Archive for May, 2010

29 Sleeps until Viceroy

May 25, 2010

Photos Courtesy of Viceroy Anguilla

Living the life as a travel professional has it’s perks. I have visited some of the most incredible villas and hotels in the Caribbean. In the 23 years of marketing the islands, I have seen a dormant volcano come to life, lived through hurricanes, experienced over 10 Carnivals, sailed the islands in a windjammer and walked a 17 mile vacant beach. Back to the properties, some of the places that have blown me away are Mustique with a plethora of rock star villas. Palm Island’s beach was almost fabricated it was so perfect. Jumby Bay was simple magical. I visited the grande dame of hotels in Anguilla, Malliouhana.  The art and views of Mead’s Bay are stellar. During one visit I saw a new property being built, Viceroy.  Viceroy has hotels in some of the most sought out destinations including South Beach, The Maldives and Beverly Hills. Added to their impressive collection is Viceroy Anguilla.


Living in Bonaire it’s been quite easy to escape to the other side of the Caribbean. Dutch Antilles Express has a non stop from Curacao arriving in less than 1.5 hours on the Dutch side Sint Maarten. A charming ferry whisks you away to beach paradise. I try and make it once or twice a year for a respite. The beaches are the draw for me, over 30 of them with white powder sand and dramatically blue hued seas. This year I had a few accommodations options but Viceroy piqued my interest. After contacting someone in management they offered me a wonderful promotional rate to experience Viceroy Bliss. I head down June 25th and will have a report soon after. Meanwhile enjoy some photos of the newest property on Anguilla.

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is proud to feature Viceroy as their property of the month. Please call Ann at 800-219-0118 (US Toll Free) or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com for specials and information.

Dolphin Prison Again?

May 21, 2010

A few years ago Anguilla’s idyllic profile was marred by the presence of a dolphin park nearing Blowing Point. I was not a visitor to the island at the time but I surely would never support this sort of venture. During  TS Omar they were still on island because I personally spoke to an islander who helped bring the dolphins to a swimming pool for safety!! Since I learned the program closed and the mammals were off to some other horrid life in another park.

I read of this news on a blog written by Don Mitchell a controversial local on island. Don says it as it is and I believe offers an honest straight to the issue kind of commentary. Before I get all wound up I hope to be come better informed. I hope my readers do as well.

Anguilla is a small and intimate island. It caters to nature lovers and those seeking an escape from the tourism machine. Simply put it’s that out of the way semi unspoiled island life we love to escape and turn off the clocks to unwind a little. Knowing there are lovely mammals in captivity will put a scar on this lovely spot. I for one will re think my plans to market and return to Anguilla. I have to make a stand. Will you?

http://corruptionfreeanguilla.blogspot.com/2010/05/dolphins.html

Getting There is Half The Fun

May 15, 2010

Harriet Heading to her Anguilla Bliss

Half the fun of getting to Anguilla is the ferry from Sint Maarten or St. Martin. My first trip, Maggie and I were in Grande Case so it made sense to take the public ferry from Marigot. It’s an easy process buying a ticket (15.00 pp) and waiting for the next ferry. Fortunately for us it was The Link Ferry with a big open top so I could feel the breeze. Some of the ferries place the passengers in enclosed cabins (ugh). The ride over was breaktaking and the sea calm. As we came in, Maggie saw a sea turtle . What a warm welcome.

My second trip I arranged a ride on the Link Ferry. A taxi picked me up outside the arrival hall in SXM and within a minute I was at the customs house in Sint Maarten. 20 minutes later I arrived in Anguilla.  Coming back I booked a ride on the school bus ferry run by Link Ferry. Captain Franklin had a boat load of kids heading to school on the Dutch side.
My third trip I waited a while for the Link Ferry and finally gave up. The Shauna Ferry was leaving and gave me a ride. This is an enclosed boat but the captain let me sit in his seat so I could hang out his window. I was the only passenger and we flew. I was slightly green upon arrival but made it safe and sound. Within an hour I was at Smokey’s with the girls eating Roti and listening to the Musical Brothers.

What’s the best boat? It’s your call. The boat charters from the Dutch side are around 85 USd pp round trip. This works for me. If you want to take the public ferry from Marigot it is cheaper but you then have the taxi fare and traffic.

To book your ferry contact Ann at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations. She offers villa rentals, free concierge for her clients and is now booking rooms at the fabulous brand new Viceroy. Contact ann@antiguacaribbean.com

Marigot Public Ferry Boarding Pass

Viceroy – 47 days but who’s counting?

May 8, 2010

Looking towards Viceroy mid construction

I am in the midst of planning my 4th trip to Anguilla. Mind you my first trip was in 08 and last year I made two treks to my favorite island. This June I was ready to book Turtle’s Nest, a large condo property on my fav beach, Mead’s Bay but I switched gears and decided to splurge a little booking at  Viceroy Anguilla. I saw the property being constructed the past two years so am anxious to see what the final results are. From all accounts the 35 acre property is magical. Kelly Wearstler designed the rooms and from the website images it looks stellar.  I am excited to experience the 3200 feet of beach.  Look for photos and a trip report end of June.  Meanwhile check out their website:


http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla/

Photo Courtesy of EllenLV


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