The Magnificent Malliouhana

by Dave
(Vancouver, Canada)

My wife Alida, and two of our sons, Matthew and James left Vancouver one evening and drove to Seattle, where we would have a beautiful Thai dinner before flying to Newark to overnight and then connect to St.Martin. We enjoyed Simpson Bay for three days before embarking from Marigot, for the lovely isle of Anguilla. When our taxi passed through the gates of the Malliouhana we drank in the beauty and tranquility of this Anguilla resort. We knew that our vacation had really begun.

Overlooking Meads Bay, with its palm lined shores and gorgeous white sand beach, you felt like a castaway. No floating cables to contain you and remind you that you are in nestled in one of the 100 top boutique hotels on the planet. Waters that run from turquoise to topaz and so clear that you see the sandy bottom from any distance and angle. This is paradise.

The rooms are large and well appointed with great attention to detail. The bathrooms, deluxe and spacious too. The balconies overlooking the sea, are also very accommodating. The rooms are done once per day , but again in the evening for tidying up and towel service! We loved the quiet laid back style, and spectacular setting of the resort; especially our rooms which were right on the sandy beach.

The days simply melt away here, as you go from the dual pools connected by a waterfall, to the lovely beach, and then relax in one of the most beautiful spas in the Caribbean. And never forget to sit poolside in the later afternoon to experience the world's best Pina Colada; truly the smoothie of all time. They give a whole new meaning to the song, "It's five o'clock somewhere!"

The grand open air lobby and bar give way to large curved walkway that steps down to an exquisite restaurant with breathtaking ocean views. We enjoyed this restaurant, but with so many good restaurants in Anguilla, and only ten days to enjoy it all, we just could not be here as much as we would have liked. Blanchards nearby is good and of course, the Cap Jaluca has fabulous dining looking across to St. Martin. Nowhere in the Caribbean, however, with the exception of Le Dome in Aruba, have I seen a winelist that could rival that of the Malliouhana.

The resort has at its own boats, and the largest at about 50' is used to take the guests out to various snorkel locations and reefs. Our day aboard was truly a delight.

Can you get a bad meal on this island? I was dumbfounded that no matter where we dined during our stay, the food was impeccable.

Anguilla is a dream. We look forward to visiting again.

Dave

PS. The St. Barts trip was very interesting.

Nori's Reply: Dave, it sounds like you and your family had a magical stay at Malliouhana! When did you visit the island? It is hopeful to hear such a wonderful account of the resort... Late 2008 I received a few complaints about Malliouhana... Your experience restores its prestigious name. I hope you come back soon! Thank you so much for the wonderful vacation story. :-)