What It is Wish to Keep at Cap Juluca, A Belmond Lodge

I’d already been in Anguilla for 3 days after I made my option 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 seaside, but I hadn’t been capable of absolutely shake ideas of unanswered emails and the low-level nervousness that usually comes alongside for the “out of workplace” journey. 

However from the second I stepped into the open-air foyer at Cap Juluca, A Belmond Lodge — 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 via the archways — the aid was tangible. The heaviness and distraction I had been carrying since leaving the U.S. stood no likelihood towards 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 magnificence and laid-back vibe.” Right here, she says, “the emphasis is on rest and tranquility.” After visiting a number of resorts 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 under) that produce this peaceable environment, there are two aspects of Cap Juluca I’ve since used as a comparability to all different Caribbean resorts 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 Lodge. 

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 seaside. The true spotlight of my one-bedroom beachfront suite, nevertheless, was the spacious lavatory, 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 primary constructing, eating places, and health — it’s possible you’ll need to use one of many resort’s seaside cruisers or golf carts. My journey companion and I went with the latter, utilizing it nearly completely at mealtimes. Throughout the day, we camped out beneath our seaside setup in entrance of the villa, not eager 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 primary breakfast spot, with an expansive buffet (an egg station, pastries, native specialties, and recent juices) in addition to a la carte choices. At evening, 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, should you don’t need to depart your seaside chair, your server will deliver you conch salad, a poke bowl, and tacos from The Cap Shack. In your last evening 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 proper option to finish your trip. 

Actions & Experiences

In my view, one of many surefire indicators of a real five-star property is its flexibility. At Cap Juluca, visitors might be as busy or as unscheduled as they like, marking it as a luxurious resort via and thru. If you happen to want a break from the seaside — or just desire a change of synergy for just a few hours — ask the concierge that will help you schedule a ship journey to the Prickly Pear Cays, a sundown horseback journey, snorkeling or scuba diving journey, or a fishing tour with native fisherman Shawn Romney. Every day, the resort brings visitors collectively to transition from day to nighttime with a Champagne sabering ritual, adopted by cocktails and reside music from an area artist. 

Different on-property actions embody the pool on the Essential Home, a rum-tasting class, complimentary yoga and pilates classes, 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] offers a multisensory method.” Open-air courtyards with lush tropical foliage and an infinity pool look out onto the ocean. Visitors can take a dip in the cold and warm plunge swimming pools, and the service menu goes far past a 50-minute huge and basic facial.

Select a crystal bowl vitality therapy, a restorative after-sun bodywrap and therapeutic massage, or an Imperial Black Orchid Facial, which is claimed to depart your pores and skin glowing. After the therapy concludes, make your option 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 concerning 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 unquestionably extra of an adults’ paradise. The clientele contains honeymooners and people celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and different particular events. That stated, the resort 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 may take part in a variety 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 resort makes use of domestically sourced, seasonal produce, and the cleansing merchandise and tub merchandise are eco-friendly. There’s no single-use plastic used on the Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain; as an alternative, visitors drink from refillable aluminum amenity bottles.

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

Location

Cap Juluca is positioned on the West Finish of Anguilla, about 8 miles from Clayton J. Lloyd Worldwide Airport. American Airways at present presents direct flights from Miami Worldwide Airport to AXA, however many guests — myself included — choose to fly into Saint Martin’s Princess Juliana Worldwide Airport and take a 20-minute boat or ferry switch to Anguilla. If you happen to 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 seaside chairs, cliff views, and not too long ago restyled non-public pool villas are simply down the highway from SXM.

Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

Cap Juluca is a member of American Specific Effective Motels + Resorts, and card members obtain each 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.