Expert: Kathy Lindroth - 1/1/2002

Question
Hi. My girlfriend and I are planing a summer vacation. We spent a week last summer at La Samanna on St Martin and loved it and are now looking at Cap juluca or Cuisanart on Anguilla. Both look so similar and everyone rates both fairly high. Do you know of any differences or have a reccomandation? Also, we are very active, both at night and during the day. While it seems that both resorts have plenty to do in the day as long as the weather is good(scuba, water skiing, jet skis are our favorites ) what is there to do on a rainy day and at night? Are there night time excursions via water or air to st martin for the casinos and wild nightlife? Is there any night life on Anguilla for two 20 somethings? Thank you so much for any help you can give.

 Scott

Answer
Scott,

Actually, I have stayed at LaSamanna but before the renovation.  As far as accommodations go, I believe that you will find Cap Jaluca far superior, especially if you opt for the rooms with the private solarium.  The beaches on Anguilla are far superior to St. Martin's also, and the one at Cap which is Mead's Bay is one of the loveliest in the Carib.  If you choose Cuisinart then you are on Rendevous Bay which is rockier and windier, and also accommodations will feel more hotel-like than the villas at Cap.  I would choose Cap, if I were you.  There are no jet skis available on Anguilla, thank goodness, however water-sking is an option; also I am sorry to report that on Shoal Bay you can even parasail on certain days of the week.  

As I am sure you know, there are no casinos on Anguilla and the shopping is pretty limited.  People go for the beaches, restaurants and relaxation.  I would say that on a rainy day you would have to make your own fun.  There are several beach bar type places that are open to the wee hours of the night with music and dancing--Johnno's and Bankie Bank's Dune Preserve.  This is very lively.  The restaurants on Anguilla are among the best in the Carib, as they are on St. Martin.

There is a ferry over to St. Martin, however the last one leaves St.M at 7 p.m., although there has been a 'late' ferry at times that returns around 10:30.  Since summer is low season, that service may be suspended at that time.  One thing you might consider is splitting your vacay between either St. Martin or St. Barts and Anguilla.  I far prefer St. Barts to St. Martin and Anguilla tops them both.  That way you could have nightlife/shopping in one locale and the best beaches and island experience in another.  If I can help you further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kathy

PS   Go to the website:  http://www.news.ai/ and read all about Anguilla.  You can subscribe to the newsletter if you wish.  There are links there to almost all the information you could want on Anguilla.  Also if you are an AOL subscriber there is an active message board in the travel channel.