My Anguilla Bliss » Activities

Carol Richardson – Quilter

caribchakita — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:36:04 +0000

Carol Richardson recently invited me to her studio Estate Hope Art Studio located on Crocus Hill in sunny Anguilla. Carol previously enjoying oils and pastels has now turned most of her artistic attention to quilting. Originally from Baltimore, Carol came to the Caribbean 23 years ago and later married her husband Walter. She was a nurse for many years but left healthcare to open a gallery in St. Thomas. Opportunity brought them back to the island of Walter’s heritage, Anguilla in 2001. They lived on Roaches Hill in Walter’s Mom’s home with Miss Jimmy. Miss Jimmy’s house then had no water and occasional electricity but a recent 17 month refurbishment accomplished by Carol and Walter has transformed this traditional home into an artist retreat.

Carol rents out the house to artists who seek to immerse themselves in the solace and sounds of this tranquil Caribbean island. There is a studio inside and the house is situated on 2 acres with lovely gardens and outdoor art. Crocus Bay is a short distance for painting, swimming and dining.

Miss Jimmy's Artist Retreat

Carol’s home studio is where she lovingly crafts some of the most colourful and intricate quilts. She hand sews her quilts using specialized folding and sewing techniques on a variety of lovely fabrics. Many of her fabrics are donated each with a special story. Carol spent time revealing her quilts explaining the story behind each design. She even writes a brief anecdote on the back of each.

Carol and Ann Phelan are teaming up to create a week-long artist retreat in June 2011. They will welcome multi media artists to meet for planned workshops as well as ample time for creative exploration. The combination of a beautiful tranquil island setting, spectacular local cuisine, amazing beaches and scenic vistas will provide a week-long unforgettable experience. Carol and Ann will present their program on this later this fall. Ann will organize air, land and workshops details as well as her full Concierge services.

Miss Jimmy's on Roaches Hill, Anguilla

To rent Miss Jimmy’s or to inquire of the Artist’s Retreat in June contact Ann at 800-219-0118 or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com. You may also contact Carol direct at 264-497-8733. Carol’s gallery is open for business week days but she welcomes unexpected drop-ins. Just toot your car horn and you are most welcome.

Mayoumba Cultural

caribchakita — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:55:05 +0000

Sirena Hotel hosts Mayoumba Folkloric Theater each Thur. night at the Firefly Restaurant and bar. This West Indian group presents music, story telling and accompanied by a lovely West Indian buffet. I recently dined last night and enjoyed the entertainment and West Indian ambiance. The price is 35 USD plus service including a lovely expansive buffet and dessert. The entertainment is included.

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is now booking Sirena Hotel. This oceanview property is steps away from lovely Mead’s Bay. There are two pools, expansive gardens and grounds and a lovely main building featuring a lovely boutique, charming bar and restaurant. Call 800 219-0118 or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com for more information on Mayoumba and Sirena Hotel.

Is this beach for real???

caribchakita — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:33:26 +0000

Cap Jaluca Beach

The first time I saw Maunday Bay I had to check to see if I had my sunglasses on. Feeling the bridge of my shades acknowledging they were indeed in place why were my eyes watering from the bright sun? Quite simply the white powder sand, the sparkling Caribbean blue and the sun overhead made for an incredible vision. Honestly Maunday Bay looks almost fabricated. One of Anguilla’s top hotels, Cap Jaluca calls Maunday Bay home. If only for this beach I would recommend Cap Jaluca.

Take a look for yourself and dream…

Maunday Bay

Dolphin Prison Again?

caribchakita — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:50:49 +0000

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

Parties Galore at Elvis’s Beach Bar

caribchakita — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:30:34 +0000

The King Lives

Feb. and March it’s going to be one big party. Feb. 27th is the monthly Lunasea Beach Party with live music from Garvey and the Satisfaction Bank. Wed. March 3rd Brett and Elvis celebrate their 3rd anniversary. DJ Katz will be in the house. March 13th it Elvis’s big birthday bash. Not to miss…

It’s always an Irie time at Elvis’s.

Elvis at his Bar

Moonsplash at Dune Preserve

caribchakita — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:33:53 +0000

Dune Preserve

Bankie Banx has organized new dates for Moonsplash 2010. Being dubbed “Family Reunion” the dates are 25-28 March.

The oceanfront setting at Dune is amazing..the vibe chill and the dedication by Bankie and team to turn out a righteous show are commendable. Everything is always “Irie” at Dune so head over. To book your accommodations call 800-219-0118 or contact ann@antiguacaribbean.com. Mention the Moonsplash show and earn special discounts.

Photo of the Day

caribchakita — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:57:52 +0000

Photo by Lisanne van Garrett

I love this photo of creative ingenuity as revealed by these party goers during Carnival 2009. Photos speak larger than words..enjoy…

Malliouhana Girls Retreat

caribchakita — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:43:11 +0000

Anguilla, British West Indies — December 1, 2009 — Gather your mother, your sisters, your best friends and your coworkers and set sail for Malliouhana Hotel & Spa. Leave work behind, children in the care of family, housecleaning for your husband and enjoy a well-deserved, soothing retreat. Return with a rejuvenated sense of mind, body and spirit. Starting April 1st, 2010, Malliouhana is offering a Girlfriends’ Retreat 4-night package for $3585 for a party of two (plus 10% service charge and 10% government tax). From May 1st to August 31st rates for the Girlfriends’ Getaway will be reduced to $2985 (plus 10% service charge and 10% government tax). This package is perfectly suited for harried professionals and devoted family members deserving of a brief reprieve from responsibilities and routine. In addition to four nights in a breathtaking Ocean View Double / Twin Room, the package includes welcome greeting at the airport or ferry terminal Anguilla and complimentary transport to and from the resort. Once at Malliouhana, indulge in three (60 minute) massage treatments per person in the 15,000 sq ft ocean front spa. Treatments include therapeutic massages, body polish, facial treatments and an oasis manicure / pedicure. Additionally, enjoy two sumptuous nights of 3-course meals from Malliouhana’s robust a la carte menu and daily continental breakfast; all without the concern of washing a dish. Perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean, the picturesque 55 room Malliouhana Hotel & Spa is owner managed by Leon and Nigel Roydon. The Malliouhana Hotel & Spa is a member of Small Leading Hotels of the World and one of the prestigious hotels listed in the Condé Nast Traveler 2009 Gold List. For reservations and information contact the resort toll free from the USA: 1-800-219-0118 or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com. Press release courtesy of Snart Public Relations

Photo by Lee Zucco

Music In Anguilla

caribchakita — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:30:39 +0000

I live in the Caribbean but still love to travel to Anguilla for many reasons. One is the music. My first trip my daughter and I found Dune Preserve, the ramshackle rasta party haven owned by the one and only Bankie Banx. It was Sunday so jazz was on tap. Dining on grilled lobster in this seaside setting was magical. Our next stop was Elvis’s for the Lunasea party. Satisfaction Band was cranking up the music. It was a lively night of dancing and fun. Again, what better way to listen to music than seaside sipping rum punches. Another spot I found my last trip in Aug. was Smokeys late Sunday afternoon. The Mussingtons play into the night. I had heard them once at Johnno’s on my first trip and loved their style. A few girlfriends and I sipped drinks with our feet in the sand. Magical. Saturdays at Smokey’s features the Musical Brothers. They are a favorite with tourists and locals. A favorite with many is Pumphouse when the Musical Brothers play again. During Carnival in August I caught a few songs by this very tall Rasta I think his name was Earthlight. He had a great voice. I later met him on the beach and chatted plenty.
Anguilla has a very cool vibe. The beaches are amazing, dining is superb and the music scene is very Irie.

Dune Preserve Sunday Lime

Day 6

caribchakita — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:29:26 +0000

Today was Aug. Thursday, another race this time at Meade’s Bay. I started the day meeting Sue Rickett and her property manager Kenroy at Cuisinart. Sue is a pioneer in the Caribbean tourism industry. She has started many hotels and was the leader in creating and designing some of the biggest and best hotels on Anguilla. She has roots in Bonaire as well so we have a lot in common. Sue is a lovely flamboyant individual who exudes charm and positive vibes. We chatted business over refreshing lemonades. Cuisinart is a fabulous high end resort.

At 1 I had a lunch date with Bart and Amelie at Malliouhana. Bart is the new GM of Mali. He and I have windsurfing in common. I expect greatness at Mali under his reign. Amelia handles marketing and is a wiz. This grande dame of a hotel opened 25 years ago. It’s simply amazing. We dined poolside at the bistro. I had marinated tuna salad. We discussed tourism and had a lovely lunch. After I headed to the beach to celebrate Aug. Thur.

Aug. Thursday is a big race and fete on Meade’s Bay. Vendors set up drink and food stands, DJ’s pump music and class A and B boats race. I met up with Patty from Trip Advisor and Earthlight an engaging musician on island. Later, I sat with two West Indian men watching the boat races. Sonny is a local and Bobby is from my former home Antigua. We had such a lime.

It was an exciting event with all the boats nearly finishing side by side. The beach was lined with spectators cheering and screaming. My little group had set up wagers to see who might win. In the end Bluebird took first place. I won the wager so bought us all some Guinness Stout. It was a fun day.

At night I headed to Picante to meet Lisanne and Mary Alice. This was perhaps one of the best meals of the week. I love this fun and funky place. They make homemade margaritas. Chloe uses homemade simple syrup vs the pre mix. WOW..I had two if you can believe it. My prawn burrito was amazing. It was chock full of prawns and a veggie slaw. The guacamole was sublime and the chips fresh.

Photo Courtesy of Picante