Anguilla Jan 2024

 70th Birthday trip to Anguilla

Jim and Donna flew in a couple of days early.  We went to see a Elvis show at the Broadway Palms.  It was very entertaining.  Girls went to the beach and shopping and guys played golf.

Wed Jan 24th

We left the condo at 3:30 with the Marfice’s and we’re off the island at 5:30. Worst traffic we have experienced but pretty typical for Sanibel right now with the contractors and day trippers. We have reservations at Hampton Inn East at the airport tonight. Tried stopping at Ford’s Garage at the outlet mall for dinner but there was a long wait so we went on our way, stopping down the road at Five Guys. Better than I remembered and more expensive than I remembered.

We checked into our hotel and off to bed.

Thursday Jan 25

Up early to catch the 7:00 shuttle. I think Holiday Inn was a better choice, we stayed there three weeks ago before our NYE cruise. Bed wasn’t as comfy and the airplane noise much louder at Hampton. Parking was $10 a day instead of $15.

Shuttle left on time and check in was quick. TSA precheck was a ways down but a short line then a loooong walk to our gate but we had plenty of time. Kallinas and Cawthon’s caught the 7:30 shuttle because their luggage was checked all the way to Anguilla and they could go straight to the gate. They were not expecting that, meant they did not have their suitcases last night. Plane boarded on time and we quickly had Bloody Mary’s.

I don’t remember booking first class but not complaining. 

Anguilla from above as we start to descend.

We arrived a bit early and deplaning, immigration, luggage, rent car all very easy. Greg and John are our drivers and get to drive American cars on the wrong side of the road, but they are automatic. We made it to the resort and quickly settled in. Our room is nice with an ocean front view. Shoal Bay Villas are family owned and run and very reasonably priced.  No restaurant on site but the room had a full kitchen and restaurants all up and down the beach. Definitely would stay here again.

Other couples booked later. and did have an ocean view but they did have bigger rooms with a pool view.

After unpacking we headed to the grocery store and made one more stop at the liquor store. Surprisingly the food and liquor wasn't terribly overpriced. Not much different from prices on Sanibel.

Dinner tonight was next door at Manoahs. I had concerns because they said we didn’t need reservations. I should have listened to my doubts. Reservation was at 6:30. Everyone but Greg got their main course at 8:30 and they forgot Greg’s, and there was only one other group at the restaurant.  Twenty minutes later Greg's food comes out. My shrimp was good but lukewarm, Greg’s and John’s was overcooked. 

Food looked good

Teasing Jim that we would sneak out rolls for him.  Jim loves his bread. 

Friday, Jan 26

Greg cooked eggs and sausage and we ate on the balcony. It is still very windy but not as bad as yesterday.

After breakfast I went to the beach. After everyone made it down to the beach the girls went to the two umbrellas to the right and the guys stayed in the the loungers to the left. 

The water is absolutely gorgeous here.

We ate lunch two doors down at Meardimans. Greg and I ate here several years ago on a shore excursion from St Maarten. It was very good. Greg and I shared a pizza. 

After lunch we went back to the beach. I walked to the right, past Elodia’s. Long stretch of beach with no development, white sand and the reef close to shore. If the wind would just stop blowing!

Everyone joined us on our balcony for drinks before dinner. We were treated to a rainbow. 

I made reservations for 6 pm at Sharky’s, a recommendation by both the resort and Mary Kolb’s daughter’s friend. It was a wonderful meal with great service and I was treated with a birthday Roman candle and ice cream. A nice end to a wonderful evening. Greg and John went to the beach for a nightcap and cigar and the ladies joined me on the balcony.

Saturday, Jan 27

We went on an island tour. First stop was an adventure to Junk’s Hole which turned out to be an off roading trip. The rough ride was worth the heavy surf and a fossil reef. It was a wild setting. 

Our next stop was Sandy Ground which really wasn’t beach stop but did offer a couple of stores to browse and buy a few things, also stopping at the grocery store Best Buy which also had souvenirs. 

We stopped at Oceans Echo for lunch at Meads Bay, which was listed as the most scenic beach. It definitely was pretty and lived up to its billing. Lunch took a bit too long but was very good. 

We tried to stop at Rondevous Bay but all entrances were through gated resorts. We had been here before twice on cruise excursions from the water. I hated the others didn’t get to see this beach. We headed back to our resort. Greg and I read for a bit on the beach and then cleaned up for dinner. Reservation tonight was at Tasty’s POV. It was an open air restaurant looking over the water. Food was excellent, service was good and the steel drum music was entertaining. The chef walked to each table to discuss menu. I was treated to another birthday Roman candle and cheese cake dessert.

sharky's 

Sunday Jan 28

I went down to the beach mid morning. Greg joined me and others trickled down except Roberta who had a very high heart rate. The doctor advised her to rest and stay out of the sun. Ann, Donna and I walked to Elodias for bloody Mary’s which were very good. Most of us snacked for lunch and enjoyed the beach. 

Not as windy today.  The beach is really this beautiful

Dinner tonight was at Jacala which was a very nice restaurant on Meads Bay. Probably the nicest in terms of building, tables, etc. The food was very good as well. Most had the special of grilled lobster. I had the lobster salad for a starter and grilled snapper. Greg ordered rack of lamb and said it was good as well.

                                                

Monday, Jan 29

Lazy morning getting dressed and packed. We enjoyed some last minute time on the balcony enjoying the view. Check out was quick and we were packed up and ready to go. First stop was at a gas station and then the airport. Island Rental was not at the airport to meet us but we were told to leave the keys in the car and lock it. We checked in but I was selected for a luggage search. After that I had to do another search of my backpack and purse, then I had to sit in a different section to wait for time to board. Ann had to do the same thing. We also had to pay $56 departure fee for both of us.

It was a wonderful place to celebrate turning 70 and I hope that it is not the last time I vacation on Anguilla.