A Staycation at Shoal Bay Villas
I love vacations. Whether it is a month-long trip or a weekend rendezvous I feel the same level of excitement. I enjoy travel but the idea of a weekend staycation at Shoal Bay Villas with just my hubby was just as enticing. Indeed, sometimes the best getaways are just a few miles away from home but worlds apart in terms of how they make you feel. A weekend stay at Shoal Bay Villas was just what Nash and I needed a few months ago as we prepared for some major life changes. Located on one of my favourite beaches, Shoal Bay East and surrounded by restaurants like Elodias, Madeariman, Tropical Sunset and The Manoah Ocean Beach Club, Shoal Bay Villas is a great choice for anyone looking for a getaway right at home.
When we arrived at the hotel, the owners Kathy and Rachel and Rachel’s adorable pup were there to greet us with big smiles, hugs and puppy licks. Once we were checked into our spacious deluxe one bedroom suite, I plopped down on the couch next to my husband and gave him a kiss. I knew immediately it was the perfect choice to return to the hotel from our very first staycation. The first time Nash and I stayed at Shoal Bay Villas we had only been married a few months. We were still very much in the honeymoon phase of our marriage and had no babies. Our world revolved around Nash and Shelly. This time around we were about to celebrate 5 years of marriage and had left our two year old son, who in many ways had become the centre of our world, at home. I was looking forward to two days of loving, laughing and living – with just the two of us.
Even Prettier than we remembered!
Shoal Bay Villas was even prettier than we remembered. We fell in love with our room, the hotel and of course the gorgeous beach view from the comfort of our suite all over again. There is a small gym but using it was not on our weekend agenda!
As I relaxed on a striped blue and white beach chair, I wondered if the ocean had decided to put on its most beautiful blues in anticipation of our visit. The ocean was smooth like glass and beckoned us to jump in, so we did. The sea water was cool and refreshing and we frolicked and dived and swam. The water was so freeing and rejuvenating that it was a struggle to drag ourselves out after a few hours to head for a late lunch.
Seriously- The Blues!
We decided to stay on Shoal Bay beach for our midday meal and walked over to Elodias Restaurant. I was Nash’s model as I struck poses as we walked along the beach. I loved the curious stares of onlookers.
Once we got to the restaurant, it was hard for me to decide what I wanted but I went as with the tasty ribs and Nash got a delicious whole snapper.
We spent the rest of the day lying around at Shoal Bay Villas and on the beach just relishing being in each other’s company. In the evening we took a before dinner stroll along the beach to catch the sunset. It was perfect. Have you ever caught a sunset on Shoal Bay?
That night we decided to venture out and drove to Sandy Ground for dinner at Roy’s. I love mussels so I selected the mussels and garlic bread with an order of fries. Nash loves fish and had the snapper for the second time. We were so stuffed by the time we left the restaurant and went back to the hotel.
The next morning, we woke up to the sounds of the ocean. The sea was choppier but majestic as fairly large waves crashed on the shore. I took a solitary early morning walk along the beach . My bare feet were caressed by the powdery sand, I watched seagulls dance and was mesmerized by the rhythm of the ocean. My heart was just so full of gratitude for everything about my life.
When I returned to our suite, Nash and I prepared breakfast. Shoal Bay Villas has a full kitchen and a dining table which I absolutely love. It is ideal for persons who want to have some meals outside of the hotel but who also would like to prepare their meals in-house as well.
After breakfast, we changed into our swimsuits and headed for the pool. I am an ocean girl but the pool at Shoal Bay Villas is pretty nice too.
For lunch, we visited Mabel in the Valley. If you haven’t tried her pea soup, conkie dumplings and potato pudding put it on your must-try and must-have list.
Our stay at Shoal Bay Villas allowed us to tick all the boxes – relax, rejuvenate, reconnect. If you are visiting Anguilla or if you live here and need to disconnect for a little bit, I am pretty sure a stay at Shoal Bay Villas is just what you need.
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Until then
Xoxo
Relaxed, Rejuvenated, Reconnected
Hi, I am in love with Anguilla! I visited with my husband a few years ago and want to bring my 4 children back for a vacation this summer 2019. My ideal vacation would be spending time on the beach, no Iphones, no Ipads, just simply admiring my family while making beautiful memories together….and maybe even reading a book or 2! Plus learning more about the island and Anguilla’s culture and arts. Looking for a great spot for the 6 of us to stay for 2 weeks in August. Not looking for luxurious accommodations, just a nice clean place where we have direct access to one of your beautiful beaches. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time. -Tanya
Hi Tanya
That sounds like the ideal vacation! Who needs technology when you can be enjoying sand, sea and sun with your fave people on earth. I agree!
Perhaps have a look at some of our smaller properties in the Charming Escapes collection.
Carimar, Anguilla Great House, Paradise Cove, Shoal Bay Villas come to mind. Also try Allamanda or Arawak Beach Inn. I believe there are now Airbnb’s available so definitely do a search to see what is available in Anguilla. Hoping you have another amazing stay!
Thank you so very much!
Tanya