Reggae, Rum and Fun….

Originally constructed in the late 1700′s, the  restored Warden’s Place, one of Anguilla’s oldest buildings is home to  Koal Keel Restaurant. The setting is full of period antiques and traditional furnishings. I happened to enjoy a lovely tea at Koal Keel one day. The setting is magical.

Koal Keel serves authentic local Anguillian cuisine featuring local fish such as Mahi Mahi. They also serve Indian inspired cuisine including Tadoori fish.  Lisa Gumbs the owner calls her cuisine Euro Caribbean.

The pastries at tea were outstanding. Desserts after dinner are a treat.  The Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding or the Dark Chocolate Pyrat Rum Tower are very popular.

Lisa can arrange a free shuttle to and from dinner for guests. Contact ann@antiguacaribbean.com to book your stay in Anguilla and ask about the free Concierge service where Ann will make dinner reservations.

You may also contact Lisa direct at:

KOALKEEL RESTAURANT
P.O.BOX 640
THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA
(264) 497-2930, (264) 497-5379 FAX

email: koalkeel@anguillanet.com

Fresh Fish

We love local food and asked around where the locals go for their dining delight. Everyone pointed in the direction of Lucy’s in Mead’s Bay. Lucy runs the kitchen with her grandson and family. It’s a colorful spot with comfortable furnishings and a chill kind of vibe. Come with the intention of having a slow laid back dining experience. Ask Lucy to whip up some fresh local eats and sit back and enjoy. We highly recommend at cold Ting while you wait.

Anguilla is well known for a wide variety of dining experiences. There are many local options. If you are in the Mead’s Bay area book at table with Lucy. She will greet you with a smile and serve up her local favorites.  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations offers free Concierge Services for their clients. Email ann@antiguacaribbean.com to book your trip to Anguilla.

SandBar Tapas

I love Sandbar. My first experience was meeting Lisanne on a wet rainy night in June. I was greeted by the bartender with a truly welcoming smile. I asked for a Ti Punch and was treated to perhaps the best blend ever. The Rhum Agricole concoction was amazing. For Tapas we chose eggplant crab beignets, chilled roasted vegetables, and panko crusted shrimp. I went back in August and sat at the bar sipping a refreshing rum punch. In 60 sleeps I am back and await another night of Sandbar Bliss.

Sandbar is located on Sandy Ground, a short walk from Elvis’s Beach Bar.

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

My favorite one stop spot for Ting,  beach, sun, food, music  and fun is Smokeys. Clyde runs a smooth restaurant. Upon arrival I was given my own beach chair and umbrella. The waitstaff pampered me on this quiet day serving me an icy cold Ting immediately. If you have not tasted Ting, you have not lived. This grapefruit soda is both delicious and refreshing. A sip reminds me I am home..somewhere amazing in the Caribbean.

I always seem to gravitate towards the chicken roti. The salad is great with an amazing dressing and the roti is delicious. It’s not your typical roti. The skin is more like a burrito wrap but it works. The curry is really tasty.

I could sit at Cove Bay all day. The water is pristine with gin clear water. The white powder sand is blinding. What an amazing setting.

I never miss a visit to Smokeys. Typically I come on Sat. to hear the Musical Brothers play for the lunch crowd or on Sunday for the Mussington’s but my recent visit on a  quiet August day was sublime. I am back in Nov. and am counting the days until my Smokey’s Bliss.

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

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.

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.