Re: Anguilla Trip Report
Bonjour Petri et Julia:
The construction down at the other end, straddling Mead's Bay and Barnes Bay, is the Viceroy which will have a lot of high end units. The other two projects on Mead's Bay will also have fairly high end units, but high capacity as well.
There is no doubt that Mead's Bay will change some; however, I feel condifent that Malliouhana will still maintain standards. It's little corner of the beach is somewhat protected although folks can stroll in and if things get two crowded, I imagine they will beef up their other beach (Turtle) which is not accessible other than by water or through Malliouhana.
I did query several people about the building boom and what it means. And, yes, there are definitely gastarbeiters who have been imported to do a lot of the heavy lifting. Indeed, Viceroy I believe is being built by Indians who would walk the beach in large groups from time to time. No bad behavior, just a little odd looking.
Some Anguillans feel that the Old Folks sold out and once their bonanza is spent, the money is gone and so is the heritage of Anguilla. The younger people apparently are far more conscious of keeping land "in the family". As such, they are partnering more with outsiders and trying to benefit by the relationship as opposed to selling out. Even the law has taken this into account and no one but Anguillans can build homes on the beach anymore. Hotels, condos, yes. But homes on the beach have to be owned by Anguillans.
Anguilla COULD BECOME what some maintain that St Barth has already become (even if that sentiment is wrong concering St Barth). If it is a consolation, everything that I saw going in appeared to be pretty High End. So it is likely that it will draw a more monied crowd than other nearby "THREE NIGHT SPECIAL!" islands that appeal to Aunt Marge and Uncle Leo from Sheboygan. Even so, on Mead's Bay alone, they are building at least three new properties that will have more rooms than Guanahani, St Barth's one Megaresort (LOL).
Here is my prediction for the future:
1. Anguilla will become a favored destination for Monied Folks and draw a lot of Northeast Lawyers, Bidnessfolks, doctors, etc. It will be on everyone's maps. The great beaches will remain. Ditto the great restos. But some of the casual limin vibe will give way to Glitz.
2. St Barths will continue to be the ONLY place like it in the Caribbean.
3. Anguilla will become "more famous" than St Barth.
4. Every Season, The Uberriche will still go to St Barth.
Monsieur Le Maire Magras - et en juillet Monsieur Le President Magras - is a slow/no growth leader who sees the dangers out there. Yes, he has permitted more villas during his time than any other time in St Barth history (some of which he had no control over). But there is a moratorium on hotels and even locals on St Barths must struggle to build villas. That is, it takes YEARS for even locals to get building permits.
St Barth is unique. Anguilla is fantastic - and probably always will be. But it is trading Limin for Glam. Everyone can have their own opinion of that.
PS: I think Malliouhana will always be a prize and as I plan to go back many times, I shall sound the warning bell if I ever feel otherwise.