Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection

Malliouhana originally opened in 1984 and was Anguilla’s first luxury hotel (though that has changed in recent years). The name means “arrow-shaped sea serpent” and comes from the Arawak Indians, the island’s original inhabitants. Sitting atop bluffs overlooking the ocean and several beaches, the resort feels a bit removed from the island's admittedly subdued action. That's a plus for the many loyal guests who return year after year. The look throughout Malliouahana is beachy and breezy, with a touch of Caribbean colonial style, including plenty of white, pastel, and light wood hues found throughout common areas. There are also beautiful paintings of Edenic scenes by the late Haitian artist Jasmin Joseph on the resort’s walls and guest rooms. 

The star of the show here are the grounds and setting, though. Malliouhana is filled with blossoming flowers and tropical fruit trees, and the hotel offers free garden tours that are surprisingly interesting. Of course, the clifftop setting means that views of the ocean are stunning, especially at sunset (and the resort is designed to optimize these views). Malliouhana’s guests are mostly American couples and families -- the latter are especially common around school holiday times in the U.S., so if you're after maximum quiet pick your dates accordingly.

Malliouhana is located in Anguilla’s West End, an area with long, sandy beaches and mostly calm surf. Nothing’s very far away given Anguilla's size, but taxis are expensive and a rental car can be a budget-conscious decision for anyone who wants to explore the island. A few restaurants serving international food and seafood are a five-minute walk from the hotel and there's a Greg Norman-designed golf course five minutes away by car. Other dining options within a 10-minute drive include a bakery, French, Indian, Caribbean, and Mexican cuisines. Banky Banx, Anguilla’s Bob Dylan, has an oceanfront beach bar with live music that’s a 10-minute drive from Malliouhana. In general, there’s not much nightlife on the island, but Sandy Ground -- which is also the commercial port area -- has a few bars and is a 15-minute drive away. Anguilla is surrounded by a handful of minimally-developed islands that are worth a visit. We like Sandy Island, where you'll find a restaurant that offers lunch and has live music on the weekends. It’s a 15-minute drive plus a 10-minute boat ride from the property. Ferries to St. Maarten leave from Blowing Point, a 10-minute drive away. Malliouhana is only a 15-minute drive from Anguilla's airport. 

Rooms at Malliouhana are beachy and bright, with just a bit of a French colonial flair. Expect an abundance of hues like baby blue and canary yellow, plus more dramatic floor-to-ceiling prints of an Edenic scenes rendered by Haitian artist Jasmin Joseph. Black-and-white photos of nearby beaches remind you of just where you are in the world. You can expect king or queen four-poster beds, as well as Bluetooth alarm clocks, flat-screen TVs (hidden behind mirrors), and minibars with free soft drinks. Nespresso machines, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi also come standard. Bathrooms are spacious and have swish accents like double marble vanities and polished river stone floors. Soaking tubs and separate showers are also standard. Bespoke toiletries come in large pumps that look sharp and keep the resort on an eco-friendly track. Without a doubt the private balconies at the Malliouhana are a major draw. They're generously furnished and almost all have incredible, uninterrupted ocean views that are especially perfect at sunset. For travelers with families, multi-bedroom units are also available.

Despite Malliouhana's small stature, like all Auberge Resorts, the property comes packed with just the right amount of features. In fact, you may never need to leave while you're visiting. However, beaches in Anguilla are all technically public property, so hitting the sand means opting for one of the three that Malliouhana overlooks. They're all stunning, and the sand is flour-soft. The hotel has plenty of lounge chairs set up, and all types of non-motorized water sports are free (including stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and Hobie Cats). Free sailing lessons are also offered upon request. However, it's worth noting that you will have to descend steep staircases to reach the beaches.

Malliouhana’s two freshwater infinity pools include one for adults and one for kids. Both have cabanas, lounge chairs, and waiter service, but no lifeguards. They're heated, and free sunscreen is available with the pool concierge. If you'd prefer to unwind indoors, the hotel's spa offers a range of treatments and massages. There's also an extensive fitness center with a range of modern equipment, and there are both free yoga and beach fitness classes for early risers. A basketball court and two tennis courts round out fitness features. Rackets and balls are free to borrow and lessons are available for a fee. 

The Restaurant at Malliouhana is located on the cliff and serves fusion American cuisine. It’s definitely pricey (like most Anguillan restaurants) and has some tasty options, but overall, gets mixed reviews from previous guests. Sunset Bar is located near the lobby and -- as the name implies -- has the resort’s best sunset views. Regularly scheduled rum tasting are available (for a fee), and there's light live entertainment on most nights.

While couples in search of romance are the most frequent guests here, families also love Malliouhana, especially during school breaks in the U.S. There's a big pirate-themed playground near the gym that makes for a great playtime distraction (though the family-friendly pool is also a popular spot). The lobby boutique sells sundries, jewelry, souvenirs, and resort wear. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, and the concierge can arrange everything from inter-island day trips to airport transportation.