Anguilla Redux
Post-hurricane, Anguilla’s beloved CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa has regained its paradise status
The island of Anguilla, a self-governing British Territory about the the size of Manhattan, is known for both hospitality and conviviality. Nowhere is this more evident than at CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, sprawling along a postcard-perfect beach directly across from St. Martin on the famous Rendezvous Bay.
The resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has majestically reclaimed its pre-hurricane glory, plus some. Especially noticeable are the constant, infectious smiles of the staff—affably proud of how beautifully “their” resort has recovered.
“Hospitality is our middle name,” says Stephane Zaharia, President and Managing Director of CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. “Many of the staff have been here since we opened. They take care of guests with a true sense of ownership.”
Likewise, the resort’s design has been updated from top to bottom, along with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. The new, improved CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa features an enclave of Greece-inspired, whitewashed structures (91 suites and 7 villas) spread out like a series of mini mansions over a meticulously landscaped beachfront. The interiors are dressed in stark white with gracious touches of sea-to-sky blues, and open up to large balcony terraces. Furniture by Roche Bobois lends an upbeat-modern vibe to the pristine rooms which are bathed in breezy ocean air and the best beach music possible—the sound of sea birds and waves hitting the beach.
The pool is the center point of the resort, flanked by Mosaic, an open-air dining pavilion that offers a lavish breakfast buffet as well as lunch and dinner menus served every day (at lunch, enjoy one of the best versions of Salad Niçoise on the planet). Also poolside, KazBar is a laid back, Moroccan-style lobby bar open to the outdoors, where Meze plates accompany cocktails that are as inventive as they are refreshing. Tokyo Bay is the resort’s Teppanyaki-style restaurant. Beachside? There is a bar, of course, delivering cold drinks and Caribbean specialties right to your beach chair.
Water sports are available for the asking, but it is the 18-hole Greg Norman Championship Golf Course that is the resort’s flagship. Literally stretching out over 16,000 feet along the Anguillan Channel with breathtaking views of the Caribbean as a backdrop, the course is one of the most stunning golf courses in the world.
With wondrous grounds to explore, plus a splash pad, huge pool and the beach, children will not want to leave the property. Parents might choose to take in a bit of pampering at the 27,000 square foot Spa (they can even concoct their own custom bath scrub). A fitness center and a wide range of classes are offered next door.
Just down the beach is the new, slightly more contemporary sister property, The Reef by CuisinArt, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Amenities are shared between properties and include fine dining at The Reef’s Yacht Club which overlooks the sea, of course.