Anguilla and its wonderful beaches - Viceroy Hotel

     Just recently back from a week on Anguilla and a wonderful stay at the new Viceroy Hotel.

     Anguilla is now easy to reach by flying non stop to St Maarten/St Martinn, with its new wonderfully modern airport,  and taking the Funtime power boat for the 30 minute hop across the water to the Customs House on Anguilla.  Cost is approximately $80 each direction. 

      Funtime is right at the airport. They operate a very efficient meet & greet service and makes for an enjoyable ride over to Anguilla.  They even serve cold drinks and have a very friendly staff.  Entering Anguilla requires a bit of paperwork but there is a nice West Indies feel to arriving at the Customs House and then a short taxi ride to your hotel.

     The Viceroy Anguilla just opened in November 2009 and is part of the growing Viceroy Hotel Group, (formerly Kor Hotel Group).  The group is focused on distinctively styled properties with remarkable design elements and stylish flair.  The first ones were in Santa Monica, Palm Springs and West Hollywood.  The collection has now established  The Tides as one of their signature brands and as a leading force of the contemporary hotel scene will be growing the collection.

     The Anguilla property has very sophisticated and glamorous interiors done by Kelly Wearstler, a highly respected designer who brings a sensual style to her design.Everywhere you look there are interesting sculptures of organic materials from around the world and a feast for the senses.

Viceroy Anguilla sits on 35 acres between Barnes Bay and Meads Bay. and there are magnificent.sea views from the dramatic lobby area and most rooms.  The beach club which offers lunch as well is a 5 minute shuttle ride away,  Once the the final phase of the construction is complete it will be a short stroll down to Meads Bay.  The hotel has managed to keep most of the construction from interfering with guests.

With any new property in the beginning there are some glitches along the way, and let's remember this is the Caribbean after all.  All of these things will be worked through under the watchful eye of Jan Tibaldi, the hotel's Swiss General Manager.  Jan was very visible throughout our week in all parts of the hotel, especially when some large seas required closing the main dining room for several days, and the second restaurant needed to be used for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

   

    
Dining at Viceroy - , the restaurants have a good menu selection and use high quality ingredients with nice presentations.  Coba, the premier dining room gives water views on all sides as it sits out on the promontory.  The dining room staff are very friendly and all eager to please.  I particularly like the trend for cafe presse in individual pots - nice full bodied coffee.

The rooms are very spacious and elegantly appointed in creams, and serene neutral tones with fine design furnishings and objets d'art throughout.  The spacious terrace of a one bedroom has a plunge pool and both the bedroom and the living room give way onto the terrace.

The beaches of Anguilla are legendary. The Viceroy sits on a promontory flanked by Barnes Bay and Meads Bay.  One has wonderful views of the azure Caribbean waters from most rooms.

The best way to do Anguilla is to have a car rental so one can experience different dining spots around the island.  For a list of the best restaurants, please contact me and I will be happy to give you the scoop.

Barbara Herrott - barbarah@travelexchange.net