We are looking to break up a 10 day stay with a few on Shoal Bay. I'm Googling and searching

just looking for websites or suggestions from everyone.

What is your budget? I love Zemi Beach and The Manoah!

Zemi generally gets the best reviews. More economical option on SBE is Shoal Bay Villas, which are condo setups.. There are a few other options not directly on the beach that would be cheaper.

Although Shoal Bay gets all the attention, we enjoyed Meads Bay with a nice amount of dining options on the beach and a grocery store within a few minutes.
Eagles Nest was a good find.

And if you're willing to go a bit more off the beaten path but only to stay at a property that doesn't get much hype, Serenity on Shoal Bay East, down the beach and around the corner from the original Gwens is very nice and has its own restaurant. I have to admit, it's been a while since we've stayed on AXA so I'm hoping it's still there and up and running.

OUr budget is $500 and under

What time of year?

Serenity is not a good option, IMO. And the beach at that end of SBE is almost non-existent.

Pete,

Interesting comment. Would love to know why you think that.

We didn’t stay there but did tour it in contemplation of a future stay and thought the units were lovely. We particularly liked the outdoor shower in the master bath. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the food in their restaurant was good the few times we ate there. The beach was not the best on AXA but it was private and somewhat remote but with all of Shoal Bay at your disposal if you wanted company.

Pat, I'm sorry, I was thinking of Allamanda. I don't know much about Serenity. Still, probably a step or two below Zemi and Manoah.

But in any event, there is little or no beach and access to the main part of SBE is limited, if available at all, due to beach erosion.

Serenity and Allamanda are absolutely light years apart but thank you, Pete, for coming back. We stayed at Allamanda and actually didn’t mind it at all - sort of like a Motel 6 on the beach and having Gwen’s and Zara’s right there plus all of Shoal Bay at your fingertips made it very palatable. But you had to be a bit of a free spirit to stay there, IMO.

With regard to Serenity, they were beautifully done condo apartments with nice furnishings and a very good restaurant right there on site plus a staff who couldn’t have been more accommodating in answering your every whim. The grounds were beautifully landscaped, too. If there is a beach at all, or at least easy beach access, I’d still stay there in a heartbeat as we enjoy being a bit off the grid.

What about Refined Retreats who manage the Fountain Residencies on Shoal Bay?

Sorry I can’t help you but I’m not familiar with either of the names you’ve mentioned. It’s been a while since we used to do our AXA stay-overs.

Generally good reviews on Fountains, but they are not on the beach.

We stayed at Fountain Residences last year and thought it was very nice. It is not right on the beach but is less than 5 minutes down a short path to the beach. It feels like it's on the beach because it is so close.

Thanks we are all set , I am just getting info on the island. We have been there for day trips but haven't eating dinner anywhere. we plan to decompress there before we head to SXM