Our Anguilla Favorites
An island after my own heart (and my company’s name), Anguilla is truly a hidden jewel in the eastern Caribbean. This charming island has all the musts for a tropical getaway, from azure waters to welcoming and friendly local residents, to eye-catching cliffs and remote beaches.
Whether you’re taking a boat trip out to the uninhabited Prickly Pear Cays or Sandy Island for a quiet, secluded beach picnic, touring Anguilla on an exhilarating ATV ride, or dancing the night away at Palm Grove, the tiny island brims with experiences from north to south, east to west.
Can’t get enough beach? There are 33 diverse beaches, with many regarded as in the top ten in the world. There’s the crescent-shaped Mead’s Bay, secluded Little Bay (reachable only by boat), Shoal Bay, Maundays Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and so many others to satisfy your white-sand whims.
On my recent trip to Anguilla (hard at work, promise!), I had the opportunity to see several island resorts and found there to be something for every type of traveler, from families to honeymooners. Plus, I’m able to offer my clients the added bonus of Virtuoso exclusive amenities, elevating any trip from standard to extraordinary (see what I’m talking about below). Check out these incredible stays, then be in touch so you can get there soon!
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
Cap Juluca has an avid fan club, and even through recent renovations, these loyal guests continue to return year after year. Rising like a mirage from the island landscape, the Greco-Moorish-style resort is the epitome of island chic. With its enviable setting on quite possibly the best beach in the Caribbean, Cap Juluca could sit back and say, “What else could you want?” Instead of resting on its laurels, however, the resort offers unequaled service, glam surroundings, candlelight beach dining on locally sourced cuisine, an indoor/outdoor spa, infinity pools, ocean adventures, and much more.
Who Will Love It: Couples looking to rekindle romance, style seekers, and celebs needing a quiet hideaway.
A Favorite Feature: Every room faces the sea and has a private, covered terrace.
Location: Right on the beach at Maundays Bay.
Virtuoso Amenities: When I reserve your stay, you’ll receive a room upgrade, early check-in, and late checkout, if available; daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom; $100 equivalent resort credit; and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection
I adore the boutique vibe of Malliouhana, with its welcoming ambiance, genteel service, and bright, airy guest rooms. There are just 46 accommodations (with charming king or queen poster beds), lending to the resort’s intimate, classic appeal. With its never-ending beaches, ocean-view restaurant, fabulous spa and fitness center, free non-motorized water sports (and plenty of lounge chairs on the beach, if that’s more your style!), Malliouhana is a dream island resort.
Who Will Love It: Well-heeled families seeking a spectacular island vacation, and couples in need of total downtime.
A Favorite Feature: The cliff-top infinity pools with ocean views (and separate family and adult pools!)
Location: Smack dab on the beach, within walking distance of great restaurants, and within a 5-minute drive of a Greg Norma-designed golf course
Virtuoso Amenities: When I reserve your stay, you’ll receive a room upgrade, early check-in, and late checkout, if available; daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom; $100 equivalent resort credit; and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
This modern resort is ideal for multiple generations of family gathering for vacation or a celebration, or perhaps as your own second home. Far from a typical island resort, the chic spaces here (by the acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler, no less) result in a space that feels like an amazing home. There are traditional guest rooms, as well as 24 stand-alone, four- or five-bedroom villas with plunge or private pools and gourmet kitchens.
Who Will Love It: Groups of friends and families for multigenerational trips and celebrations.
A Favorite Feature: Don’t want to use your villa’s kitchen? There are four fabulous restaurants on-site, too.
Location: Set on one of the island’s best beaches, within reach of other luxury resorts, CuisinArt and Anacaona.
Virtuoso Amenities: Give me a call and we’ll go over what exclusive perks you’ll receive here.
Aurora Anguilla
Similar in Grecian vibe to Cap Juluca, but with a distinct personality, this newly imagined resort boasts sleek accommodations and multi-bedroom villas that suit any style of traveler or size of group. The food is out of this world - from Japanese to Mediterranean to Italian, the resort restaurants focus on ingredients grown at its own hydroponic farm.
Who Will Love It: Golfers, spa lovers, active couples, and families.
A Favorite Feature: Taking a private charter boat ride to Sandy Island for a beach day and resort-packed picnic.
Location: Oceanfront on 300 acres of lush grounds, convenient to shopping and just a half-hour ferry ride from St. Martin.
Zemi Beach House
Less resort and more upscale beach retreat, Zemi is one of the island’s most alluring accommodations. The staff goes above and beyond to create unrivaled island experiences for the savvy traveler. From the Zemi Thai House Spa, to the locally inspired, yet globally influenced dining options, one can feel the cultivated sophistication.
Who Will Love It: Couples, spa lovers, and families seeking a beachfront boutique hotel.
A Favorite Feature: Hopping into a redesigned, open-air Moke (one of the world’s most classic vehicles) and exploring the island in style
Location: Overlooking tranquil Shoal Bay.
Virtuoso Amenities: When I reserve your stay, you’ll receive a room upgrade, early check-in, and late checkout, if available; daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom; $100 equivalent resort credit; and complimentary Wi-Fi.
ANI Resorts
You may have read my recent review of ÀNI Thailand. It was a delight to experience sister property ÀNI Anguilla, perched atop Little Bay’s striking cliffs. When you stay in one of the two elegant villas you’ll have access to your own swimming pool, dedicated staff, half-board dining, daily spa treatments, all kinds of activities and water sports, and more.