caribbeandawn

Our next Caribbean destination looks like it may be Anguilla (either that or Antigua or Barbados). It's so hard to choose just one. I have had my heart set on Cap Jaluca for a while now because the hotel looks stunning. I am a little disappointed in their customer service because I have requested a brochure from them at least three times over a two year period and have never received anything.

I have heard that Shoal Bay has the most stunning beaches on Anguilla. Never having been there I don't know if that is true but could anyone tell me if Shoal Bay's beaches are much better than the one that Cap Jaluca sits on? I prefer calm water over large waves, if that makes any difference.

I am so glad to have found this forum. You are my people. My goal is to visit all of the Carribean islands and to date I have only made it to 8 of them. I have loved them all and each one is a very different vacation. I have also visited Bermuda, Cancun, Cozumel, Acapulco, Mazatlan and Hawaii. So many beaches, so little time.

Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

blamona

Both beaches are spectacular!
The one at Cap Jaluca is a little more private, as to you have to pass a gate to enter. Shoal Bay is more public with some beach bars on it. You should go to both beaches regardless where you stay!
And while you're at it, don't forget the beach in front of Cuisinart (rendezvous bay) nor Meads Bay. All are stunners!
The calmest is probably at Cap Jaluca, then depending the time of year, followed by Shoal Bay.

idleweiss

Blamona---I am confused. On the map I see 2 Shoal Bays in Anquilla.Which one is Ku located on? Is it as calm a beach as CJ? I guess my question is similar to caribbeandawn's.Also,CD have you thought of going to Ku instead of CJ?

nyfineman

Cap Juluca! Ah, the very best week of my life, and I've stayed at some of the very best. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is paradise. The rooms are spacious and exotic with private terraces with breakfast served onit. The beach, a mile long crescent of pure white powder is amazing. I have kids now and they aren't too cool with them in the high season or I'd be there this February. Go and allow me to live vicariously through your extasy!

caribbeandawn

nyfineman,
I am so sorry that your vicarious living will not be fulfilled during my next vacation. I have chosen to go to Antigua instead of Anguilla. I have to tell that Cap Jaluca is my dream resort and I will one day go there but this trip it didn't work out. I am glad to hear from your posting that it is everything I have thought it was. I will continue to keep it at the top of my list and will visit one day. So many islands so little vacation time!

caribbeandawn

Idle,

I did look at Ku too but the decor seems so modern and I really adore the arched Moroccon theme of Cap Jaluca. I have been to many islands and many different resorts and always have a wonderful time because what's not to love about 86 + degree turquoise water, warm sun and tropical breezes? I love 4 star resorts but the best times I have had are where the staff is friendly and my room is virtually on the sand. Good luck in deciding which place works for you but again, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

MaryD

P.S. to almost everynoe -- it's Cap JULUCA not Jaluca!

poss

nyfineman and others: snorkeling is not a big thing with you, right? I ask because I keep hearing how wonderful Cap Juluca is and it makes me want to visit-- but snorkeling is our greatest pleasure (even more impt to us than powdery beaches) when we go to the Caribbean, and I believe I've heard that there's not much snorkeling (no real reefs) off Juluca. Is that correct? thanks!

Laby

poss, if snorkeling is the most important thing for you, I wouldn't pick Anguilla. There is MUCH better snorkeling on other islands. The Turks and Caicos have better snorkeling and you don't even have to sacrifice the powdery white sand. I've heard the same is true of the Cayman Islands and parts of the Virgin Islands.

penny

Mary yes you are so right- would you believe at the dock across the street from SXM the boat slips are now marked--Cap's space is spelled Cap Jaluca--I pointed that out to CJ's boat as we pulled into the slip! LOL!

newyorkergal

We were at Cap Juluca last week. I think I spotted 15 fish total in the entire area around Pimms. I even went scuba diving in Blowing Rock and Anguillita. Nothing special. I know the white beaches were a big allure for us but I have to tell you - if snorkeling is your main goal, go somewhere else. We were dissappointed. Sand is sand is sand to me. Granted the sand was gorgeous but I found the BVIs to be much classier.