Economic Slump Leads To Hotel Deals On Sunny Anguilla

By: Valarie D'Elia

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The worldwide economic downturn has left its mark on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, but that may just mean more savings on a trip there. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

The exclusive island of Anguilla is renowned for some of the very best beaches in the Caribbean and its ritzy clientele has paid dearly for the privilege. Especially hard hit by the down economy, one could say the island is experiencing a "tropical depression" in the financial sense.

One of its classic resorts, Malliouhana, sits vacant on a bluff, while at the opposite end of Mead’s Bay, the uber-chic newcomer Viceroy is weathering money troubles of its own.

Meanwhile, on Maunday’s Bay, stalwart Cap Juluca is in receivership, a gentler alternative to bankruptcy.

On a recent media visit, I tested the waters of this beloved island to find the essence of it remains intact, with more ways to find luxury for less.

One of the most affordable stays is at the budget Anacaona, formerly the Sirena resort. Just steps from the beach it shares with the tony Viceroy, rooms outside of the high season start at $150 a night plus tax. Visit www.anacaonahotel.com for more information.

While Anacaona works hard to stay true to the island’s cultural roots, one can pick Viceroy up by its stylish foundation and plop it down on just about any beach anywhere and not even notice. Rates start at $395 plus tax in the off-season. For more information, visit www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla.

Despite a chorus of criticism over aging bathrooms and bedrooms and spotty service, my favorite resort on the island remains Cap Juluca. Nowhere have I felt an instantaneous transformation that settles into your bones the way a visit here does.

One of the Caribbean’s best deals, Cap Juluca offers a "book five nights, get five free" deal between late August and mid-October, bringing the rate down to $250 a night plus tax. View www.capjuluca.com for more details.

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As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.