This review is late, but hopefully better than never since the photos might help potential guests see the setting. When we arrived to check in at Cove Castles, Linda and Harriet welcomed us and we were shown to our beach house. We stayed in the first beach house you get to when driving from the entrance. The atmosphere is like having an entire villa to yourself; there is no beach service, but guests have extreme privacy and the ocean is nearly at your doorstep.

I was impressed with the housekeeping, which was extraordinary. The beach house is spacious, with a large back patio complete with hammock. There were complimentary provisions and champagne in the refrigerator upon arrival.

Sadly the ants were on the scene here too (smaller than the ones at Cap Juluca earlier in the week, but more plentiful). I am told this is extremely rare and not normal. Our first day, there were more of them than we could count in the closets and on the rattan bureau, and a few in the bathroom. We let the staff know and by the end of our stay we only saw them sporadically.

The trade winds coming in and the view out of the upstairs bedroom were magnificent. The sheets on the bed were soft and beautiful with detailed stitching. However, we found the bed to be very firm and uncomfortable since we could feel the springs in several places. Mattresses are such an individual thing, and each unit may have different mattresses, but we did not sleep well. Since Cove Castles was built over 25 years ago, there are some things that are showing wear (cushions on the downstairs furniture in our unit had a lot of pills, screen door was a bit warped and kept coming off, stains on upstairs curtains) and the bathroom is dated, but the view was truly breathtaking. I have never stayed anywhere that was this close to the water.

The beach was deserted at Cove Castles most afternoons. Later in the week we met what seemed to be the only other couple there. They were charming owners of another beach house on the property; they even invited us over for drinks later in the week, but sadly our return trip beckoned.

In hindsight, I am torn about returning considering the physical improvements that need to be made and the small bathroom (at the current price point); which is what I took into account for the TripAdvisor question about whether I would recommend the hotel to a friend. That said, there is something special about the privacy, trade winds, patio/hammock, and being so near to the water. It is truly relaxing to read in the hammock and listen to the waves mere feet away, and to walk a deserted beach at sunset.

Private cove, stunning architecture and the most warm and caring staff made this extended family birthday celebration a lifetime memory. Perfect sunny days, gently lapping turquoise blue water and full moon evening sky made this vacation an 11 on a scale of 1-10!! Our 3 bedroom villa was immaculate, constant cooling sea breeze was delightful and daily maid service was impeccable.

We have been coming to Anguilla for over a decade and wanted to try Cove Castles. We were very disappointed. THe bathrooms are no better than a motel - very cramped and old, with a stall shower. Our villa was crawling with ants. There is no one at all to help out on the beach if you need someone to find an umbrella or an extra chair. The restaurant seems deserted. THe rooms need a major overhaul yet it seems as if there are no plans for this to happen. THe only plus was that we had the beach to ourselves. For the price, there are far batter places to stay on the island.

Have traveled throughout the Caribbean for 40 yrs and stayed at most of the "deluxe" resorts. Half Moon on Montego Bay, Blue Water in Antigua, The Countess in St Thomas (the Best!) etc. I am grateful I can afford to do this. I work hard and travel 3-4 weeks a year. On Dec 22nd I was able to break from work and there was availability at CC. I was a given handsome discount at the Christmas/ New Years date, but required to pay in full 5 days at $1500 per day for the two bedroom villa. Very nice location and nice, though dated architecture. There was the complimentary free bottle of wine and fruit plate. I don't drink. No pool for the two villas and no restaurant during the Christmas holidays.
The Bed was a ROCK and most uncomfortable. I could not sleep. There is no central AC. In the wall older AC units bang and clang when their thermostat turns each on or off. I tried sleeping on the rattan sofa the next night and it was just as Bad! I asked if there was other accommodations or a difference bed and was COMPLETELY IGNORED. I left and fortunately found a fabulous Brand new resort (with infinity pool , wonderful restaurant, quiet central AC on the ocean) right down the road at half the cost. I requested 3 nights back from CC and was again IGNORED. I have filed a complaint with the California Attorney General's office. I know the picture are Fabulous. Convinced me to prepay. Big Mistake. I was in the Army and I am easy to please, but too many things here not up to snuff here. First time I have ever written a review, but beware here.