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Update 2022: CuisinArt is now Aurora Anguilla.
Set on the sparkling, smooth crescent beach that is Rendezvous Bay, amidst swaying royal palms and blossoming bougainvillea, CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa surpasses the term "Anguilla luxury resorts."
It not only leads the way in resort dining, it offers some of the top restaurants in all of Anguilla. Executive Chef Jasper Schneider conducts the culinary renaissance with a fine attention to detail, right down to the fresh produce sourced daily from their on-site hydroponic gardens.
CuisinArt has also been the first to embrace green technology. Their massive solar and desalination plants are evidence of true commitment to reducing their carbon footprint to as close to zero as possible
It rounds out its world class offerings with two more award winners, the Greg Norman designed golf course and the Spa by CuisinArt.
Wrap that all up with the consistently excellent service and an all-star concierge and it's fair to say that CuisinArt is top of class.
More on CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, below...
Visit CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa's website...
As you approach CuisinArt's signature sky-blue domes, exhale and relax. You have chosen well and are in excellent hands.
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa
A bit of background to this review...
We have, of course, been covering CuisinArt's many strides forward in recent years. It was time to archive our previous "total review" and experience how all these developments tie together. When CuisinArt invited us, the whole family jumped at taking a mini-vacation "away" (10 miles away!) from home.
Before we get started, here is a complete video tour of CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa. It gives you the "lay of the land" and shows you inside rooms, suites, the spa, the hydroponic garden and more.
Keep reading for our family's "stay-cation."
We arrived ready to relax. Devon welcomed us, scooping up our bags and sweeping us into the bright lobby to commence the calming CuisinArt experience.
Devon explained the daily resort activities, restaurants and bars. He also pointed out the library, which turned out to be a pleasant spot. Even in high season, computers are always available as you can see...
The Library
... and Internet access is amazingly fast.
Speaking of Internet, the resort's free WiFi is fast everywhere, in rooms, public spaces and on the beach. Best of all, there's no logging in nonsense. No "limited to 5 devices" restrictions. Your device simply connects! (Why doesn't every high-end resort in the world do this? You can't believe how irritated my Dad gets at luxury hotels around the globe.)
While Devon gave us the lay of the land, Sharon prepared our welcome cocktail in The Lobby Bar (also home to specialty house-made rums)...
Sharon Preparing the Welcome Cocktail
Myers's rum, mixed with pineapple and Orangina!
Utterly refreshing, it's a delightful way to start a stay in Anguilla, especially with the view from the lobby.
The Lobby View
Everything set, Devon led the way to our room!...
As we walked the expansive property, my Dad remarked on the landscaping. It is one of the aspects that made us all fall in love with CuisinArt on our first stay back in 2006.
The rustling of the palms and the gentle garden aromas lend a quiet, peaceful and tropical feel to the property. Well-manicured, the resort grounds are managed with a deep attention to detail.
Before we moved to Anguilla (in 2008), CuisinArt became our Anguilla resort of choice. It was the luxury hotel that my over-worked parents could rely on to relax, recharge, renew.
The View From The Beachfront One Bedroom Suite
Their favorite hotel room was the Beachfront One Bedroom Suite. The views from the third floor take your breath away.
Yuki Taking in the Ambiance
The suite is complete with an oversized terrace so you can fully indulge in Tranquility Wrapped in Blue.
Every square inch (1,800 square feet) of interior living space maximizes those serene sea views.
The extra elevation also lets plenty of light into the suite (the room never heats up thanks to the constant air conditioning).
Living Room Inside the One Bedroom Suite
One step inside the One Bedroom Suite, and we felt at home. Memories of our early years vacationing in Anguilla came rushing back. It felt the same, but everything was either replaced, upgraded or totally new.
Both the living room and the bedroom (with its own living area) face the water. Keep the sliding doors open and the sound of the Caribbean Sea fills the room.
The living room and bedroom each has a flatscreen TV, and the bedroom features a Nespresso machine (makes a great espresso!).
The second aspect to the suite that my parents remembered with a great fondness? The grand ensuite bathroom.
With a large sink-tub encased in marble, walk-in shower, his and hers sinks, and adjoining private sun-deck and outdoor shower, it is spacious and luxurious.
Master Bathroom
It's the perfect resort suite for a family of four (request roll-away beds in the living room).
Don't be upset if the younger members of your family turn to their phones to immediately Instagram the view.
The Beachfront One Bedroom Suites are located in the resort's three-storey buildings that line Rendezvous Bay. These buildings also house other suites, including Junior Suites, Deluxe Junior Suites and Two Bedroom Suites.
The View From the Beachfront Deluxe Junior Suite
The Deluxe Juniors and Two Bedroom Suites are located on the buildings' top floors. The Beachfront Junior Suites are located on the first and second levels.
We were also introduced to CuisinArt's Beachfront Three Bedroom Villa. Their villa suites are yet one more addition to the resort since our last stay.
This series of villa suites (beachfront and garden villas) are tucked away on the property's east end. They range from one to five bedrooms.
Naxos Villa Suite
Behind gates and surrounded by lush gardens, there is an air of exclusivity within the villas on the eastern side of the property.
Villa Gardens
Devon opened the understated door to the main villa building, and the expansive living room.
Living Room
Complete with comfortable couches, a flatscreen TV, wet bar with wine fridge (it comes stocked) and even a large dining table, no living convenience has been overlooked.
Cross the main room and you are on your own secluded terrace, with a warm plunge pool and outdoor shower.
Secluded Terrace
Most exciting of all? When Devon encouraged us to go beyond the terrace. We were right on the shores of Rendezvous Bay.
Exclusive Access to Rendezvous Bay
Its entire sandy stretch lies at your feet, St Martin's majestic mountains straight ahead.
Rendezvous Bay Looking West
Back inside, the villa also features a full kitchen with every appliance and dish you might need for preparing meals. It comes pre-stocked with a selection of complimentary beverages (ex., Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orangina, Evian, beer, etc.).
The Kitchen
There is one luxuriously large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom (complete with a large sink-tub, walk-in shower and double sinks) with a view of the pool and the sea.
Two ample and well-appointed bedrooms are set in separate buildings in the villa's garden.
There is smart reasoning for this layout. It is ideal for families with older children, multi-generation families and adult couples traveling together.
CuisinArt also offers accommodations in their main resort house. They range from single rooms to penthouse suites.
The Main Resort House
"Seaview" suites and penthouses, they range in size (going up to 4,000 square feet).
They are excellent choices if traveling with family members who require an elevator.
With Devon's expert tour coming to a close, it was time to settle into CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and let the unwinding begin!
Laid-back yet professional and quick to assist, Devon was a true pleasure and an absolute asset throughout our stay. He left us with the kind and accommodating Jose, who manages the villa suites.
With Devon & Jose
Jose asked our preferred time for daily housekeeping, turn down service and beach chair service. He even arranged for complimentary sorbet to be sent over. And then? We were unpacked and into our swimsuits in a flash!
My sister, Yuki got to work on her tan.
I explored the rest of the room, soon making an unexpected discovery...
Welcome Tomatoes!
The bowl of hydroponic tomatoes was a special surprise.
I remembered them warmly from our previous stays.
Sweet and juicy (even children love them - I speak from experience), they are grown on-site in CuisinArt's hydroponic gardens.
In fact, most produce used at CuisinArt's restaurants is sourced from their own gardens and ultra fresh.
Dr. Howard Resh manages the gardens and provides tours daily.
It's always the little touches that make the biggest difference!
Hydroponic Garden Tours
Back on the villa suite's terrace, we were beach-ready.
Having Rendezvous Bay right at your finger tips (toe tips?) feels like a dream.
Rendezvous Bay
Long and smooth, with powdery-fine sand, warm, calm waters, and views to St. Martin, it's physically flawless.
It also offers the best of both worlds. There are many quiet and undeveloped areas and the beach features some of the island's most popular bars and restaurants.
The Dune (rated #1 beach bar in the Caribbean by CNN), Garvey's Sunshine Shack and The Place are no more than a few minutes away.
My Mom Walking Rendezvous Bay
While my Mom and Dad walked the beach, Yuki and I couldn't resist hopping on CuisinArt's water trampoline!
CuisinArt's Water Trampoline
Bouncing over clear waters is a real blast. Situated in shallow and usually calm seas, it's safe, too. Naturally, young children should be monitored.
Because Rendezvous Bay is consistently calm, without big undertows or rip currents, it's idyllic for families with young children.
Gentle Waters of Rendezvous Bay
To get a little more adventurous further offshore, the resort offers several activities including snorkeling and sailing.
Set Sail From CuisinArt
Our energy expended on the trampoline, we slipped into a dream-like state on CuisinArt's floating sun deck. This is my new favorite spot on Rendezvous Bay.
Floating Sun Deck
To say it is "relaxing" is an understatement. Completely serene, away from the beach, without a care in the world, the waves bob you up and down, up and down as you drift off to sleep. (If you burn easily, apply sunscreen before hand.)
Naturally, there are other ways to take in the sun...
The Beach Chairs
Sunning from a lounge chaise is more Yuki's style. Beach chairs already set up, the attentive beach attendant brought over more refreshing sorbet. Soon, we were napping again.
Upon waking, we checked out the Beach Bar & Grill, situated right on the sand. We ordered a cocktail at the bar, but you can also order drinks from your beach chair.
Cool Cocktails at the Beach Bar & Grill
This is luxury-beaching at its best.
For some, of course, the pool will call. CuisinArt answers.
The impressive pool is set in front of the lobby and just next to Café Med in the middle of the resort's grounds.
As children, the pool was our favorite part of the hotel. You will probably find this true for your kids, too.
As adults, nothing sets you into a day-dreaming trance faster than gazing the length of the pool whose view drops into the Caribbean Sea.
The View From the Pool
Our pool attendant catered to our every need. Two bottles of ice-cold water and my Mom ordered her favorite cocktail in Anguilla...
CuisinArt's Famous Frozen Mojito
While my Mom sipped, I floated in the soothing afternoon sun. Mostly, though, I couldn't resist the infinite view.
Protected from the tradewinds, the pool is always warm. 3pm is one of the best times for a swim, when the sun is lower in the sky and lighting up the eastern chairs face-on.
Mid-afternoon turned into early-evening all too quickly, and soon it was back to the room.
With Day 1 already drawing to a close, the dark night sky swept over the resort, St. Martin's lights dazzling in the distance. Stomachs rumbling, it was time for dinner.
CuisinArt By Night
CuisinArt is home to the best resort dining on the island. It goes beyond "resort dining," though. Its restaurants belong in any "best of" list.
As day moves into night, you will also find nightly live music (provided by Director of Entertainment, Michael Masci) and a variety of dining activities (including cooking classes and wine tastings).
The rapid rise in quality of CuisinArt's haute-cuisine can be attributed to one man...
Executive Chef Jasper Schneider
Chef Jasper is passionate about his craft. He lives to delight your tastebuds with his gourmet preparations. He succeeds in that goal in a non-intimidating, even light-hearted atmosphere.
Warm and down to earth, his personality shines through in the memorable dining experiences he creates.
Le Bistro at Santorini
We dined at my Dad's favorite, Le Bistro at Santorini, this is also the restaurant that's nearest and dearest to Chef Jasper's heart. We put ourselves completely in his hands with his Chef's Tasting Menu.
We knew we were in for an exquisite culinary experience when Chef Jasper clapped his hands together and said, "Let's have some fun!"
Seared Maine Scallop
Bathed in Dill, Lemon & With Horseradish Cream
(Dish 3 of Tasting Menu)
Simply unforgettable, dinner at Le Bistro at Santorini is a must for all visitors to Anguilla. Chef Jasper is a highlight of staying at CuisinArt and one of Anguilla's hidden gems.
More on Chef Jasper's Tasting Menu.
Under CuisinArt's cool comforters, we slept soundly, lulled to sleep by the waves and awoke the next morning ready to dine again. This time at Café Med for breakfast.
Café Med for Breakfast
Under Café Med's airy, white tent, breakfast is served daily.
(You can also have breakfast delivered to and served in your room. Click here for more on that in our archived article.)
The options are endless when it comes to the Continental Breakfast.
Fresh pastries are made in-house each morning. They include...
Chocolate croissants, regular croissants, scones, muffins, danishes, even mini-baguettes (possibly the best baguette in Anguilla!) and Johnny cakes!
The presentation is charming, reminiscent of the south of France.
Selection of Continental Options
There is no short supply of fresh fruit...
Fresh Fruits
... and a variety of yogurts and add-ons, including granola. You can also kick start your day with a blended juice or smoothie made with soy milk, whole milk or skim milk.
Yogurt Bar
After such a decadent dinner, we should have opted for the lighter fare (see above). Their full breakfast options, though, include bagel with lox...
Bagel & Smear
... and eggs with a special apple-smoked bacon...
Sunny-Side Up Eggs & Apple-Smoked Bacon
... and eggs with chicken apple sausage...
Scrambled Eggs & Chicken Apple Sausage
These were the offerings that called to us loudest.
Luckily, CuisinArt offers plenty of ways to stay in shape!
By Day 2 of our weekend stay at CuisinArt, we were into a solid routine. Pool. Eat. Beach. Sleep. Repeat. It was time to break the habit and work off at least part of breakfast. Our options?
Bocce Courts
Spa by CuisinArt, Anguilla's leading spa, and CuisinArt Golf Club, the Greg Norman PGA course that is amongst the best in the Caribbean.
Yuki and I started light with shopping! That counts, right?
Their shop, Blu Boutique...
... carries a variety of Anguilla-ready clothing, including Vilebrequin for men and trendy brands like Melissa Odabash for ladies. With tasteful swimwear, beachwear and tropical wear, their selection is spot-on.
Dedicated to our "work out regime," we popped over to the boutique across from Blu Boutique, Alberto e Lino, too. They carry high end jewelry, including La Campanina from Capri, exclusive to CuisinArt. Rosie Connor, the boutique manager, is a wonderful host.
The $24,000 Gold Pearl & Black Diamond Necklace by La Campanina
The resort also features a small Sundries shop, carrying all of the essentials (ex., flip flops, sunscreen, etc.).
After a good "work out" it was back to our routine...
Pool.
More Pool Time Back at Our Suite
Eat.
Café Med's Wood Oven Pizza
Beach.
Yuki Jumping into the Caribbean Sea
Sleep.
Dad Snoozing by the Sea
Repeat.
"Old habits" die hard!
Even though we live in Anguilla, this really was a mini-vacation for us. Before we knew it, Day 3 was upon us and check-out time loomed. We enjoyed breakfast in the peace of our suite and tried to soak in every last minute.
They say "all good things must end," but memories made at CuisinArt last forever.
From coffee on the beach...
... to being with the people you love most, completely free from distractions and worries...
... all with the rhythm of the waves washing over you.
When time comes to leave CuisinArt, you do so rejuvenated and refreshed, reminiscing on good times past and already looking forward to those that lie ahead.
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