ANGUILLA - BELMOND CAP JULUCA

Welcome to Cap Juluca in Anguilla. This luxury beachfront retreat in the British West Indies is known as the best beach in the Caribbean. Cap Juluca was designed and developed by Linda and Charles Hickox almost thirty years ago and has recently sold to Belmond Ltd., a hotel, and leisure company that operates luxury hotels, train services and river cruises around the world. Renovations are underway and by the end of 2018, get ready, because Cap Juluca's pristine stretch of sand is about to transform into a tropical show-stopper.

The resort's crescent-shaped Maundays Beach is the main attraction, along with the clear, turquoise water and soft white sand.  Water sports are a must... enjoy sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, or just float in luxury.

Cap Juluca was originally named for the rainbow spirit of the Arawak whose energy can still be felt amongst the sway of the palms and the tropical rain that comes and goes. The Arawaks were farmers and fishermen, and much of what is known about them today comes from the petroglyphs and archeological remains discovered in two ceremonial cave sites on the island.

Several years ago we visited Cap Juluca for the day, and we always said, "this is a place we must return to"  So happy to have returned for more than one day, let the vacation begin. Next time I stroll down this hallway there will be a brand new Cap Juluca,.

Happy hideaway in paradise.  Expect 80°F monthly mean temperature, with water temperatures generally ranging between 70°F and 80°F. If you choose to travel by private boat charter or shared sea shuttle, you can take the ferry from St. Maarten Depending on immigration and selected transportation, the boat trip from St. Maarten takes approximately 25 – 40 minutes, arriving at Anguilla’s Blowing Point. Shuttle to the hotel is approximately fifteen minutes. Commercial airlines fly direct to St.Maarten with a short boat ride to Anguilla or by air via Seaborne Airlines or Tradewind Aviation. 

Anguilla's main gateways are:

  • St. Maarten/St. Martin (SXM), 7 minutes
  • Puerto Rico (SJU), 45 minutes
  • Antigua (ANU), 45 minutes
  • St. Thomas (STT), 45 minutes

Looks good, feels good...it's all good.

Cap Juluca takes pride in their fresh meals with a garden-to-table approach, along with resort-grown herbs, and spices. There are some exciting new dining concepts on the way!

Sweat Betty Top - Hermés Scarf 

Sweat Betty Top - Hermés Scarf 

My favorite activity was riding horses with the popular Zambezi  Enjoy a little history of the island while touring surrounding beaches and one of my favorite moments, taking a cool plunge in the Caribbean. Don't miss out on this tourist attraction! You can book through their facebook page or guest services at the front desk. Maybe you've never settled up... no worries these horses know the program, you do tnothng but sit back, take in the view and enjoy the experience.

And you'll need plenty of this!  ColorScience Sun Protection. You'll find yourself logging in a little more beach time here at Cap Juluca.  Shop the post below.

Why not begin your day at CapJuluca with a morning jog, a walk on the beach, or a swim in the Caribbean Sea. It's almost a mile long and from sun rise to sun set, this velvety beach never gets old.

Here's a peek at the rooms for not too much longer, every villa has an ocean view. Enjoy your open shower after your fun in the sun. New renovations are on the way.

 No filter needed at Cap Juluca. The evening is as stunning as the daytime. Follow Cap Juluca on Facebook to stay updated on renovations, and for the reopen.

From your room right to the beach. Nudz Beachwear designs the perfect vacation cover up for all occasions. Be sure to use my discount code GratefulGardenia30 for your perfect cover up.

From your room right to the beach. Nudz Beachwear designs the perfect vacation cover up for all occasions. Be sure to use my discount code GratefulGardenia30 for your perfect cover up.

Anguilla style is laid-back chic, barefoot elegance, and a place to rejuvenate the soul. There are no cruise ships, casinos, or traffic,  just breathtaking beaches, and that Caribbean vibe. 

Next time you're ready to plan your vacation be sure to look out for the grand opening of Cap Juluca. You can follow them on Instagram @belmondcapjuluca. Cap Juluca is one of those special places, along with the people who work there. Belmond Hotels create the most amazing escapes, and after this extensive renovation, you'll be ready to book your next hideaway.  Thank you, Cap Juluca for a beautiful experience to add to our family memories, and we look forward to a brand new you... with that same old welcoming spirit.

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“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

SUMMER SANDALS - ITALIAN STYLE

Summer's still here and so is my never-ending search for sandals. I've spent most of my sunny days in Eddy Daniele and Carmen Sol, both from Italy. Having great sandals makes packing a lot easier, and simplifies your wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorite sandals that keep me skipping along colorful and carefree.

Travel Tote Jade Tribe

Travel Tote Jade Tribe

Happy Feet - Eddy Daniele - Once again Made in Italy, I love the uniqueness and elegance in how they combine the stones with the leather and the pearls. You can shop the post below.

Ripley Rader matching pants and top - Encircle NYC necklace with Eddy Daniele navy blue sandals and the perfect accessory... Buster

JadeTribe Tote

JadeTribe Tote

These Carmen Sol's took me everywhere. We went hiking one afternoon, not really knowing the trail would be as challenging as it was, and these babies held up great!  They're made in Italy...that explains it, love Italian anything...  Carmen Sol is a Jelly Accessories Brand focused on the Resort Lifestyle and inspired by the owners ten years experience in managing retail stores inside resorts in the Caribbean, and yes the hike was in  the Caribbean in St. Barth's. The collection includes shoes, handbags, accessories, and swimwear all made 100% in Italy.

Valentino Rock-Stud Sandal

Valentino Rock Stud Slide

Gucci Floral Slide

Gucci "every girl needs pearls" even on her feet.

Carmen Sol colors that keep your Summer styles going strong. Here's just a few of my favorite colors.

All products are made of non-toxic Jelly Material (Italian PVC) and are Prop 65 compliant. All packaging for the Carmen Sol bags and shoes are made of an eco-friendly and recyclable material, including dust bag and shoe box.


Carmen Sol started in 2006 as the leading luxury retailer in the Caribbean and currently has several stores in the Best Resorts including Casa de Campo and Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana.  Owners Carmen Sol Espejo, a New York native and retail empress with over 20 years' experience and Sebastiano Di Bari, an Italian brand builder and former CEO of Italian Fashion companies, created their own brand together in 2016.

No worries if you spill anything or get caught in a tropical rain storm,  just dip your tote or sandals in the deep blue sea and you're good to go. 

How about a clutch that fits in the tote that fits in the suitcase with ease.

If you can't make it to Italy anytime soon, why not treat your feet to a little Italian flair. I look forward to walking a mile in my Italian sandals in search of that feeling of an endless summer. What are your favorite sandals? Do you have a brand you continue to add to your collection?

What are your favorite sandals? Do you have a brand you continue to add to your collection?  

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“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”      F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby