An “if you know, you know” vibe permeates Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Leeward Islands, attested by the high number of repeat visitors and expats who extol its spectacular turquoise waters, high standard of living and friendliness (everyone knows everyone here). Its small size — 16 miles long by 3 miles wide — means it’s easy to get around, and its proximity to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, just a short ferry ride away, makes it easy to combine a stay here with a few days in the Dutch/French destination. Shoal Bay, on the northeast side of Anguilla, consistently earns accolades as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, while Meads Bay is flanked by the Four Seasons resort on one end (a must-do for cocktails at sunset) and Malliouhana Resort, the first property built on the island. In between find spots like always-crowded Blanchards Beach Shack. For the ultimate Anguillian experience, take a speedboat from Sandy Ground Wharf to tiny Sandy Island for an afternoon of sunbathing and snorkeling on the 360-degree beach and lunching on local lobster and curried coconut shrimp.
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Located just 37 miles north of the coast of Venezuela, Curaçao joins Aruba and Bonaire as one of the ABC islands outside the hurricane belt, so the weather is always glorious. Influences abound from the island’s long history with the Netherlands. The narrow alleys and wide streets in Willemstad’s Otrobanda District are reminiscent of 17th-century provincial towns, and here one finds nods to Dutch cuisine such as deep-fried, shredded meat-filled bitterballen and flaky apple pie. The row of colorfully painted buildings lining the water in Handelskade commands a requisite photo op, as does standing behind the oversized letters of the “DUSHI” sign, a Dutch and Papiamentu word that translates to “nice.” Curaçao is called the “Island of 35 Beaches,” and many are placid and calm thanks to natural or manmade coves or lagoons. Spot sea turtles at Shete Boka, nap in a palapa-shaded lounger on Playa Knip, and rub elbows with locals over an Amstel Bright at the beach bar at Playa Porto Mari. Carve out time to tour and taste at Chobolobo Factory, which crafts the island’s namesake liqueur in a color that matches the electric blue hue of the sea.
Saint Lucia often draws comparisons to Kauai because of its lush landscapes, especially Gros Piton and Petit Piton, two green volcanic mountains jutting 2,500 feet above sea level and designated a World Heritage site. Both are hikeable, though most visitors opt for ascending the “easier” Gros Piton, which can still take three to six hours each way. Many of the properties here are geared toward couples on romantic getaways rather than families, with one- bedroom villas tucked into cliffs and featuring private plunge pools. As far as pursuits, Sea Spray Cruises offers a trip with time to sightsee in Soufrière and snorkel in Marigot Bay; and in Sulphur Springs on the southwestern side, bathing in geothermal mud offers a restorative alternative to a spa body wrap. Thanks to the climate, Saint Lucia boasts a long-standing, thriving cacao industry; learn about it during a Tree to Bar experience at Project Chocolat, with a tour of the groves, tree grafting, make-your-own chocolate bar and market lunch. And Chairman’s Reserve remains one of the Caribbean’s best rums; learn how it’s made at Saint Lucia Distillers and taste it and other molasses-based expressions.
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LODGING
Baoase Luxury Resort
Situated on a private cove with tiny islands dotted with cabanas, lounge chairs and palm trees, this 5-star villa resort offers the utmost luxury coupled with tranquility. Curated experiences include yacht tours, spa treatments and romantic dinners on the beach.
2 Winterswijkstraat, Willemstad, Curaçao $$$$$
Frangipani Beach Resort
This 19-room beachfront resort on a coveted stretch on Meads Bay is the definition of barefoot luxury, with an all-day beachfront restaurant and personalized service no matter your penchant or whim.
Meads Bay, A12640 West End Village, Anguilla
$$$$$
Stonefield Villa Resort
Peek at the iconic Piton Mountains from your plunge pool on the spacious terrace of one of 17 cliffside villas at this romantic getaway nestled in the rainforest, with a serene spa and an open-air, local ingredient- focused restaurant.
Stonefield Estate Resort, Soufrière, Saint Lucia $$$$$
© Gail Johnson | Dreamstime.com
DINING
Rabot Restaurant
Overlook the cacao fields influencing the menu at this restaurant inside Rabot Hotel which interplays the sweet and savory nature of chocolate in dishes like seared scallops with cacao-citrus sauce and cacao-marinated rib eye with dark chocolate sauce.
Rabot Hotel, RWJX+MPW, Rabot Estate Soufrière, Jalousie, Saint Lucia $$$$
Sandbar
Watch boats returning to Sandy Ground Wharf from a table at this beachside spot, where an eclectic menu of Asian-influenced small plates includes lobster cakes with creamy nuoc cham and charred broccoli with chili crunch.
6W25+6R6, Sandy Ground Road, Sandy Ground, Anguilla
$$$
Zest Restaurant & Beach Café
Delve into Curaçao’s surprising gin and tonic culture with a deep-dive, choose-your-own- adventure menu of botanical spirits and mixers, then stay for Caribbean tuna and Chateaubriand with your toes in the sand.
Kaya Damasco, Jan Thiel Beach, Willemstad, Curaçao $$$$$
© Vadim Nefedov | Dreamstime.com
INFO TO GO
Visitors to Anguilla usually fly to Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport via carriers including American Airlines, JetBlue and United Airlines, then take a ferry from the nearby dock to Blowing Point in Anguilla. American Airlines recently added direct flights from Miami (MIA) to Anguilla (AXA). Carriers including American Airlines, JetBlue and Air Canada service Curaçao’s international airport (CUR), only 8 miles from the capital of Willemstad. Non-stop flights to Saint Lucia (UVF) are available on American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines; some of the more remote resorts require
a car ride of several hours from Hewanorra International Airport via winding roads — something to keep in mind for those who experience car sickness.
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