Keeping it fresh in Anguilla /

Anguilla may be small, but 2023 will bring a slew of new discoveries to this Caribbean gem. The island has a great balance between established properties and eateries that attract repeat guests year after year, and brand new developments that offer something new to experience.

In honor of a recent series of awards, including Condé Nast Traveler’s (U.S. edition) #2 Reader’s Choice of the Caribbean Island, visitors to Anguilla can experience new villas, stylish beach clubs, authentic new eateries, a variety of new activities and a whole lot of fun on returning festivals.

Quintessence Hotel, a boutique hotel brimming with museum-quality sculptures and artwork from celebrated artists from around the region, has opened Quinn. Nestled above Long Bay Beach, the three new stylish guest suites are located in a separate building adjacent to the original hotel and aim to offer the Quintessence experience at a more affordable price tag. The new suites offer guests access to the same amenities, including an infinity pool, full-service spa, French Caribbean fine dining and an award-winning wine cellar.

Aurora Anguilla opened the first part of the Aurora Anguilla Entertainment Complex on Dec. 31: the Aurora Anguilla Amphitheater, a 500-seat concert hall that overlooks the Caribbean Sea and St. Martin. The future sports and activity center will be home to four tennis courts, three pickleball courts, two full courts and a half court for basketball, two sand volleyball courts, three bocce courts, a climbing wall, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a great grass field. The Welcome Center will include a daycare center, a children’s activity center with video games, ping pong, billiards, air hockey, an open room with video screen and jukebox, and a 2,253 square foot play area. ft tennis center. The water park area will feature a lazy river, three water slides, several pools, one with a handicap lift, and a pool deck with cabanas. For dining, just opened in Aurora Anguilla is the reimagined Tokyo Bay restaurant, led by acclaimed chef Joe Richardson, offering a modern take on legendary Japanese cuisine. Artfully prepared using traditional techniques, the menu is elevated by homemade soy sauce and vegetables grown on site, the finest seafood and Anguilla’s largest selection of sake.

Aurora International Golf Club has opened its nine-hole Avalon Links, a world-class short course designed by Greg Norman Course Design. With eight par three holes and one par four, the course unfolds with a variety of shot angles, distances and carefully integrated design elements to make it playable and fun for both experienced and novice golfers. Avalon Links complements the resort’s championship course as the island’s only golf experience. D Richard’s Steakhouse, located at the Aurora International Golf Club, is now also open for dinner, fine dining and after-tee drinks.

Cé Blue Luxury Villas, a beautifully landscaped, gated community of eight five-bedroom villas, each with breathtaking and spectacular views over Crocus Bay, reopened in November under new management. Each villa has five bedrooms, complete with a luxurious bathroom, work space and bar fridge. Beautifully appointed kitchens equipped with a wine cooler and gas range, luxury linens and an outdoor BBQ make families and chefs alike feel at home, and large dining tables invite leisurely meals with friends and family. A private swimming pool and grounds of 3,000 m2. ft deck, with WIFI available in every villa, completes the many features of this resort.

In mid-2022, Alkera joined the collection of unique and incredible places to stay on Anguilla. The villa is a contemporary architectural gem overlooking the bright white sands of arguably the best beach on the island, Shoal Bay East, with expansive glass panels, high ceilings and an open concept to masterfully blend indoor and outdoor living. Five ensuite bedrooms and generous interior space are complimented by an expansive outdoor patio and heated infinity pool with floating island platform. The villa also takes full advantage of Anguilla’s geology with a partially subterranean recreation area featuring exposed limestone, vaulted ceilings and earth tones.

The spectacular Santosha Villa Estate and sister property Long Bay Villas will have a new presence and will offer luxury services such as on-call concierge and personal butlers and bookable private chef teams. Santosha Estate consists of the main house, three guest houses and a private apartment, with a total of nine bedrooms, along with lush gardens, a secluded beach, gym, basketball and tennis courts, swimming pool, hot tub and an array of experiences. Long Bay’s trio of luxury villas, Sand, Sea & Sky, can be rented separately or together. The combined 16 bedrooms can accommodate up to 33 people. Complimentary continental breakfast, onsite butler and concierge services, direct access to a secluded beach, oceanfront infinity pool and hot tub, water sports equipment, tennis and basketball courts are among the many included amenities.

New for 2023 is Sandbar, located on the sands of the vibrant Sandy Ground and under new ownership by island restaurateurs Carrie and Jerry Bogar, who own the renowned Veya restaurant. Sandbar offers a laid back experience, with the same high standards of cuisine presented in a variety of tapas and accompanied by great cocktails. Diners will also enjoy the live music and beautiful views from those enjoying Anguilla’s national sport of boat racing.

The sophisticated Savi Beach brings a Nikki Beach-style experience, immaculate styling and a Japanese-inspired menu to Meads Bay. Savi opened in early November and has already received critical acclaim for its decor, location, menu and service. Savi combines refined elegance with the barefoot luxury that Anguilla is famous for.

Local restaurateur Dale Carty is celebrated on the island as one of Anguilla’s most talented chefs. He has now expanded his original restaurant with a new outdoor bar and dining area known as Tasty’s POV (Point of View) for the amazing panoramic view it offers from its position overlooking Sandy Ground. Specialties are grilled lobster, crayfish or chicken in combination with delicious cocktails.

Ocean EchoVincy on the Beach will open Summer 2022 on Sandy Ground Beach. Vincy has a lifetime of experience working at some of the island’s finest restaurants and resorts, including Four Seasons and Celeste in Malliouhana. Her new venture brings the same standards of culinary excellence to a more relaxed crowd right on the beach. Diners will find her next door to legendary beach bar Johnno’s, serving a classic Caribbean and international menu, including conch chowder, grilled chicken and ribs, along with excellent rum punch.

Discover and experience

In addition to abundant water sports, hiking, and Moke tours, one of the best ways to experience the lesser-known aspects of Anguilla is with a local guide. Founded in 2020 by two young Anguillians, Quest Experiences offers a wide variety of activities that give visitors a different perspective on the island. Quest recently added three new tours: Glo’s Rum Tasting – rum connoisseurs and novices alike are hosted by Gloria Leveret, who started bartending in 1974 and now owns Glo’s Flavored Rum, as she showcases 14 of her favorite flavours; Anchor Mini Golf – Anguilla’s only 18-hole mini-golf course in Island Harbour, with a special surprise at the 18th hole; and Perry’s Sea Activities – guests join the father-son duo aboard the Loving Star, a 34ft Bow Rider, for fishing trips, cay trips, sunset cruises and island tours, or get towed behind the Miss Lolo, an 18ft speed Nautica Ski Boat, for tubing, water skiing, wake boarding and more.

The island’s National Trust has an ongoing program of conservation and heritage tours ranging from trips to uninhabited Sombrero Island, turtle patrols and walking tours that uncover the island’s history through built heritage. There are also volunteer tourism opportunities for those wishing to provide hands-on assistance during their stay.

Events and festivals

Anguilla will celebrate year-round as a full schedule of festivals and events returns for 2023.

The 33rd Reggae Festival Moonsplash will take place at the Dune Preserve March 10 – 12, 2023, with confirmed performers including British reggae singer Maxi Priest. Easter Weekend Festival Del Mar at Island Harbor from April 8-9, 2023 celebrates the island’s natural bounty from the sea. The Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE), the epicurean festival that brings together talented chefs from Anguilla and around the world with -loving guests at Anguilla’s world-class resorts, luxury villas and bespoke restaurants, returns May 3 – 6, 2023 And the much-loved summer festival, Anguilla’s Carnival, will wrap up the season in July/August 2023. All the festivals are hugely popular with islanders and visitors alike, offering unforgettable opportunities to lime like a local.

For information on Anguilla, visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board.