While maintaining its tried-and-true reputation as an elite haven for the rich and famous, Anguilla is now touting the “Charming Escapes Collection” of small, affordable vacation properties, where everyday folks can feel like pampered royalty on vacation.
The collection debuted on an Anguilla Tourism Board-sponsored web site in December and features 14 resorts, each possessing a surefire recipe for paradise - generous helpings of natural beauty and great weather mixed with affordability and quality service.
Alfred Thompson, owner of the collection’s Carimar Beach Resort, noted that the “repeat client base is upwards of 70 percent” for his Meads Bay area resort. The lack of an on-site restaurant hasn’t hurt the resort that features well-appointed beach front and beach-view units.
“We try very hard to make sure our standards of service stay way above par,” said Thompson, explaining that his concierge services include making reservations at “excellent restaurants” nearby.
What brings vacationers for a stay at the Sirena Resorts and Villa? “I think they like the quiet of it all,” said staffer Kenisha Granville. Distinctively decorated guest rooms and the new bathroom d/cor are part of an upgrading at the property, which is located further west along Meads Bay. Sirena is known for its French-Caribbean and Asian-influenced Mahi Mahi restaurant.
Viewing the Spanish-Mediterranean design of the Caribella Villa, tranquil Meads Bay takes on a European feel. But don’t let the size of this small resort fool you - quality and service are not diminished.
Dandra Lloyd said the six two-bedroom units at the resort are a favorite for travelers – from couples to wedding parties.
Lloyd’s Bed and Breakfast is located mid-island close to the island’s capital, The Valley, and the Wallblake Airport. The establishment was founded by David Lloyd, who foresaw the island’s resort potential more than 50 years ago and opened the nine-room establishment with his wife, Vida.
At the three-story Royal Palms resort there are grand views of both Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay and nearby St. Maarten. This South Hill area property boasts a sizable freshwater pool, but co-owner Mary Busby said the Royal Palms is conveniently located to beautiful north and south shore beaches on the western end of Anguilla.
Kenneth Roger’s Shoal Bay resort was fittingly named the Serenity Cottage. He’s taken the tranquil, stress-free mood set by the white-sand beach and perfect blue waters and assimilated it into the two-story structure’s rattan and mahogany decor and tropical gardens and walkways. The Serenity Restaurant, the Thatch Hut Beach Restaurant and the Serenity Beach Bar also add to the soothing atmosphere.
Information on amenities, links to bookings, an events calendar, wedding preparation and more for all the “Charming Escapes Collection” resorts are available on the web site www.charmingescapescollection.com.
And don’t skip the site’s introduction, which features the song “Quality Time” by Anguillan musician and Moonsplash Music Festival founder Bankie Banx.
For more, visit the Anguilla Tourist Board’s main site: www.anguilla-vacation.com.
A service to celebrate
Celebrate Guyana’s 39th year of nationhood at an interfaith service next Sunday in New Jersey at St. Agnes and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 206 Renshaw Avenue in East Orange, beginning at 4 p.m. A reception will follow the service. Call 973-678-6716.
St. Lucian independence
The 30th anniversary of St. Lucia’s independence is being celebrated this week in Brooklyn. The events were presented by the St. Lucia Consulate in New York and St. Lucian Organizations in New York and next Sunday, an Independence Anniversary Mass will be held at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 1123 Eastern Parkway, near Utica Ave.
For information and a full schedule of events, call the St. Lucia Consulate at 212-697-9360, the Pitons Netball Club at 718-604-2465, the St. Lucian United Association at 718-770-7364 or the St. Lucia Mothers Day Committee at 718-444-7873.
The art of Neals
“The Fine Art of Otto Neals” a special exhibition of works by the multi-faceted veteran sculptor and painter, will be held on Saturday at Afroart Designs, 316 Stuyvesant Avenue (between Hancock and Halsey Streets) in Brooklyn from 3 to 9 p.m. There will be Ashanti Fields jewelry, fashion and refreshments available. Jazz music will be provided by the popular Jeff King Band. Call 718-573-6110 for information and to R.S.V.P. For more on the Afroart Designs home furnishings and accessories shop, visit www.afroart-designs.net.
This column is reprinted from the February 15 Sunday editions of The New York Daily News. If you have items suitable for this column please e-mail them to jmccallister@nydailynews.com.
