Thursday Night Dinner Change of Plans

Slight change of plans for dinner on Thursday night…

We had hoped to dine at Sand Bar but that’s not going to work. Instead we’ll plan to walk down to The Pump House after the happy hour at Elvis’ and grab dinner there. The menu is pub food with an island twist, plus lots of specials every night. It’s a casual place and live music by The Musical Brothers starts around 10pm. Good news is that it’s the place to be on a Thursday night on the island!

If you are interested in fine dining instead, you can walk to either Barrel Stay or Dolce Vita, both just down the beach from Elvis’ place. If you stayed through Sunday evening during our wedding, Barrel Stay is where we had everyone meet up for dinner. Dolce Vita has amazing Italian food. Sand Bar is also just down the beach and specializes in small plates. All are fantastic options if you are looking to try some of the fantastic cuisine on the island.

Travel Tips

1. DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORTS!

2. Cash and Credit Cards - Anguilla's currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is pegged to USD at EC$2.70 per dollar, but everyone typically uses US dollars down there.

Before you leave, you will want to hit an ATM or pick up some travelers checks though. There are a number of ATMs around Anguilla, including a few you'll see along the side of the road as you are driving around, but they tend to run out of cash on weekends. The ATMs in town (The Valley, center of the island and east of where we're all staying) at the main bank offices seem to be the most reliable, and we've used an ATM in Sandy Ground along with a few at banks alongside the main road. In terms of having cash on you, every hotel room has a safe.

Believe me, though, this isn't something to stress about. Most of the restaurants, bars, and shops take credit cards, though typically Visa/MC.  The hotels take AmEx but not the restaurants and bars. Mainly, you'll need cash for taxis.

One more thing you will need cash for… When you leave Anguilla from Blowing Point ferry terminal, you'll need US$25 cash per person for departure tax and small bills to tip the porters that move your bags on and off the boat.

3. Getting Around - Generally there isn't a need to rent a car in Anguilla. We've done it for a day here and there, just to drive around and explore a bit. Cabs are plentiful but can get expensive, though having more people in the cab defrays the cost per person. If you do want to rent a car or Jeep, let us know and we can connect you with Sid. He can arrange to have the car waiting for you at the ferry terminal or your hotel. Car rental per day is around $60. And don’t forget to drive on the left side of the road!

4. Tips - When you go to a restaurant, they will typically include an 18% service charge on the check, so just be sure to check before you add an additional tip. Otherwise, it's the customary amount (10-15% if you're cheap, more if you have a conscience).

5. Wifi and Cell Phone Service - This is one major area of upgrade on the island since our wedding, now most places offer free wifi. The best thing to do is to turn off your cell service when you get on the island and log in to the available wifi wherever you might be. Texting on wifi is likely the best way to communicate while on island. If you need to reach us call our local cell number 264-582-0165. If you have AT&T your cell will work on international roaming but Verizon tends not to work.

6. Grocery Store – There’s a brand new, large grocery store on the main road right by Meads Bay called Best Buy. They really have everything you could possibly need, certainly moreso than regular NYC grocery stores. Unless the entire island happens to be out of hot dog buns or Diet Coke (both actually happened to us). It’s walking distance from Anacaona and you can check out a bike at Malliouhana for a short ride. They have beer and booze as well, though I don’t think the beer is cold. There are a bunch of other roadside bodega-type stores as well. Foods 95 is west of the hotels and Mingz and Romcan are east. Oddly, Mingz is one of a number of Chinese groceries on the island. There’s an ATM at Romcan. 

Weekend Events

We are getting so excited to see you all on the island. The one-month countdown is on, so we wanted to fill you in on some of the other things we have planned.

We've put together options that hit some of the best restaurant spots on the island and enable you to experience a few different beaches. We’re taking transportation into account as well as taxis can get expensive on the island. We’re hoping folks at hotels can share like one big happy family.  

We realize for many of you that this is a mini-vacation, not just a weekend to celebrate our anniversary, so we want everyone to have time to relax on your own or have the option to join us for various events if interested.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Welcome Happy Hour

7pm, Elvis’ Beach Bar

We’ll kick-off the weekend on Thursday evening down at Sandy Ground. Join us for a welcome happy hour at Elvis’ Beach Bar. There will be an open bar and snacks.

Elvis' Beach Bar

Dinner

8:30pm, Sand Bar

Following that we’re planning to walk down the beach for dinner at Sand Bar. Sand Bar is a casual tapas restaurant right on the beach. Must order: tuna poke and the fries.

If you’d like to do dinner on your own, we recommend Dolce Vita and Barrel Stay, which are walkable from Sandy Ground. Veya is another great spot near Sandy Ground that’s just a very short ride from Elvis’ bar.

Then for those of you ready to party after dinner, we’ll check out some live music by the Musical Brothers at Pump House and maybe wander back down to see Elvis at some point.

What To Wear: Anything goes – wear comfortable shoes or sandals so you can dance in the sand!

Transportation: Grab a taxi from your hotel to Elvis’ bar. Later that night we will make sure there are taxis available for people to share.

RSVP: Let us know if you’re interested in dinner at Sand Bar.

Sand Bar 

FRIDAY, MAY 1

Lunch on Meads Bay

You know, around lunchtime, at Blanchard’s Beach Shack

Most guests are staying on Meads Bay, and Blanchard’s Beach Shack is right smack in the middle of the beach. It’s a super casual place where you walk up to a window to order tacos, salads, and sandwiches then grab a picnic table or a complementary beach chair and umbrella.

What To Wear: Swimsuits and flip-flops. Don’t forget sunscreen and a towel.

Transportation: Just walk down the beach.

RSVP: No need to RSVP.

Blanchard's Beach Shack

Five Years One Love Anniversary Party

5pm to 10pm, Garvey’s Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay

The main event! We’re planning for a fun night with dinner right on the beach.

After dinner and dancing, we’re planning to walk down the beach to see Bankie Banx (and hopefully his son, Omari) at Dune Preserve.

What To Wear: We want you to be comfortable and ready to dance in the sand. D.J. will be wearing his bright green pants from the wedding so get excited. Mulligan wins extra points if he wears his yellow groomsmen pants.

Transportation: We will provide transportation from your hotel. More details to follow.

RSVP: We’re assuming you won’t miss this party. Let us know if you want the combo plate of ribs and chicken or whole snapper (so good).

Garvey's Sunshine Shack 

SATURDAY, MAY 2

Lunch on Cove Bay

1pm, Smokey’s at the Cove

We want to meet up at the site of our wedding – Smokey’s at the Cove. Saturdays at Smokey’s is one of our favorite traditions with great food and live music all afternoon from The Musical Brothers. We’ll reserve a table and beach chairs for the group, and feel free to join us at any point.

What To Wear: Swimsuits and flip-flops. And don’t forget sunscreen and a towel.

Transportation: Grab a taxi from your hotel.

RSVP: Let us know if you might join us for lunch.

Smokey's 

Dinner

8pm, Picante

The Mexican food at Picante is awesome – everything is really fresh, and the food is just really good Mexican for anywhere, not just Anguilla. It is also the site of our rehearsal dinner. Love this place! Must order: Ground beef tacos, seafood enchiladas, Picante Tacos, and the street corn appetizer.

After dinner, anyone who’s interested can grab a taxi down to Sandy Ground for some more liming.

What To Wear: Shorts, pants, and sundresses – anything goes!

Transportation: Grab a taxi from your hotel.

RSVP: Let us know if you might be interested in dinner.

Picante

SUNDAY, MAY 3

Lunch on Meads Bay

You know, around lunchtime, at Blanchard’s Beach Shack

Some folks are headed back to reality on Sunday, but for those of you who are still around get excited for a beach day and float party on Meads Bay. We’re going to get some floats, find an anchor for Sunday Funday party. H/T to Ryan Bowey for introducing us to the concept of the float party. We’ll bring a cooler with some beer, white wine, and there are other fun drink options at Blanchard’s.

If you want to try some of the other spots for lunch on Meads Bay, we suggest Straw Hat, Jacala and the restaurant at Malliouhana Hotel. All are delicious.

What To Wear: Swimsuits and flip-flops. And don’t forget sunscreen and a towel.

Transportation: Just walk down the beach.

RSVP: No need to RSVP.

Blanchard's Beach Shack

Dinner on Meads Bay

8pm at Straw Hat

Join us for one last dinner at Straw Hat at the Frangapani Hotel. The Straw Hat fries are amazing, and if you haven’t had Anguillian crayfish by this point, we highly recommend ordering it here.

What To Wear: Shorts, pants, sundresses, jeans – anything goes!

Transportation: Just walk down the beach.

RSVP: Let us know if you might be interested in dinner.

Straw Hat

Beautiful Meads Bay

We are a month and a half away from the party and getting really excited over here. Plans are starting to come together and most of the guests have sent in RSVPs. It's shaping up to be the most fun group we could imagine. It's going to mean so much to celebrate with you!

To get you pumped, check out this aerial video of Meads Bay. If you've booked at Malliouhana, Carimar or Anacaona, you will be right on this beach. It's one of our favorites on the island. You're going to love it... I mean, that water...

If you have any questions on planning the final details of your travel, don't hesitate to reach us. In the coming days / weeks, we'll be posting some details on booking the ferry from St. Martin and some other fun stuff we're planning. 

Hotel Update: Anacaona Hotel

Hello, friends! We hope you all received the invitation and are getting excited. This weather has us wishing for sunny days on the island.

Slight change of plans on the hotel front. Rooms at the Carimar have booked up, but there is another great option located just down Meads Bay (same beach as Malliouhana Hotel and Carimar) called Anacaona Hotel. 

www.anacaonahotel.com

Anacaona is a boutique hotel with a pool (!) and the beach is just down a short path. The hotel actually shares the same beach front as the Viceroy Hotel. Unlike Carimar, Anacaona has a restaurant on property that allegedly has the best pizza on the island. Disclaimer: We haven't tried it yet, shocking, given D.J.'s love of pizza. 

On a side note, we encourage you to book soon, especially if you are interested in Malliouhana Hotel as rates there are only guaranteed through March 1. If you have any questions or run into issues, don't hesitate to email us.

Here are the types of rooms they have available:

• Superior Room, $200 per night - Located on the ground, second or third floor in the Allamanda House with King Bed or 2-Double Beds and bathroom with large shower, Balcony/Patio, Frette Linens, Mini Fridge, Air Conditioning, Ceiling Fan, Cable TV, I-Pod Docking Station, Laptop size in Room Safe, Complimentary Wireless Internet, Melita-Javapod Coffee Maker, Iron & Ironing board, Hairdryer and Locally Crafted Bathroom Amenities.

• Junior Suites, $245 per night - Ocean view, King-size Bed and Pullout Sofa, Living Room Area, Kitchenette with microwave, extensive Bathroom with Shower & Whirlpool bath Balcony, Frette Linens, Air Conditioning, Ceiling fans, Cable TV, IPod Docking Station, Laptop size in room safe, Iron & Ironing board, Wireless Internet, Phone and Hairdryer and Locally Crafted Bathroom Amenities. 

• Two Bedroom Villa Suites, $300 per night - 2-bedroom/2-bath with kitchen, lounge, verandah or outdoor patio, Air Conditioning, Frette Linens, Ceiling Fans, Cable TV in lounge and bedrooms, I-pod Docking Station, Phone, Laptop size in room safe, Iron & Ironing board, Wireless Internet and Hairdryer and Locally Crafted Bathroom Amenities. Access to the other bedrooms is through a screened in Lanai/porch. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom. In each unit one bedroom has a king bed and the other room has two double beds. Our 2 bedroom Villa Suites are in separate buildings, one is closer to the 2nd pool and the other closer to the main house. They both also have another open patio area if needed. 

Same as the other hotels, rates are per night and subjected to 10 percent Government Tax, 10 percent Service Charge and a 5 percent Environmental Surcharge. There is also a $1.00 Tourism Marketing Levy per person per night.

To reserve your room, contact Raquel at 877-647-4736 or via email at raquel@anacaonahotel.com. Mention Belock Anniversary to reserve your room. 

Here are some photos:

Flight Information

Welcome back to the Anguilla trip blog. I’m guessing you haven’t been here in five years. Here’s my update on how to get to Anguilla. I will also cut and paste some of the relevant info from the same post from before the wedding.

For the most part, the easiest way to get to Anguilla is to fly to St. Maarten (SXM) and take the 20-minute ferry to Blowing Point in Anguilla - more details in the post below about ferries to come. Then you take a short taxi ride to your hotel destination. You can fly directly into Anguilla from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Cape Air, which is a small plane but can be easier if you can get a direct flight to Puerto Rico. We’ve done both but flying into SXM tends to be the easiest.

Your direct flights to SXM are from NYC (JFK/EWR), Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami.  If you’re not in one of those cities, you’re connecting, but it’s not too bad.  We are flying from Cincinnati through Atlanta and will get to SXM before 2pm.

If you have any questions about these flight options or if you're coming from somewhere we overlooked, feel free to email us. 

Air Travel from Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh: 

Your best bet and the shortest routes are to fly through Charlotte to St. Maarten on US Airways/American or through Atlanta on Delta. There's a United flight out of Newark but it is first thing in the morning, so unless someone wants to stay in NYC overnight, another airline will probably be the best way to go.  Both would entail an early flight out of CLE and arrival in St. Maarten (SXM) around 1 or 2pm.  You may be able to get an early-enough flight to MIA and then on to SXM as well.

Air Travel from DC area: 

Looks like you are flying through Charlotte on American/US Airways – that has the most options.  You can get to SXM through ATL and MIA as well.  There is actually a direct flight from BWI to SJU on Southwest and one from DCA on JetBlue, and then on to AXA on Cape Air. This may be a decent but slightly more expensive option than flying into SXM and then taking the ferry over.

Air Travel from NY area: 

A few options here: Newark (EWR) direct to SXM on United, take ferry over to Anguilla. Also JetBlue, Delta, and American fly direct to SXM from JFK.  You could also fly direct to San Juan (SJU) and fly on Cape Air right into Anguilla, but you’re on two different airlines.  I believe United has a code share with Cape Air so you can do it on one itinerary.

Air Travel from LA:

You are probably on a redeye from LAX to JFK or ATL on American, JetBlue, or Delta. Though you are probably not attending… :)

Air Travel from Atlanta:

Murph, assuming you are there, you have one option - 10am Delta to SXM, arrive at 2pm, take the ferry over. Sorry if I forgot anyone else that lives in the ATL.

Air Travel from Dallas Area:

You can fly from DFW through Charlotte now that AA and US Airways have merged, or through MIA to SXM.

Air Travel from Cincinnati Area:

We are flying on Delta through Atlanta, which seems to be a decent option and gets you in before 2pm.  If you don’t like Delta, through Charlotte on US Airways is your other option.

Air Travel from Austin, TX:

Looks like you are limited to getting to SXM through Charlotte on US Airways/AA, as the flights to MIA and ATL don’t arrive in time to connect.  The return has more options through those cities.

Air Travel from Seattle Area:

Well, Seattle, looks like you're also on a redeye to ATL on Delta, Charlotte on USAirways, or MIA on American.  Tough break, but we'll be excited to see you!

36 Hours in Anguilla

The countdown is on! This is going to make you want to book your ticket ASAP... 

Enjoy Anguilla making it big in the New York Times today! 

Hotels

We were just back on the island around Thanksgiving and nailed down some hotel options. We definitely recommend booking as soon as possible as rooms are limited.

Our plan with selecting these hotels is to ideally have guests all stay on one beach – beautiful Meads Bay. We’re thinking it will make sharing transportation and general merriment all that much easier. Oh, and it just happens to be an amazing beach with lots of cute restaurants for both lunch and dinner. It’s one of our favorites.

Of course, we’re totally open to guests staying anywhere they love on island – maybe where you stayed last time. We want you to be as comfortable and happy as possible. If that’s the case, just let us know, and we might be able to help secure rates or give you some insight on the property you’re considering.

One other thing to keep in mind… Nothing new here, but since there is no income tax on the island or really many or any other taxes, they charge taxes to people that stay in hotels. In Anguilla, they charge double-tens.  In other words, there are two 10 percent taxes on the base hotel rate. So when you are thinking about the total cost, add 20 percent to the hotel rate. 

Check out D.J. doing some party planning. It's so stressful! 

Hotels – Carimar Beach Club

www.carimar.com

Carimar, situated right on Meads Bay Beach, is a series of villas with four rooms in each building. The rooms are one or two-bedroom, and each has a full kitchen, living room/sitting area, and patio.  Two of the villas are right on the beach, and the rest are in a horseshoe around a garden area backing away from the beach.  But the furthest villa building is about 100 yards from the beach, and you have ocean/beach views from every room.

Carimar is right next to Malliouhana (reminder: location of D.J. and Korinne's engagement and where some guests will be staying). The resort has water sports, tennis courts, and a concierge that can set up anything you might need to do. There is not a restaurant at Carimar (that's why there are kitchens), but you are obviously right next to Malliouhana, which has a great restaurant.  Meads Bay Beach is also home to a number of other restaurants, including the new Blanchard’s Beach Shack, Straw Hat at Frangipani Hotel, and Jacala. 

The prices at Carimar are very reasonable, and again, it is right on a fantastic beach.

Beach View 1 Bedroom – $260 until April 30, $230 starting May 1 

Beach View 2 Bedrooms – $375 until April 30, $330 starting May 1

Email Cindy at carimar@carimar.com. Or call 264-497-6881. Please note they only have six rooms still available, so if you’re interested, definitely book soon. When booking, mention Belock Anniversary.

Here are some photos of Carimar.

Hotels – Malliouhana

www.malliouhana.aubergeresorts.com

Malliouhana was one of the original luxury properties built on the island back in the 80s. After a three-year closure and months of renovations, it’s open again – and it’s stunning. We stayed there during our trip over Thanksgiving and had an amazing stay. It’s built on a cliff overlooking Meads Bay and it’s just a short walk from the rooms to the beach. There are also two infinity pools right next to the Sunset Bar, very close to the rooms. Well, we’ll just let the photos speak for themselves…

We got engaged on that little beach!

These are great rates for this resort, and since the hotel recently reopened, you won’t see rates like this again:

Garden View Deluxe Room - $400 per night, 5 night minimum or $470 for stays of 4 nights or less. (Please note they only have 4 Garden View rooms in inventory.)

Ocean View Premium Room - $490 per night, 5 night minimum or $550 for stays of 4 nights or less. 

Email Deborah or Amanda at ma.reservations@aubergeresorts.com to book. Or call 264-497-6111. Bookings need to be made directly with the hotel prior to March 1. A 50 percent deposit would be required at the time of booking and is fully refundable up until 30 days prior to arrival.  When booking, mention Belock Anniversary.

Private Villas for Groups / Families

If you are thinking of bringing down your family or groups of friends are interested in sharing a villa, please email us directly. There are some amazing options on island that we can help you find and book directly.

If you’re going to do some research on your own, look for villas on the West End. That will be very close to Meads Bay and some of the other festivities we’ll be planning.

Check out www.islanddreamproperties.com, under Rentals. Again, we’re happy to give you some insight on the properties if we can, and connect you with Jackie who runs this real estate company. She will be able to help you find what you’re looking for!

Save the Date

Save the Date

You didn’t think we’d forget to update the wedding blog, did you?

Clearly, you just received an exciting, random Save the Date via snail mail, and you’re wondering what the heck we’re planning. Maybe you’re thinking...didn’t we celebrate enough the first time?! Well, yes, you did. But we want to do it all over again (sort of)…

We’re planning a wedding weekend reunion for our five-year anniversary on May 1, 2015, and we want you to celebrate with us. Of course, we realize you probably have one or a million things going on such as: kids’ (plural) soccer games, being pregnant (Anguilla is still fun sober!), moving to the ‘burbs (or an exotic location like Cincinnati), or possibly even planning your own private, romantic vacation since the kids are now old enough to be dropped off at the grandparents for an extended period of time. So, let us be clear:

1) We love you and want you to celebrate with us in Anguilla.

2) Feel no pressure whatsoever to attend. We totally get it. 

So, all that aside, here’s what we’re thinking for Anguilla 2015…

You and your husband / wife / boyfriend / girlfriend / BFF who likes to party fly down to join us in Anguilla sometime in the range of late April. We’re hosting the big party on our actual anniversary, Friday, May 1 – a true beach party blowout that will go down in history. And then you fly out whenever the heck you want.

We’ll plan a smattering of other gatherings like dinners, happy hours, a beach day, dancing at Elvis’ until 2am and those details will become clear early next year. Be sure you will see the best of Anguilla without all those pesky wedding weekend obligations. This is just fun.

We’ll also be recommending most likely two hotels at different price points. But we’re totally open to folks staying wherever they feel comfortable if they have a preference. More information on that early next year as well. No worries to book a hotel until then.

So if you think you’re down for the most fun weekend ever to celebrate Korinne + Deej "one love" and our love for you, we think you should join us. YOLO.

If you think you might be interested, email us and let us know. No hard RSVP here clearly – we’ll ask for that later – but if you even have a general interest we’d love to know. There aren’t too many metrics out there for percentage of RSVPs to a destination wedding reunion party, so we’re just trying to gauge interest.

Finally, since you know we’re major planners, we’ll be updating this website in the coming weeks and months with flight information (no need to book until early next year, in case you forgot it’s easiest to fly into St. Maarten), plus fun stuff to get you excited about traveling back to the most beautiful island in the world.

Now to a few of our favorite wedding photos, plus check out the slideshow below. You’re in there somewhere!

We love you guys! 

Korinne + D.J