Forty-eight hours after our wedding, we were on our way to Anguilla with very little on the agenda. After months of planning, the idea of waking up without anywhere we needed to be sounded pretty perfect.
Cap Juluca was exactly what we were looking for.
Set along Maundays Bay, the Belmond property is one of those places where the hotel really is the destination. Our days quickly settled into a routine of long breakfasts, afternoons on the beach, and deciding where to go for dinner. We ventured out to explore the island, but most days, there was nowhere else we particularly wanted to be.
Arriving in Anguilla
We flew into St. Martin and took a boat charter over to Anguilla, which Cap Juluca had arranged for us ahead of time. The transfer was seamless, and having the logistics taken care of before we arrived was particularly appreciated after the whirlwind of our wedding weekend.
It set the tone for the rest of our stay.
The room
We originally booked a King Premium Beachfront Room and were surprised with an upgrade to a suite upon arrival.
One of the things that makes Cap Juluca so appealing is that every room is beachfront. Our suite had a large balcony overlooking Maundays Bay, with the water so close it almost felt like you could reach out and touch it.
The room itself was beautiful, but what stood out most was the sense of privacy. Despite being right on the beach, it felt like we had our own little corner of the island. It was somewhere we genuinely looked forward to coming back to at the end of the day.
The mornings
Breakfast at Cap Juluca deserves its own mention.
The buffet stretched across multiple rooms, with fresh fruit, pastries, and plenty of other options, alongside a full à la carte menu. We quickly developed a routine of ordering an omelette, something sweet like French toast, and a little bit of everything from the buffet.
As good as the food was, the service is what I remember most.
My husband and I each have about three iced Americanos with breakfast, and by our second morning, the staff already knew our routine. They kept the coffees coming, and when it was time for our third, they’d bring them in takeaway cups so we could head straight to the beach.
We never had to ask.
It’s such a small detail, but it’s exactly the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after a trip.
Days on Maundays Bay
The beach was every bit as memorable as the hotel itself.
The loungers were generously spaced apart, giving everyone their own little stretch of sand. Even with other guests around, it felt incredibly private.
Most mornings, we’d finish breakfast, take our iced Americanos to go, and head straight down to the water. There was no rush to get anywhere and no particular reason to leave.
Throughout the day, the staff would come around with fresh fruit and complimentary mango sorbet, which was as good as it sounds. Paddleboarding was also included, and we took advantage of it when we felt like doing something other than sitting on the beach.
It was the kind of place where an entire afternoon could pass without you giving much thought to the time.
The little things
What really set Cap Juluca apart was the service.
We had a dedicated butler who checked in by text each day, helped with dinner reservations, and regularly stopped by to ask how our day was going. We hadn’t come to Anguilla with much of an itinerary, so there wasn’t a great deal we needed, but it was lovely knowing someone was always there to help.
The service was attentive without ever feeling intrusive.
Another favorite was the nightly champagne sabering. It became a fun evening tradition that brought guests together, and we both had the chance to saber a bottle ourselves.
After spending much of the day enjoying the privacy of the beach, it was a lovely way to come together with other guests before dinner.
At the table
One of our favorite meals of the entire trip was at Uchu, right at Cap Juluca.
The food was phenomenal, and there was something especially nice about ordering wine, taking our time over dinner, and knowing we could simply walk back to our room afterward. We loved exploring Anguilla’s restaurants, but having somewhere this good at the hotel was a real highlight.
We did venture off property for several dinners, and there are a few places I’d absolutely recommend.
Sharky’s was our favorite. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious, so much so that we went twice. If there’s one off-property restaurant I’d prioritize, it’s this one.
Artisan was another standout, particularly for the pizzas and calzones. It was a great change of pace from our other dinners and somewhere we’d happily return.
Veya is a tried-and-true Anguilla favorite and another stop we made during our stay.
And then there was Blanchards. One evening, we stopped in just for carrot cake, ordered a slice each, and sat at the bar to eat them. It really is that good.
We also made our way to the Sunset Lounge at the Four Seasons for drinks overlooking the water. It’s well worth venturing over for sunset.
Would I go back?
Without hesitation.
Cap Juluca was exactly where we needed to be after our wedding, but I don’t think you need a honeymoon or special occasion to appreciate it.
It’s the combination of the beachfront rooms, the privacy, the food, and a level of service that manages to feel genuinely personal. The staff remembered our coffee orders, our butler checked in without being overbearing, and even an ordinary afternoon on the beach came with fresh fruit and mango sorbet.
There are plenty of beautiful beach resorts, but it’s rare to find one where the experience feels so considered from beginning to end.
Cap Juluca is one of those hotels I’d happily plan another trip around.
