Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla

"A luxurious resort on the island of Anguilla, known for its elegant beachfront accommodations and world-class service, providing a perfect getaway for relaxation and indulgence." - Maya Layne

"Rainbows appear frequently on Anguilla, more so than anywhere else in the West Indies, which is why locals call it Rainbow City. So it comes as no surprise that Linda and Charles Hickox called their hotel Cap Juluca, named after the rainbow spirit of the indigenous Arawak people (who actually did find gold in these parts). It gained a loyal following throughout the 1980s and ’90s; guests were seduced by the private villas dotting the shore—it’s the only place to stay on this mile-long stretch of pristine sand. When Belmond took the reins in 2017, the group knew it was on to a good thing. What it didn’t bank on was the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma just a few months later. But a top-to-toe renovation has seen the hotel restored to its former glory, and new spaces have been seamlessly integrated with the charm of the original. Greco-Moorish architecture in open-air living rooms and palm-lined terraces neatly frames views of the bay. At Maundays Club, turquoise mosaics lining the pool reflect the ocean, while the tables under the arches at Pimms restaurant are so close to the water’s edge that the red snapper could almost leap right onto the plate. And Rottet Studio’s design sees local heritage included on every surface, from the stone quarried at cliffs where petroglyphs left by the Arawaks were uncovered to the chairs that showcase traditional weaving styles. Every detail is considered here. Not exactly a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but not far off. —Catherine Martin"

"When Cap Juluca opened on a mile-long white crescent here in 1988, it was widely considered—to quote its sanguine American-born owners—“the best hotel on the best beach in the Caribbean.” The domed villas, a few with then-scarce plunge pools, brought worldly glamour to a squiggle of an island that had only recently acquired roads and drew discretion-seeking jet setters from chockablock St. Martin. Families flew to Cap J year after year, while major handshake deals would go down on Maundays Bay, and legendary parties would keep the drinks flowing at Pimms restaurant. Eventually, of course, the crowd moved on, and the owners sold the property to Belmond in 2017—just before Hurricane Irma barreled in. No matter: In a $130 million refurb, Rottet Studio added five new villas and recast the interiors, replacing the Moroccan carpets and lanterns with soft linens, rattan, and seagrass." - CNT Editors

"Festive events range from a Christmas feast at Cip’s by Cipriani to a beachside barbecue on Boxing Day to a New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks over Maundays Bay. Even Scrooge couldn’t pass up a seasonal cocktail-crafting class. Guests looking to dive into more than just the waves can learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage through Johnnycake-making lessons, musical workshops led by a local calypsonian, and costume building. Don’t miss Santa's arrival on the pristine, white-sand beach on Christmas Day and the Anguilla Craft Market on Dec. 28." - Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, T

"Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel in Anguilla, kicks off the high season with a new Guerlain spa right on the beach. JetBlue's new partnership with Tradewind Aviation makes it easier to access Anguilla and other islands."