St. Maarten to Anguilla’s Most Iconic Resort

As a travel advisor, I’m often asked if a day trip from St. Maarten to Anguilla is worth the effort. My recent journey proved that while the logistics can be a whirlwind, the sheer beauty of Anguilla’s coastline is an absolute "must-see" for any Caribbean enthusiast.

Whether you are staying at a high-energy spot like the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort or looking for a quiet excursion, here is what you can expect when heading across the channel to the island of turquoise dreams.

If you’re planning your own trip, you can explore booking options through my travel site: roslynjones.inteletravel.com.

The journey began with a quick taxi ride to the ferry terminal in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning Caribbean views set the tone for what was to come. Once onboard the private ferry, we were greeted with refreshing rum punches and comfortable seating.

The transit offers a unique perspective of the St. Martin mountains from the water. We arrived at Blowing Point Ferry Terminal in Anguilla, cleared customs, and took a shuttle straight to the southwestern coast to visit the crown jewel of the island: Belmond Cap Juluca.

The Destination: Cap Juluca Anguilla

If you are looking for the "pinnacle of luxury," this is it. Cap Juluca is famous for its stunning Greco-Moorish architecture and for being the wedding destination for icons like Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Advisor Tip: Always account for "island time." Our ferry was delayed by 90 minutes, which significantly cut into our exploration. We arrived at 1:30 PM and had to depart by 3:30 PM. Even with a limited window, the water here is undeniably the clearest and most vibrant I have ever seen in the Caribbean.

Dining & The Cost of Luxury

Dining at a world-class resort comes with a premium price tag. For travelers planning a visit, it’s important to budget for the service fees and taxes that are standard at high-end Anguillan properties.

Our light lunch at the Belmond included:

• Chicken Wrap & Johnny Cakes: ~$32

• Beverages (Rum Punch & Evian): ~$30

• Final Total: After a 15% service charge and government taxes, the total was $92.16.

Is a Stay Worth It?

For those who want to wake up to that pristine water every morning, a stay at Belmond Cap Juluca is a true investment in luxury. Nightly rates typically start around $1,300 during the shoulder season and can exceed $3,000 for premium beachfront suites during peak dates.

Final Verdict

Despite the ferry delays, Anguilla remains a top-tier recommendation. If you’re staying in St. Maarten, the transit to Simpson Bay Lagoon is a small price to pay for a glimpse of those white sands.

Planning a Caribbean getaway? Let’s chat about how to structure your ferry transfers to ensure you get the most out of your time on the sand!

Explore booking options through my travel site: roslynjones.inteletravel.com.