Expert: Kathy Lindroth - 12/5/2000

Question
Hi Kathy!

In am planning a trip to Anguilla in September and was hoping you can answer some questions for me.
I was originally planning on staying at Cap Juluca , but it, like many others is closed for September, do you think the Sonesta is comparible?
What are my chances for rain during that time period?  Is there typically good weather in September?
Can you recommend any good restaurants to dine at, we're not big seafood fans if that makes a difference.
Thank you for all of your help.

Answer
Hi Mark,

September (as well as July, August, and October) in the Caribbean is hurricane season, which is one of the reasons many places are closed.  However, if that doesn't deter you I am sure you will enjoy the relative solitude in this off season. In answer to your question about the weather, usually it will be fine.  As it is hurricane season the weather can be changeable and has been less consistent in the last (approx) 5 years due to more hurricane action in the Caribbean.   

To answer your question about accommodations, no, the Sonesta is not really comparable to Cap.  Probably the closest in feeling to Cap would be the Cuisinart (http://www.cuisinartresort.com/)  Others would be Cove Castles, which is more of a villa resort or Malliouhana (http://www.malliouhana.com/).  The Cuisinart is brand new but I believe the beach at Malli is generally thought to be a tad better, however, this is an island with over 100 beaches and they are all good. The Malli is built up on the cliffes so you must walk down to the beach in most cases but I have heard the rooms are furnished beautifully and views from the terraces are exceptional. I must say that I am also not sure of a September closing at those hotels.  Another option would be renting a private villa.  

Check out this web site for a full listing of accommodations and tons of other info on Anguilla, including restaurants:  http://news.ai/ and the name of the site is Anguilla Local News written by resident Bob Green who resides on Upper Shoal Bay.  

I understand the restaurant Koal Keel has finally reopened after the last hurricane and it is a must.  Others are Straw Hat, Blanchards, Mangos, Olivers, Malliouhana to name a few.  Then there are a whole lot of more casual and less expensive restaurants like Johnno's, Barrel Stay, The Old House, Uncle Ernie's on Shoal Bay.  Lunch at Scilly Cay is a must also. Here you can spend most of the day on a tiny island right off the shore that provides a boat to shuttle you back and forth.  Specialties are lobster, crawfish, chicken all on the grill.  You will be able to find non seafood meals in any of the restaurants, but it is very prevalent to see fish/seafood on menus as it is on all of the Caribbean Islands. Many restaurants also close for August, September, and part of October and Anguilla Local News publishes the list and dates of closure.

I would plan on renting a car for at least part of your stay.  Most people use Highway Rental Car or Island Rental Car for the best prices and service.  You can't get lost, but must go slow due to the road humps, called sleeping policeman.

Mark, a great time to go to Anguilla is the very last part of October and all of November, up to mid December. At that time you will enjoy really good weather, all the restaurants and hotels will have reopened, it will still not be crowded and rates at hotels will still be figured at low season (or mid-season in a few cases).

If I can help you further, my e mail address is Lindroth@aol.com.

Kathy