Our exotic getaway began at Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel in Anguilla, on the crescent-shaped Maundays Bay. This luxury Eastern Caribbean resort offers 64 rooms, 44 suites, four restaurants, a cocktail bar, a state-of-the-art spa and more.
After settling into our room and admiring the stunning ocean views from the property’s rooftop terrace, we headed down to the beach for a little relaxation before dinner in the sun. Night owls rejoice, as there’s no need to wake up early to get a spot on the sand as each room comes with reserved beach loungers and plenty of complimentary amenities.
After spending the afternoon basking in the sun and sipping refreshments by the sea, we headed to the main house to participate in a sabering ritual, a daily experience in which guests learn to saber a bottle, followed by a champagne toast. That first night, we dined al fresco at Uchu, a Peruvian restaurant whose menu is inspired by three landscapes and divided into three: the coast, the jungle, and the Andes. Selections range from Peruvian spaghetti to marinated flank steak, each dish drawing on the flavors of the region. Other on-site dining options at Cap Juluca include Cip's by Chipriani (an open-air Italian restaurant by the sea), Pimms (refined Anguillan cuisine and Caribbean-inspired dishes), and Cap Shack (beachside bites).
Resort guests have access to a number of off-site activities, including snorkeling adventures, horseback riding, and fishing trips. But if you’re like me and prefer to relax and unwind while on vacation, stay on-site and check out Guerlain’s Cap Juluca Spa. I opted for the Ocean Vibes massage and facial, a multi-sensory treatment that recreates the sounds and sensations of the ocean.
To round out our last day in Anguilla, we headed to the Blowing Point ferry terminal for a quick transfer (about 30 minutes), where we checked into La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel in St. Maarten. Slightly larger than Cap Juluca, the resort offers 83 rooms and suites, eight villas, two restaurants, a beach bar, and La Cave, an on-site wine cellar. (If you’re not a wine person, the cellar also houses spectacular rums from around the world.)
Our second-floor room felt like a treehouse, with lush greenery surrounding the windows and picturesque views from our private terrace. After an afternoon exploring the grounds and swimming in the crystal-clear water, we headed to Laplaj’s beachfront Italian restaurant, La Spiaggia. Be sure to try one of their homemade spritzes and the homemade gnocchi with lemon pistachio pesto.
Once again, the La Samanna spa experience was a priority. From manicures to massages, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the outdoor courtyard to relax between sessions. If you’re looking for a little more privacy, each of the treatment rooms opens onto a secluded garden.
To round out our trip, we dined at L’Oursin. Led by two-Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin, L’Oursin’s menu showcases refined Caribbean cuisine with a French twist. Highlights include the farmhouse salad, potted pâté-style vegetables, locally caught tagliolini, and farm-raised chicken supreme. We left the Caribbean feeling overwhelmed, sun-kissed, and unsure of what day it was, but that’s to be expected when you’re on island time.
Discovering the perfect paradise island
Brittany Barnett, a nonprofit leader in Dallas, first visited Anguilla a decade ago and fell in love with its culture and beaches. One of her favorites is Shoal Bay, often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. The Four Seasons Resort Anguilla is her favorite resort. She also enjoys venturing by boat to neighboring islands like St. Maarten and St. Barts. Last year, Brittany Barnett created a special birthday souvenir at her favorite local restaurant, Sharky’s, a Caribbean seafood restaurant. “The staff remembered my love of their amaretto cake and brought me a slice with a candle,” she says. “Afterward, the band played ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’ by Stevie Wonder, a special song my grandmother used to sing to me when I was little.” — Bridget Reis
