Day Trip to Anguilla, Part 2
No, folks, this is not where I'm staying. It's one of the villas I inspected at Cap Juluca two days ago. See that island in the distance? That's St. Martin, my base of operations here in the Caribbean.
by Wendy Perrin
As I started telling you yesterday, my day trip to the British territory of Anguilla somehow turned into a whirlwind tour of the island's best beach resorts. After checking out Malliouhana, we headed to Cap Juluca.
That's Cap Juluca's white-sand beach. Could you live there or what?
One thing I love about Cap Juluca's beach: Like all Anguilla beaches, it's open to the public yet feels private because there's barely anyone there. Another thing I love: All water-sports activities are included in the hotel rate.
That's us marching from room to room at Cap Juluca with our tour guide, Director of Sales & Marketing Charles Black.
Now, as I also started telling you yesterday, trying to keep 5- and 6-year-old boys under control inside elegant five-star hotel rooms--especially when a beach with boats beckons in the distance--is not something I would wish on anyone ... especially when a rough ferry crossing that morning had already made one of the kids sick. Just in case anyone is starting to think my life is far more glamorous than it actually is, this was the scene when we'd landed at the pier that morning:
Charlie lost it on the ferry, and again on Anguilla's Blowing Point pier. It was an unusually windy day, which had made for a turbulent trip from St. Martin.
By the time we arrived at our sixth property of the day, the CuisinArt Resort & Spa, I just couldn't drag the boys inside any more hotel rooms. (Nor could I utter the words "Don't touch anything!" one more time.) So, instead, we checked out the new 15,000-square-foot spa, complete with thalassotherapy pool . . .
Nice, huh? It was all I could do not to dive in.
... and we hit the beach.
The resort sits on Rendez-Vous Bay--another public beach that feels oh-so-private.
Check out CuisinArt's Web site for pics of what the stunning resort looks like in calmer weather, when the sky is bright blue and you've got time for rooftop shots.
Mercifully, our late afternoon ferry ride back to Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin, was uneventful. All's well that ends well.
Passport control at the port in Marigot.
Gotta take the next couple of days off from blogging so I can focus on my print article--for Conde Nast Traveler's upcoming June issue--that's the real reason I'm down here in the Caribbean. Back on Tuesday, after our day trip to St. Barts.
Meanwhile, if you've got stories or tips to share about how to keep kids under control inside fancy hotels, I'm all ears. Just click on "Comments" below.
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Hi Wendy..sounds like you're having quite the time running. When you get to St Barths you have to try Le Repaire - GREAT people watching. And don't miss Le Select - very casual and laid back. They have a big 60th birthday this year and have some great plans - tho I think not til later in the year :( Have fun, K.
Posted by: flsundude | February 13, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Excellent review. I loved your descriptions and photos.
Bob Freer
http://anguillavacationpackages.com
Posted by: bfreer | February 14, 2009 at 02:09 AM
We took the ferry from Lanai to Maui when we worked on our Hawaii guidebook. It sounds terrifically glam, I know, but I was so very seasick, the conditions were awful, and I burst into tears when I learned our itinerary had us back on the boat the next day.
This is my backwards way of expressing sympathy towards your little traveler. Though, good lord, the scenery looks beautiful.
Posted by: nerdseyeview | February 14, 2009 at 07:46 PM
Oh, poor Charlie. I hope he is feeling better.
Great pictures, Wendy!
Posted by: WhataTrip | February 15, 2009 at 01:52 PM
oh voy. We are a family of poor seasick fools, I empathize. But at least it was a great view ya'll had...
Posted by: kidsgowest | February 15, 2009 at 11:36 PM
oh, wendy - poor charlie! poor you!
tips for bored and tired kids? snacks. dark chocolate works wonders for lillie. ;) that and a promise for swimming later. hope you get some good family time in. we'll be thinking of you all!
Posted by: jessiev | February 16, 2009 at 09:49 PM
one thing i remembered last night - i often ask lillie to remember 3-5 details of a room that i would not notice. it REALLY takes up a good deal of time, her playing detective. the hard part, i have to pay attn, too!!
Posted by: jessiev | February 17, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Hey Wendy:
I am blogging for the first time.. yes, I am old and "non-computer" saavy.
Lauren just saw your pix on the blog and loved seeing the cruise and butterly shots of the boys.... Oh, how beautiful was the Coral Beach Club... Lauren is bringing her Flip videos to school tomorrow... To sum up our ( now 8th visit to St Martin) is enjoy the Friendly Island... the FOOD, the great people you meet and the awesome water and beaches.... call or email when you get back home.. SAFE TRAVELS... Laurens says a big HELLO to the boys!!!
Posted by: coralbeachclub | February 17, 2009 at 08:05 PM