When we first traveled to Anguilla in 2007, we stayed at the CuisinArt Resort on Rendezvous Bay. Since that visit, we have returned to Anguilla half a dozen times, staying at the CuisinArt again in 2014. In 2023, we returned to the resort, now Aurora Anguilla. Several people have asked how the Aurora compares to the CuisinArt. Overall the resort has seen many improvements, and here are our impressions from our stay in November-December 2023.
Upon arrival, you are greeted with a cool towel and a cocktail (your choice of alcohol or non-alcoholic), with the flavor of lemongrass – my favorite! You are given your room key which was not so much a key, but a bracelet into which was embedded a chip which opens your suite. I loved the bracelet, and especially one which is functional!
Physical Structure
The resort has seen a lot of changes since it was the CuisinArt Resort. When we first visited in 2007, there were only buildings on Rendezvous Bay. Since then, construction began on the Merrywing Bay side (on the western side of the golf course). In addition, the resort has developed the Entertainment Park and concert venue, the Aurora Amphitheatre. The entertainment park was not open during our visit and there weren’t any movies playing at the Amphitheatre of interest to us, so we didn’t visit the Merrywing Bay side of the development. I had been advised that if you wanted the better beach and less activity, opt for the Rendezvous Bay side. As promised, the Rendezvous Bay side was just as I remembered it. Some people were concerned that the addition of the Splash Pad on the Rendezvous Bay side would disturb their peace and quiet. Seriously, it is not a concern. The splash pad was just behind our building, and we never heard a thing. It’s also kind of fun to get the bucket of water dumped on you! If you are concerned that the development of the resort has affected the peace of the Rendezvous Bay side, there is no reason for concern.
There were a few changes at the beachfront. The beach bar which you reached walking along the tiered pools is no longer at the base of the steps. The bar has been moved to the eastern side of the steps and the beachfront restaurant, C Level, is now to the left of the steps. This was a nice improvement as you can now dine along the beach.
Decor
It appears that Aurora Anguilla took a cue from Cap Juluca in its interior design. Gone are the bright cobalt blue and yellow interiors, replace with soft beiges and textured elements. The pool loungers are now teak with white cushions, a big improvement. The beach loungers have a rattan surround and beige cushions.
We stayed in two Junior Suites on Rendezvous Bay (Beach Suites Building 8). The interiors were in soft beige tones with textural elements. The bedding, seating, pillows, and throws were all soft and comfortable. The table in the seating area was a round teak low table, upon which we were greeted with a large plate of fruit – including tamarind which was a treat!
Food & Beverage Service
We don’t spend a lot of time at any resort restaurant, because Anguilla has so many wonderful restaurants, however, our experience at Aurora Anguilla demonstrated that the food & beverage service is exceptional. We had breakfast included in our package, so we were able to enjoy all the treats on the full buffet, including made-to-order eggs, loads of pastries and fruit, juice, and many other choices. What really stood out on service was how our autistic son was assisted throughout our stay. He loves to have a little independence, and will order french fries and milk whenever the desire strikes. By the end of our trip, he had to give his server a hug because she took such great care of him throughout our stay. Our son does not really show a lot of affection, so that was remarkable. That is what really strikes me about a great resort – it is about how they care for those who may need a bit more help.
Beach Service
The beach service was also exceptional. Attendants made sure you had what you needed and checked in regularly, but not annoyingly, to see what you would like. And the complimentary beach treats are always welcome!
The beachside service has been improved since our last stay. There are several stations along the beach where you can get complimentary sunscreen and flavored water. Gone are the soft-sided coolers at your beach chairs, replaced with hard-sided coolers which keep the ice and beverages cold all day. Inside your cooler, you will find aluminum bottles of fresh, cold water.
Concierge
I have to mention the Concierge, unfortunately, as it was the one area which could use improvement. Communications before our stay were timely, but once on the island, our requests for dinner reservations were forgotten, and I had to connect my phone service to make the reservations myself. I understand that there was a large wedding there that week, but I didn’t appreciate being forgotten. I am hopeful that the concierge service will improve to fit with the rest of our experience at the resort.
Overall Impressions
Overall, I would visit the resort again. The resort has seen many improvements, and with the addition of the Entertainment Park, it will provide some fun distractions for the young travelers in your group without disturbing the serene, beautiful beachfront accommodations we have loved for many years.
