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!

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.

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.

SHOP THE POST-

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

Memorial Day Weekend is here. Let's welcome the holiday with a few great styles for your weekend & Summer getaway plans. Coverups, one piece bathing suits and a few products to help you glow your way globetrotting along.

Use my discount code GratefulGardenia30 and save 30%

Nudz Beachwear Santorini Cover up works from sunrise to sunset. Get ready to revv up your shore-side style. Nudz is made right here in Los Angeles.

This Santorini Cotton coverup works over any suit and covers all the right places. It's lightweight so if you're on-the-go... no worries when you toss it in your tote. If you're planning on traveling to Miami take a look at The One Hotel - pictured above. Lovely hotel.

With the coverup & the mini you're ready for cocktail hour and a lovely sunset.

Barefoot, sandals, or heels...it all works.

The Angie mini dress, in solid microfiber, is fully lined at the top and has adjustable and convertible over- the-shoulder-straps, insertable pads, if you need them. It's perfect for paddle boarding, dries quickly. It has UV +50 protection, swim in it, lunch in it, shop in it. Off you go, from the beach to the street.

Angie Dress

One Piece Collection

La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni -- This one-piece is a Neiman Marcus exclusive and the ruffles are the IT trend for spring. What I love about this suit is how versatile it is.

Marysia Swim -- This Los Angeles-based brand is super popular with celebs and bloggers. Their one-piece suits are super stylish, the material does not bunch up, and they dry quickly.

Jets by Jessika Allen -- Playful yet sophisticated, this bathing suit comes in black, blue, and orange, and is sophisticated, yet chic. It can also double up as as bodysuit!

I'm a big fan of ERES they hold everything in, even after lunch!

Ted Baker London Known for its feminine prints and silhouette, this suit has a vibrant print that's not only perfect for a vacation, it also offers plenty of support.

Kate Spade Love the retro feel of this suit! Plus, the applique and cutout add a bit of elegance and sophistication.

Ted Baker -- Another fantastic piece by Ted Baker! Love the blue prints mixed with tropical elegance

Kiini ‘Cha Cha one-shoulder metallic-trimmed swimsuit' -- This swimwear line has reached a cult status and the suits come in solid prints with embroidered edges that take the styles to a whole new level of chicness.

Eres 'Cassiopee Swimsuit’ -- Love the timeless feel of this suit!

Mara Hoffman Terry -- The stripes give it a nautical feel that's playful and very stylish. — Mara Hoffman Terry -- The stripes give it a nautical feel that's playful and very stylish.

Karla Colletto -- Another cutout suit that enhances all of the right curves and at the same time is very elegant. — Karla Colletto -- Another cutout suit that enhances all of the right curves and at the same time is very elegant.

Karla Colletto -- Another great piece that's very flattering and offers plenty of coverage.

Vitamin A Neutra -- This suit is all about the California lifestyle that is very slimming and sexy at the same time. — Vitamin A Neutra -- This suit is all about the California lifestyle that is very slimming and sexy at the same time.

I personally prefer a one piece suit, I swim, jump, dive, and paddleboard. Wearing a suit that doesn't need to be tugged on is my idea of a great one piece.

Feel like glowing a little...

My go-to for that perfect amount of golden sheen.

Lacréme Beauté's GOLD OIL is not only luxurious in how is shimmers on the skin, this product is also filled with very nourishing oil. From the magical baobab oil which improves skin's texture and luster, along with moisturizing oils of Jojoba. This is the perfect body oil for any occasion just adding that little bit of luxury to one's beauty regime. There is a light scent of exotic frangipani, and the minute it's applied you will be transported to those wonderful days of summer.