Anguilla emerges as the chicest (and safest) destination in the Caribbean

While many come here for the golf, it’s worth noting that the resort’s tennis pro, Ryan Williams, has added America’s fastest-growing sport, pickleball, and clinics to the sports menu. These offerings also include daily beach volleyball and soccer matches that allow guests to meet, compete, and mingle with locals, as well as a variety of yoga and weight training classes, indoors. (the gym is huge, with great views from the treadmills) and outside.

Aurora Anguilla is easily accessible via a 30-minute ferry ride from St. Maarten or private flights to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport; a fleet of Aurora Anguilla jets are available for guests to book to travel to the island. For most of 2021, the island has recorded no cases of COVID-19, thanks to a strict government-mandated “bubble” testing and quarantine policy for all visitors. (Testing requirements are still in place, while quarantine has been significantly shortened – visitors must remain in their resort until they receive a negative covid test result which will be administered upon entry to the Isle).

Most of Anguilla’s luxury properties are located on the same side of the island, making it easy to explore multiple hotels on one visit.

Stepping into this boutique property which, when it opened nearly 40 years ago, put Anguilla on the map as a luxury travel destination, is like stepping into the home of a fabulous eccentric: it There’s a collection of diving helmets displayed at the entrance, an extensive collection of regional art hung in public and private spaces, and the glamorous interiors recently refreshed by Todd-Avery Lenahan in tones of celadon, mango and of saffron. The cliffside terraced pools offer spectacular views of Meads Bay, while Turtle Cove offers ultimate privacy for canoodling. HostelResorts.com

Since its opening in 1988, Cap Juluca (the ‘God of the Rainbow’) has developed a cult following among those who appreciate discretion, who return year after year to the Moorish-style domed villas designed originally by architect Oscar Farmer (perhaps best known for the Los Angeles Coliseum). It’s a downright sexy property in a prime location on Maundays Bay, where every room is beachfront, and seemingly every surface is coated in texture just waiting to be touched. Uchu is the property’s new Peruvian-themed restaurant with ceviche galore and a selection of Pisco cocktails, while Cip’s by Cipriani, a homage to their legendary sister hotel in Venice, remains a guest favorite for sunsets. Belmond.com

Set on 35 acres with 3,200 feet of beachfront and what many describe as a “million dollar sunset view,” the Four Seasons debuted several years ago in what had been the Viceroy’s first international property, designed by Kelly Wearstler. It has aged extremely well, remains a top wedding destination and continues to attract an international jetset drawn by the luxury accommodations (80% have water views), the resort’s high profile partnerships with Questlove, which was a DJ on New Year’s Eve and two-time Golden Gloves champion Ngo Okafor on hand for a fitness residency.