Site Visit at Four Seasons Anguilla

The Four Seasons is located on Barnes Bay in the West End area of Anguilla. It also borders Mead Bay on the eastern side of the property. The island is about 16 miles long and three and a half miles wide, much smaller than its neighbor Saint Martin. Although Anguilla has its own airport, commercial flights are limited. There is one direct flight from Miami daily on American Airlines along with inter island and charter flights. St. Martin is approximately eight miles to the south and has many direct flights from the US and Europe. There are frequent ferries, or you can take the world's shortest international flight at only eight minutes from Saint Martin (SXM) to Anguilla (AXA). This was our chosen option and worked out well. We were able to get off our inbound flight and bypass customs to board Anguilla Air Services for the short scenic flight. Clearing customs in Anguilla was quick and we were on our way to the Four Seasons a few minutes after landing. Their schedule works well around the afternoon arrivals into SXM. The cab ride was about 20 minutes to the Four Seasons which has a grand palm lined driveway. Check-in was quick with a delightful rum punch with the rum served in a mini barrel.

The hotel has 188 accommodations made up of ocean or garden view guest rooms and suites all with private plunge pools, three and four-bedroom oceanfront townhomes with private pools, one-to-three-bedroom residence villas with full kitchens, laundry and plunge pool, and four and five-bedroom ocean view fully equipped villas with infinity pools. These all have laundry and full kitchens. The property is expansive, with tennis courts, an indoor/outdoor kids club, one adult only infinity pool next to the main bar with great sunset views, a large family pool and a kids walk in pool. The entire staff was amazing, from the gardeners to the front desk, and everyone in between, every person greeted us with a smile.

There are three restaurants, the main being SALT, paying homage to Anguilla's main source of income many years ago. This a fine dining experience with tastes of flavored salts incorporated into the meal and its presentations. This is also the location of the expansive breakfast buffet with staffed stations for omelets, waffles and more.

Sushi/Asian inspired bites along with salads and burgers for lunch are served poolside with bar service available.

Bamboo, which is located next to the kid's pool area serves ala carte breakfast and lunch. The menu options include freshly made pizzas, gourmet burgers, shrimp tacos and lobster.

The Half Shell Beach Bar, located on the Barnes Bay beach in front of the residences serves lunch selections including lobster, tacos and grilled skewers.

Anguilla is well known for its dining experience and there are many great restaurants. Reservations seem to be essential. Most will require cab rides if you are not staying nearby. Be prepared to spend $35-$55 each way for four depending on distance from the Four Seasons. Sharkey's was fairly close to the hotel and filled up quickly. The food and service were very good. Nice menu variety. The Lobster Risotto is their signature item and did not disappoint. The chef made it a point to visit each table and was a nice touch. Next night was at Dolce Vita, a beach front Italian spot with very good food although the atmosphere was just ok. The lasagna was the standout dish.

The most outstanding dining experience of the trip was Veya. This restaurant was only 15 minutes or so from the Four Seasons. It's in a wooded area and was beautiful. The exotic two-story building was accentuated with great lighting creating a dramatic tropical vibe. The service was outstanding as was the menu. This seems to be the premier dining experience and the highlight dinner of our five-night stay. There were many familiar faces from the Four Seasons here. Bankie Banx's son Omari, a very talented musician was playing, it was a magical night!

Our last dinner was at Blanchard's. Great location on the beach, the islands largest rum selection and a menu made up of tapas and a few large plates. The food was good, but If i had a choice between Veya and Blanchard's, go with Veya.

Our first day was spent at the hotel with amazing poolside service with most servers knowing our names and providing outstanding service. The next day we moved on to Rendezvous Bay where the Aurora Hotel is located. This is also the home to Sunshine Beach Bar and Bankie Banks Dune Preserve. Bankie is a a local reggae music legend and this place has a distinctly Rasta vibe and great musicians. Make sure to check their show schedule and come with an open mind! If the staff partaking in local herb is not for you, then take a pass and go to Sunshine's for some good beach food and drink.

Day three was Shoal bay, a bit of drive but is known as the most beautiful beach on the island, if not in the Carribean. Ask the driver to drop you off at Madeariman restaurant. Beach chairs were $5 each with umbrellas, and the food for lunch was great! Try the curry Grouper for a special treat!

You can't see it all in four days and there are many other beaches to explore. Sandy Island is remote island beach bar only available by boat. Unfortunately, it was too rough for us to go. Other activites including horseback riding and quads are available.

If shopping is your thing, Anguilla is not that. There is one town hub, the Valley, mostly commercial in nature and no typical island shopping district as found on many other Carribean islands. There are some small shops scattered around, but don't expect to spend much time shopping.

The Four Seasons is a great Carribean resort with comfortable rooms, excellent service, food, nice spa, well equipped gym and nice kids' facilities. If you're traveling without kids, don't fret as there is the adult only pool area with the best sunset views of the island.

The Four Seasons Anguilla is a popular honeymoon destination and great for a romantic couple's getaway. The exclusive adults only infinity pool provides the quiet experience couples look for. There is nightly musical entertainment as well. It also appeals to families with separate family pool, and kids facilities. Reach out to me to help plan your Anguilla getaway!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Anguilla. In need of further inspiration? Check out Fora’s guide, Belmond Cap Juluca: Luxury Bliss in Anguilla.