Anguilla spruces up for winter curtain call

Whether seeking the exclusivity of the stars or an affordable retreat, the Caribbean Island of Anguilla offers stunning beaches, fabulous food and laidback luxury providing the perfect getaway for winter travellers.

Highlights of what’s new island wide for the 2007/2008 winter season include:

Special Packages

SIRENA HOTEL - SOLO TRAVEL WEEK 2007 - Join like-minded independent travelers for Sirena’s Solo Travel Week, December 1-8, 2007 for a pre-holiday boost. An amazing all-inclusive week of fun, sun and adventure with everything taken care of. The package features a great range of events, including festive meals, nightclub hopping, spa days, fishing trips, sunset cruises, dolphin swims and sightseeing excursions. Sirena Solo Week is just $1,895 per person, including accommodations, a full schedule of activities and many meals. For information email marian@sirenaresort.com.

AMBIA BED & BREAKFAST - offers special rates for an affordable Anguilla holiday - The Asian styled contemporary 5 bedroom Bed and Breakfast located on South Hill is just minutes from the airport overlooking Sandy Ground. Rates are $300 per night in season and include a full breakfast daily.

CAP JULUCA - The island’s renowned resort is set to reopen October 27th after $3 million in general improvements with several special programs…

”Gem of a Wedding” - The hotel has six bridal and vow renewal plans, ranging from the Sapphire to the ultimate Solitaire. The Sapphire plan includes the ceremony and a bottle of Champagne, while the Solitaire plan includes the ceremony; a double massage; bridal hair care, manicure and pedicure; guitarist; photos; video; sunset Champagne cruise; 5 course dinner with a bottle of vintage Champagne; wedding cake for two; and bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere. “Gem of a Wedding” plans range from $1,040-$4,995.

Family Affair - The resort’s 3- and 5-bedroom private swimming pool villas are ideal for family vacations and family reunions, with daily rates beginning at $3,025 from Nov. 12- Dec. 16, 2007. Included is a master bedroom with large central sitting room, two (or four) additional bedrooms, full kitchen, dining atrium and ocean front terrace, continental breakfast and butler service 8 hours daily. Capjuluca.com.

CUISINART RESORT & SPA - CuisinArt’s AAA Four Diamond Award Winning Santorini Restaurant launches a special “Chefs Table” for winter season - Starting in November the foodie resort haven’s Executive Chef Denise Carr will host a Chefs Table in their restaurant’s Private Dinning Room. The exclusive food and wine experience will feature a six course menu that incorporates the freshest of ingredients from the resort’s own Hydroponic Farm and Organic gardens, with each course prepared with a creative modern approach by Chef Carr. All courses are paired with wines specially selected from the resort’s extensive Wine Cellar. $145 per person plus service charge, every Monday and Thursday at 7:30 pm.

Venus Spa Expansion - The luxurious $7 million, 19,000 square-foot addition will more than triple the size of the existing facility when completed in May 2008. Plans include areas for hydrotherapy and an exclusively designed Thalasso Pool. The spa’s relaxation room will offer each guest expansive views of the Caribbean as they begin and end their spa experience. Sixteen peaceful treatment rooms include wet rooms, lavish massage and facial rooms, VIP and couples suites with outdoor showers. The existing fitness center will double in size to accommodate yoga and Pilates studios, expand its personal training services, and add new, state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment.

Autumn Getaway 2007 - Stay three or more nights and enjoy luxury accommodations starting at only $435 per night. Valid October 29 through December 18, 2007, based on single or double occupancy. A 10% government tax and 10% service charge will be added. Blackout dates: November 21-24.

For reservations for CuisinArt Resort & Spa visit Cuisinartresort.com.

New on the Restaurant Scene

VEYA RESTAURANT - The island’s newest restaurant features flavors from around the world. Located on the road to Sandy Ground, “Veya” is a Carib Indian word meaning ray of sunlight. Run by husband and wife team, Carrie, a Culinary Institute of America graduate serves as chef and husband Jerry is the house manager and wine authority. The menu is based on “Cuisine of the Sun” inspired by India, Morocco, Vietnam and the Caribbean, and has been receiving rave reviews since their opening. The wine list, comprised of 200+ received an award of excellence from the Wine Spectator. Veya is open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 6pm – 10pm.

For reservations and information visit Veya-axa.com.

KUYAH - Chef Deon Thomas’ long anticipated new restaurant will officially open in November at KU resort. Famous for his Overlook Restaurant in Anguilla, and two restaurants in Martha's Vineyard, Chef Thomas has taken over the beachside restaurant and bar at the affordable chic Ku on Shoal Bay East in Anguilla. This fun beachfront restaurant and bar will feature Thomas’ signature tropical/coastal theme of using regional and local foods that are readily available. Kuyah is the Arawak name for “look out”.

BANANAS BY THE SEA - Located directly on Meads Bay Beach the owner’s latest addition for the upcoming winter season adds new meaning to “On the Beach” dining with complimentary chaise lounges and umbrellas for their patrons. Owners are off to the California vineyards to fine-tune their wine list for the winter and are preparing a new menu for the season. For couples seeking a special Caribbean evening, “Private Tent Candlelight Dinner”.

New Openings

Diamonds International opens Island’s first High end Jewellery store - The largest fine jewellery retailer in the Caribbean has opened its newest store at the island’s new Tomac Plaza. The opening marks the island’s first foray into fine jewelry offerings. Shopdi.com.

TOPAZ VILLA - overlooking Road Bay is now open for guests. Inspired by the luxurious spa villas of Thailand, this 3 bedroom 3.5-bath property features an exclusive 3rd level spa/sun deck, spacious entertainment lounge that opens to deck and infinity edge pool with panoramic views. MBR suite includes whirlpool tub and outdoor shower. Tastefully appointed with authentic Thai furniture and decorations throughout, Topaz Villa is perfect for holidays, corporate retreats, or long term stays. Special introductory rates are now available through December 14th and are $540 per day for one bedroom and three bedrooms for $900 per day, including government tax and service charge. For more information visit Topazvilla.com.

SAND CASTLE at Limestone Bay - A beachside 10,000 sq.ft., 4 bedroom villa on the north shore with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Grand Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and private outdoor shower and a large balcony overlooking the beach, and an ensuite fitness centre. Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a large balcony overlooking the sea. There are large areas for outdoor entertaining around the infinity pool or the Gazebo with its BBQ and beach views, and a television room with computer area just off the Great Room. Nightly winter rates are $1900 - $2750, not including tax or service charge. Sandcastleanguilla.com.

TEQUILA SUNRISE, The Villa at Dropsey Bay - A three-bedroom villa on a secluded bay on the southern shore of Anguilla, overlooking the Caribbean and the mountains of St. Martin. Each master bedroom suite has an over-sized full bathroom ensuite, king size bed, large HD TV, air conditioning, private patio, and many spectacular amenities. The ultra-modern kitchen, dining room, and 22' ceiling Great Room with 45" HD Plasma TV, are designed with luxury and entertainment in mind. The large infinity swimming pool is surrounded on three sides with lounging and relaxation areas, and on the fourth side by the beach and ocean with breathtaking views of St. Martin, St, Barths. Nightly rates: Winter $1450 - $2000, not including tax or service charge. Tequilasunrisevilla.com.

VILLA ASTORIA, a new 3500 sq.ft. immaculately appointed three-bedroom villa in the Little Harbour area with magnificent views of the Caribbean and St. Martin. Five minute walk to a secluded beach. A master suite with bathroom overlooking the beautifully landscaped pool area, and two other bedrooms. Open kitchen adjoining large living and dining areas. BBQ. Secluded areas with beautiful views for reading and meditating. Rates Per night: Festive - $1500, Winter $700 - $1000, not including tax or service charge. Astoriavilla.com

KAMIQUE Little Harbour Offering Introductory Rates - The private 3 villa collection has been designed to provide the ultimate in exclusive escapes. Classic Caribbean architecture and rooflines combined with a rich blend of woods, stone and concrete delivers a sensual yet modern island inspired environment.

A personal concierge is on call to arrange for your every need -catered dining on the beach; spa treatments on your private garden terrace; and a full compliment of activities. Accepting bookings for December 15, 2007 through September 30, 2008. Introductory rates are being offered for the 4 and 6 bedroom villas starting at under $12,000 per week. Holiday season, 10-night minimum, starting at under $2,000 per night. Kokoonvillas.com.

VICEROY ANGUILLA gets ready for spring 2008 opening - The Kor Hotel Group’s initial residential resort project in the Caribbean, Viceroy Anguilla Resort & Residences is on target for a Spring 2008 opening. Situated on 35 verdant acres, with more than 3,200 feet of beachfront land along Barnes and Meads Bays, this superbly designed array of luxury homes will be comprised of freestanding villas, townhomes and low-rise resort residence buildings. The company recently announced three senior management appointments, Jan Tibaldi has been named General Manager; Jeff David will serve as Resort Manager and Virgil Napier was appointment Director of Sales & Marketing.

DESERT ROSE ESTATE - The oceanfront luxury villa that opened in December 2006, has added a fourth bedroom. Hand-crafted by owners Sandra and Eudoxie Wallace, charismatic owners of the legendary luncheon islet, Scilly Cay, the new room has a king-size mahogany bed, 42" TV, Mac computer, iPod home theatre and full bathroom. The Estate has a tennis court, infinity edge swimming pool and 86 glass windows and doors, mostly fronting the Caribbean Sea. Rate now to Dec. 15 - $2,500; $3,500 per night for the winter (excluding Christmas/ New Year). Desertroseestate.com.

TWIN PALMS VILLAS - Looking for that romantic island getaway? Twin Palms Villas, located on Mead's Bay, is offering a "Winter Special" to vacationers who book a one-week vacation between the dates of December 1, 2008 and February 29, 2008 that provides some extra pampering. The package includes a choice between a private massage for two at your private villa or dinner for two at a restaurant of your choice. Vacationers must mention this promotion at the time of booking.

WEDDING, ANNIVERSARY, REUNION SPECIAL for vacationers who need to accommodate up to ten persons. For a limited time Twin Palms Villas located on Mead’s Bay is offering 10% off our Premium Vacation Package, which includes two private luxury villas (5 bedrooms) with two swimming pools. This tropical getaway special is only available to vacationers who book both villas for one week between the dates of May 1, 2008 and September 1, 2008. You must mention this offer at the time of booking.

Winter rates (excluding holidays) for the two bedroom villa are $875 per night and for the three bedroom villa $995 per night, and include government tax and service charge. Visit Twinpalmsvillas.com.

ISLAND HAPPENINGS - The winter kicks off with the 5th Annual Tranquility Jazz Festival, November 8-11, 2007. In its fifth year, the “Straight. No Chaser.” Tranquility Jazz Festival has earned a reputation for aficionados as one of the region’s only pure all jazz events. The star-studded lineup will feature the legendary Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur; Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander; Indie-Soul artist Liv Warfield; jazz maestro Mike Phillips; Grammy Award winning songstress, writer and producer Cassandra Wilson; gifted bassist and composer Reuben Rogers; and renowned jazz musician and collaborator Onaje Allan Gumbs; along with young, talented Anguillian musicians under the leadership of Lennox Vanterpool.

Save the Date for the 18th annual MOONSPLASH REGGAE FESTIVAL set for March 27-30, 2008, hosted by Anguilla’s own musical ambassador Bankie Banx at his ultra-funky Dune Preserve beach club and concert venue on the shores of Rendezvous Bay. Reggae fans would be hard pressed to find a better combination of talented artists and unforgettable setting than this annual extravaganza, all under the glorious light of an Anguillan full moon. The extraordinary lineup will soon be announced.

To learn more about Anguilla, visit Anguilla-Vacation.com.