HOTEL REVIEW: Belmond Cap Juluca in Anguilla

Is this world renowned property worth the hype? Annie’s experience says YES!

Nestled along a private Maundy’s bay in the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla, Cap Juluca isn’t just a hotel—it’s a full laidback luxury experience. Here’s Annie’s honest take on what makes it special, and who it’s perfect for. We did take the whole family (my 2 and 5 year old boys) to really test out if this notably romantic property could also work for kids.

From the moment you enter the living-room like lobby you are on island time, with a stiff rum punch in hand staring out at the ocean. Moorish architecture may seem a bit off in the Caribbean, but it just works. The stark contrast of the white buildings to the sparkling sea is gorgeous. Cap Juluca is the only property located on Maundy’s Bay so seclusion is paramount as other beaches in Anguilla are public. The white sand and tranquil, turquoise waters are ideal for relaxing. This property just oozes romance, and you’ll find mainly couples on honeymoons, babymoons, or anniversary trips.

Cap Juluca is just 10 minutes from the Anguilla port where we took a 30-min speedboat from St Martin. You do need to go through customs, but it’s painless. You can also arrive to the Anguilla airport via Miami flights now! The property offers stunning views of Maundy’s Bay and feels very secluded. The island isn’t big so everything is max 20 minutes away. I do recommend renting a moke for the day to explore and maybe do dinner at the Four Seasons or Malliouhana

The property is spread into units- each with four rooms (two on top, two on bottom). It really depends on whether you prefer an oceanview from the top, or like to walk straight into the sand from your room. Rooms are spacious, even the entry level rooms feel large. All rooms will have an oceanview or be oceanfront- so there really is no bad choice. Some do offer rooftop pools. I would chose based on if you want to be close to the restaurants or the spa (opposite ends), but nothing is far.

We had a 2-bed suite, which was 2 rooms combined via a living room. It was perfect, we had a king room and the boys were in a 2-Queen room. I love the outdoor table and chairs that led straight to the beach. It made it so simple for kids. With our suite came a complimentary golf cart which was great to ride around and explore the property.

They have larger villas as well with multiple bed and private jacuzzis and pools.

The daily breakfast buffet (included when you book withg Crafted Escapes) was 4 different rooms full of incredible delights- a whole pastry room, egg station, and local Caribbean fare. Our kids loved eating outside because they gave us bread to feed the fish. Looking out over the bay is magical while sipping on a coffee.

Nick and I went to Uche one night and they had live music. It’s their Peruvian restaurant- don’t skip the ceviche! It was fun to enjoy Peruvian bites for something a bit different, and the sunset was gorgeous.

It may seem a bit strange to eat Italian in the Caribbean, but you must try Cip’s by Cipriani’s, the iconic Venetian sister property in Italy. Go for the famous carpaccio, antipasta or pastas!

The signature restaurant serves elevated island cuisine—don’t skip the [dish]. Breakfast is served terrace-side with a sea breeze.

What can guests do onsite or nearby?

Our little ones loved playing in the calm ocean, and were given sand toys to build castles. We had a fun family tennis day. A highlight is a boat day to the surrounding cays, but our kids weren’t feeling great so we sadly opted out.

The spa is one of the very few Guerlain spas in the Caribbean with a cold plunge overlooking the ocean, and the Moorish architecture makes it feel like a riad.

Wellness lovers! The new Guerlain spa is an entire complex and one of two Guerlain spas in the Caribbean. The have an outdoor cold plunge overlooking the ocean and the architecture is designed as a Moroccan riad. There are daily workout classes, yoga room, tennis courts, and a basketball court.

Romance travelers– as I mentioned this property just works best for honeymooners and couples. Everyone gets dressed up at night to go out to dinner, and chills during the day, lazing around.

Families– while I wouldn’t say best it does work well. Four Seasons Anguilla will win out over this property in sheer terms of the size of their kids club and kids pool. The pool is tiny here and not a main attraction. However, my kids did like the kids club, and every single staff member loved hard on my babies *who had bad fevers when we were there*. We mostly did room service (they have kids meals), so can’t speak to dinners at the restaurants, but for breakfast they gave the kids food to feed the fish and keep them entertained. My kids made ‘vacation friends’ aka other kids who were their besties while we were there. I do think the kid count would be higher and more fun during spring break, summers, or holiday breaks. They do have complimentary bikes (with training wheels!) We also had a babysitter that the hotel arranged and went to dinner 2 nights which was fun! If you love hotels not crawling with kids, and you’re kids can entertain themselves by exploring in nature/on the beach, this is the spot for you!

Opt into the welcome Rum punch, it’s delish. Head to Prickly Pear Cay for a boat day and have the hotel pack a picnic for you! The hotel can arrange a babysitter for date night!