A Beachfront Property with Something for All Ages

by Tracy Cottrell / Images courtesy of Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

The word "Caribbean" is rife with vibrant tropical colors and textures, evoking balmy breezes, soft white beaches, temperate waters, and exotic fruit beverages to savor. The island of Anguilla embodies the Caribbean at its finest. Guests of the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club (auroraanguilla.com), located on one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, are brought to the British Overseas Territory by speedboat, adding a touch of adventure to the abundance of glorious views of surrounding islands, villages, and ports along the way.

Upon arrival, it is a brief ride from the port to the Aurora Anguilla, where a welcoming corps of hospitality connoisseurs awaits to greet guests. The abundance of amenities, services, activities, and entertainment at this luxury resort is broad and deep and solely focused on enhancing guests' every experience. Eco-friendly transportation enables guests to access all areas of the resort quickly and easily.

Aurora Anguilla is a large resort on more than 300 acres, including two-and-a-half miles of beachfront. The hotel offers a multitude of accommodations, providing guests with just what they need for their dream vacation. The multi-storied Merrywing Tower, in the style of a traditional hotel à la Mies van der Rohe, is a more intimate facility, close to the new Aurora Entertainment Park and a delightfully broad range of activities, including events at the Amphitheatre, a waterpark, an activity center, and 11pickleball courts, the most in the Caribbean. The Merrywing Beach enclave hosts a collection of private suites, as well as multi-bedroom seafront suites and private estate homes. Many include kitchens for vacationing gourmets and would-be chefs.

Merrywing Beach is also home to diverse dining options, including D Richard's Steakhouse, where I went against the grain, opting for a delicious vegetarian entrée made with exquisitely fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes. Enhancing my meal was an unexpectedly beautiful view of the Aurora International Golf Course (an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Greg Norman), illuminated to bring out the vibrant greens and the darkening dusk sky, rendering the scene abstract and painterly.

Rendezvous Beach is a more private niche, close to the shore and nearby pool, with C Level and Chef's Table restaurants easily accessible. The more casual, open-air C Level is directly on the beach, with front row seats to the ebb and flow of the transparent turquoise sea. Listening to the rush of the waves while enjoying a fresh snapper fillet is a memory underscored by the softness of the breeze and the fluid watercolor landscape of the sky and setting sun. For swimming aficionados, Chef's Table, open for much of the day, is right next to the pool and within walking distance of the beach. The morning breakfast buffet, laden with colorful tropical fruit and freshly baked pastries, never disappoints.

Less well known, but equally impressive, is Aurora Anguilla's commitment to sustainability and wellness. Intentional interior design dually minimizes environmental impact while enhancing guests' experience. The onsite hydroponic farm provides a continuous and inspiring supply of fresh fruit and produce for resident chefs.

Beyond the luxurious accommodations, excellent dining, and pristine beaches, Aurora Anguilla offers guests access to almost every water sport and vacation activity imaginable. Reveling in the spectacular Caribbean Sea surrounding Anguilla will be the central focus for visitors of all ages. Diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, Hobie Cats, snorkeling, and aqua aerobics are available to every guest and can also add a unique element to weddings, family reunions, milestone birthday celebrations, or annual business meetings. For guests such as newlyweds or families desiring an intimate experience, privacy is readily available. The newly opened Aurora Entertainment Park appeals to children of all ages with a zero-entry swimming pool, lazy river, three thrilling water slides, a kids' splash pad, full-service cabanas, and a swim-up bar.

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is a sprawling property with diverse accommodations and an abundance of amenities available at any time. Guests transition seamlessly from activity to activity, seeking out the next adventure and joyful event. A strong undercurrent is Aurora Anguilla's sustained, deeply felt, warm, and genuine hospitality that embraces every guest throughout their stay.

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club At-A-Glance