TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Anguilla 2 day trip from SXM

Carol, if you wish to transfer this to another forum please do so, but it’s my thoughts comparing to a certain extent SXM v AXA.

Arrived Tuesday morning as took the 8.15 Ferry from Marigot. On time and got there 20 minutes later. Very quick. Loads of questions at Anguilla customs as opposed to SXM but rented a car from Andy’s at the airport and we were at the Carimar Beach Resort on Meads Bay by 9.15am. This was our first place we stayed at in the late 70’s and 80’s having also been to Frangiapani, Malliouhana hotels along the way. Basic but on the beach and apart from Airconditioning and bathroom improvements, nothing much has changed apart from the damage hurricanes have done to that incredible beach as now it’s difficult to walk, particulars for my wife as the shelving of sand is at least 10 foot steep in places and before you know it you are up to your neck in the sea. Regardless it’s still one of the most beautiful beaches you will find in the world let alone the Caribbean. But more commercial, tons of beach chairs and parasols shoved in front of your face and the monstrosity of the 4 Seasons at the far end.

Room not ready and they kindly gave us a room for the day to change and relax which was fantastic as off we went now dressed in swim gear to Shoal Bay East which is just as magnificent as when I remembered it apart again from new buildings and hotels which will happen anywhere you go. At 10am were at Elodias for fantastic BBC’s and Pina Coladas and walked the beach for an hour and took pictures. Back at 11.30 at the Carimar, by the way Google offline was fantastic and took us everywhere without having to look at a map. Went to Blanchard’s Beach Shack for lunch on the beach. Expensive like most of Anguilla and slightly commercialized but more than adequate. Actually from their point of view as a business, a wonderful set up and clever. Room ready, right on the beach and soaked some rays and walked a bit.
Evening meal at Blanchard’s, well worth it. Fabulous table, exceptional service, lovely views and good food, can understand why this place has gained such an international reputation.

Next morning walked Meads Bay very early, the colors of the water is just breathtaking. Breakfast at the Straw Hat and nothing has changed, rude, unwelcoming and very slow service. There were two people there and We said good morning to our waitress and nothing, just a blank stare. I asked if Chef could kindly just butter the toast and place the fried eggs on the toast for me. Horrified, she wanted to know why I couldn’t do it myself and chef is far too busy to do this. I am just too old now for this crap, as the butter comes out rock hard in their packets and for a place such as this and the prices they charge, it really was not too much to ask, so I called the Manager over and said they had a choice, either do it or I am out of here....he did apologize profusely and didn’t know why his waitress couldn’t even welcome us.....it was ok in the end, but this is the second time this has happened and won’t return.

More walking and sunning and now ready for lunch. Jacala’s on the beach another renowned place to eat at. Lovely table, owner took our order and made my wife what she wanted, nothing too much trouble...great food, drinks and a very nice 2 hours spent. Sunning swimming, sleeping, and Veya’s for Dinner. Again exceptional service and attention, very unusual food in a garden setting. It was Crayfish night. $5.00 each.. I ended up stuffing 4 of them with coconut rice, lime, mint and ginger French fries. WOW. Sensational. With different soups and special rum drinks, what an evening....

Next morning at 6.30am went to see what they have done to the Malliouhana Hotel and it is sensational. Breathtaking views, beautiful pools, loungers, day beds everywhere and very peaceful, select, serene and I would pay their prices but couldn’t stay there as just far too many steps for the wife, but this is some hotel and all the staff polite and helpful.

Car returned. Ferry to SXM and here for another 5 days. Breezed through Customs, no performance like Anguilla. Bliss. Anguilla is lovely for beaching but SXM is like our second home. Went for breakfast at the Arawak. One of the best omelettes anywhere for $6.00 with bread, salad and potatoes. Getting though to old for all this extra travel. But there you have it. An expensive experience yet worth it for a few days, but no more as just feel more comfortable in SXM. And lastly I made the same mistake again for being honest. At customs in Anguilla, she asked me if I was coming back today and being truthful I said no, so instead of paying $8.00 departure tax I was charged $24.00 each and when I said what if it said yes I am coming back today, she said, but you didn’t!!!!
Will I return, never say never but as I said, we have it all here in SXM. Beaches may not be as glorious but everything else more than makes up for it.

Thanks for the report. You did compare AXA SXM and talk about SXM at the end, so we'll leave it here.

Thanks for the report. Never stayed over on Anguilla but has been there many times for day trips.

We’ve done stay-overs there a few times and as peaceful as it is, as beautiful as the beaches are and as incredible as those warm turquoise waters are, I’m still a SXM fan like you, Bran. We did experience a more unfriendly attitude in a few places but in general, we found the people to be delightful for the most part. They tend to be a little more straight-laced but once you engage them, people are people and we never had any major issues. And I love the stories the taxi drivers will share along with the slower pace in general of the island.

Enjoy your last days and thank you so much for sharing your experiences.