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Anguilla Unveiled: A Travel Advisor’s Luxe Escape Through the Caribbean’s Hidden Gem

FS anguilla
A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

Anguilla is on the verge of a breakthrough. Picture this: the world’s top spa, set on one of the planet’s top ten beaches (Belmond Cap Juluca), a golf course ranked second in the Caribbean (and arguably in the world’s top 100) at Aurora, which also leads a cutting-edge sustainability movement. Add to that the timeless elegance of Malliouhana, a Caribbean grand dame, and the sleek, L.A.-inspired sophistication of the Four Seasons. Anguilla’s rise as a top Caribbean destination is only held back by direct flights—but here’s the inside scoop: Delta’s onboard, and the runway expansion is underway. This isn’t your parents’ Anguilla.

Aurora: Doing well by doing good

Aurora
A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

Let’s kick off with a little inspiration. Richard Schulze, founder of Best Buy, acquired the former CuisinArt Resort in December 2020 from Conair’s estate. What struck me was how his investments reflected both a savvy, fundamental approach and a rare, admirable commitment to the planet and the local community—a refreshing side to a billionaire’s impact. Here’s where he’s making waves:

  • They are expanding their solar farm from 1MW/h to 7MW/h, setting them on track to be fully off-grid by 2026.

  • They created a hydroponic farm to supply all the property’s fresh produce, from the star fruit in that sweet-and-sour cocktail to the beets in your salad.

  • They Built a 1-million-gallon-per-day reverse osmosis desalination plant, not only for the 380-acre resort but for the people of Anguilla.

  • The resort provides school lunches for the community

Aurora in Anguilla is for those who crave the Caribbean but want more than just a fly-and-flop beach escape. It’s a place where the golf enthusiasts in your group can enjoy a championship course, followed by lunch at a proper steakhouse with top-quality steaks flown in from Australia and the U.S. And just when you think you’ve hit peak relaxation, you can tee off on Greg Norman’s barefoot-friendly short course (a par-three) before meeting up with the kids. Together, you’ll cruise around the lazy river, take on the water slides, or simply unwind in a cabana—a day that combines all the laid-back luxury and excitement everyone’s looking for.

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel: Two bests of’s in the Caribbean?

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

Cap Juluca has long held the crown for the Caribbean’s best beach, but it may now boast the region’s best spa as well. Expansive in offerings yet intimate in ambiance, the spa blends luxurious sophistication with an unmistakably authentic island charm. The spa draws on elements essential to both Anguilla and the Guerlain wellness philosophy: water, salt, and botanicals. Rooted in the concept of naniki—a spirited Taíno Arawak term meaning “full of life”—the spa’s approach embodies vitality and a deep connection to the island’s natural essence. From the spa’s rooftop infinity pool, we could spot our beach chairs on that stunning crescent shore below—a perfect reminder that, after treatments like these, sunset drinks by the water will feel even more surreal.

Where Malibu Meets the Caribbean: Four Seasons Anguilla’s Ultimate Escape

Four Seasons Anguilla
A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

The Four Seasons Anguilla brings a distinctly Los Angeles vibe to the Caribbean, with sleek, sexy decor and an undeniable “see-and-be-seen” atmosphere. The Sunset Lounge is the social heart of the property, perfect for drinks as day turns to dusk, but the true showstoppers are the villas. Each villa offers private pools and exclusive beachfront access, creating the ultimate haven to gather with friends or family. Here, your Personal Lifestyle Assistant ensures every detail is flawless, while the ocean breeze and gentle waves set the scene for an elevated, authentic Caribbean escape.

Timeless Caribbean Elegance: Malliouhana’s 40 Years of Island Magic

Malliouhana
A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

In contrast to the sleek, contemporary vibe of the Four Seasons, Malliouhana is the grand dame that first put Anguilla on the map, now gracefully celebrating 40 years of Caribbean charm. This iconic resort is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, with rooms that feel as lively as the island itself. The atmosphere is blissfully relaxed, yet every corner whispers of timeless elegance. And the view? Pure paradise—a sweeping, uninterrupted panorama that makes you feel like you’ve arrived at the edge of the world.

At Malliouhana, we need something better than “kids club”—just like we need something beyond “all-inclusive” for places like Jumby Bay. Forget the traditional “kids club”—this is more like a world crafted just for them, where exploration and adventure are the heart of every day. Personalized welcome and birthday surprises ensure even the littlest guests feel celebrated from the moment they arrive. With activities tailored to spark their curiosity and creativity, children become immersed in the island’s natural beauty, all while discovering the joys of Caribbean living in an unforgettable way.


 

In the spirit of poet, Robert Frost, it’s time to take the path less traveled. Indulge in and outside the box journey to find new and unexpected ways to experience extraordinary. It could be meeting monks in the Buddhist temples of Thailand, seeing polar bears in Canada, encountering a family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, or sailing, along the shores of Greenland before flying inland to hike it’s remote a sheet. The world is vast, and so are your options. Ask The Opulent Explorer about these and other adventures and we will help plan the next getaway of your dreams.

Stuart Mara
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