This is a place for those who are looking for a real down to earth, personal vacation.
I had an amazing time here and became very close to EVERY single employee, especially the owner Maria. I have never been treated so well anywhere before. I came here to find myself again and recover from life in general. I left here with some of the best memories of my life and with friends that are to this day close to my heart.

Thank you! I will be back as soon as I possibly can!

-Florian Grohmann

I had a good chuckle reading the reviews by the fraidy-cat couple from Philadelphia. I stayed there for a week last month and loved every minute of it. The Arawak is actually near the village of Island Harbour, within walking distance of the local supermarket, and a stone's throw from the village public school. Quite a few of the school kids walk over and have lunch. I felt perfectly safe the whole time, both at the Arawak, and on the island as a whole. In fact, every Anguillan that I met was very friendly, helpful, and happy to extend their amazing hospitality to visitors. One of the big plusses about the Arawak is that Shoal Bay Beach, which is truly one of the finest beaches that I have seen, is only ten minutes away by car. Maria, the manager, is a gem, and does a great job looking after your every need without getting underfoot. I felt no need for air conditioning and was very happy to sleep with all the windows wide open so that I could hear the sound of the surf, and if that appeals to you as well, you should request an upper deluxe unit. The pool is right outside the restaurant/bar area and is well maintained. It's nice to be able to have dinner on the teak patio furniture poolside in the evening, and enjoy the great view since you are only steps from the ocean. The dinners that I had there were all great - especially the grouper in a cream sauce - very nice. I can also recommend the lime cheesecake with choclate drizzle - I had to have that more than once! Maria makes sure the coffee is always freshly brewed, and you are free to help yourself to beer, wine, etc. just note it down, since it is via the honour system. The Arawak upper unit that I was in was great. The shower rod was tired and could use replacing, and the shower soap/shampoo caddy was getting rusty, but these are minor items and I am sure they will be upgraded in the near future. Maria ensures that the Arawak has the special feel of being with "family", rather than just another hotel guest. I am already making plans to return there next November.....

My firts time there , Maria is so cute , very kind person , Maurise , is the best chef in the world. Thanks , for extreme good night , in Arakaw beach inn

I tried to save some money and book one night here for a late arrival from the ferry. My taxi driver looked at me strange when I said where I wanted to go..but for 100 dollars a night I was realistic it would be low end...so didn't think much of his reaction. The locals are afraid to say anything it seems because it's a small island. It was the worst experience of my life. If I could have moved to another place I would..but it is so far in middle of now where. The pool is connected to house deck which seems to above ground. It is filthy from lobby to rooms. I couldn't sleep because the guy they called security told me there had been robberies..but none since he was hired. Proceeded to show me a phone on outside of main house I would just pick up and dial him...his cell phone even rang in his pocket to prove it. Then Maria ,the security guy and her other assistant said goodnite see you in morning and drove off. I was terrified so dark and creepy..I had a gut feeling that something bad might happen here and watched my clock every hour til morning...at 8am I had taxi pick me up and when he arrived..I said that wAs a terrifying experience and a total dump. He laughed and expected my response..doesn't know why tourists book. If it was free I wouldn't stay there..I'm a 40 year old woman who understands that 100 dollar room would be roughing it a bit...but putting myself in a scary situation no savings worth that...I don't care what response gets posted under this...I swear to you...beware! These other reviews of 5 are out of there minds...at one point I actually wished I rented a car so I could sleep in the backseat....another traveler elsewhere said she once hrs ago stayed here and other guests cried bc booked a week..I did for 1 night.