As Anguilla continues to evolve as a prime Caribbean island destination, major resorts on the island are opening for new travelers or renovating their properties to offer fresh accommodations on this emerging gem amongst turquoise waters.
The CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is already an established presence on Anguilla. Its unusual name comes from founder Leandro Rizzuto, the man behind the titular international line of kitchen appliances. He wanted to built a resort. He put the name of the company that made him rich on it. Most importantly, he got the resort right as it remains one of the most popular on the island.
The brand expanded in Anguilla with the arrival of The Reef – a “sustainable” resort with an emphases on modern decor and active schedules. With the sea always in easy reach, most of those activities — from paddle boarding to diving to aquatic horseback riding — involve the water. For landlubbers, there’s still tennis, golf and a selection of exercise classes.
Ocean views and beach access are the highlights of The Reef’s accommodations, and they break down into a dizzying list of options. Let’s take a while and list the choices. A deep breath, and we quote:
- SEAVIEW JUNIOR SUITE
- BEACHFRONT JUNIOR SUITE
- DELUXE BEACHFRONT JUNIOR SUITE
- BEACHFRONT ONE BEDROOM SUITE
- BEACHFRONT TWO BEDROOM SUITE SEAVIEW
- TWO & THREE BEDROOM PENTHOUSE
- THREE BEDROOM BEACHFRONT VILLA
- FIVE BEDROOM GARDEN VILLA
- TWO BEDROOM OASIS VILLA
- BEACHFRONT JUNIOR SUITE
- SEAVIEW JUNIOR SUITE
- DELUXE BEACHFRONT JUNIOR SUITE
- BEACHFRONT TWO BEDROOM SUITE
- BEACHFRONT ONE BEDROOM SUITE
- SEAVIEW TWO & THREE BEDROOM PENTHOUSE
- FIVE BEDROOM GARDEN VILLA
- THREE BEDROOM BEACHFRONT VILLA
- TWO BEDROOM OASIS VILLA
- BEACHFRONT JUNIOR SUITE
- SEAVIEW JUNIOR SUITE
If you can’t find a room to your liking in that mess, you’re not really trying.
Also: Taking a Chop at Greg Norman’s CuisinArt Golf Club, Anguilla
Across the island, one of the newest properties on Anguilla (and the entire Caribbean tourism scene) is the Zemi Beach House. It’s tucked away on Shoal Bay East, set back on a long drive that isolates the property from island traffic.
The design of the multiple complexes always slants to the ocean, so the luxurious, island-themes rooms are situated for views of the sea. There are 65 “superior” and “premium” penthouse suites that rise above the water on a hillside to provide the views. There are also , and eight two and three-bedroom beachfront villa rooms that open directly onto the beach.
Zemi Beach House offers two pools, including an adults-only lap pool for those looking to get genuine exercise in place of just lounging in the sun. The spa, fitness center and activity schedule also serve to keep the guest rejuvenated.
Visitors can enjoy breakfast with an ocean view at the 20 Knots, Zemi Beach’s casual dining spot. For those who aren’t afraid of sand in their eggs can eat right there on the sand, feet from the water. The more formal Stone offers chef-prepared local specialties with a focus on the island’s fresh seafood.
A special gem at Zemi Beach is hidden away from the fuss of the beach or the pools. The Rhum Room is a quiet, warm lounge that would’ve served as an excellent cigar spot in a more civilized age. For now, it flourishes with more than 100 artisan rums. It’s the perfect spot for a little reflection and no-stress unwinding if the spa or sand and salt isn’t your scene.
