Worth Traveling For

There are a million beautiful places in the world, but the truly special ones leave their mark on you. They’re the places that bring you back time and again — and have you talking about your next trip back before you’ve even left the property. For my husband and I, that place is Four Seasons Anguilla.

I first visited a decade ago when it was under previous ownership, so I was somewhat familiar. But it wasn’t until recently, on a return trip with my husband and children, that I fell totally in love — not only with the transformation of the property, but with the warmth of the staff and the island itself.

Hotel Highlights

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla 

For me, relaxation fully hits as we pull down the long drive leading to the resort where we are greeted by staff who feel like family, especially after getting to know them over the years. Breathing sighs of relief and putting our out-of-office messages on, we’re handed glasses of punch (that we are encouraged to spike with local island rum). 

This is the check-in process. 

Anguilla is known as the home of the double rainbow and with the occasional sun shower throughout the year, you’re bound to spot one — or two. We saw four rainbows during our visit, all while enjoying breakfast overlooking the water at SALT (which also serves dinner). The terracotta and sage palette, accented with copper and cream finishes, gives the space an elevated feel while maintaining a calming ambiance — as it should, considering you’re looking out over Barnes Bay and Meads Bay, two of the island’s most coveted views.

exterior four seasons resort and residences anguilla
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla 

Every restaurant here (not only SALT) is genuinely worth visiting. Lima Limon, a coastal Mexican restaurant set on Barnes Bay, serves excellent cocktails and overlooks my favorite beach on the island, thanks to its secluded little inlets. Bamboo Bar & Grill, located along Meads Bay, serves casual beachside food — order the mahi-mahi sticks from the kids’ menu with the creamy dipping sauce and thank me later. The piña coladas are also outstanding. Ask for the bartender named Trouble — she’ll make you forget yours.

Then there’s our favorite restaurant on property: Sunset Lounge. The Pan-Asian menu is excellent, but honestly, the view alone is reason enough to visit. We find ourselves there often during every stay. The tuna poke bowl is unmatched, and the live music creates a fun atmosphere. After dinner, you can roast s’mores by the fire pits.  And I can’t forget the sweetest (pun intended) little café. It serves coffee, pastries, and some of the most delicious gelato on the island. It’s also incredibly photogenic, with millennial-pink clay tiles, green accents, and plenty of sprinkles.

Rooms & Experience

Everything here is pristine — from the landscaping to the spotless floors to the pool towels, which are perfectly folded and tucked away. Rooms range from a junior oceanfront suite to a two-bedroom residence to a sprawling multi-family villa. I’ve stayed in all of the above, and none have disappointed. 

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla 

The resort caters to every type of traveler, whether flying solo, escaping with the love of your life, or vacationing with your family. There are two adults-only pools, giving couples and solo travelers plenty of quiet places to unwind. At the same time, the family-friendly pool is just as beautiful, so you never feel like you’re sacrificing luxury because you’re traveling with children. The layout also makes perfect sense and flows effortlessly from one area to the next.

What to Know Before You Book

We typically visit in January or April, since escaping the New York winter is important to us. We did visit once in July, and while it wasn’t too hot, I personally prefer getting away during the colder months.

four seasons resort and residences anguilla private plunge pool
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla 

The main takeaway is simple: make it a point to go if you can. We’ve honestly been surprised by how many times we’ve wanted to return. It’s relaxing, safe, the people are genuinely kind, the views are stunning, and the property is nothing short of magical.

Address: Barnes Bay, 2640, Anguilla

Closest airport + transfer time: Anguilla now has its own airport, but we’ve typically flown into Sint Maarten and then taken a boat (Funtime Charters!) over to Anguilla. The crossing takes just 25 minutes. 

Feature image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. Travel Curator may earn a commission from booking links on this page.