Belmond Cap Juluca is an island-chic beachfront hideaway and a romantic fantasy that draws loyalists back year after year. Located along the intimate crescent and healing shores of Maundays Bay on the exclusive island of Anguilla in the British West Indies. The glamorous and idyllic resort offers Belmond’s world-class service and is considered to have the best beach in the Caribbean. Capturing the charisma, character and charm of the Caribbean, Belmond Cap Juluca recently completed extensive renovations of its 23-whitewashed Moorish villas, taking the already impeccable resort to an even higher standard of excellence.
Tell us about the paradise that is Cap Juluca and its ethos....
Cap Juluca is spread across one of the Caribbean’s most serene beaches, Maundays Bay, lapped by sparkling turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. Nestled within 150 acres of landscaped gardens and salt ponds, Cap Juluca allows guests to wholly embrace barefoot luxury in the Caribbean, while also enjoying the most finely-appointed resort in the world.
What sets it apart and why do people fall in love with the hotel?
Cap Juluca complements Belmond’s personality of authentic escapes that blend perfectly with nature, local culture and inspire a sense of wellbeing. The unspoilt setting, chic new spaces and experiences connect guests with the stunning environment and encourages them to unwind to the slow rhythm of Caribbean island life.
Like LOVE BRAND & Co., Cap Juluca operates with a deep connection to the environment in mind, how does this manifest itself?
Anguilla is a haven for those wishing to escape and disconnect from everyday distractions. Cap Juluca pays homage to the surrounding nature and Anguillian heritage with colourful botanicals and indigenous plants spilling in from the tropical surrounds, blending with the resort’s signature Greco-Moorish architecture. Cap Juluca is also at the heart of the diverse gastronomy scene on the island - championing locally sourced seafood and produce from our own chef’s garden.
The appreciation of nature is core to both brands, what does it mean to you and why is it so important?
As a native Anguillian, I have an immense appreciation and respect for the ocean and its role in the existence of our island. At Cap Juluca, we have built our water filtration system to deliver filtered water to our guests, eliminating the use of plastic and glass bottles. We have teamed up with Nature Explorers Anguilla, a not for profit conservation group that works to rebuild mangrove forests and preserve the many important bird areas (I.B.A.) that are scattered throughout the island. Along with Jackie Cestero, Nature Explorers’ founder, Cap Juluca launched “Early Bird Nature Walks,” which bring guests along a neighbouring 150-acre pond and I.B.A., further empowering Jackie’s work as a conservationist and bringing awareness to our guests of all ages.
What is your guide to a perfect day out on the beaches of Anguilla, and what are some key shouldn’t-miss spots/activities?
Anguilla covers only 35 square miles of land but hosts endless opportunities for discovery. Starting this fall, guests can venture out in our vintage VW Kombi van for a personalized tour of the island, starting with a picnic in Shoal Bay. Found on the northern tip of the island, the white sands look across towards the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean. For a taste of the local lifestyle, guests can opt for Sandy Ground. This small town combines the buzz of Anguillian life, including colourful bars and inviting restaurants, with golden sands and gently bobbing sailboats.
What is the key to running a successful hotel?
A successful hotel starts with putting your team members first. It may sound cliché, but our team is the lifeline of our hotel. It’s no surprise that over the past thirty years, our team members have ascribed a name for themselves: the Julucans. When we look after them, they look after our guests. People who are motivated in turn provide great experiences.
Has the hotel made any key changes for the better throughout the pandemic?
The healing power of nature is a core component of the Belmond experience, and as a brand, we are always guided by the beauty of the natural world, and by a perpetual sense of wide-eyed discovery. The pandemic has pushed us to build upon an already rich roster of experiences, bringing guests out in the great outdoors and closer to the things that matter most: the natural wonders of Anguilla and the local hands and hearts that craft those experiences.
What do you see as the future of travel?
The future of travel is hopefully re-discovering a world of opportunities and cherishing simple pleasures surrounded by nature and honest luxury. The latter can be as simple as the perfect view or sinking your toes in the sand.
What do you see as positive outcomes of this difficult period for travel?
With the world opening up once again, we see travellers embarking on true journeys of provenance, getting hands-on with the history and cultural resonance of each destination. There is a renewed sense of discovery, the feeling that every detail has a story to tell, and we see that with our guests delving deeper into each travel experience but also taking the time to relax and recharge.
Hidden secret about the hotel or something not many know about?
The Arawaks who inhabited Anguilla used Maundays Bay as a gathering place, celebrating the renewal and rejuvenation of each new day by honouring Atabey, the mother goddess of fertility and freshwater. They would burn incense and offerings of sage, lemongrass and sacred herbs to awaken the mind and spirit. So naturally, this is a place where the soul feels instantly soothed.
To travel is to...
….. romance the senses.
Your island-chic essentials...
From the beach to the bar, effortlessly blend in with the green and blue hues of the resort with our mens beachwear collection of 100% linen shirts and trousers and trunks made from recycled plastic...
