Amanda's Anguilla: Insider Tips for an Iconic Island Weekend

Fifty-one years ago, my family made the West Indies their home. My grandparents moved there from New York for an entrepreneurial life in the Caribbean and never looked back. Le sigh.

The West Indies have always been where I feel the most at home - the sun shines brightly, the salty wind licks against your skin, and the fruit is tangy and sweet.

When my husband and I began the terrifying journey to decide where to get married, Anguilla was our obvious choice. The food is exceptional, with plenty of island access to European wines and cheeses, the weather is gorgeous for most of the year with very little rainfall, and most importantly, getting to Anguilla is convenient and cost-effective to travel to, considering how remote it feels.

The only thing better than a Caribbean horseback ride on the beach is one in the water.

The view from Cap Juluca's oceanfront rooms.

Grab a lunch laden with fresh catch on Sandy Island - a small strip of sand in the middle of the ocean with an incredible BBQ shack, tunes and fine wines.

The view from the tip of Sandy Island.

The full spread for lunch at Sandy Island - don't forget to order the sticky ribs with your Crustaceans!

Our wedding dinner on the beach by Cap Juluca on a full moon. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.

Walking with your toes in the sand at Cap Juluca Resort's Maundays Bay is a must for all visitors to Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.

The pool at the Viceroy Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.

A rainbow with St. Martin in the distance taken at the Villas at CuisinArt with the men returning from an afternoon swim.

Namesake flowers in bloom at the Frangipani Hotel.

Every room at Cap Juluca is oceanfront with the waves lulling you to sleep at night and welcoming you to a new beach day in the morning.

The tanning accommodations at Cap Juluca with full butler service and exceptional piña coladas will make you want to stay well past sunset.

DAYTIME

1. The Beach at Cap Juluca Hotel in Maundays Bay

2.  A Boat Charter to Sandy Island for Lunch and Rosé (or Rum Punch)

3. A Catamaran Sail to Prickly Pear Island with Bluebeard Charters

4. Jumping off the rocks at Little Bay (short travel by boat)

5. Golfing at CuisinArt

NIGHTTIME

Sunset at the Viceroy Hotel’s aptly named Sunset Lounge

Live Music at Bankie Banx Dune Preserve  (Bankie Banx is the “Caribbean Bob Dylan”)

For more of a local night spot, try The Pump House or Elvis Beach Bar in Sandy Ground

Drinks at Spice Bar overlooking the beach at Cap Juluca

WHERE TO STAY

Cap Juluca – the best beach, white glove butler service, exceptional food and new renovations. A romantic and family friendly location

Viceroy Anguilla – the best place to watch the sun set, perfect for the traveler who likes the modern Euro party vibe. Best for a new romance getaway or fun friends trip.

Malliouhana – Newly re-opened, this was once the top destination for celebrities visiting Anguilla. Great food from a Michelin-star chef, Elle Décor-style furnishings and the best pool on the island.

Anacaona Boutique Hotel – the best deal ($170/night April to mid-December) in the heart of West End’s fantastic restaurants and swanky hotels. 

RESTAURANTS

1. Veya (Sandy Ground - Island Fusion - Fine Dining, Dinner): Known by many as the "Treehouse" restaurant for it's set up, this is everyone's island favorite - which is saying a lot, considering the cuisine available. Try the Morrocan-Spiced Shrimp "Cigars" or consider the tasting menu!

2. Picante (West End Village - Caribbean Taqueria – Casual, Dinner ): Fantastic Mexican with a Caribbean twist aka fresh seafare! The vibe of this place is wonderful and the food matches, making it one of the top go-tos for any hungry bellies.

3. Jacala (Meads Bay - French Caribbean – Fine Dining, Lunch, Dinner): A delicious French restaurant right on the water with a gorgeous beach and your not-so-typical large lounge bean bag to soak in the sun after enjoying your rosé. Great for lunch!

4. Blanchards (Meads Bay – Fusion – Fine Dining, Dinner, Casual, Lunch): We haven't met a person who went to Anguilla and didn't love Blanchards Beach Shack! It has a wild hodgepodge of casual cuisine, from Greek to Mexican to Hot Dogs to straight American BBQ. All very delicious and with prices like, "$8.91," you will be chuckling to yourself while digging your toes into the sand.  The restaurant, which is separate, has a deliciously fresh menu for a more romantic evening.

5. Mangos (West End Village – Seafood – Fine Dining, Dinner): A stunning beachside restaurant with candlelight and fine dining linens. Expect to watch the sunset from Adirondack chairs on the beach and taking your time to delight in your meal!

6. Dolce Vita (Sandy Ground - Italian, Fine Dining, Dinner): It's safe to say this is the best view of the yachts that come to moor off Anguilla's coast. The setting and clientele for such a sight is a perfect match, in a Caribbean way. For phenomenal saucier work, spiny lobster, and an airy gnocchi to pair with your Nero D'Avola, this is your Friday night.

7. Sun Shine Shack (Rendezvous Bay, - BBQ - Casual, Authentic, Lunch): If you are looking for some authentic, Caribbean-style grilling, get thee to the Shack! It's a brightly painted wooden hut on the beach, where all of your hunger will be satiated with a plate of chicken with rice & beans or a sunny cocktail, whichever your preference. All served up with big Anguillan smiles.

8. B & D BBQ (Long Bay Village – BBQ – Authentic, Casual, Lunch, Dinner): A true local experience where you eat on plastic tables under a makeshift tent. Do yourself a favor and grab some johnny cakes, the ribs, and a Carib beer or Ting soda. If you don’t mind bones, treat yourself to the whole fish feast and don’t forget the rice and beans!

9. Falcon Nest (Island Harbour – Caribbean – Authentic, Casual, Lunch, Dinner): All I can say is wow. The rice and peas, the potfish straight from the wharf, the french fries. This place is a local favorite and it’s easy to see why once your plate arrives.

10. Trattoria Tramonto (West End Village – Italian – Casual, Lunch, Dinner): Italian food with a surprisingly authentic gravy (red sauce) and a wide range of comfort food such as calamari.  Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous view of the sunset with a great glass of wine.

WHEN TO GO

Anguilla is a Fall, Winter or Spring destination, but an insider tip is that in mid-April to late May, the weather is still gorgeous, but considered, "Off Season," so large discounts apply to most accommodations. It also never hurts to sunbathe without many passersby and walk directly to your table at the best restaurants!

MAP OF SOME HIGHLIGHTS

Casa Kimball: Oceanfront Seclusion in the Dominican Republic

The Private Estate:

Casa Kimball is an exceptional Caribbean destination that provides an idyllic way to spend time with close family and friends in an unforgettable way.  This private villa, located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, is situated on three acres of oceanfront property overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by coco palms, almond trees, and other flowering vines and fauna native to the Dominican Republic.  The estate incorporates modern architecture with the indigenous flora and spectacular ocean views, highlighting the relationship between nature, space and modern luxury.

The Experience: 

I had the chance to stay at this secluded and special place with twenty-some other guests for a close friend’s birthday celebration.  I was blown away by the brilliantly-designed elements that sanction the Caribbean sunlight and warm ocean breezes through the ocean spaces.

Upon arriving to the villa, our group was welcomed by the warm and professional staff, modern amenities, and 180-degree ocean views.  The direct villa entry to the dramatic infinity pool and jacuzzi that extended to the sea cliff was simply breathtaking.  

We gathered for morning yoga steps from the villa while overlooking the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.  A delightful and charismatic personal chef prepared gourmet meals everyday, which were caught and grown within three hours of the nearby village.  The attentive bartender and staff made certain we had a delicious tropical cocktail in hand and were carefully attended to wherever needed.  

The villa is full of entertainment activities, from croquet, badminton, volleyball, billiards, surround-sound music player, and a Karaoke machine for late night, one-too-many Mai Tai’s, group singing. Each evening, we gathered for an elegantly-served dinner in the dining space. The dining room’s grand pivoting window doors lent 270-degree views of the ocean and illuminated pool during our dining experience.  We spent the night enjoying one another's company while listening to the ocean waves crash below.  Later, we took advantage of the fully-equipped sound system for a late-night dance party on the terrance. 

The highlight of the trip was when, one starry-night, we grabbed flashlights and walked along the pathway next to the cliff front between the ocean and the villa grounds.  We passed by a hidden-away terrace with a vintage fire bowl tucked between the cliffs and continued to a little beach concealed at the base of the cliff.  The staff built us a bonfire, where we drank, sang and laughed throughout the night.  The magical evening and unique surroundings evoked a sense of pure joy that would be impossible to replicate at any place other than Casa Kimball.  

The beautiful private pool at the guest house next to the villa. 

View from the master bedroom suite 

Fresh Pina Coladas upon arrival. 

Morning Yoga at Casa Kimball

Morning Yoga with private instructor while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

Stairway that led to the top of the villa, allowing you to gaze either at the endless ocean or into the jungle hillside mountains. 

Afternoon mango and shrimp civiche freshly prepared each day.

The stone is one of the most remarkable elements of the complex.  The sand-beige colored, cleft-cut, textured, travertine catches the Caribbean sunlight, giving a divine quality to the home.

A visual representation of the brilliantly crafted design that harmonizes modern elements with space and nature. 

Beautiful St. Barts

The sophisticated and dramatic French island of St. Barthelemy (aka St. Bart's) packs so much into such a small island that it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to do. The restaurants are some of the best in the Caribbean, consistently showcasing gastronomic art and innovative dishes.  From the Parisian chic boutiques in the capital, Gustavia, to the private red-roofed villas that dot the hillsides, St. Bart's is full of charm, allure and beautiful people.  Spend the morning on one of the 22 picturesque beaches, try on the latest French fashions in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over the megawatts in the handsome harbor while sipping rose.  There are dozens of excellent restaurants to choose from for an elegant evening, and restaurant owners go to great lengths to see that guests are having as much fun as they are. These perks make St. Bart's the region's most unique and romanticized islands. 

Hotels: Hotel St. Barthelemy - Isle de France; Eden Rock, Hotel Guanahani & Spa 

Villas & Private Home Rentals: Luxury Villa and AirBnB

Restaurants:  L'esprit, Bonito, L'Isola, Le Case a L'Isle, Le Gaiac, Le Ti, St. Barths Caribbean Tavern   

Beaches: For long stretches of talcum-soft pale sand choose La Saline, Gouverneur, or Flamands. For seclusion in nature, pick Corossol. Arguably, the most remarkable beach on the island is Shell Beach, but note, its hardly has sand at all - instead pink shells! 

Sunset Cocktail: The Strand, Gustavi; Nikki Beach

Nightlife: Nikki Beach, Le Yacht Club, Le 88

Shopping: Calypso; Mia Zia; Lolita Jaca; Mandarine Bijoux 

Spa:  Ligne St. Barth, The Guanahani Spa by Clarins  

Activities: Charter a wooden sailboat for a morning or afternoon excursion. Book HERE. 

Hotel St. Barthelemy

This 128 boutique hotel is probably one of the most exclusive (and wonderful) places you can stay in the Caribbean. With exquisite views, service, and cuisine, even stopping here for breakfast or a drink is worthwhile. 

St. Barths Airport 

Hotel St Barts - Isle de France

Gouverneur Beach 

On The Rocks at Eden Rock Hotel

Eden Rock Hotel 

Nikki's Beach 

Aruba, On A Day's Notice

Last week, I was forced to cancel a much-anticipated trip to Belize with my boyfriend when he realized (the day before we were meant to leave) that he would not get cellular service in the jungle, and that would be a problem with work.  After a few hours of searching Kayak for last minute deals, we decided on Aruba, one of the few Caribbean islands not yet afflicted by Chikangua, a nasty looking disease carried by Mosquitoes, that Lindsay Lohan recently contracted in St. Barts.

I was a bit skeptical of Aruba at first, but as soon as I got there I realized that Aruba is more than than it's party-girl exterior.  Almost every person we came into contact with was delightful, and each meal surprisingly delicious (even those at the hotel).   We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, and while I usually prefer to stay at more unique, off-brand hotels, the Ritz had availability last minute and did a great job at being what it was: a full-service family beach resort.  In fact, Conde Nast recently named the Ritz one of the Best New Family Friendly Hotels of 2014.  

For those of you who, like me, are ADD travelers incapable of just relaxing, the mornings in Aruba are cool and the ideal time for some off-beach adventuring.  On Saturday, we went horseback riding through the cactus-covered interior and over to the rugged east coast, where we tied up our horses on the beach and explored the historic Gold Mine ruins.  Sunday morning, we played golf at Tierra del Sol, a beautiful (but windy!) course along the water on the northern part of the island, which views of the California Lighthouse.

We spent both afternoons at the beach in front of our hotel, sipping pina coladas and cooling off in the shallow, waveless water.  A fleet of staff on Segways distributes complimentary sunscreen, cold towels, popsicles and fruit.   

Not having time to do much research, we ate at two restaurants recommended by our taxi driver on the ride from the airport and were impressed with both.  Driftwood has a casual beachy vibe and serves coconut shrimp and fresh local catch of the day, prepared the "Aruban" way.   Papiamento is a romantic, family-run restaurant set in the garden of a 126-year-old Aruban home.   We heard a lot of good things about Flying Fishbone, and had we had another night, we would have eaten there as well.  

While Aruba might not be my first pick for a young couple looking for something truly secluded and romantic, it's is a family-friendly destination that's easy on the wallet and perfect for a last minute beach vacation.  

Eastern coast of Aruba

Eastern coast of Aruba

The Ritz

The Ritz

The Ritz

The Ritz

The Ritz

View from our balcony at the Ritz

Historic Gold Mine Ruins

Historic Gold Mine Ruins

Tierra del Sol Golf Course

Tierra del Sol Golf Club Pool

Stay: Ritz Carlton, Bucuti.

Eat: Driftwood, Papiamento, Flying Fishbone, Passions. 

Do:  Palm Beach (Where the Ritz Carlton is), Eagle Beach, Baby Beach (where the locals go), horseback riding, golf, snorkeling, kite surfing, parasailing, paddleboarding. 

Viceroy Hotel: Caribbean Cool in Anguilla

The Viceroy Anguilla is one of the most visually unique and captivating resorts you'll find in the Caribbean. Perfectly blending modern elegance with architectural sophistication, the interior designer and wife of Viceroy owner, Kelly Wearstler, sets the bar high with her exquisite touches and perfectly crafted, cutting- edge designs.  The hotel is built on a rocky peninsula with breathtaking views of white, sandy-beaches from both sides of the resort and numerous fitness and leisure activities to choose from.

Keep in mind, the crowd draws LA celebrities, "societal" New Yorkers, understated investment bankers and cigar smoking, rose-drinking Europeans at all times of year. The probability of a celebrity spotting is extremely likely.  So grab a Barnes Bay Rum Punch at the Sunset Lounge and find yourself and that celebrity simultaneously mesmerized by the spectacular sunset view. The drinks will continue to flow throughout the night and you'll meet new friends from all around the globe. 

Before heading to the beach and the hotel amenities for the day, enjoy breakfast at the Coba restaurant.  The food is decent, but the unparalleled views of the ocean will make you overlook it. In the meantime, keep your eyes open for Roman Abramovich's massive "Eclipse" yacht. The Russian billionaire has a tendency to park it directly outside the cliff-side Coba restaurant for his own 'weekend jaunt' from St. Barts.

Trust us when we say, everything about this hotel feels state-of-the art luxurious and Caribbean 'cool.' ...If you can afford it, this award-winning hotel is an absolute must!