Experience the best of island life at Cap Juluca, an iconic Belmond property in Anguilla.
By George Coyle
There are a lot of reasons to get excited about a family getaway to Cap Juluca in Anguilla. For one thing, this exclusive island destination is a Belmond property, so you can be sure it’s deluxe, with impeccable service to match. For another, it’s full of upscale amenities, from excellent cuisine and elegant beachfront accommodations to a kids’ club, a slew of leisure activities and an incredible new spa. Believe it or not, though, what my kids really got a kick out of was the golf cart made available to zip around the property. They loved it! There were complimentary bicycles, too. You’d just grab one and go.
Cap Juluca definitely has a lot going for it, as one of the best luxury resorts in the Caribbean. Located on the shores of beautiful Maundays Bay, it’s an intimate oasis where you can soak up some pampering, make happy memories and focus on what matters most: your family.
There are various accommodation options, but every room, suite and villa offers direct beach access and picturesque views. We stayed in a spacious, two-bedroom suite with connecting rooms, which was perfect for our family of four.
Along with the private accommodations, there are four restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a bar, an infinity pool, tennis courts, a fitness centre, leisure facilities and endless, lush gardens. The bright white Greco-Moorish architecture and tasteful interiors are distinctive and particularly inviting in this exclusive setting punctuated by turquoise water, white sand beach and bright blue sky.
The food is impressive, too. Not only do you not have to leave the property to dine in style and enjoy a foodie experience, some of the best restaurants on the island are at Cap Juluca. UCHU, located in the lofty Main House, has a connecting pool terrace with incredible views. A great spot for lunch or dinner, it features tasty Peruvian cuisine, including ceviches, tiraditos and Asian-Peruvian dishes.
A barefoot lunch spot right on the beach beside the sea, The Cap Shack offers casual bites and craft cocktails. Coconut shrimp, grilled lobster, Caribbean crab cake and tuna poke bowl are some of the options.
Daily breakfast at Cip’s by Cipriani is another treat. With a focus on freshness, the menu offers choices ranging from lobster omelettes and eggs Benedict to Belgian waffles and tropical French toast. The setting is just as appealing. You cannot beat the view. While you’re sipping your cappuccino or juice, you’re “drinking in” the bluest turquoise water you have ever seen. For dinner, Cip’s transforms into a refined Italian restaurant. The experience of tucking into sophisticated, classic Italian dishes while taking in these stunning Caribbean vistas is truly outstanding.
One of the original fine dining restaurants in Anguilla, PIMMS offers an elevated dining experience with local flair. The wine list is extensive and the menu includes fresh seafood, Anguillian flavours, Caribbean classics and international dishes. Naturally, the waterside setting is spectacular.
Though one of the big attractions of Cap Juluca is its serene setting and relaxing, indulgent vibe—far removed from the tourist crowds—there is no shortage of things to do. The Explorers Club, for ages four to 12, offers a variety of interactive, kid-pleasing activities. On the water, you can try kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing. On land, tennis, pickleball, basketball, croquet and beach volleyball are some of the options. But at this beach, you’ll also want to lounge. The reserved chaise loungers, extra-large umbrellas and personal service from beach attendants are irresistible. How about a sorbet along with your chilled towel?
Another tantalizing attraction is the brand new Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain. A world-class facility devoted to holistic wellness, it offers facilities for private yoga, along with hot and cold plunge pools. Massages, facials, hand and foot treatments, hair, makeup and pampering signature treatments are on the menu at this spa that’s one of the nicest I have been to in the Caribbean. We did the couples romance journey and it was beyond luxurious.
Truly, Cap Juluca is an unbeatable destination for unwinding in style and enjoying deluxe family time.
Making a Splash in Anguilla
With its laid-back vibe, tropical beauty and abundance of outdoor attractions, Anguilla is a great place for a family getaway. This welcoming, uncrowded Caribbean island is home to 33 beaches and all sorts of leisure attractions. One must-visit place is Aurora Water Park, auroraanguilla.com. Highlights here include a zero-entry lagoon-style pool, a lazy river, three water slides, a splash pad, full-service cabanas and a swim-up bar. There are even lifeguards to keep everybody safe.
Connected to this complex, there’s an 18-hole golf course as well as an entertainment park with a climbing wall, a nine-hole mini golf course, a tennis center, pickleball and basketball courts, beach volleyball and clay bocce.
For big-water thrills, book an outing with Xisle Boat Charters, xisleboatcharters.com. Explore the coastline, cruise in style, try some water activities and enjoy the views from the comfort of a luxurious yacht. Now that’s an adventure! ivisitanguilla.com
