Take a Luxury Family Vacation in Anguilla

The planning had begun six months before, when the COVID-19 vaccines rolled out, for our vacation to Long Bay Villas in Anguilla. We chose the location for its world-class beaches, noteworthy restaurants and intelligent approach to pandemic containment — one that earned the island a Level 1 classification from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the lowest possible risk level for the virus.

We sought a villa big enough to give five adults and two toddlers space together and apart. Along with privacy, we craved a few hotel amenities. Houses at resorts came with crowded beaches, and stand-alone homes lacked services. Long Bay Villas, a cluster of three Mediterranean-style residences overlooking a quiet beach, offered seclusion and staff. We pooled our resources and booked Sand, a 6,500-square-foot stunner with five bedrooms. The three master bedrooms eliminated squabbles over who gets the diva digs, and the toddlers gleefully slept in a cozy bunk-bedded room.

We worked jigsaw puzzles and raced trucks with 4-year-old James and 2-year-old Charlotte in the living area, played gin rummy at the dining table and planned our day while sipping coffee on the deck with its pool, hot tub and expansive views of the turquoise sea. A concierge assisted us with restaurant reservations and outings, and a housekeeper kept the unit spotless and washed our dirty laundry every day.

Did I mention the butler? Each Long Bay Villa comes with eight hours of daily complimentary butler service. The management thoughtfully staffed Sand with two butlers in case we needed help with the children. Each morning we awakened to croissants, fruit, juice and coffee served by Yann and Roberto, who broke out in a wide grin when anyone requested scrambled eggs.

After a long day of travel to Anguilla, we looked forward to a chef-cooked dinner at the property as no one had the energy to go out. The butlers also pre-stocked our fridge, so we didn’t have to race to a grocery store for milk and morning essentials. They served us hors d’oeuvres, followed by a tasty, three-course meal cooked by Chef Marlon. Then they washed the dishes. We soon acclimated to such pampering and began splitting our time between exploring the island and savoring the villa.

One morning we swam at Meads Bay, a long swath of sugar-soft sand and calm waters, before lunching at Leon’s, Malliouhana’s beachside eatery. We especially liked the blackened mahi-mahi and crispy sweet potato fries. James and Charlotte munched crispy chicken fingers before taking their first shots at billiards under their dad’s tutelage.

A day outing to Prickly Pear combined two of our family’s favorite things — boat rides and good food. First we moored at Little Bay, a marine park with a thumbnail of beach bookended by cliffs. We snorkeled along the rocks, catching sight of lobsters and schools of rainbow-colored fish, and took turns holding the children as they giggled and splashed in the sea.

Next the boat dropped us at Prickly Pear, an uninhabited Anguillan cay with sparkling white sands, chaise lounges and the Prickly Pear Restaurant. The beach-shack vibe and the lack of a menu were misleading. We sat at the picnic tables and waited. Soon a server appeared with platters of delicious local fare served family-style — grilled mahi-mahi, chicken, barbecue ribs, shrimp, grilled whole lobsters and crayfish, plus bowls of rice and peas, salad, coleslaw and sauteed potatoes. We stuffed ourselves, then swam before heading back to the villa for showers and naps (adults, too).

Because a recent storm had washed away a portion of Long Bay’s small beach, we hung out at sister property Santosha’s wide sands, a three-minute ride away by butler-driven golf cart. The beach staff provided towels, set up shade umbrellas, and served us cold drinks. Most of the time we had the beautiful cove to ourselves. Because the children ate dinner early, the butlers picked up food from restaurants for them and the adults who stayed with them while the rest of us dined out.

The most important service provided by Long Bay Villas took place before we arrived. At our request and for no extra charge, the property erected a sturdy enclosure around the pool and hot tub that prevented our little ones from entering by themselves. Although someone always watched them, the extra safety measure allowed us to relax.

The last night we enjoyed a chef-cooked dinner on a private beach, the aroma of grilled lobster, the crackle of a bonfire as we roast marshmallows for s’mores and a sky popping with so many stars that the toddlers felt transported to an enchanted setting. Thus ended our multigenerational family vacation at Long Bay Villas, Anguilla.

When You Go

Long Bay Villas’s three beachfront villas include two five-bedroom, 6,500 square-foot villas plus a six-bedroom, 7-000 square foot villa. Each comes with complimentary continental breakfast and eight hours of daily butler service. Guests have free access to two private beaches, tennis courts and a gym. The staff can provide family activities for a fee. Rates from $3,400 per night: www.long-bay-villas-anguilla.com.

Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort, is an iconic luxury hotel with 63 oversized guestrooms and suites and a summer children’s program. Rates from $799: www.aubergeresorts.com/malliouhana.

Prickly Pear Restaurant on Prickly Pear Cay: www.pricklypearanguilla.com.

Anguilla Tourist Board: www.ivisitanguilla.com.