Best of Anguilla!

I always love it when I get to experience a new TRAVEL THERAPY destination and I’ve heard so much about Anguilla, a top rated, small, exclusive Caribbean island that this is a trip I’ve looked forward to.

I flew the 7:00a.m., four hour direct flight from JFK to St. Maarten and then took the ferry over to Anguilla. A word of advice, this ferry only runs two times a day in the off season, at 1pm and 2:45pm, so plan your flight into St. Maarten accordingly, so you’re not left sitting at the St. Maarten boat dock waiting around. If you fly through Puerto Rico you can also catch a flight directly into Anguilla which might be quicker depending on your itinerary.

 When you research Anguilla you’ll quickly find there are three top Caribbean hotels on this small but popular gem of an island that’s a favorite with savvy celebrities and the jet setters looking for a peaceful escape. The top three luxury hotels in Anguilla are the legendary Cap Juluca, Malliohana and my resort, the number one pick on the island by folks who use Tripadvisor, CusinArt Resort & Spa. All three properties are on the west side of the island and are known for the first-class service and fantastic beaches.

 The reason I’m excited to stay at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa is because this award-winning Caribbean boutique hotel continues to re-invent itself, finding new ways to pamper guest and make the vacation experience something to remember.

This small, secluded property was built about ten years ago by yes, you guessed it,  the same person who owns the famous CusinArt kitchen appliances company. The owner had come to Anguilla and like so many others, fell in love with the island so decided to build his own hotel on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach.

The first thing I noticed when we drove up to the property is that the whitewashed, sun kissed villas of CusinArt reminded me of my time in Greece staying in Mykonos. It turns out the entire property was designed to resemble Greek island villas in Mykonos so I was right on target and my third floor,one bedroom villa, #407 is to die for.

The CusinArt’s villas are right on the beach with outrageous views of the Caribbean. I could spend all day lounging on my private patio, listening to the waves lull you into complete serenity.

From the beautiful, spacious living room, to the master bedroom, sitting room and luxury bathroom that has a gorgeous indoor and outdoor shower area,  this CuisinArt suite is set up so you can feel at home on your vacation and with 1,900 square feet you have plenty of room to relax and stretch out!

I was starving from my trip so I headed over to the Lobby Bar for a quick snack before dinner where Diana, the bartender, quickly whipped me up a signature rum drink. I choose a mozzarella and tomato panini with homemade pesto sauce and enjoyed every bite. One of the other draws of staying at CuisinArt is the award-winning food and getting to experience fresh home grown produce that come from the resort’s hydroponic garden, a first for Anguilla.

Later that night for dinner I met with the general manager, Stephane Zaharia and his lovely wife Valerie, who are both originally from Paris. With two young children, they shared with me how much they’ve enjoyed living in the Caribbean and being a part of the CuisinArt experience.

We had dinner at Santorini Restaurant, the fine dining choice at CuisinArt, where the presentation was as impressive as the culinary choices. From fresh fish to lobster, grilled beef tenderloin, mushroom stuffed chicken and roasted rack of lamb there is something for everyone. I started with the Anguillian Lobster Asian Rolls and moved on to the sautéed squid for a main course and finished up with a warm chocolate soufflé for dessert. Everything was beautifully prepared and delicious!

There was champagne, chocolates, homemade macaroons and fruit waiting for me in my villa when I had arrived that I was saving for after dinner. But when I finished my meal at Santorini all I was ready to do was sit out on my balcony and soak up the sound of the Caribbean. I love that I have found another TRAVEL THERAPY destinations where I can breathe a little deeper, soak up some inspiration and truly relax.

For more: www.cuisinartresort.com

Coming up…a trip to the hydroponic garden to pick out ingredients for the cooking classes CuisinArt offers where you learn some tricks of the trade from CuisinArt’s award-winning chef.

Stay tuned for more on the best places to stay and play in Anguilla! This adventure is only just starting…