Story & Photography: Renée S. Suen
Anguilla is considered one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. The British Overseas Territory, composed of a small 90-square-kilometre main island and several offshore islets, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful island groupings.
Barnes Bay Beach is most identifiable by its secluded golden sand beach.
Despite its quaint size, it’s the barefoot-elegant country’s soft white sands, friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere that make Anguilla a favourite playground for A-listers.
It boasts of 33 breathtaking public beaches within a two-kilometre radius, along with secret coves and warm cerulean waters. In fact, due to an embargo on cruise ships, casinos and high-rise hotels, this Caribbean sanctuary’s shoreline is rarely crowded. Each breathtaking stretch of sand feels like its own private space—from Rendezvous Bay that overlooks the neighbouring island of Saint Maarten, to secluded coves reached by boat, such as at Little Bay.
Anguilla’s location near the Equator means its pleasant tropical climate is absent of seasons, with daily highs averaging 28°C, tempered by cooling trade winds. Its reputation as the Caribbean’s culinary capital means that diners have ample options, ranging from fine tables to roadside barbecues.
However, the island is best known for its array of seafood. An abundancy of attractions and activities—from horseback riding on the beach, to sailing along the coast—will keep light adventurers busy. However, it’s the gorgeous five-star beachfront resorts, exquisite private villas and condominium residences that will entice you to stay longer. As an oasis of peace and serenity, these incredible properties, including the Four Seasons Anguilla, help make Anguilla a home-away-from-home that many continue to return to.
THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES ANGUILLA
Spanning nearly a kilometre of beachfront on Anguilla’s northwest shore, The Four Seasons Anguilla is the island’s most modern—and arguably most luxurious—property. Opened in 2009, the Kelly Wearstler-designed five-star resort and its 188 units are contemporary and chic, filled with art installations and natural elements, like petrified wood and Italian silver travertine marble floors.
Hugging the shoreline stretched between Meads Bay and Barnes Bay, the Four Seasons Anguilla’s five-star sprawling property is luxury in every sense of the word. (Courtesy of Four Seasons)
Perched on unspoiled coralline bluffs and framed by pristine Meads Bay Beach and Barnes Bay Beach, it blends upscale with relaxed beach vibes.
The spacious accommodations are outfitted with marble bathrooms featuring oversized walk-in showers and deep-soaking tubs. There is free Wi-Fi and 80 per cent of the units feature romantic ocean views. Experience incredible hospitality by staff who intuitively know all your preferences and needs throughout your stay.
Spacious rooms are outfitted with ensuite marble bathrooms, oversized walk-in showers, deep soaking tubs and plunge pools. About 80 per cent of rooms have ocean views. (Courtesy of Four Seasons)
The property’s 1,268-square-foot, one-bedroom ocean-view suites have living and dining areas, kitchenettes and sundecks (with a plunge pool) to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean view.
Those staying in the residences have direct access to the resort’s Sea Centre and Sports Pavilion. A perfect option for families and groups of friends, each one- to three-bedroom suite (the latter encompassing 6,050 sq. ft. of floorspace) has a private plunge pool and is fully equipped.
There are also split-level townhomes, with three or four bedrooms, that are located near the Spa and Meads Bay Beach. They have a private kitchen, outdoor grill and living area built for entertaining at home, plus a private pool overlooking the tranquil waters of the Caribbean.
For the ultimate getaway or extended stay with a group, the stand-alone villas are three- to five-bedroom palatial homes that have a large laundry room, gourmet kitchen and dining room, expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, outdoor showers, plus a direct view of the ocean and access to secluded Barnes Bay Beach.
There are also dedicated personal residence assistants, who can assist with everything from reservations to child-friendly amenities—available to guests staying in the villas, townhomes and penthouses. Villa guests can also access the resort’s chef services.
Private residence homeowners have access to the respected luxury hotel brand’s signature personalized service and world-class amenities, including four restaurants, three pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, expansive outdoor sports facility, kids programming and an ocean-side spa. Full ownership ranges from uS$825,000 for a deluxe studio to uS$10 million for a five-bedroom beachfront villa. The resort also has optional rental programs that permit owners to rent out their space if they so desire.
AMENITIES & SPA
It’s easy to fill your days with sun and fun on the white sand beach along the pristine shores of Meads Bay or the secluded golden sand beach of Barnes Bay. Sink your toes into the soft sand, swim along the expansive shoreline or head out into the crystalline waters to snorkel at a nearby reef.
The two-storey spa has many outdoor spaces to relax and unwind. (Courtesy of Four Seasons)
Surf, kayak, boogie board, paddleboard and windsurf are among the long list of gear available at The Sea Centre. You can also sign up for kitesurfing, or take a customized private boat tour with one the property’s experienced captains and guides.
Besides private plunge pools, guests can enjoy the Caribbean sunset from the saltwater adults-only infinity pool that overlooks the bluffs in front of Sunset Lounge. Relax under the shade of giant palms or in a big cabana at the Aleta Pool where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea. There’s also the family-friendly Bamboo Pool that’s steps away from Meads Bay.
For the active, the Sports Pavilion has basketball and volleyball courts, a rock-climbing wall, badminton and three championship tennis courts, where you can take lessons from tennis pro Vallan Hodge Richardson, COO of the Anguilla Tennis Academy. For gym-goers, their impressive modern fitness centre is stocked with state-of-the-art equipment. Yoga, pilates and spin classes are also offered.
The resort is great for families, offering complimentary Kids For All Seasons programming—a rarity on Anguilla, which features daily-changing activities, like scavenger hunts or cookie decorating classes. Or, you can simply explore the 17 landscapes across the property.
Be pampered at The Spa, which offers a luxurious lineup of treatments—indoors or outdoors in a spa cabana. There is also in-room services that include an Anguilla salt scrub using ingredients native to the island.
FOOD SERVICES
While not all-inclusive, the resort does offer meal-plan packages at the property’s four excellent restaurants. In-room dining is also available, catering world-class Caribbean cuisine 24 hours a day. Villa guests can also indulge in a barbecue feast.
Named after Anguilla’s first industry, Salt is the resort’s signature restaurant, serving modern Caribbean cuisine. Here, executive chef Carmine Esposito serves a seafood-focused dinner menu with dishes like conch and snapper ceviche, that’s gently laced with scotch bonnet peppers, goat rillettes on Johnny Cakes, or Anguillan risotto with conch and lobster.
Salt dining room offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea that can be enjoyed during its elaborate breakfasts, or in the evening when executive chef Carmine Esposito serves a seafood-focused menu.
Sample a scallop-topped blue crab cake that’s garnished with a moringa leaf—a nutritious, tender island-grown green that’s fresh like snap peas, but tastes of green banana. The space is also known for its fresh, vibrant and elaborate breakfast buffet (temporarily suspended due to COVID) where guests can indulge in vegan or gluten-free meals, heartier Anguillan breakfast with salt fish, eggs and plantain chips, or continental classics, including an omelette and waffle station, fresh-cut fruit bar and a fully-loaded pastry table.
Enjoy picturesque views from Sunset Lounge, aptly named for the spectacular scene that unfolds in front of the open-air social hub every evening. Voted one of the region’s best bars, sip on a crafted cocktail or vintage rum, while sampling the menu’s inspired sushi rolls and share plates—all the while being serenaded by a live band or DJ spinning tunes (which will resume in the future).
Infinity pool in panoramic views of the Caribbean sea. (Renee Suen)
There’s the intimate-yet-casual Half Shell Beach Bar on Barnes Bay Beach that offers light lunch plates, including blackened snapper sandwiches, tacos three ways and spiny lobster roll. Available for private dinner parties, the beach shack is also where many chill with a drink that bartender Caroma Walters Walwyn creates on the spot. Try the Dean Supreme Moringa, named after Half Shell manager Dean Bryan—a refreshing banana-orange-mango and coconut rum smoothie that uses the nutrient-packed plant’s leaves.
For a leisurely meal, head to Bamboo Bar and grill on Meads Bay Beach, which serves light, beach-friendly treats from salads to Mediterranean-inspired soul food like lobster pizza. Stop by late morning for the best selection from the catch of the day, where you can pick the freshest fish just hauled in by local fishermen. Let the kitchen prepare your meal to your chosen finish (jerk-spice, blackened, glaze, served with caper butter or chimichurri) that’s grilled to perfection while you soak in the paradise surrounding you with a crisp glass of wine or ice-cold beer.
Four Seasons Resort & Private Residences Anguilla
P.O. Box 8028, AI-2640 West End, Anguilla
1-800-819-5053
fourseasons.com/anguilla
Rates start at US$895
Check-in: 3 p.m., Check-out: 12 p.m.
For specific information on Private Residences, call 1-800-901-7079, or visit
anguillaprivateresidences.com
HOW TO GET THERE
Air Canada flies to Anguilla with connections through the united States. Options on other carriers (Sunwing and Westjet) are dependent on availability. Most carriers fly to St. Maarten, where you can transfer via a 30-minute scheduled or chartered boat to Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, Anguilla. note there is a $20 departure tax for all passengers leaving through Blowing Point back to St. Maarten. Another option is via private air to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. Let the Four Seasons team help you make transfer arrangements to the resort.
REQUIREMENTS
Besides a valid passport with a minimum of six months from the date of entry, accommodations must be booked before arrival. Check visa requirements before travelling (Canadians do not require one).
WHERE ELSE TO EAT
You’ll find a blend of West Indian, African, French and British cooking at the island’s restaurants and markets. Of the many options, be sure to visit Blanchard’s and its casual Beach Shack nearby on Meads Bay.
CURRENCY
USD or local currency, Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). Major credit and debit cards are also accepted.
COVID19 PROTOCOLS
Stay up to date on the latest government regulations when travelling. Masks or face coverings are enforced in public indoor spaces and when receiving in-room service. Social distancing, sanitizing, hygiene practices and the bubble concept are practised. Be aware that availability and hours of operation of some amenities and activities may be affected.
In June 2020, Anguilla was categorized by the World Health Organization as having “no cases” of COVID-19. Visitors must obtain a negative test result three to five days before arrival, along with travel health insurance that covers COVIDrelated treatment All will be given a test on arrival and a second administered 10 or 14 days later. Once the second test proves negative, guests are free to explore the island.
The government has introduced a fee for visitors staying at a pre-approved property that range from uS$300 for an individual (US$500 per couple) staying for five days or less, to US$400 for 6-90 days (US$600 per couple). This covers two tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, with fees payable only on approval of the travel application.
Travel applications are available online at the Anguilla Tourist Board’s website: ivisitanguilla.com.
