By Gary Walther
A one-hour flight from San Juan, Anguilla, is famed among Caribbean connoisseurs for its azure seas, powdery beaches (30 to 33 depending on your criteria), and refined hotels and villas. And while it’s counter-intuitive, the island is a great refuge from summer heat (temperatures be
tween 74 and 88 in June, July, and August) thanks to the tradewinds. Yes, it rains at this time of year, but usually in late afternoon for short periods. But it also rains discounts at this time of year, especially “when everyone is giving deals as a result of the recession,” according to veteran Anguilla hotelier Sue Ricketts, who with her husband Robin, started Cap Juluca and now runs the Anguilla Luxury Collection.
The Deal
Simple: A 7-day advance-purchase ticket with no departure and return deadlines. But the fares aren’t set in stone.
Logistics
Catch an American, Continental, or Delta flight to San Juan, PR, and connect to Cape Air or Liat, which offers the cheapest onward flight to Anguilla. American has the most flights to San Juan (four daily from JFK, for instance), as it’s a hub, and the most connections to Anguilla. Delta had the cheapest fare ($772), but look carefully at the return schedule. In some cases—going from San Juan to JFK—it’s impossible to make the connection from Anguilla, necessitating a stay-over. Cape Air fares from San Juan vary with length of stay and advance-booking: $200 (four-day maximum stay) to $450 (60-day advance) roundtrip in coach.
Sample of Promotional Business Class Fares to San Juan
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The Destination
Amazing beaches—the result of eons of wave and tide grinding down sand to talcum-texture. Anguilla is flat, making it easy to get out to the island’s freestanding restaurants, which are among the best in the Caribbean.
Best Restaurants: Dolce Vita in andy Ground, Veya near Sandy Ground, and Jacala on Meads Bay.
Hotels
Cap Juluca:A line of white, Moorish-style buildings on gorgeous Maunday’s Bay beach. The resort raised the bar in the Caribbean when it opened in the late ‘80s. The public areas have recently been upgraded. The rooms need updating, but the overall package is still first-rate. The Viseroy: South Beach on Meads Bay and the island’s newest luxury resort. Accommodations split between beachside and bluff-top. Great views from the latter, but a walk to the beach. A densely packed resort—still, a svelte property for those who like this vibe.
Cuisinart: Yes, owned by the guy who invented the once ubiquitous kitchen gadget. Perhaps a rung below Cap Juluca and Viceroy in sensibility, but a solid choice. By all means take the tour of the hydroponic gardens that supply the kitchen.
Villas
Villas at Long Bay: Three sparkling white villas (Sea, Sky, and Sand) on a bluff. Each has four master suites, infinityedge pool, half-mile private beach, 24-hour concierge, private tennis courts, and access to Gregg Norman golf course. $3,500-$12,850 per night. Book through Anguilla Luxury Collection, 239-344-7810.
Sheriva: Three swell, recently renovated villas near the entrance to Cap Juluca. Guests have beach and signing privileges at the resort and a “road-licensed” golf cart to get there (a few minutes’ drive). Price includes chef, concierge, butler. $2,900 (four bedrooms) to $6,000 (eight bedrooms) in summer. Le Bleu: 10-bedroom villa, six of them king-size suites with ocean views, tennis court, movie theatre, 40x18’ infinity pool, but small beach. Handled by the bluechip Villas of Distinction. $3,900 per night through Nov. 19.