We started with the Calamari with Peppercinis; Oh my, like nothing in this world! The fillet mignon & jumbo shrimp and the fresh lobster & scallop stuffed Mahi-Mahi dishes were to die for! Don't forget the Crème Brule, drizzled with Baileys for dessert. Bring your party hat after dinner for cocktails at its ever welcoming bar. Smiles are free, and the drinks are stiff. Be prepared for decadence of the highest order. 'Tasty's' eatery, just off the 'main road' near South Hill, is a non-pretentious restaurant that is owned and operated by world renowned chef, Dale Carty; This is where I discovered Curried Goat, a common local dish of magnificent proportion, uncommon flavor and complete satisfaction. Chef Dale welcomed our arrival personally, and served his dishes proudly. You may find his accolades in publications such 'Bon Appetite', 'World Traveler' and many more. Can I tell you about the locals roadside BBQ stands? Oh my, just when think you seen it and eaten it all, we find ourselves following our noses for the source of such wonderous scents of food that are clearly of not of a stove or an oven. Well past the 'The Bistro' and 'Malliohana' in Long Bay – Its home-style BBQ on 'Roids! We had BBQ Chicken & Pork Ribs and the freshly caught Red Snapper for lunch and were panging for more even before our stomachs were done with the initial 'dining sortes'. We come to understand that the hardwood slow-cook BBQ starts well before day break with the stoking of the BBQs, set up of the roadside tent & chairs and the fresh delivery of the oceans bounty. My advice is get there early, and order promptly, as to get the largest fish of the day on your plate! We even found time to go to St. Marteen/ St Martin. Only 6 miles off shore, and a ferry boat or air plane ride away. While there, we set in for some site seeing, jewellery shopping (with more then 250 jewelers on Front Street alone!), and 'KFC'. (Seeing as that there are no fast food joints on Anguilla and 'Rainman' needed the fix). Should you ever find yourself this far away from home, on this little known 'Pearl of the Caribbean', find your way to "Elvis' on the Beach", in Sandy Ground, look for the bar that is a 'beached' boat like it just came in from fishing, and ask Elvis for a "Mama-Wanna" and tell him the "GPS-Larry & Diamond-Greg" Sent you. A knowing smile will flash and the 'Liquid-Party' shall be served up ex-post haste.....
Anguilla is private, intimate, and fabulous! - Marsha Lee. Date of travel: Nov 2005
Anguilla has all the privacy and beauty of a desert island, while offering every possible modern convenience. The locals depend on tourism, and they make it their business to provide visitors with an enjoyable experience. The food is wonderful, and there are many eateries to choose from. The island is not overrun by tourists as are some of the more popular Caribbean destinations, so it is less crowded and busy. Visit Anguilla for a relaxing and rejuvenating tropical vacation.
Anguilla has all the privacy and beauty of a desert island, while offering every possible modern convenience. The locals depend on tourism, and they make it their business to provide visitors with an enjoyable experience. The food is wonderful, and there are many eateries to choose from. The island is not overrun by tourists as are some of the more popular Caribbean destinations, so it is less crowded and busy. Visit Anguilla for a relaxing and rejuvenating tropical vacation.
| Hotels in Anguilla | User Rating |
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| Carimar Beach Club | | * * * * * | |
| BlissVilla | | * * * * * | |