What It is Prefer to Keep at Cap Juluca, A Belmond Resort

I’d already been in Anguilla for 3 days once I made my strategy to the southern aspect of the West Finish. These three days had been crammed with oceanfront breakfasts, swimming within the pool, and lounging on the seashore, but I hadn’t been capable of totally shake ideas of unanswered emails and the low-level anxiousness that usually comes alongside for the “out of workplace” experience. 

However from the second I stepped into the open-air foyer at Cap Juluca, A Belmond Resort — the place muted tones, tastefully positioned espresso desk books, and large-scale ceramic planters crammed with greenery play foil to the dazzling ombré waters that seem by way of the archways — the reduction was tangible. The heaviness and distraction I had been carrying since leaving the U.S. stood no likelihood in opposition to this expertly curated visitor expertise in Maundays Bay. The complimentary rum punch upon arrival helped, too. 

Samantha Derrick, the host desk and concierge supervisor, tells me that one in all Anguilla’s differentiating components is its “understated class and laid-back vibe.” Right here, she says, “the emphasis is on rest and tranquility.” After visiting a number of inns on the island, I can definitively say that nowhere is that this extra obvious than Cap Juluca, which was acquired by Belmond in 2017 after which renovated and redesigned following the injury from Hurricane Irma. 

Whereas there are a number of components (detailed beneath) that produce this peaceable environment, there are two aspects of Cap Juluca I’ve since used as a comparability to all different Caribbean inns I’ve stayed in: the situation and the structure. The mile-long, crescent-shaped cove of Maundays Bay creates an aura of privateness and exclusivity, one which feels inherently glamorous and extraordinary. Paired with the white, domed Greco-Moorish villas that encircle the shoreline, it units the scene for a visit that will get you out of your day-to-day stresses and fully immerses you in the fantastic thing about Anguilla.

Learn on for my full evaluate of Cap Juluca, A Belmond Resort. 

The Rooms

Cap Juluca has a number of totally different lodging classes, starting from 677-square-foot rooms with non-public ocean-view terraces to its signature suites and five-bedroom villa (non-public freshwater plunge pool included). The decor is decidedly beachy — twisted abaca chairs, linen cushions and curtains, and arabesque tile flooring that instantly cool your toes when coming inside from the close by seashore. The actual spotlight of my one-bedroom beachfront suite, nonetheless, was the spacious toilet, the place, pre- or post-shower, I may bask in the summertime warmth within the non-public solariums.

Relying on the place your villa lies on the property map — some should not fairly strolling distance from the principle constructing, eating places, and health — you might wish to use one of many lodge’s seashore cruisers or golf carts. My journey companion and I went with the latter, utilizing it nearly completely at mealtimes. In the course of the day, we camped out below our seashore setup in entrance of the villa, not desirous to miss a second of the fantastic views. 

Meals & Drink

There are 4 totally different eating locations at Cap Juluca. Cip’s by Cipriani is the principle breakfast spot, with an expansive buffet (an egg station, pastries, native specialties, and contemporary juices) in addition to a la carte choices. At night time, the restaurant serves Italian dishes, that are elevated by the al fresco sitting and sunsets behind Maundays Bay. Order ceviche and a Pisco Bitter from Uchu’s Peruvian-inspired menus at lunch and dinner; or, for those who don’t wish to depart your seashore chair, your server will carry you conch salad, a poke bowl, and tacos from The Cap Shack. In your remaining night time at Cap Juluca, ask for a desk at Pimm’s; the “Anguillian Gastronomic farm-sea expertise” celebrates the flavors of the island and is the right strategy to finish your trip. 

Actions & Experiences

For my part, one of many surefire indicators of a real five-star property is its flexibility. At Cap Juluca, company might be as busy or as unscheduled as they like, marking it as a luxurious lodge by way of and thru. For those who want a break from the seashore — or just need a change of synergy for just a few hours — ask the concierge that can assist you schedule a ship experience to the Prickly Pear Cays, a sundown horseback experience, snorkeling or scuba diving journey, or a fishing tour with native fisherman Shawn Romney. Every day, the lodge brings company collectively to transition from day to nighttime with a Champagne sabering ritual, adopted by cocktails and stay music from an area artist. 

Different on-property actions embrace the pool on the Most important Home, a rum-tasting class, complimentary yoga and pilates periods, and non-motorized water sports activities.

The Spa

My go to occurred previous to the opening of the brand new Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain. Nonetheless, there’s little doubt the wellness oasis is each bit as considerate and serene as the remainder of the property. The seven-treatment room spa is billed as a “sanctuary for holistic therapeutic [that] supplies a multisensory strategy.” Open-air courtyards with lush tropical foliage and an infinity pool look out onto the ocean. Friends can take a dip in the cold and hot plunge swimming pools, and the service menu goes far past a 50-minute large and basic facial.

Select a crystal bowl vitality remedy, a restorative after-sun bodywrap and therapeutic massage, or an Imperial Black Orchid Facial, which is alleged to depart your pores and skin glowing. After the remedy concludes, make your strategy to the sundeck or to the “ceremonial soul of the spa,” the Calichi Backyard. Right here, there’s a sacred fountain impressed by the unique Arawak fountain found in Anguilla over 1,500 years in the past. For an additional non-public expertise, inquire in regards to the Imperial Suite; the VIP expertise contains entry to your personal sauna, steam room, and rest space. 

Household-friendly Choices

Whereas my journey companion introduced alongside her then 6-month-old — and the crew was extremely accommodating — Cap Juluca is certainly extra of an adults’ paradise. The clientele contains honeymooners and people celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and different particular events. That mentioned, the lodge does have an Explorers Membership for kids ages 4 to 12, the place youthful vacationers are aware of a toy library and gaming consoles and might take part in a spread of interactive actions, from mountaineering and treasure hunts to water sports activities and sustainable arts and crafts. 

Accessibility & Sustainability

In 2023, Cap Juluca obtained the EarthCheck certification, marking it as a property the place sustainability is paramount. When potential, the lodge makes use of regionally sourced, seasonal produce, and the cleansing merchandise and bathtub merchandise are eco-friendly. There’s no single-use plastic used on the Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain; as an alternative, company drink from refillable aluminum amenity bottles.

Although the property isn’t ADA-compliant, it’s comparatively flat. The lodge recommends anybody with mobility considerations guide a ground-floor room near the Most important Home. 

Location

Cap Juluca is situated on the West Finish of Anguilla, about 8 miles from Clayton J. Lloyd Worldwide Airport. American Airways at present affords direct flights from Miami Worldwide Airport to AXA, however many guests — myself included — decide to fly into Saint Martin’s Princess Juliana Worldwide Airport and take a 20-minute boat or ferry switch to Anguilla. For those who select the latter choice, I’d recommend book-ending your journey with an evening or two in Saint Martin. Cap Juluca’s sibling property, La Samanna, and its pastel-striped seashore chairs, cliff views, and not too long ago restyled non-public pool villas are simply down the street from SXM.

The way to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

Cap Juluca is a member of American Specific High quality Resorts + Resorts, and card members obtain every day breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit score to make use of throughout their day, space-available upgrades, early check-in (upon availability), and a 4 p.m. late check-out.