Hi Jennifer,

I stayed at Shoal Bay Villas last summer and will be returning in June. Ku, Shoal Bay Villas, consider it a tossup with the SBV being alittle cheaper. I've never seen the Serenity rooms however the beach is much nicer in front of Ku and SBV. There are other beaches with resorts in the same price range. That being Rendezvous Bay Hotel on Rendezvous Bay, and the Carimar on Meads Bay as well.

If your looking to places to walk to or beach bars etc.....Shoal Bay is the place to be. The only negative about it , is that most of your nicer restaurants or on the west end so you might have to travel abit for dinner. However it's very easy to get around and driving to the other end presented "zero" problems for us. If your into incredible beaches, and superior dining you should start packing now...:)

Thanks for the info. How were the rooms at SBV?

KU was remodeled about a year ago so it has a "newer" look. SBV is nothing fancy, but clean. Try the link below and then click on virtual tour:

ehi.com/travel/carib/anguilla/caribbean-angu…

We just returned from Ku and although I haven't seen SBV rooms, if they were clean and relatively comfortable, I'd stay there before Ku.

They take better care of their part beach and their chairs have cushions. The service at Ku is pretty poor (see my review).

Serenity is just around the corner and, again, I didn't see their rooms, but we did eat dinner at their restaurant and it was fabulous. Serenity is right next door to Gwen's, which, in our opinion, was the best beach bar on Shoal Bay East in terms of food.

They do have chairs at their beach, which isn't much of a beach only because there is about 5-10 feet of sand between the edge of the property & the ocean...and when the sun starts going down it gets shady over there first...but if you don't mind taking your towels around the corner (a very short walk) you'll find the beach gets wider and the water isn't rocky at all (unless you swim out towards the reefs, where there is decent snorkeling).

If you are traveling before August, I highly recommend you consider staying at Rendezvous Bay Hotel (in keeping with the same budget). Rendezvous Bay is by far, in my opinion, the best beach on the island. Although they lack the number of "beach bars" SBE has, and even though RBH has steep bar prices, you can buy provisions at a grocery store and keep them in your room or bring along a soft-sided cooler as a carry-on (i got that idea from a forum and it worked so well). You can have a drink or eat at Cedar Grove, Anguilla Great House or Dune Preserve...they're all on Rendezvous Bay.

FYI - Uncle Ernies, Elodia's & Gwen's do not serve dinner...I believe they all close at 5pm or 6pm.

Just got back from the best week ever in Anguilla - We stayed at La Sirena and loved it - very reasonable - about 200 yards from the beach... We went to redevous Bay and it was nice also - I however would recommend the West end of the Island. To me the pocket you mention was quaint but seemed very "typical Carribean" - If you want people watching probable bettter. Check out Sirena - tiny beach bar, BBQ 3 days a week, on Meads Bay - near all 3 big resorts - we dined and drank there often.

We are staying at La Sirena in April and have reserved a 3 bedroom villa (Sea breeze, I believe). We were wondering if anyone has stayed in one of their villas and what they thought of it. We were also wondering if La Sirena is generally a quiet place to stay and if the beach bar will be open in April? This is our first time in Anguilla and we are looking forward to a relaxing vacation but plan on renting a car to check out other beaches too. Does anyone have suggestions on where to go in Anguella for the best snorkeling?

Jennifer - just wanted to chime in on Serenity since no else really has. We stayed at Serenity two years ago and will be staying there again in a few weeks. Serenity is absolutely wonderful and I think one of the best deals on the island. The rooms are huge with full kitchens and very clean. Really great and interesting bathrooms. They have wrap-around porches with wonderful views, especially from the upper rooms. I haven't seen he new building yet but I'm sure it's just as nice if not nicer than the rooms I have seen. For two couples traveling together I think the two bedroom would be ideal. The staff is wonderful and the restaurant is great (with great views!) if you don't feel like going out one night. Also Gwen's is just a few minutes up the beach and a really fun place for lunch.

It's true that the beach right out front is a little rocky in places, but you can walk literally 30 seconds to the west and there are great, open, beautiful stretches of beach.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time, wherever you decide to stay.

Thanks David2. I can not wait to go.