Anguilla
British West Indies


The Experience

Competition for the luxury travel market is fierce on Anguilla, where, in addition to several five-star resorts, you can stay at a number of new luxe villa complexes. But the Malliouhana Hotel & Spa has a singular advantage -- the best spot on the island, hands down. The white Mediterranean main building sits on a cliff at one end of its gorgeous beach, offering spectacular sunset views from the Michel Rostang-supervised restaurant. The resort's 26 acres are so lush that the aromas from the flowers, including three varieties of jasmine, can be dizzying.

The Rooms

Even the Malliouhana's double rooms are huge, starting at 720 square feet, while suites increase the space to 1,800 and more. Twenty are in the main building, with others spread throughout a series of cozy two-story buildings. Most of the larger rooms and suites are in the beachfront villas; just be sure to specify direct beach access when booking. While the setting is hard to top, the furniture -- dark wood and rattan set against white-tiled floors -- is starting to look dated. A resort this beautiful deserves an ambitious renovation.

The Service

Service can be spotty here, ranging from attentive and friendly to downright sullen. This is the Caribbean, and even at its best, the service can be mystifyingly slow. In the evenings, the restaurant staff is usually much more attentive.

The Highlights

For some, the newish 15,000-square-feet spa has great appeal, featuring three couples' treatment rooms with private balconies, whirlpool baths and lounging areas to make island relaxation a reality. It's also a good chance for parents to sneak some time away, since there's a monitored "play zone" for children, along with a wonderful pirate ship and waterslides. Families and couples will benefit from some of the island's calmest waters here -- many other resort beaches fall victim to stiff breezes. Wind down the day at the two-Michelin-star-chef Michel Rostang's restaurant, with an excellent French meal made even more special by the 25,000-bottle wine cellar.

-- Laurel Delp

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