JUST BACK FROM – ANGUILLA

AYE MATEY!

Anguilla is known for it’s pristine beaches that are arguably the best in the Caribbean. It was our first vacation since the pandemic began and Anguilla was the perfect destination. We felt very safe with their regimented Covid protocols, low infection rates, and the wide-open spaces.

Here’s a recap of our trip and the properties we stayed at –

Getting Here

First you will need to get to St. Maarten (SXM). From Houston there are no direct flights so the easiest options are to connect through either Charlotte, Atlanta, or Miami. All of the daily planes arrive within the same time window so be prepared for chaos! When you book with me, I’ll arrange an airport escort that will help guide you through the airport and fast track you through the lines. 

To get to Anguilla, you can take either a boat or a small plane. We choose to take the boat which involved a short 3-minute van ride from the airport to the dock, a 30 minute ferry ride, and a 5 minute van ride to our hotel. Anguilla is a British territory and St. Maarten is Dutch, so you’ll need to clear customs along the way. This isn’t too much of a process, just more passport stamps and a simple form. We traveled while Covid-19 protocols were still in place, but normally you can enjoy rum punches on the ferry ride over!

Hotels

Our first hotel was Malliouhana, an Auberge Property. When it opened over 30 years ago, Malliouhana put Anguilla on the map as the romantic getaway. The oceanfront resort continues to set the standard for modern day island glamour set atop a bluff that rolls down to pristine white sands and azure-blue sea. Weather for a romantic escape or family vacation, you’ll feel at home with this easy island lifestyle —and with the friendly Malliouhana family.

Our first hotel was Malliouhana, an Auberge Property. When it opened over 30 years ago, Malliouhana put Anguilla on the map as the romantic getaway. The oceanfront resort continues to set the standard for modern day island glamour set atop a bluff that rolls down to pristine white sands and azure-blue sea. Weather for a romantic escape or family vacation, you’ll feel at home with this easy island lifestyle —and with the friendly Malliouhana family.

What I loved about this hotel was the food and the friendly staff. Most of the people we met were on a repeat visit or had been coming for years and I can completely understand why!

Location
Malliouhana, located in Mead’s Bay on the privacy of Turtle Cove, a protected area with the calmest waters and softest sand on the northern side of the island.

The Rooms
The majority of the rooms are located within the main building perched on a cliff overlooking Turtle Cove. Each room has an expansive private terrace and start out a roomy 775 sq ft. There are also a few 2-3 bedroom oceanfront villas steps from the beach.

The Pool & Ocean
The pools at Malliouhana are second to none. Anguilla meets meets Beverly Hills of the 1950s. Two infinity edge pools with the top-tier pool flowing above into a second one below. Complete with cabanas, you can order drinks and meals.

Malliouhana also has three different beach options giving you the choice to relax in a secluded cove or on the main beach. But even on the main beach, it still felt very secluded and quiet. Only the main beach has attendants and it’s also steps away from Leon’s a laid-back beach shack restaurant experience.

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The Restaurants
Malliouhana’s signature restaurant, Cafe Celeste is one of the very best restaurants on the island. I would go back to Anguilla just to eat at this restaurant. They serve regional Caribbean inspired food in a classic but relaxed atmosphere. After a delicious meal head over to the intimate Bar Soleil. Bar Soleil is also a great place for lunch or a Caribbean tapas dinner and the best place on the island to see a dramatic sunset.

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Our next stop – Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel. It was just a short 5 minute drive from Malliouhana via taxi.

In 2017 Anguilla was hit hard by hurricane Irma and the island has spent the last few years rebuilding. After the hurricane, Belmond took over the Cap Juluca property, completed renovations, and created one of the most stunning hotel products that exists on the Caribbean market.

Location
Belmond Cap Juluca is located on Maunday’s Bay, a protected area on the south side of the island.

The Rooms
The rooms are located within individual casitas that stretch down the bay. Each casita holds anywhere from 1-4 rooms, all ocean facing and ocean front. You’re just a few steps from the beach. All rooms front the sea and feature a private, covered terrace. The newly renovated resort features Greco-Moorish architecture with an organic connection between its design and its influences from nature.

The Pool & Ocean
No matter where you go at Cap Juluca, you will never lose sight of an ocean view. Belmond is known for their exceptional service, and it was no exception here. The beach attendants remember your favorite drinks and have your chairs of choice set up with umbrellas and towels by the second morning. Your chairs are equipped with a button you can push for service and a Yeti cooler for keeping your waters and rum punches cold.

The pool is located up by the main building. There are two cascading infinity pools. One is right in the middle of the Uchu restaurant and more for taking a picture of the iconic view. The second pool is a bit of a hike from the casitas and beach, but a nice option if you get tired of the beach.

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The Restaurants

For lunch you can’t miss out on the Cap Shack, a beach bar that epitomizes toes-in-the-sand relaxation. For dinner, start your night off with learning how to saber a champagne bottle at Maunday’s Club. There are serval restaurants on property open on a rotating schedule. There is Pimm’s featuring Anguillan and Caribbean staples such as lobster, snapper, and jerk chicken. You can enjoy some Venetian glamour at Cip’s offering a casual Italian menu rich with comfort food in an open, al fresco setting. Or at Uchu you can have light bites by day and Peruvian cuisine by night.

What I loved about this hotel was the beautifully and well-appointed accommodations and exceptional service.

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Activities

There is a surprising amount to do on the island of Anguilla. You can have a relaxing day on the beach or customize your trip anyway you’d like with activities involving snorkeling, sailing, bike riding, or horseback rides on the beach.

Or of course you can just lounge on the beach or enjoy a day at the spa!

We had an absolutely amazing time on the island and I can’t wait to go back! Between the food, the people, and the amazing beaches this is might be the best destination in the Caribbean to visit.