Caribbean

Escape to Anguilla
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Escape to Anguilla

On our recent trip to Anguilla, we met many guests that return to the island year after year. After a week in this eastern Caribbean paradise, it’s not hard to understand! A British Overseas Territory, Anguilla is well known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and powdery white sand beaches. Although it boasts a laid-back vibe, it features plenty of top-notch resorts and restaurants giving you the best of both worlds – an escape from reality without sacrificing service, amenities, and a little pampering. Perfect for families, couples, or multi-generational travel:

How to get there…
You have a choice of flying to nearby St. Maarten and taking a 20-minute ferry ride or private boat transfer to Anguilla. Or, connect through a variety of cities, including Miami (American recently started offering nonstops from MIA and JetBlue may be following soon). Island hopper flights or private air can also be arranged from nearby islands.

What to do…
Rent a car: Although you may not be experienced driving on the left-hand side, it is very easy to rent a car and navigate around the island – there are hardly any traffic lights, and most roads are two lanes.

Snorkel and Scuba Dive: There are several snorkel and dive sites that will bring you up close to spectacular ocean life. Seven marine parks encircle the small island, and a Spanish galleon, sunk during the colonial years, is a great spot to explore – its cannons and cargo are still intact.

Day trip to a deserted island: Sandy Island is just off the coast of Anguilla and is a popular spot for a day trip with a beautiful beach, clear waters, and a few beach bars to explore — it’s a great place to be “shipwrecked.” Prickly Pear, an uninhabited island, is perfect for hiking and snorkeling.

Where to stay…
Aurora: Formerly the CuisinArt Resort which was closed in 2017 due to hurricane damage. Reopened as this all-suite world class resort, Aurora Anguilla boasts spacious ocean front suites and gorgeous multi bedroom villas, hydroponic farming for a true farm to table experience, an outdoor amphitheater, kids and teen clubs, a water park, golf course, well-appointed spa and gym. This graceful, spread-out property never feels crowded. With two gorgeous cove beaches, the property is separated into two sections, the Rendezvous and the Merrywing sides.

Four Seasons: This luxurious resort on Barnes Bay has a Miami-ish hip vibe with streamlined decor, spacious rooms and suites, a world-class spa, and several dining options. The reflecting infinity pool and the sunset bar are showstoppers, especially at the end of the day. Golf course and tennis courts round out the resort’s amenities.

Malliouhana: An Auberge Resort Collection property located on Meads Bay has an eclectic décor with a vibrant mix of celadon blue, mango and saffron accented furnishings. Yoga and fitness classes are offered daily and most rooms have an amazing view of the beautiful turquois water and beach below.

Zemi Beach House: Stunning resort on Shoal Bay on the East End of the island. With a Rum Bar, Cigar Lounge, upscale dining, adults only pool, there’s plenty of adult oriented amenities, but it also offers plenty of family focused services. The resort’s toes in the sand restaurant, 20 Knots, is the perfect place to unwind with drink in hand.

Belmond Cap Juluca: Boutique hotel on a pristine cove beach with lux rooms and suites and several restaurants. A new Guerlain Spa will be open in the next few months. The resort features Mediterranean style rooms many with private terraces and dining with a drop-dead views at restaurants Pimms and Cip’s — named for the hotel’s Italian sister hotel, Cipriani.

Quintessence: This Relais & Chateaux property is perfect for a secluded getaway. Set in a completely renovated tropical grand mansion, the Indonesian elements and lush surrounding gardens puts you in a very Zen state of mind.

Where to eat…
All the resorts listed above have outstanding dining choices and many with a view, so definitely make plans to visit those. Arrive early, grab a seat at one of their bars or lounges, and enjoy the sunset and a local rum cocktail.

Other independent restaurant options: For casual, beachside Caribbean inspired seafood visit Blanchards or Sunshine Shack. More upscale dining with a view can be enjoyed at Veya and Jacala. Or enjoy breakfast, lunch, or sunset dinner at Straw Hat.

It’s never TOO early to plan your next adventure. Email me: mollie@herrickstravel.com and find out about upgrades, complimentary breakfast, special amenities, and VIP service for all Herricks Travel customers. Become a SUBSCRIBER and receive all my latest articles right to your inbox: look for the “subscribe to this blog by email” box and then respond to the follow-up email. For more information on my trip planning services, please click HERE.

Top Seven Reasons to Visit Turks & Caicos
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Top Seven Reasons to Visit Turks & Caicos

Well known for its turquoise blue waters, Turks & Caicos is the dream destination for all things ocean: snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, kiteboarding, sailing, and sun tanning. This Caribbean British Overseas Territory is an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of the Bahamas. The largest island, Providenciales (Provo) is most well known and most visited due to its pristine white sand Grace Bay Beach and crystal-clear water.

Here are the top seven reasons to visit Turks & Caicos:

Easy access:
Less than a four hour flight from New York, or a ninety-minute flight from Miami, nonstop flights from over 11 U.S. cities land at Providenciales International Airport (PLS). From there, it’s a quick ride to many resorts.

Drivable:
Rental cars are easily picked up right outside the airport, and driving the island is manageable (although on the left side, so be prepared!)

Year-round sunshine:
Turks & Caicos averages 350 days of sunshine a year, and ocean temps stay at around the 80-degree range.

Nature at its best:
Looking for casinos, nightlife, or water parks? You will not find this here – Turks & Caicos’ appeal is getting you up close to nature and the powdery white sand that lines its shores with plenty of secluded, crowd-free beaches.

Abundant wildlife:
An expansive barrier reef protects the coast and supports an abundant animal life including dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and fish, making this the perfect destination for diving and snorkeling excursions. Hop on a stand-up paddle board or launch a kayak to explore the many winding mangrove channels and see first-hand the island’s beauty.

Amazing resorts:
Turks & Caicos natural beauty is complemented by its many first class accommodations. Here are a few of my favorites:

Grace Bay Club: This all-suite property has three distinct offerings: an adults-only section; a family-friendly section; and The Estate, the luxe resort within a resort. The property features a sprawling beach front with open air restaurants and dining for laid back luxury and plenty of elbow room.

Ritz Carlton Turks & Caicos: This newly built luxurious and modern property features beachside dining and pool area, an open-air lobby with a trendy restaurant, bar, and sushi spot, a lux Spa and fitness center plus a kids’ club.

Amanyara: This secluded resort, set in a 18,000-acre nature reserve, has that signature Aman Orient touches throughout. The hotel’s lush tropical pavilions offer quiet seclusion, and the sprawling beach front area overlooks a marine reserve.

Rock House: The island’s newest resort brings Mediterranean cool to the Caribbean. The unique and private hilltop accommodations, some with private plunge pools, are scattered throughout this secluded property. Relax and take in the panoramic views at the 100-foot infinity pool perched on the oceanfront cliff.

Delish Dining:
For a small island, there is no shortage of restaurant choices from world-class gourmet dining (BLT Steak, Coco Bistro, Sui Ren, Grace’s Cottage) to casual local beach restaurants and bars (Mango Reef and Da Conch Shack). Don’t go home without indulging in crispy conch fritters, creamy conch chowder, fresh conch ceviche, and steamed spiny lobster.

It’s never TOO early to plan your next adventure. Email me: mollie@herrickstravel.com and find out about upgrades, complimentary breakfast, special amenities, and VIP service for all Herricks Travel customers.

Become a SUBSCRIBER and receive all my latest articles right to your inbox: look for the “subscribe to this blog by email” box and then respond to the follow-up email.

For more information on my trip planning services, please click HERE.