While all of you were dropping thousands at Surf Lodge this weekend, I was bronzing in my new SAME Los Angeles bikini and sipping endless rum punch at arguably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Can you think of a better July 4th than beachside fish tacos and dancing to "Sweet Caroline" with a hot DJ next to an insane infinity pool? Didn’t think so.
And before you come at me with “but it’s a schlep,” the three-hour flight from NYC to St. Maarten (followed by a ferry ride that, yes, came with more rum punch) was easier — and honestly way more fun — than the train to East Hampton.
Oh, and I actually was guaranteed a seat. With Diet Coke and pretzels nonetheless.
So, without further ado, I present my nine favorite things about the Four Seasons Anguilla (in no particular order), because this place is really fucking fluent.
The terrace in our three-bedroom penthouse was so next-level, we barely wanted to leave the room. The 180-degree ocean views, private plunge pools and ridiculously comfy daybeds and lounge chairs? To die for. Plus, it made for some Danielle Bernstein-worthy insta content. No shame.
Every bedroom has its own ensuite (because sharing is overrated) and the gourmet kitchen is chef-ready — like Wishbone Kitchen ready. The marble bathrooms come with deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers that are very romantic ;)
Plus, the space is massive. Think over 4,000 square feet of sleek, modern design with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the suite with natural light.
If we needed anything (like an endless supply of aloe because I forgot my Supergoop at home), our personal assistant — love you, Nicholas <3 — was basically a miracle worker who showed up faster than you can say SPF (which, btw, the hotel is packed with).
Come nighttime, the terrace turned into our perfect little retreat: lobster pasta from the 24-hour in-room dining, complimentary champagne popped open and stunning sunset views —all wrapped up in thick terry, Four Seasons-engraved bathrobes.
Then it was soak-in-the-marble-bath-tub time, followed by Love Island binge sessions in our king bed under an insanely plush duvet. Life is good.
While you were dropping $18 on vodka sodas at Memory Motel, we were busy knocking back free Aperol spritz shots by the Sunset Pool. This adults-only, infinity-edge spot looks out over the bluff and totally lives up to the hype — perfect for a sunset swim in your Montce bikini. Picture yourself stretched out on Parachute Home-esque lounge chairs, soaking in those insane pool and ocean views.
After a few Aperols, we upgraded to my personal fave — St. Germain — and suddenly we’re doing handstands like kids… all while surrounded by effortlessly chic adults rocking Rive Gauche straw totes and Charo Ruiz Ibiza coverups.
But don’t sleep on the other pools. The Athleta Pool, perched above Meads Bay, offers jaw-dropping Caribbean views and cozy cabanas perfect for endless TikTok scrolling. And then there’s the Bamboo Pool, a family-friendly gem right by the Sea Centre, giving you easy access to water sports and long walks on the beach.
Basically, whether you want a grown-up oasis, a view for days or a family-friendly splash zone, they’ve got you covered.
TLDR: you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Full disclosure: I didn't actually stay in these villas, but they made my jaw drop to the (Italian wood) floor... and obv made the insta carousel ;)
Clocking in at a casual 5,700 to 8,800 square feet, these villas are basically adult Barbie dreamhouses —private pools, multiple bedrooms, gourmet kitchens and ocean views that make you feel rich rich. Add in Four Seasons’ signature service and a Personal Lifestyle Assistant (yes, that’s a real job) and suddenly you’re in your “I’m practically Kylie Jenner” era.
Step out onto your villa’s deck, take a dip in your private pool or cool off with a skinny marg in hand —because obviously. These villas are the blueprint for indoor-outdoor living, complete with private outdoor showers that are such a vibe.
Getting around? Just hop in your private golf cart and zip between the resort’s restaurants, spa and beach — so yes, your new TOTEME kitten heels will make an appearance at dinner.
And if it’s on your radar, a couple of offers make it even more tempting to book. The Discover Anguilla package includes a complimentary fifth night and daily breakfast, while the Residential Retreats deal adds up to $1,000 in resort credit per day — aka more than enough for croissants and Casamigos.
A steal if you ask me.
I know I sound like a 5-year-old when I say this, but I’ve never liked Indian food. Like, actively avoid it. But after a few too many guava margaritas (served off the cutest neon menu cards), my boyfriend convinced me to try the Chicken Tikka Masala tacos from Half Shell Beach Bar… and now I’m Googling flights to London just to eat at Hoppers.
ICYMI: Chef Karan Gokani of London’s cult-fave Hoppers popped up at Half Shell and basically broke my palate in the best way. The limited-time menu fused Indian spice with coastal Mexican flavors — and yes, I’m still thinking about it. Even though the collab is over, Half Shell’s regular menu is still such a slay.
Located right on Barnes Bay, this beachy hideout serves up vibrant coastal Mexican dishes with a front-row seat to the ocean. Think carne asada, grilled octopus, street corn, enchiladas — and don’t even get me started on the tres leches and churros.
But the real star of the show? The Short Rib “Birria Style” — slow-braised short rib in red adobo, refried beans and served with warm organic corn tortillas. Sexy.
So yeah… I came for the margaritas and left a birria-obsessed, Indian food-converted taco girlie. And that’s on growth.
I really want to gatekeep this, but I’d be a bad journalist if I did. The hidden infinity pool at the Four Seasons Anguilla spa is it. Like, new answer to the “where’s your happy place?” icebreaker (because I refuse to say “Paris with wine” like everyone else).
Tucked away on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, the spa is basically a fantasy island within a fantasy island. It’s giving Maldives energy, but with less jet lag and better cocktails.
Inside, it’s a whole sanctuary situation — think oceanfront treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam rooms and therapists who know how to knead your soul back into your body. You can choose from a dreamy menu of massages and rituals inspired by the seasons (dying to try the summer one when I return — it’s giving energizing citrus and “I actually slept eight hours” vibes).
And if you’re the kind of girl who brings her cute Set Active set on vacation (I hate you), they’ve got personalized fitness training that can be tailored to whatever vibe you're on — from low-impact stretches to high-intensity “I have four weddings this summer in Capri” energy.
But the real power move? The Night Spa. Eucalyptus steam, a couples massage in a breezy oceanfront cabana and champagne and gourmet bites under the stars on your own private pool terrace. Rose petals included, of course.
Although I self-identify as more of a pool girl (see: not loving sand in places it shouldn’t be), lounging on Barnes Bay Beach with that Mel Robbins book I’ve started and abandoned at least 12 times? Not mad about it.
Think turquoise waves gently rolling in, soft white sand and me pretending to be deep in self-help while actually planning my “chic coastal wedding” with the boyfriend I got back together with three months ago. No notes.
It’s peaceful, low-key stunning and basically the real-life version of your favorite meditation app.
But… Meads Bay Beach is that bitch.
Regularly named one of Anguilla’s best, it’s all about that wide-open shoreline, breezy air and views that make you forget to check your phone (or at least pretend to). This trip we kept things low-key (relatively speaking lol) with beach loungers, but next time? Manifesting a full Meads Bay cabana moment.
The Four Seasons is known for its amazing water sports, so somehow my boyfriend convinced me to snorkel... with the *very important* contingency that I would get a blowout at the spa right after.
As someone who’s a self-proclaimed sushi and Asian food snob (sue me for having standards), I genuinely cannot shut up about Sunset Lounge.
Like, imagine vintage rums, a solid Cuban cigar moment (if that’s your thing), insanely good sushi and live music — all while you’re soaking up that sunset over Barnes Bay. It’s giving tropical speakeasy meets your rich friend’s terrace in Malibu. Obsessed.
Let’s talk about the Mona Lisa roll — crab, avocado, cucumber, tobiko, mango aioli. It’s so good, I’d hang it in the Louvre. Nobu could never. But what I’m really screaming, crying, throwing a fit over? The Kimchee Fried Rice.
Short rib bulgogi, kimchee, sesame seeds, scallions, a sunny-side-up egg and this gochujang dip that made me feel things. Maybe the best bite of beef I have ever had... and yes, my parents took me to Cote for my 24th birthday.
They don’t take reservations here, but honestly? That’s part of the charm. There’s something magical about not being locked into a schedule on vacation — just showing up, ordering a glass of rosé and stuffing your face on your own damn time.
Obviously, I’m talking about food again, but the breakfast buffet is seriously a mood. Wake up and dive into the island’s best spread: live stations whipping up omelettes, grilled meats, waffles, pancakes and fresh fruit, plus a whole section repping local Anguilla flavors.
My boyfriend got basically one of everything (chill, babe), which meant I got to taste-test the entire menu.
Top contenders? Delicious banana bread, cinnamon rolls and Johnny cakes — think little fried dough pockets of pure joy. And please order the freshly-cut mango to your table. Game changer.
Still hungry? (Or are you normal lol). Swing by Café Nai for a matcha frappuccino, salted cold-brew coffee (legit saltier than my ex seeing my bikini stories from this trip) and an almond croissant that deserves its own memoir.
Last — but absolutely not least — the staff. I’ve traveled a lot, but this was hands down one of the warmest, genuinely hospitable experiences I’ve ever had.
From coordinating our ferry pickup like it was the Met Gala to giving honest, no-BS food recs (love a staff member who tells you what not to order), to gently roasting me for how tipsy I looked after rum punch #3 — they were unmatched. Not annoyingly formal, not performative — just intuitive, respectful, hilarious and wildly accommodating.
Major shoutout to Tiffany, who somehow gave us a villa tour that didn’t bore me to death and low-key made me want to pivot into luxury real estate. And to everyone else who made Anguilla feel less like a trip and more like a three-day home: I appreciate you!!!
Brb, crying. <3