Four Seasons Anguilla

On the western point of Meads Bay, in a location that feels blissfully away from the rest of the of the island, this sleek and glamorous 35-acre property offers spacious accommodations (most with ocean views), powdery white-sand beaches, a buzzy South Beach vibe and pampering service. Accommodations range from 31 villas spread along the bluff and Barnes Bay beach to guest rooms and residences facing Meads Bay. Residences provide direct access to the resort’s Sea Centre and Sports Pavilion and come with private plunge pools and fully equipped kitchens. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s sprawling spa, four restaurants and three swimming pools, as well as access to two different beaches. Families will be happy: the resort has Anguilla’s best kids’ club, a rock-climbing wall, a soccer field, a basketball court and lots of water sports. A perfect day: exploring the island by car or boat, visiting Little Bay (and jumping off its famous rock) and digging into a picnic lunch on Sandy Island or Prickly Pear Cays. Then watch the sunset at the aptly named Sunset Lounge with a cocktail and enjoy a private dinner on the beach with a local band.

The Standout: The stand-alone villas, ideal for families or groups of friends, that have direct access to the beach and come with golf carts and a personal lifestyle assistant

Don’t Miss: A boat trip around the island to visit Little Bay, Sandy Island and Prickly Pear Cays

• The views from the Sunset Lounge at sundown
• The sprawling spa with 15 treatment rooms, several outdoor cabanas, a lap pool and many serene nooks for relaxing
• The hotel’s involvement in Anguilla Stronger, the post–Hurricane Irma effort to help islanders in need as well as Books & Bins, a community project to support local schools

The Four Seasons Anguilla, which is comprised of several cinderblock buildings, seems to have purposefully diverted from Anguilla’s organic vibe. The scene, too, skews more towards South Beach than the island’s relaxed-chic ambiance. For this reason, the sleek and glamorous property, which is situated on the western point of Meads Bay, appeals to many.

Previously a Viceroy hotel, the Four Seasons offers a dazzling array of accommodations, from the 31 villas, which range from three- to five-bedrooms and are spread along the bluff and Barnes Bay beach, to the guest rooms and residences that face Meads Bay. The villas vary widely (some are better suited to families, with kitchens and plunge pools, while others have direct beach access), so contact the Indagare Bookings Team for recommendations on which to book. All villas come with golf carts and a personal lifestyle assistant.

The sprawling spa boasts 15 treatment rooms, several outdoor cabanas, a lap pool and many serene nooks to relax with a mint-cucumber water. Guests can also enjoy drinks and dining in one of the four restaurants on property, ranging from haute cuisine and ocean views at **SALT **to a quick salad on the beach at Bamboo Bar & Grill. The family-friendly facilities are endless, with Anguilla’s best kids' club, a rock-climbing wall, soccer field and basketball court.

While full service is offered on both beaches, water sports are relegated to the Meads Bay side, while the Half Shell restaurant is on the Barnes Bay side. It’s important to keep in mind that the property is located on an exposed point, so the wind and waves can be quite strong. In the evening, guests head to the Sunset Lounge to watch the stunning sun set directly over the water while enjoying a cocktail. Later on after dinner, the lounge picks up as a crowd returns to listen to live music.

Those who want a sleek, full-service resort and a Miami Beach scene. The vibe is buzzy, but the facilities make the Four Seasons an easy, family-friendly beach resort.

Those who are looking for something quieter with a sense of place, or a more sophisticated crowd, should consider Cap Juluca or Malliouhana.