Due to my lifestyle I seem to always be on an island countdown..when am I back to Bonaire after a trip to the US, when am I back to Anguilla, my new favorite island..it’s sometimes a little frenetic.

I have been traveling or living in the Caribbean since 87. The Caribbean captivates me and haunts me all at the same time. Whatever island I travel, I immerse myself in the sights and sounds and truly feel at home. Antigua was my first island..and later working on the ill fated SV Fantome, I saw most of the Caribbean island chain. Thanks to my travel business I have stayed at some of the best properties. Not to diminish their value some of the smallest locally run hotels have also provide incredible memories. I lean towards boutique style hotels vs chains.
Anguilla was one island I had not visited in all my Caribbean travels. Finally, in 2008 my daughter and I got off the rock (Bonaire) and took Dutch Antilles Express to Sint Maarten and then the public ferry to Anguilla.  We explored the entire island in our rental car.  We had heard there were 33 beaches and were in search of perfection  What we found was staggering. In short the beaches astounded us on all levels. Gin clear water, white powder sand and long strands of Caribbean blue. We were mesmerized. Since, I have returned 4 times alone and have developed some wonderful new friendships and connections.

Mead's Bay next to Viceroy

My June trip was spent at the fabulous Viceroy. In 2008 we saw the property being built. Initially my impressions were that it looked like a gigantic vision marring the tranquil setting at Mead’s Bay. I usually abhor massive properties but later what was revealed to me was truly amazing. I have some clientele seeking a luxurious stay. I booked a room at Viceroy arriving June 25.  Words cannot describe the beauty and splendor at this property. Soothing music is piped discreetly amongst the walkways. Amazing art is throughout. The staff are discreet but always available with refreshing cool towels and icy cold water. The view are stunning from all vantage points.

Viceroy Bliss

for 3 nights I was in a little piece of heaven.  I return Nov. 22 with my 87 year young Mom to celebrate her life and my 18 year old daughter. We will be celebrating our family in a setting befitting for such a reunion. My countdown is 70 days. 70 days until my Viceroy Bliss.

Too book Viceroy call Ann at 800-219-0118 or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com She has two for 1 specials and other booking incentives. Ann is an Anguilla specialist offering free island Concierge.

ANACAONA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

EARLY BIRD BOOKING SPECIAL

Book your reservation for the Winter Season today, pay for the entire reservation (accommodation tax, service charge and Government Marketing Levy paid upon checkout) and received 20% off our rack rates in the category booked.

• Reservations must be made by September 30^th, 2010
• Travel between January 2^nd, 2011 – March 25^th, 2011
• Amount due is payable no later than 48 hours after booking is made
• Monies are non-refundable
• Monies can be used on a future booking up to 15 months after date of original booking
• Monies can be transferred to another person of your choosing to be used for bookings at Sirena/Anacaona Boutique Hotel up to 15 months after the date of original booking.
• This special cannot run concurrent with any other special on accommodation rates
• Travel Insurance is strongly suggested
• Early Bird Special is subject to availability

Superior Double Room: King bed, AC, TV, Mini fridge, coffee maker, room safe, verandah or balconyUS$310.00

Junior Suite: 1 Bdr, king bed, queen pull out sofa, kitchenette, Jacuzzi tub bathroom, room safe, verandah or balcony: US$410.00

Standard Double Room: Queen bed, AC, Cable TV, room safe, coffee maker, mini fridge, balcony: US$250.00

Call 800-219-0118 or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com for this special. Ask about our recent site inspection of Anacaona and our favorite room requests.

Anacaona's Thur. Buffett

Sirena Hotel will be closing and re opening Oct. 15 with a facelift and a new name, Anacaona. I had the opportunity to visit this piece of paradise earlier in  the month. Located on spectacular Mead’s Bay, Sirena is a true West Indian style property. The ambiance is laid back and welcoming. The staff were quite friendly. Delroy Lake, the manager is the consummate professional. He insured my stay was nothing short of wonderful. I had a large room, 210 overlooking the garden and with views of the sea. The windows afforded great views.

Mead’s Bay is on the west end of the island. Sirena has their own restaurant Firefly that has a special West Indian buffet and cultural evening with Mayoumba each Thur. evening.  One can also dine at some of my favorite spots nearby including Smokeys, Picante and Jacala.  It’s a great location in all regards. Mead’s Bay is a picturesque swimming beach with gentle seas most days and some rollers and waves during the winter season. If you prefer, Sirena has two lovely swimming pools.

To book Anacaona Oct. 15 please call 800-219-0118 or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com. Ann Phelan is an Anguilla expert and is happy to plan your trip and choose the perfect room for your Anguilla escape.

BOOK NOW FOR 2010 and 2011 and earn up to 20% discounts on early booking incentives. Call  or email Ann today!

Room 301

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.

1 bedroom Suite

The unit features a massive covered patio and plunge pool with sweeping views of Mead’s Bay.

Bedroom Bliss

I love the artful designs, the colour scheme and most of all the oh so comfy bedding at Viceroy.

The bathrooms are spacious and is well attended by discreet staff I never seem to see…..

The living area is perfect for starting the day and preparing a light meal or coffee. More comfort in mind.

Specials prevail so contact me to book your Viceroy escape at 800-219-0118 or ann@antiguacaribbean.com

Fruit Bar

Continental Breakfast was included in my room rate. I have never seen  a Continental Breakfast of this magnitude.

Breads and Sweets

Hot Cereals and Dried Fruits

arrival

Set on 3200 feet of beachfront bliss Viceroy is nestled between Meads and Barnes Bays. Aside from the breathtaking views, the art that is displayed throughout the property is staggering.

Studio Plunge Pool

The studio suite is lovely with a private plunge pool and the sea below my room. The furnishings are comfortable and artistic.

bedroom bliss

I love Egyptian cotton and good bedding..Viceroy came through. I had a splendid first nights rest in this massive bed.

Last night it rained and the temps dropped into the mid 70′s. This tub came in handy.

Infinity Pool

Barnes Bay

To book your Anguilla escape please call 800-219-0118 or 011 599 786 3134.

Anacaona Boutique Hotel is their new name for the Sirena Resort, which is about to undergo a refurbishment that will add some of the famed Ricketts touches in style and service. The hotel with its 27 rooms and suites sits in 3 1/2-acres of frangipani and coco palms a few paces along a garden path from mile-long Meads Bay, one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the island.

When it reopens this fall, the new Anacaona (pronounced the way it looks, by the way, an-nah-ky-oh-nah, without stresses – just like vacations on Anguilla) will feature stylish décor, new menus in the garden-poolside restaurant, not one but two swimming pools (for 27 rooms!), full beach service, boutique, massage center – and, above all, a reinvention of island nightlife.

“We’ve given the hotel this evocative Amerindian name, Anacaona, because we see it as Anguilla’s unofficial cultural entertainment center,” say co-owner Sue Ricketts. “The focus of our tropical evenings will be local musicians, local dance groups, dinner theater, maybe carnival nights, maybe even poolside chats with engaging local historians. We want our guests to leave Anguilla with a much richer understanding of what this special island is all about.”

Affordable Chic

Room rates at the new Anacaona will come as a welcome eye-opener to vacationers who thought they could never afford this celebrity-studded island. Room rates for most of the year begin at $150 a night double – and even in peak season the starting price is only $250 double. That includes perks often found only in luxury hotels – like cold towels and rum punch on arrival, free Wi-Fi and Internet, even drinks and lunch service on the beach.

In addition to the regular low rates, Anacaona will also offer additional packages – 5 nights for the price of 4, 7 nights for the price of 5, that sort of thing — as well as unique offers like a Solo Traveler’s Promotion tailored in conjunction with a local guide who specializes in one-of-a-kind tours. There will also be special weeks for guests interested in painting, photography, cooking, wellness, crafts, adventure and, of course, golf.

Says general manager Delroy Lake (formerly of Ku, another popular Ricketts’ getaway), “We want to give value for money, especially for people who want a slightly different ambiance from the bigger, more luxurious resorts. We see Anacaona as a perfect hideaway for self-dependent types — solos travelers, couples, honeymooners and families — who want a low-key experience that’s both relaxing and rewarding.”

Anacaona Boutique Hotel is located in that trendy corner of Anguilla known as West End, a low-profile district with most of the island’s luxury resorts and high-end villas, a variety of restaurants and beach bars, the Greg Norman golf course and other attractions – but no more than 20 minutes by car from the airport or 10 from the ferryboat dock.

Contact ann@antiguacaribbean.com to book your stay at Anacaona.

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.