Anguilla, the quiet gem of the Caribbean, is equally renowned for its endless stretches of pristine white beaches and luxury accommodations as it is for its relaxed pace of life and tranquil environs. If the past year has put you in need of some serious rehabilitation, a wellness retreat to Anguilla is exactly what you need. Skeptical? This 3-step sample itinerary illustrates exactly how the comforts of Anguilla can make those post-lockdown “blahs” just melt away.
Step 1: Nourish the Body
A robust day of mental, spiritual, and physical healing should always begin with a hearty breakfast. You’ll be spoiled for healthy choices at whichever resort you choose to stay – special juices, an array of fruits, yogurt and granola – or indulge in farm fresh eggs or naturally sweetened rolls. Quintessence Hotel focuses on fresh and healthy tropical delights at Julians, but every hotel provides a selection of wellness choices. For organic vegetables delivered right to your villa, Vinty’s Veggies has you covered. Keep your body fueled by checking out Tasty’s, Ocean Echo or Blanchard’s Beach Shack for lunch; all are Anguillian staples serving a wide variety of tastes and palates.
Step 2: Soothe the Soul
With your nutrition needs handled, it is time to revel in some well-deserved tranquility. Salute the radiant sun with daily yoga practice on the beach. Feel the fresh morning breezes bathe your skin as you meditate on the shore, gentle waves lapping at your toes. Want to kick it up a notch? Bluff Bootcamp is offered at the Malliouhana in their ‘Wellness by the Water’ program. Ever tried exercising using a barre? Check out Retreat, a full-service wellness studio with barre classes and an amazing cold-pressed juice bar menu.
It goes without saying that Anguilla’s resorts boast world-class spas on the property, but the Thai Spa at Zemi for its serene aesthetic, Morrocan ‘Hammam’ bath, and broad portfolio of treatments is the pièce de résistance. For those travellers who find peace in nature, choose an off-shore excursion to Prickly Pear. Kayak around the island while admiring a rich variety of shorebirds and waterfowl. If you are a snorkeller, the caves are filled with colourful reef fish – you might even spot a migrating whale if you are lucky!
Step 3: Have Fun!
Possibly the most important step, as sometimes all you need to feel renewed is a healthy dose of laughter and excitement. You will find opportunities for aquatic aerobics, pilates, and beach volleyball on many of Anguilla’s pristine beaches. If you would rather stay dry, why not rent a bike and go around the island, taking in the sights and discovering at your leisure.
If a leisurely round of golf is what it takes to help you unwind, The Aurora International Golf Course, opening in November 2021, offers up an experience second to none. Framed by sweeping vistas of the azure sea, this world-class course designed by the renowned Greg Norman offers a challenging 18-hole experience. If your fitness regime includes a vigorous tennis match, the Anguilla Tennis Academy, considered the top tennis facility in the Caribbean, has six lit and gated asphalt-based hard courts built to international playing standards.