Our exotic escape began at Cap Juluca,a Belmond Hotel, Anguilla, on the the islands’ crescent-shaped Maundays Bay. The luxury eastern Caribbean resort offers 64 rooms, 44 suites, four restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a-state-of-the-art spa, and so much more.
After settling into our room and taking in the stunning ocean views from the property’s rooftop terrace, we moved down to the beach for a little before-dinner relaxation in the sun. Late sleepers rejoice, as there is no need to get up early to claim a spot on the sand because each guest room comes with reserved beach loungers and many complimentary amenities.
After spending the afternoon lounging in the sun and sipping on refreshments by the sea, we headed to the main house to partake in a sabering ritual, a daily experience where guests are taught how to saber a bottle—followed by a champagne toast. That first night, we dined al fresco at Uchu, a Peruvian restaurant where the menu is inspired by and divided into three landscapes—coast, jungle, and the Andes. Selections range from Peruvian spaghetti to marinated flank steak, with each dish taking on flavors of the region. Cap Juluca’s other onsite dining options are Cip’s by Chipriani (a seaside, al fresco Italian eatery), Pimms (elevated Anguillan cuisine and Caribbean-inspired dishes), and the Cap Shack (beachside bites).
Resort guests have access to a number of offsite activities, including snorkeling adventures, horseback riding, and fishing excursions. But if you’re like me and prefer to relax and unwind while on holiday, stay on site and experience the Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain. I opted for the Ocean Vibes massage and facial, a multisensory treatment that recreates the sounds and feelings of the ocean.
Take a Break: The luxurious La Samanna Spa offers guests an open-air courtyard for lounging between treatments.
Rounding out our last day in Anguilla, we headed to Blowing Point Ferry Terminal for a quick (about 30 minutes) transfer, where we checked into La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel, St. Martin. Slightly larger than Cap Juluca, the resort offers 83 rooms and suites, eight villas, two restaurants, a beach bar and La Cave, an onsite wine cellar. (If you don’t fancy wine, the cellar also houses spectacular rums from around the world).
Our second-story room evoked the feeling of being in a treehouse, with lush foliage surrounding the windows and picturesque views from our private terrace. Following an afternoon of exploring the grounds and swimming in the crystal-clear water, we headed to the Italian beachfront restaurant, La Spiaggia, by Laplaj. Be sure to try one of their house-made spritzes and homemade gnocchi con pesto di pistachio al limone.
Once again, a priority was to experience the La Samanna Spa. From manicures to massages, there is something for everyone. While there, take advantage of the open-air courtyard for lounging between experiences. If you’re seeking a bit more privacy, each of the treatment rooms opens onto a secluded garden.
Getting About: Excursion options for La Samanna guests include boating, snorkeling, fishing, horseback riding, and more.
Rounding out our trip, we dined at L’Oursin. Led by two-star Michelin chef Marcel Ravin, L’Oursin’s menu presents elevated Caribbean cuisine with a French twist. Standouts include the farmer’s salad, Pâté en Pot-style vegetables, locally caught tagliolini, and the farm-raised chicken supreme. We left the Caribbean over-indulged, sun-soaked, and not exactly sure what day it was; but that’s to be expected when you’re on island time.
Discovering the Perfect Island Paradise
Dallas nonprofit exec Brittany Barnett first visited Anguilla a decade ago and fell in love with its culture and beaches. One of her favorites is Shoal Bay, frequently named one of the world’s most beautiful. Four Seasons Resort Anguilla is her preferred resort. She also enjoys venturing by boat to neighboring islands like St. Martin and St. Barts. Barnett made a special birthday memory last year at Caribbean seafood hotspot Sharky’s, her favorite local eatery. “The staff remembered how much I loved their Amaretto cake, and they brought me out a slice with a candle,” she says. “Then the band played Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You,’ a special song my grandmother sang to me as a little girl.”—Bridget Reis
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Publish date : 2024-09-16 03:19:00
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