Cap Juluca, Anguilla

2020 has been a year of hopes and fears, and above all, uncertainty. One sure thing is that we won’t be visiting Anguilla this year, for the first time in a decade (D reminds me that we should have been flying down this week).

So join me for a trip down memory lane, to our stay at Cap Juluca just about one year ago.

We’d been hearing about Cap Juluca for years – anyone who knows Anguilla is familiar with this grande dame – and finally, after it was acquired and renovated by Belmond, the time seemed right to pay a visit.

And wow – everything we heard was true! We’ll be returning as soon as it’s feasible.

What makes Cap Juluca special?

It’s set on one of the best beaches on the island, with rooms in villas set along the sand like a string of pearls. I hadn’t realized how luxurious it is to simply step outside and be right on the beach, with our own lounge chairs and umbrellas set up just the way we like them (I prefer 2 umbrellas to provide full shade!). The chairs aren’t too close together, and everyone has a front row view of Maundays Bay.

The other benefit of the long row of villas is the small parking area behind each, meaning we could drive right up instead of walking from the main lot. It’s a small detail, but really convenient after dinner or when carrying in towels and bags from a day out.

At the far end of the beach is the Cap Shack, where you can have a casual BBQ meal or a drink with your toes in the sand. I’m partial to the Banana Bailey’s Colada.

The lobby and main dining areas are at the other end of the beach; our villa was fairly close, so it was an easy walk along the sand to have breakfast (or, more often, just coffee and the daily crossword; after all, need to save room for our favorite restaurants!).

We were also near the watersports station, perfect for D, who loves nothing more than sailing a Hobie cat.

There he goes!

I really enjoyed our room, which was spacious and had an expansive bathroom complete with a solarium. Our sweet housekeeper often decorated our table with a glass of hibiscus flowers from the solarium.

Until we can return, I’m imagining the beauty of Anguilla and thinking of the wonderful people there. We miss them all!