Taking on a legend is never easy. People will remember a place or experience and it’s not easy to do justice to the memory. When Belmond took on the task of renovating the jewel of Anguilla resorts, Cap Juluca, people were optimistic that this was the right group to take on the task, and they were not disappointed. Belmond’s Cap Juluca is a grand tribute, worthy of the original.
Originally conceived to showplace the island as a luxury tourism destination, Cap Juluca realized that ideal. Mr. Robin Ricketts and Mrs. Sue Ricketts of Ricketts & Associates, Ltd., and Charles and Linda Hickox, the principal owners of Leeward Isles Resorts, were instrumental in the development and promotion of the property, making it the icon of luxury, a flagship resort embodying stunning architecture, Anguilla’s natural beauty, and the warmth and hospitality of the Anguillan people. Located on the beautiful stretch of white-sand beach, Maunday’s Bay, the resort was the definition of a luxury resort.
The property had a loyal following. Guests returned year after year for the best in accommodations and service. In 2013, Charles and Linda Hickox reacquired the property. When Belmond, a luxury hotel brand, acquired the property from the Hickox family in May of 2017, an extensive renovation was planned, to be completed by the end of 2018. In August of 2017, the resort closed to begin the renovations.
Then came Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. The $35M renovation became a $100M+ renovation. Although a much bigger project than originally anticipated, the resort reopened on December 15, 2018 and the results were impressive.
The resort is the result of the tireless efforts to make it a signature property. The island’s infrastructure was heavily damaged by the storms, requiring more work than originally anticipated. Hundreds were employed in the construction and renovation, and reopening the resort, and General Manager, Tiago Moraes Sarmento anticipates hiring even more, as guests have been booking the resort since they began taking reservations in April of 2018.
Sue Ricketts commented that Belmond “did a wonderful job in every way so nice to see the ‘rebirth of our beloved baby’. The whole reception area along with Maundays Club is amazing and to think in the beginning all those years ago it housed a family of goats! “
Belmond Cap Juluca certainly has fulfilled the original vision. The grounds are stunning, taking advantage of the magnificent stretch of sand and beautiful views of St. Martin. Additional accommodations were added and every room and suite was renovated. The result of those efforts reflected the “barefoot luxury” style, with soft tones, and comfortable furnishings.
Each evening, Tiago hosts a “Champagne Sabering” at the Main House. Guests are invited to open a bottle of champagne or prosecco with a saber, with appropriate instruction. Accompanied by lively conversation, it is a pleasurable start to the evening.
Breakfast is served in Cip’s, named after the restaurant in Belmond’s Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Other dining options include Pimm’s, the more casual Maunday’s Club in the Main House, and the Cap Shack, a new structure at the west end of the property, popular in the evenings for cocktails while watching the pink sky at sunset.
Our family stayed at Belmond Cap Juluca from January 7 through 14, 2019. Despite being a very busy time of year, the resort never felt crowded. The grounds were beautifully maintained, and the staff was very welcoming and attentive. Belmond has recreated a place worthy of the original, a tribute to those who created this jewel of the Caribbean.
In the coming weeks, we will share more of our January 2019 trip to Anguilla. We’ll take a closer look around Cap Juluca, including some cocktails with Omalie 360. We celebrate Miss Great Britain Dee-Ann Kentish-Roger’s 26th birthday at da Vida with Omari Banks. Our daughter takes the “Sabering Challenge,” and opens a bottle of prosecco at Cap Juluca. We discover a nest of hawksbill turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. We spend Saturday afternoon at The Place with The Musical Brothers. Join us as we discover the newest restaurant, Sharky’s, owned by Lowell Hodge. We also dine at Blanchard’s, Blanchard’s Beach Shack, Jacala, Picante, Tokyo Bay, Mango’s and more! Join us for upcoming posts as we relive our trip, and look forward to the next!
For a closer look, take the tour of Belmond Cap Juluca here!
All photographs in this post were shot on film, using a Mamiya 6 with the 50mm f/4 lens, or the Canon EOS 1v with Canon 35mm f/1.4 lens or 50mm f/1.2 lens. Film stocks used include Kodak Portra 800, Kodak Ektachrome E100, Fuji Pro 400H, Fuji Provia RDP III, and Kodak Ektar 100. Processing and scanning by Richard Photo Lab.
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