Belmond Cap Juluca

WOW WOW WOW!

We cannot recommend Belmond Cap Juluca enough! The location alone is out-of-this-world, situated on Maundays Bay in Anguilla’s south west.

As soon as you step into the open-air lobby, with its creamy linens and natural woven grass rugs, you know you’re in for a luxurious stay. The white, domed, Moroccan-style villas are instantly eye-catching, but the real star of the show here is the jaw-dropping beach – a mile-long cove of marshmallow white sand and bright aquamarine sea that’s simply sensational.

Cap Juluca has been through a lot, but the post-Hurricane Irma restoration has only made it stronger. The addition of five new villas, two new restaurants and a new spa shows Belmond’s continued commitment to providing the best guest experience; and we loved that the resort kept most of the unrivalled staff on during the restoration process to ensure guests would be greeted by familiar faces upon reopening.

The attention to detail is apparent throughout, from the palm trees outside the villas with plaques bearing the names of repeat guests who have stayed here for 25 years, to the vintage Volkswagen buses that roam through the property. Rooms, suites and villas are all located along the beach with direct sea views or beach access. All have access to chaise lounges reserved on the beach directly in front of their rooms too. Our favourites? The private Premium Beachfront King Rooms with their rooftop terraces.

Also facing the ocean are all of the eateries: try UCHU’s delicious spinach lobster wraps; Italian faves like tagliatelle with crayfish and tiramisu at Cip’s by Cipriani; and PIMMS’ classic Caribbean food –  the lobster is to die for!

A luxurious sanctuary with a majestic location, outstanding service, and the most appealing beach you’ve ever seen. Just be sure to hire a car if you’re planning on exploring beyond the hotel, as there isn’t much within close proximity.

Four Seasons Resort Anguilla

Just 25 minutes from the airport on the island’s north-west, the Four Seasons initially felt like it would be more geared towards couples, due to its architecture and styling. But that is far from the case as – like all Four Seasons Resorts – families are more than welcome, with a designated zero-entry pool, Kids’ for all Seasons programme and teens’ activities, plus a Sports Pavilion and Sea Centre for guests of every age.

Accommodation options range from spacious rooms to vibrant villas and outstanding ocean residences, so there’s something to suit everyone. Set on a peninsula, the resort also has bragging rights to not one, but two magnificent beaches – serene Barnes Bay and Meads Bay – home to the Sea Centre – with its mile-long stretch of beach and a choice of restaurants and bars (a fab option for dining outside of the hotel). Our stay was brief so, out of the four restaurants here, we were only able to try the Sunset Lounge – which was unreal, by the way – with a mouthwatering array of light bites, sushi and ‘Buddha Bowls’… A real highlight for us.”