Pool Bliss
January is Summer at Alcyon Villa !
Leave the cold behind and enjoy the warmth of Alcyon Villa.
All 7 night bookings for January 2010 will be subject to 2010 “summer” (low season) rates!
Reserve your booking today before the weeks are gone! Call 800-219-0118
Thanks to my new client John for this news that may benefit you:
AMEX offers an upgrade policy that you can buy that would also cover a pickup. and it is only $25 for the whole period!!
Vehicles Covered by the Plan
The Plan covers most vehicles typically available from a Rental Company, from smaller economy sizes to large luxury sedans, convertibles, exotic cars (worth more than $50,000), minivans, vans, pickup trucks, and full-sized SUVs. The vehicle must be rented from a Rental Company, which is a commercial rental agency that rents passenger-type motor vehicles, but it does not include a company whose primary business is something other than renting cars, such as an auto body shop or a moving van company. Excluded vehicles include: automobiles that have been customized or modified from the manufacturer’s factory specifications, except for driver’s assistance equipment for the physically challenged; any rented vehicle used for hire or commercial purposes; antique cars (cars over 20 years old or cars that have not been manufactured for over 10 years); limousines; and off-road vehicles, motorcycles, motorbikes, mopeds, recreational vehicles, golf or motorized carts, campers, moving trucks or moving vans, and trailers.
Let’s face it, I am a pure weather junkie. I grew up in New England enjoying a myriad of weather conditions. Snow used to be piled high against our doors many a storm. I recall collecting acorn size hail once as a kid. Our family had WBZ TV on during any inclement weather to see if school was closed. Mom was a teacher and well, we were kids so loved snow days. I later became a windsurfer and learned about www.windguru.cz and www.iwindsurf.com. My computer was chock full of weather bookmarks.
Around 2001 I became a Bonaire weather spotter on www.stormcarib.com. There I started reading Steve Donahue’s posts from Anguilla. I later traveled 3 times to Anguilla within 12 months. I am now an Anguilla junkie on top of being a weather junkie. Check out Steve’s wicked cool website.
http://www.anguilla-weather.com/
Perfect Weather
All eyes are on the Atlantic as a storm named Ana approaches the Leeward Islands. Some models suggest Ana is weakening but Antigua may have a direct hit. If so Anguilla will certainly feel the impact of this storm.
I am a weather nut so here are a few of my favorite sites. I am a weather spotter on http://www.stormcarib.com. I also love http://www.windguru.cz. Someone suggested this site http://www.anguilla-weather.com/
Stay safe Anguilla
Today was my last full day. I had a final meeting with Mr. Hazel to discuss the races. We met at Johnno’s a popular island beach bar on Sandy Ground. Naturally I had a Ting. If you have never had this refreshing grapefruit soda you have not lived. Ting is found all over the Eastern Caribbean and comes plain or pink. Some folks mix it with rum, me I love it plain out of the bottle.
Ting
I picked up Magda and we headed to Art Cafe. Magda’s Polish friends own this lovely art gallery / restaurant. This setting would be perfect for a wedding or special event. it has splendid view of Island Harbour. The chef is from Guyana so naturally I chose seafood roti. Roti is a flakey burrito like pastry filled with curry. Guyanese and Suriname roti comes on the side with the curry on the other side. Trinidad roti is typically filled like a burrito. It was delicious. I loved the gallery and ended up purchasing a wooden walking stick for my Mom. It was made by the Caribs in Dominica. They sell some neat stuff.
After we went to Serenity to inspect this small hotel. Owned by Kenneth Rogers this charming oasis is casual yet comfortable. It is located on Shoal Bay East. Next we stopped at nearby Zazaa Boutique. Owned by Sue Rickett this shop is jam packed with lovely Caribbean inspired knick knacks and FABULOUS designer clothing and swimwear. Magda and I went a little crazy here but in the end I bought two colorful head wrap. We went to Kuah at Ku Hotel for a pina colada and swam in the tropical blue. Mayra the best bartender was off island in the Vineyard so we did not have the ginger special she makes. Despite our disappointment with drinks it was a lovely day.
At night I met Lisanne for my last supper. We chose to sit at the bar and have dinner and drinks. at Luna Rosa in South Hill. Silvestro is a true professional. Not only is he drop dead gorgeous but he runs a wonderful establishment. I had the app special, shrimp and white bean with asparagus. Lisanne chose Ensalada Caprese. Both SUBLIME. For an entree she had lobster pasta and I had ricotta and asparagus with homemade fettucini. My dish was decadent. Thankfully I ordered a half portion. After we sat outside chatting under the twinkling stars. It was a lovely way to end my week of work and pleasure. In my opinion this is one of Anguilla’s most romantic restaurants.
Photo Courtesy of Luna Rosa
I was sad to be leaving the island but wanted to get back to my furkids and my other island life.
On Sat. I went to feed the stray dog at Smokeys who I had been feeding all week. I had a swim and then met Magda who took me to the 8 AM Link Ferry. I was in Sint Maarten by 8 45 and all checked in with DAE by 9 15. I sat in the lounge surfing the internet drinking my last Ting. I was in Bonaire by 2 30 with my happy dogs.
I will be back in Anguilla Oct. 10 if all goes well….love this island bliss..
Fletches Cove best exemplifies pure romance. Located on Little Bay this Mexican inspired villa is the perfect spot for a couple seeking respite and romance. The villa’s owners have paid attention to every detail insuring their guests have everything they need for a perfect Anguilla escape. The trade winds and open air living spaces ensure comfort whilst modern Air Conditioning is available in the bedroom.
Photo Courtesy of Fletches Cove
The villa has cool Saltillo tile floors, rustic furnishings with lovely Asian woods, Mexican pottery and comfortable furniture. Enjoy dining with views of the Caribbean blue. Bask in the tropical sun enjoying a rum punch on your private seaview patio, poolside.
Pure Romance
The master suite located on the second floor has a private sitting area outside with French doors opening up to splendid views. The bedding and amenities are high end with comfort in mind.
Sheer Comfort
This villa is 60 feet from a lovely beach. There is a barrier reef off the beach for amazing snorkeling. Pool lovers will revel in the 33 foot lap pool.
To book this luxury escape contact Ann Phelan at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations at 800 219-0118 US Toll Free or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com
It’s Mark’s fault. Mark is an old buddy from Antigua. We go wayyy back. He and lovely Robin had a magical trip to Anguilla last June. They are there now as we speak and it’s all their fault. They enticed me with their stories about food and wine and dining and fun. I needed a break so Maggie and I decided it was time for a new island experience. Having been up and down the Caribbean, Anguilla was one of the few islands I had yet to see. Now, being a travel agent I am rather picking, I mean discerning about where I stay. I don’t like tacky tourism, I like small and intimate and I prefer low key. Mark recommended Meade’s Bay. Take a look and tell me, is this perfection or what? Long strands of white powder sand and glistening blue seas….ahhhhhhhhhh…. This is a small island but the beaches are simply sublime. Mark and Robin Skyped me a few times this week chatting up about Junks Hole and a few other places. What, there’s more beaches to see? Does this island GET any better?
I live on a Dutch Caribbean island. It’s quite a different experience, let me tell you. There are positives and of course negatives but for me, a former resident of Antigua, man I miss the British West Indies and Anguilla reminded me so very much of this. Besides, in Bonaire we really have no beaches. Being in AXA made me realize what I am missing.
A few other dreamy beaches I saw were Maunday Bay, the home of Cap Jaluca. Shoal Bay East over by Gwens was windy and wonderful. Rendezvous Bay (see my cover photo of me rejoicing with arms out) home of Dune Preserve and Smokeys is surreal. Ahhh..such choices…
I am planning my next escape soon and will report back. It’s an addictive island. It calls your name and beckons you back as soon as you ferry away…it’s my bliss..my Anguilla bliss.
I am a licensed agent for Travel Guard Insurance. Due to the recent outbreak of swine flu I am again strongly recommending Cancel for Any Reason Protect Assist Trip Insurance. Purchase within 15 days of your first payment for the best coverage. There is no reported Swine Flu in Anguilla. I have seen many clients lose significant money when they would not have had they purchased trip insurance. Most clients save all year for their two weeks in paradise. Surely the investment is worth the added protection of trip insurance. Hurricane season commences in June. If you are headed to the Caribbean it is even more prudent to be covered. Email me at ann@bonairecaribbean.com for details.
When I was planning our trip to Anguilla I noticed we would be on island during the August full moon. I did a Google search and read about a funky beach bar called Elvis’s that might have a party. I contacted Elvis and received a nice reply from a man named Brett Fetterolf, one of the owners of the bar. He confirmed the “Lunasea Party” would be on for the full moon. We arrived on Friday after a long day in Marigot. We checked into our condo and hit the beach. Then it was time for dinner. After dinner, we headed over to Elvis’s. Sandy Ground is a historic area where salt mining was important to the island economy. During the day one can see the salt pans in the back. On the sea several bars and restaurants line the shoreline. The bay is dotted with sailboats and dinghys. Elvis’s is at the bar end across from Pumphouse. It’s a fun and funky set up with the bar being a real boat. It’s varnished shiny with ample seating. We took a seat and immediately a tall lanky very handsome man came over and introduced himself as Elvis. I nearly jumped out of my stool in delight to meet this island icon. Truly EVERYONE knows Elvis. Later I learned why. Dressed in Rasta colors, he welcomed us to his humble bar and set us up with some potent rum punches. Between serving customers and talking on his cell he entertained us with his life story. Elvis has worked all over the island including at the famous Cuisinart Resort. He and Brett partnered up to open this bar. They offer food and drink and are open 6 days a week closing on Tue. for rest. There are chairs in the sand as well as a new upper VIP deck we visited later. He serves snacks as well. During the night Elvis gave us an “Elvis” button, a CD of the band that played that night (the name escapes me and the CD is at my other house) as well as several cocktails. As the night progressed we met SO many wonderful people that came over to introduce themselves. At one point I realized I had been sitting for 2 hours and needed to unglue myself from the stool. I asked where the loo was and was given a large cooking spoon with a key attached. It’s funky touches like this that make elvis’s great. The band played a lively set of Caribbean funk until the power went out. Whilst Brett fixed the problem Maggie and I walked down the beach to Johnno’s another spot, to hear I think it was the Musical Brothers play. There was a cover charge and no one was inside but the place was packed on the outside. We danced a bit and then went to the BBQ next door to watch Michael Phelps make gold AGAIN. The place was going berserk during his heat. Clearly Anguilla loves USA gold for Michael. We headed back to hear the band continue a set. By 12:30 we were tired. We had been up since 7 Am and had shopped all day in Marigot (French St. Martin) so were knackered. It was time to drive back. We went back to Elvis’s before we left Anguilla. I truly fell in love with this man. He is the sweetest kindest man. He promised to come visit us in Bonaire but we have not heard from him. That’s ok, I know where to find him. He has a blog and a Facebook so check out Elvis’s. Brett and Elvis will warmly welcome you again and again.
View from Elvis's VIP Lounge
I finally understood true bliss when encountering this magical island. The azul blue against the white powdery sand was blinding. The tranquil nights with a chorus of tree frogs serenading us as we walked thru the lush gardens. The lull of the lapping waves as we walked barefoot near Elvis’s with one of his potent punches. in hand. Floating in the Caribbean blue gazing into a brilliant sky. I have seen amazing beaches from the Grenadines up to Bermuda. Never have I encountered such sandy stretches as I found on Anguilla. The island was relaxing and intoxicating. I left planning my next trip back. The only way to cure my Post Anguilla Depression (PAD) is with a new trip. Anguilla Bliss…..pure and simple.
Elvis’s Beach Bar
