Cap Juluca, Anguilla
It’s hard to believe the glamorous island of Anguilla was once a sleepy bare-bones getaway that lacked electricity until the 1960s. Located in the Lesser Antilles, the destination now beckons travelers with its chic resorts and unspoiled beaches. The 35-square-mile island consists of 33 blindingly white, flour-sand beaches. With a firm hand on maintaining its unspoiled authenticity, Anguilla bans large cruise ships, casinos, and duty-free malls, making this tranquil destination even more attractive.
While numerous resorts dot the island, one in particular stands out for its dramatic architecture. Cap Juluca, a member of the prestigious Belmond hotel group, features Moorish-styled villas strung along 179 acres above Maundays Bay. The domed complex, redone after the devastation from Hurricane Irma, includes refreshed accommodations in vibrant colors that perfectly fit with the tropical locale.
Guests of Cap Juluca enjoy exquisite meals at restaurants such as Pimms for authentic Anguillan fare, as well as Cip’s, which serves up a Venetian menu as a nod to the Cipriani, the resort’s Italian sister hotel. For those wanting more casual fare by the pool, Uchu offers a ceviche bar and Peruvian fare. And The Cap Shack, located on the sands of Maundays Bay, is the place to enjoy a laid-back meal laced with Calypso and Reggae music.
Reservations: 800.860.4095; belmond.com
Malliouhana, Anguilla
On the northwest coast of Anguilla, Malliouhana, part of the Auberge Collection, boasts unmatched views from its perch above the turquoise waters of Meads Bay. The 46-room boutique hotel, consistently listed among the top 25 resorts in the Caribbean, is a shining jewel in the crown of Auberge Resorts.
Within the breeze-kissed complex, a cluster of buildings amid manicured gardens offers updated accommodations accented in bright turquoise. Although configurations vary, most rooms boast at least one outdoor terrace and a plunge pool. Some even feature Haitian paintings on wood that are repurposed as closet doors. An inviting infinity pool that seems to drop off the cliff’s edge offers a serene escape for guests, while the beach bar is the place to go for livelier surroundings.
Note: Malliouhana offers a handful of ground-floor, handicapped options, but there are still lots of steps and slanted walkways to navigate. Guests with walking issues may want to choose other accommodations.
Reservations: 877.733.3611; malliouhana.com
Lovango Resort + Beach Club, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
This 42-acre reserve on a private island off the coast of St. John garnered rave reviews when it opened in 2019 as a day trippers’ destination. Three years later, Lovango still magnetizes wanderers who sail its waters, but now it offers exquisite overnight accommodations.
As the newest hotspot to be built on St. John in 30 years, the resort is the brainchild of Mark and Gwenn Snider, owners of the ever-popular Nantucket Hotel on Nantucket and The Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard. Consistent with the Sniders’ penchant for excellence, Lovango sets the bar high.
Guests enjoy amenities such as the Beach Club with its luxe cabanas and heel-clicking resort service. The club has also become the go-to place for discerning yachties who stop in for the day to enjoy creative coastal cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Stephen Belie.
Overnight options include the spacious Villa, which sleeps nine. But the most heralded accommodations are the recently opened treehouses and glamping tents. Designed for minimal environmental impact, each 640-square-foot suite features a shower with slatted floors, breezy open-air balconies, and cool sleeping spaces. In addition, the rooms are only a short walk from Tree Tops Lobby and are easily accessible to island restaurants and beaches.
Looking to take a bit of the island home? Lovango Village offers an array of boutiques filled with travel mementos, sustainable resort wear, and beauty items. And if all that shopping leaves you hungry, stop in at The Green Oyster to enjoy tapas, tequila, and a raw bar while taking in some live music. Nearby, The Beach Grill offers a wood-fired kitchen menu, as well as gourmet grab-and-go options.
Reservations: 833.568.2646; lovangovi.com
By Marion Laffey Fox