Like many people looking for information about travel to Anguilla, we found our way to the Anguilla Guide and Anguilla Forum.  After a bit of time, you transition from a lurker to a participant, and engage in conversation with many people who are  glad to share information about the island.  A tireless administrator of that forum, always willing to help, is Jo-Anne Mason.  Jo-Anne is originally from the United States, but has lived on Anguilla for over 20 years.  One day on the forum, she posted in an “Off Topic” thread, that she would be traveling to Wisconsin, as her husband, Chris had business here.  Chris is the brains behind Comet Energy Systems, and had business with Generac, a supplier of generators based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, just down the road from us.  It truly is a small world!  Chris and Jo-Anne joined us for dinner one night during their stay, and we had a great visit.

Among Jo-Anne’s accomplishments is that she is the author and illustrator of a series of children’s books based in the Caribbean, including “Paddy, the Goat That Saved Anguilla,” “Trixy, the Monkey That Ate Nevis,” and her new book, “The Perfect Shell,” the tale of Hattie the Hermit crab who is in search of a new shell on the island of St. Martin.    At the time of our visit, “The Perfect Shell” was in the final stages, but now is available, along with “Paddy” and “Trixy” from Amazon.  What a perfect gift for the children in your lives!  Our children were thrilled to receive an autographed copy of “Trixy” from the Masons.  Shortly thereafter, we traveled to Nevis, and saw many clever little monkeys, just like Trixy!

Explore Jo-Anne’s books here:

Each book is only $14.95 at Amazon.  Enjoy!

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

We first traveled to Anguilla in 2007.  When we arrived, the sun had set at Blowing Point Harbour.  By the time we arrived at our destination, the Cuisinart Resort, it was dark outside.  We awoke the next morning to a spectacular sunrise over St. Martin, which you will see in the image above.  The Cuisinart Golf Resort & Spa, the “Golf” was added with the acquisition of the Temenos Golf Course in 2011, has the envious location centered on beautiful Rendezvous Bay, sheltered by the cove of the bay and St. Martin to the south.  As a result, the beach is calm, and has the stunning turquoise water and powder white sand for which Anguilla is famous.  Its location also makes it within walking distance of Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve, one of our favorite beach bars, which you can read about here…  The property is stunning, lush with plantings and inviting places to relax.

I don’t usually photograph bathrooms, but the bathroom in our suite was gorgeous.  Check out the private solarium!

And don’t miss the tour of the Hydroponic Farm. Dr. Howard Resh explains how to grow so many great fresh vegetables and herbs in the regular sun and heat on Anguilla.  All that sun is great when you are on the beach with a drink in your hand, but extreme temperatures make it difficult to maintain a crop. The Cuisinart operates a hydroponic farm where they grow vegetables and herbs in water.  Take a tour, operated Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.

The Cuisinart is offering special rates for travel now through November 20, 2012.  Check out the promotions at Cuisinart Promotions & Packages.  Happy travels!

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

Courtesy of Da Conch Shack, on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands, is this beautifully prepared conch salad, pulled fresh from the ocean.  Once the conch shell hits the work table, they knock a hole in the top of the shell, to expose the tendon which holds the conch inside.  In one swift motion with his knife, the tendon is cut, the meat extracted, and the shell is tossed.  Be sure to enjoy the delicious result with a cold Carib or one of Da Conch Shack’s fabulous rum punches.  For more on Da Conch Shack, and why it is one of our favorite beach bars, read on…

 All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

It’s hard not to fall in love with The Somerset, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.  The Somerset is right next door to The Regent Palms, on beautiful Grace Bay Beach, a 12-mile stretch of powdery white sand.  We stayed at The Palms (before it was owned by the Regent group) in 2006, and at The Somerset in 2008. Both resorts are on the best part of Grace Bay Beach.  As you round the point to the east, the winds pick up, and it’s not as calm as the stretch in front of these resorts.  As you go to the west, the beach narrows, so this is simply the perfect spot on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  

The rooms at The Somerset are spacious and beautifully appointed.  We stayed in a suite in the Stirling Building with stunning ocean views.  There was a huge kitchen, living room, and dining room, two patios, and my favorite thing on vacation, a washer and dryer! It’s the perfect place for a family that travels together!

The Somerset is now offering a summer special, with reduced rates through September 30.  Check it out at:  The Somerset     

 All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

Our honeymoon 20 years ago was in Huatulco, Mexico, which at the time had only three resorts, Club Med, a Sheraton, and an all-inclusive, the Royal Maeva.  After paying for the wedding ourselves, the idea of an all-inclusive was comforting.  It was the perfect time and place to spend a week in paradise without having to pull out your wallet.  Since then, we have drifted away from all-inclusives because we love to try the local food.  We have discovered so many fantastic restaurants along the way.

Aside from our visits to Mexico, we tend not to visit Mexican restaurants when we travel, despite the fact that we love Mexican food.   I’m not talking about made-for-Americans, bland Mexican food.  I’m talking about food with well-developed flavors, the sauces that take hours to cook.  After eating at Rick Bayless’s Topolobampo in Chicago, I have made the majority of the dishes out of “Mexican Kitchen.”  We tend to avoid Mexican food in other countries, probably because we suspect that it won’t be that good.

When we first visited Anguilla in 2007, a friend suggested Picante.  Given the recommendation, we thought we would give it a try. Since then, we visit at least twice a trip.  The story of the restaurant is pretty appealing.  Chloe and Theron Loizos left successful restaurant careers in Marin County, California to open Picante.  The idea of a restaurant does not alone make it successful.  The restaurant is a success because of the fantastic food and warm service.  We felt right at home when we were offered a shot of something (my  husband would probably remember) by Theron on our first visit, and he sat down with us at the table to share.  The margaritas are delicious, but you should exercise a bit of care before you order too many pitchers. Thankfully, my husband was driving. The margaritas were REALLY good!

Be sure to round out your meal with the churros. They are crisp on the outside and warm inside, and served with a fabulous caramel sauce.

Love the boxes of Chiclets with the check!

Who knew you could find such a wonderful slice of Mexico in Anguilla?

For more information on Picante…All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

Rum Punch at Smokey's

When I first started writing the series on my favorite beach bars, Smokey’s at the Cove, Cove Bay, Anguilla, was at the top of my list.  I have waited to write this, only because I feared not being able to do it justice.  Smokey’s was the bar that made me fall in love with the Caribbean.  There was something about walking along the beach to find yourself at a bar with amazing views, great food and drink, friendly people, and what sealed the deal – live music – and not just live music, but a Caribbean version of favorite Christmas songs.

It was our on first trip to Anguilla in 2007.  Our flight brought us to Anguilla late on a Friday, so by the time we arrived at Blowing Point Harbor, the sun was nearly gone.  We awoke to see the white sand and turquoise waters for which Anguilla is famous. We were staying at the Cuisinart, and I had heard that Smokey’s had live music at lunch on Saturday.  We walked along the beach to find Smokey’s. In 2007, there was no problem walking to Smokey’s, although there were areas of coral to traverse.  When we arrived, we were glad for the effort.  This is how Smokey’s looked back in 2007.  It looks like they were working on the facelift, as the sign had been removed from the beach side of the building.

Smokey's at the Cove, 2007

Inside Smokey's, 2007

We loved it so much, we stopped at Smokey’s for one last lunch before flying home.  The skies were rather dramatic that day.  There had been an earthquake registering 7.3 on the Richter scale in Martinique, and the quake was felt throughout the islands, including Anguilla.  Thereafter, there were strange cloud formations rolling through.

Smokey's, 2007

Front Moving Through Following Earthquake, 2007

Smokey’s has since updated, changing the pink to blue, and adding a deck with tables and umbrellas.  The food, drink, music and hospitality remain unchanged – perfect.

Smokey's, 2009

Smokey's, 2009

The view is still spectacular…

Smokey's, 2010

And the food, still delicious…

Smokey's, 2009

And the refreshing beverages don’t disappoint…

Smokey's Rum Punch

Carib at Smokey's

Carib at Smokey's

And, of course, the music…

Now, I can’t go on raving about the music without giving you a listen.  Last visit, I recorded a bit so I could remember why I love it there so much.  It’s not the same as sitting on the deck, with a drink in your hand, and watching the waves while you listen, but make yourself a rum punch, close your eyes, and imagine you are there.  Well, before you close your eyes, click play on this slideshow, with excerpts from the performance of The Musical Brothers at Smokey’s on our visit in 2010.  Enjoy!
All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

View from Sunshine's

One great thing about staying at the Four Seasons on Nevis is that there are great beach bars located a short walk from the resort.  We arrived on Nevis just as the sun was setting, and after changing clothes, we headed out in search of something to eat.  We had started the day with a 3:00 a.m. wakeup call and a 5:40 a.m. flight out of Chicago.  By the time we hit Nevis, we were ready for dinner and an early bedtime.  We started walking south (counterclockwise if you look at Nevis as a clock face), and ran into a string of bars.  However, it was dark by then, and we couldn’t see which was which.  We blindly made our choice, and found ourselves at the famous Sunshine’s Beach Bar, and relaxed with a few Killer Bees, Sunshine’s signature drink.  For the full story on Sunshine’s, I devoted an entire blog post to it and my encounter with three Killer Bees. You can read all the details here…

So that you’re not in the dark on the bars of Pinney’s beach, here’s the layout.  As you walk south from the Four Seasons, the first place you will encounter is this place, the name I was never able to learn.  It was always busy, although you weren’t seeing any tourists there.

Name that bar!

The next stop along the way, set back from the beach, is Lime Cafe.  I’ve heard wonderful things about the food there, but it’s not open for dinner, and with the big breakfasts at the Four Seasons, we didn’t have many lunch opportunities.

Lime Cafe

The very next place is Chevy’s.  We had dinner at Chevy’s one night, and I have to say that Chevy’s chicken wings were the best I’ve ever tasted.  They were spicy, but not enough to blast your tastebuds into oblivion.  Chevy greeted us and we invited him to have a seat, enjoying a long talk.  One thing I really loved about Nevis is that the owners greet you personally and are glad to share a story.  Chevy was great to talk to, and described how he developed the wing flavorings and the time he put into it.  Unfortunately,  I wasn’t able to get the recipe, but I’m going to keep working on it!

Chevy's Beach Side Bar

Guinness Time

Chevy chatting with a customer

Just past Chevy’s, is Sunshine’s.

Sunshine's, from the beach

Then walk a bit farther.  With just a little longer walk, you will see Double Deuce.

Double Deuce

Double Deuce interior

Double Deuce interior

Bar at Double Deuce

Our dinner at Double Deuce was amazing.  Check out the grilled wahoo, garlic shrimp, and the barbecue ribs!

Garlic Shrimp

BBQ Ribs

Grilled Wahoo

 As we are finishing our meal that night, a party of six was seated and immediately ordered the burgers.  We caught a glimpse of the burgers as they were brought out, and we were determined to return to get one.  When we returned, we didn’t even consult the menu board, instead ordering three burgers, until we were told that they were out of burgers for the night.

Double Deuce Menu (prices are E.C.)

This line is where DD Burger once was…

Oh no!

The disappointment on our faces and in our voices was pretty apparent, so our server checked in the kitchen, and they had enough to make two burgers!  You have never seen anyone so happy to order a burger.  We rounded it out with an order of ribs, and had a great meal.  The only reason you don’t see a photo of the burger is that it had no chance to be photographed before being devoured.  Don’t miss out!  Go early or call ahead.  It’s totally worth the effort!

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

Gwen's Reggae Grill, Anguilla

I had heard about Gwen’s Reggae Grill before our first trip to Anguilla in 2007, but we didn’t actually make it there until 2009.  Gwen’s is located somewhat apart from the hustle and bustle of bars and restaurants that you immediately see when you arrive at Shoal Bay East, a gorgeous stretch of sand and water on Anguilla’s north coast.  To get to Gwen’s, you walk east along the beach…

On the path to Gwen's, Shoal Bay East, Anguilla

…and then start watching for signs, which will confirm you’re headed in the right direction.

Sign leading the way to Gwen's Reggae Grill

Soon you will see an oasis of great food and drink, Gwen’s Reggae Grill.

Gwen's Reggae Grill, Anguilla

Looking overhead at the gorgeous palm trees

This was Gwen’s in 2009.  Sadly, Gwen’s had a fire on November 20, 2010, just four days before we returned to Anguilla.  We couldn’t bear to see the ruins, so we did not head that way on our 2010 trip.  However, Gwen’s has rebuilt, and although it may be a bit more time before the palm trees are this glorious overhead, the spectacular view and wonderful hospitality continue on.

View from Gwen's Reggae Grill, Anguilla

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

Sand Bar, Anguilla

I’ve said many times that the Anguilla Guide Forum never steers me wrong.  It’s a great resource on travel to Anguilla, where to stay, where to eat, and pretty much everything you need to know and more about travel to the island.  After our 2009 trip, the forum was buzzing with talk about a new place in Sandy Ground called SandBar.

The menu at SandBar, covered in sandpaper!

SandBar is owned and operated by 4-Diamond Award winning Executive Chef Denise Carr, formerly the Executive Chef at Cusinart Resort and Spa, where in 2007 she managed the National Culinary Team of Anguilla, and her husband, Lenox “Joash” Proctor.  The food and drink is what you would expect from these credentials.  The tapas menu, which is cleverly covered in sandpaper, is a treasure of small gems. My favorite was the watermelon and feta tapa, an unusual combination, at least from my perspective, which was delightful.  Check out SandBar’s most current offerings on the “Info” tab on their Facebook page.  It makes your mouth water. You can see from the comments of visitors that SandBar is gathering a dedicated following.

Also offered are a selection of delicious cocktails, also listed on their Facebook page including fruit-infused rums, which you can admire next to the bar.

Infused Rum at SandBar

The beach at Sandy Ground is a great place to watch people and catch the boats moving about.

If you can time your visit to catch a sunset, you won’t be disapointed.

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.

View From Dune Preserve, Anguilla, 2010

The secret is out.  Well, it wasn’t really a secret.  You don’t get the honor of #1 Beach Bar in the World without having been noticed by a few people.  When we first visited Anguilla in November of 2007, we stayed at the Cuisinart Resort, just steps from the best beach bar in the world, Dune Preserve.  We learned of Dune Preserve when while planning for the trip, we discovered the music of Bankie Banx, who is one of the island’s most famous residents.  We made our children, ages 8 and 10, stay up long past their vacation bedtime (which is even later than their regular bedtime), to go see Bankie play.  We actually met Bankie the afternoon of the show while he was working on construction of the bar.  This photo from back in 2007 shows the work being done at the time.

Dune Preserve under construction, 2007

The improvements were preceded by the concert for preservation of the dune by Bankie and Jimmy Buffett in March of 2007, culminating in the Live in Anguilla CD/DVD set.  I have the DVD in my player in my office and loop it on really cold days.

Anyway, we were on the beach that afternoon in 2007 taking our Christmas card photo, when my daughter pointed in the direction of Dune Preserve and asked, “Is that Bankie Banx?,”  pretty good for a 10-year-old.  I told her she should find out for herself.  This is one of her most cherished photos.

Al and Bankie Banx, 2007

Bankie invited us to come to the show that night, and we stayed as long as our 8-year-old’s patience and energy would permit.

Welcome to Dune Preserve, 2007

Clip from our daughter's video, 2007

Every year, we return to have a drink, listen to some music, and get an autographed t-shirt for our daughter.  What attracts so many people to this place is the laid back atmosphere and good music.  It makes you dream of one day staying here forever and being “Stuck in Paradise.”

Bankie Banx at Dune Preserve, 2009

Inside Dune Preserve, 2010

Dune Preserve, Anguilla, 2010

Another autograph for Allison, 2010

Meeting Bankie Banx, 2010

View from Dune Preserve, 2009

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson. Any use without written permission is prohibited. For licensing information, please send inquiries via the Contact page.