I had unending sunshine, turquoise waters and a pristine beach waiting for me. Yet, despite the Caribbean paradise outside my door at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, I was tempted to spend hours indoors — in my luxurious, comfy, well-decorated villa.
Until I sunk my toes into the powdery Anguilla sand for the first time, that is.
When I arrived at Aurora Anguilla, I was escorted to the bar area and greeted with a rum punch, the island’s signature cocktail. The cool, boozy libation was a preview of what would come after my stress-free, direct flight from New York — a seasonal charter plane that the property provides. I knew then that I was about to fully experience the stellar service and welcoming spirit of Anguilla, and I was not disappointed.
After check-in, my butler and concierge, Lynval, showed me the lay of the land, answered my questions and handed me a beaded bracelet: a smart room key that remained around my wrist for the length of my stay. He escorted me to my second-floor, two-bedroom villa, which featured a beachy aesthetic with a calming, neutral color palette, spa-like baths, a dream kitchen and two private outdoor terraces.
The expansive windows allowed me to soak in the Caribbean landscape, and I could catch a glimpse of Rendezvous Bay even though I was set back from the shoreline. While the villa below mine didn’t have a view, it had a private pool. A large family or group could rent the entire home and take advantage of both the vistas and the pool.
Renovation and Amenities
Previously Cuisinart Resort, Aurora Anguilla underwent a multimillion-dollar revamp and officially opened in December 2021. In addition to providing a roster of culinary options and on-site activities, two first-class golf courses — an 18-hole and a nine-hole, both designed by Greg Norman — a 27,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 500-seat amphitheater, the property is in the process of revealing a new entertainment park featuring a sports and activity center and a waterpark. It’s slated to open by the end of the summer 2023.
Occupying over 300 acres, Aurora Anguilla sits in an idyllic place on the island. The 178-key resort offers two sides to its sprawling property. The side along Rendezvous Bay resembles a blissful Mediterranean escape. Meanwhile, on the seasonal Merrywing Bay side — west of Rendezvous and just a short shuttle ride away — the accommodations have a luxury, high-rise apartment vibe, showcasing breathtaking sea views. Both sides offer pools, cabanas, plenty of space to lounge, eateries and things to do.
Villa rooms have recently been renovated.
Credit: 2023 Kris TamburelloAurora Anguilla has a vibrant culinary scene, with dining options ranging from casual to upscale. I savored world-class sushi, Anguillan classics, locally caught seafood and a juicy New York strip steak.
The wine program is impressive, as well. One of the highlights of my time was the Wine Discovery activity with head sommelier Bernel Richardson. He led me through a tasting of bottles from around the world.
Another memorable experience was my tour of the organic and hydroponic farm, where they grow many of the ingredients found in the resort’s restaurants.
There’s plenty to do within the resort and along the coastline: garden tours, tennis and pickleball lessons, fishing at the bay, volleyball and more. And Aurora Anguilla will organize pursuits such as cave tours, guided hikes, kayaking and Moke (electric vehicle) outings on the island. I managed to experience several activities, but saved a few for next time.
Four days provided a taste of Aurora Anguilla, but my time flew by. A week in paradise would have been even better.
