Zemi Beach sits on Shoal Bay East. (
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While some paparazzi-stalked stars and financiers choose glitzy St. Barts as their see-and-be-seen Caribbean island, just a hop, skipper and puddle jumper away is a destination for A-listers looking for a more under-the-radar experience. They’ve traded in their Louboutins for the barefoot-casual vibe of Anguilla — and for good reason.
Yes, Brad Pitt might have taken Jennifer Aniston here to tell her it was the end of their journey, but that doesn’t mean that was the end of Anguilla’s journey. Quite the opposite, in fact. The island is growing into the latest pearl of the sea, with multiple publications billing it as the “new luxury capital of the Caribbean.”
There is nothing quite comparable to the turquoise blue water found in the Caribbean, of course. And when you juxtapose Anguilla’s Meads Bay with Kelly Wearstler’s masterful designs at the Viceroy resort, spiky sea urchin chandeliers are just the beginning.
Viceroy (rooms from $400 and villas from $2,250, peak-season rooms from $800 and villas from $3,600, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com), where Charlize Theron and Robert Downey Jr. both spent New Year’s Eve, offers international globe-trotters Caribbean R&R along with a five-star level of accommodations, restaurants, shopping and chic yet comfortable surroundings.
Opened in August 2009, the dreamy resort boasts 166 accommodations (ranging from romantic suites to large, picturesque villas with private plunge pools and marble bathrooms sumptuous enough to live in), 35 acres of beachfront split among two beaches, a stunning infinity pool with sunset views (plus two kid-friendly pools) and five restaurants spread out on the property that will definitely satisfy all your Japanese, Mediterranean, Italian and Caribbean cravings. There are kosher kitchens, too.
If the sign of a real vacation means balancing your chakras, then report directly to Viceroy’s newly renovated spa featuring 16 treatment rooms, massages based on principles of “Balance, Breath and Beauty” and a view that could entice anyone to jump into the sea. If you prefer therapy through retail, no island hotel shop holds a candle to Viceroy’s boutique and pop-up Missoni tent with on-point selections from designers such as Lanvin, Matthew Williamson, Alice + Olivia and Solange Azagury-Patridge.
Although Viceroy stands tall on Anguilla at the moment, contenders are on the horizon. Auberge Resorts was recently tapped to manage and re-brand the landmark Malliouhana Hotel & Spa, purchased by Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (owners of Isle de France in St. Barts) in February. An $80 million renovation to the 55-room resort should put the property, just down the beach on Meads Bay and Turtle Cove, back in the spotlight.
And over at Shoal Bay East, touted as the best beach in the world by the Discovery Channel, a new mega-development is in the works. Zemi Beach (zemibeach.com), a Trust Hospitality-managed hotel and condo colossus from New York’s Goldstein family, will feature 112 units including 28 two- to three-bedroom beachfront residences and luxury penthouses available for purchase (ranging from $2.1 million to $3.2 million) if a short fix of Anguilla doesn’t satisfy your island craving. (Viceroy also has residences priced from $600,000 to $6.5 million.)
Zemi Beach’s cliff-climbing 5.2-acre property is situated along 1,000 feet of Shoal Bay East, offering spectacular views of the sea and/or the Fountain Cavern National Park. Facilities at Zemi Beach will include a bar, beach restaurant, spa/juice bar and a glass-walled fitness center with a yoga terrace and cascading pools. Sounds like a great spot to dodge the paparazzi.
EAT
Blanchards Beach Shack — While its fine dining location next door gets more hype, this colorful beach-perched shack is just as delightful. Fresh lobster rolls and fish bowls keep patrons coming back for more.
Sandy Island — Catch the “Happiness” shuttle from the small pier at Sandy Ground Beach, which will transport you to a sand-coated pearl in the middle of the sea with the most fantastic grilled lobster and crawfish you might ever eat.
Half Shell and Cobà — These are our picks for best restaurants at Viceroy. Half Shell could easily become your regular lunch spot with its pressed watermelon, feta cheese and grilled shrimp salad, plus its satisfying smoothies. Cobà offers fresh seafood in one of the fanciest fine-dining settings on the island.
Dolce Vita — This restaurant, which specializes in freshly made pasta, serves gnocchi and lasagna that’s worthy of Italy.
Jacala — With Jacques at the front of the house and Alain in the kitchen, this charming spot merges traditional French cuisine with the island’s freshest ingredients in dishes like lobster-stuffed chicken.
Veya — A favorite for both locals and tourists, this treehouse in the jungle is on everyone’s must-dine list with Caribbean/Asian-inspired dishes including shrimp cigars and conch carpaccio.
DRINK
Pump House — Originally a mill when Anguilla’s main export was salt, this joint is now known as one of the hottest spots for live music and local nightlife on the island.
Elvis’ Beach Bar — Everyone who visits Anguilla seems to end up at Elvis’ eventually, and it’s easy to see why. Between the strong rum punches and crowds of happy revelers under the stars, it’s the perfect place for a nightcap.
PLAY
Cuisinart Golf Club — This 7,063-yard championship course, which opened in 2006, was designed by golf legend Greg Norman. Located just a few minutes’ drive away from the Cap Juluca resort, it offers dramatic elevation changes and water features on most of its holes.