Belmond Cap Juluca by Design

Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla is the ultimate barefoot luxury escape on the serene shores of Anguilla and the first resort within the Belmond global portfolio to be re-imagined under the brand’s new art direction. Acquired by Belmond in May 2017, the property has undergone a $121 million top-to-toe renovation and redesign. 

Located on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches; wrapped around the pristine white sands of a half crescent bay, Belmond Cap Juluca has been transformed to encapsulate the art of living well. A world of timeless glamour and laid-back luxury awaits guests of Belmond Cap Juluca. The beautiful new design pays homage to the landscape, sea views and Anguillan heritage; blending the old-world charms of Marco Polo’s travels with new world comforts. 

Redesigned rooms, suites, villas and public spaces are joined by stunning new additions, including a sea view infinity-edge pool with palm-lined terraces, a breath-taking Arawak Spa and fitness centre, an undercover event pavilion with sea views and 25 new beachfront guest accommodations. All designed to celebrate the spectacular view of Maundays Bay and blend with the resort’s signature Greco-Moorish architecture. 

NEW WORLD LUXURY BY ROTTET STUDIO 

Appointed by Belmond to reinvigorate the interiors of this legendary property and secure its position as one of the Caribbean’s finest island escapes is US-based architecture and interior design firm Rottet Studio 

Lauren Rottet, Founding Principal and President of Rottet Studio says, “We understood that to do Belmond Cap Juluca justice we had to make the most of the incredible views – to open up and create chic new spaces and experiences that connect guests with the stunning environment. The new design is about intrigue and allowing guests to feel relaxed and free to wholly embrace barefoot luxury in the Caribbean, while also enjoying the most finely-appointed resort in the world.” 

MAKING AN ENTRANCE BY ARCHITECTS HKS

From the moment guests are welcomed on to property their Caribbean discovery begins with a mesmerizing arrival. As they approach the Main House and heart of the resort, the view of the cerulean skies, turquoise sea and pure white sandy beach unfolds in a dramatic sequence. The new interiors and high- domed ceiling deliberately designed to first reveal and frame the view. 

Responsible for the structural redefinition of the Main House, ‘arrival experience’, reinvigoration of existing restaurants and overall expansion of the resort’s footprint is leading architects HKS. 

“First impressions are a critical factor in the guest journey and we kept that in mind when redesigning the arrival space,” says Melissa Voelker, HKS Senior Lead Designer. “Knowing that this Belmond property is about creating a sanctuary for guests, our design team reconfigured the flow of spaces, allowing space for guest-facing amenities such the open-air arrival lounge and adjoining amenity deck. The new layout provides the opportunity for the guests to explore space to space with ease.” 

THE ART OF INTERIORS 

Just as Europeans would have come in search of curious new worlds centuries ago; the resort invites exploration and discovery. The newly configured Main House, where The Library, Games Room, Lounges and Zemi Boutique are located, is designed for meandering through and reflects the style of a private residence that over the decades has acquired beautiful keepsakes from around the globe. These keepsakes now exist as a part of modern island life. 

Anguillan heritage and local craftsmanship are celebrated with sculptures, bespoke floor tiles and restaurant table tops that are made of limestone harvested from nearby cliffs – the same cliffs that bear carvings of the Arawak God ‘Juluca’. The handcrafted limestone floor tiles have been purposely selected to entice guests to walk barefoot, as though meandering through their own home. 

Along the beach is ‘Hammock Alley’ where hand-woven South American hammocks provide a space for quiet reflection. 

THE CUISINE SCENE 

Belmond Cap Juluca will be at the heart of the rich and diverse gastronomy scene on the island – championing locally sourced, freshly prepared and healthy Anguillan and Caribbean cuisine. Pimms is an invitation to dine on authentic Caribbean cuisine and Anguillan delicacies in relaxed elegant surroundings. 

Free flowing drapes and lightweight fabrics are layered throughout the space and sway gently in the evening breeze, setting the mood for romance. 

A taste of the world of Belmond, through dishes inspired by the world-famous ‘CIP’s Club’ in Venice can be enjoyed at the resort’s casual all dining restaurant, Cip’s by Cipriani. Saturated green and white ceiling and floor tiles and flashes of botanical print form a part of the restaurant’s striking design and are inspired by the captivating seaward views and surrounding tropical landscape. 

Maundays Club, where fresh Peruvian tapas is served daily, is positioned between the main domed Living Room and the Moroccan pool terrace, and features woven furniture, juxtaposed with dark green walls and mahogany doors. The rum bar, accented with antique mirrors and woven grass cloth, is flanked by two large commissioned paintings, inspired by island botanicals. 

Hand built and simply constructed using timber and ropes that age beautifully over time is The Cap Shack – the epitome of island-chic and barefoot luxury – where sundowners are enjoyed by sun-kissed revellers who seek a front seat in the sand. Creatively mixed rum punches, catch of the day and BBQ beach tapas are served as the sound of live calypso and reggae fills the night skies. 

SHOW-STOPPING SWIMMING POOL 

Offering new levels of beachfront service is the show-stopping new outdoor terrace featuring an infinity-edge pool. As would be the case in an old world Greco-Moorish mansion – Belmond Cap Juluca has an upper pool deck and shaded courtyard for relaxation, reflection and refreshments – where indoor flows seamlessly to outdoor. 

Guests will for the first time in the property’s history have the best of both worlds – a chance to dine and socialise by the pool and lounge by the water’s edge. 

THE ARAWAK SPA 

A haven to disconnect, the new Arawak Spa offers bespoke Anguillan-inspired treatments and its beach cabanas are just steps from the water’s edge. Nestled within tropical landscaped gardens, the spa will boast a private swimming pool, fitness centre, three all-suite treatment villas, beauty salon and private relaxation terraces that overlook the Caribbean Sea. 

The luxurious interiors are crafted from honest materials and a calming palette of neutrals and colours inspired by the surrounding landscape. The subtle detailing within combines bespoke handmade tiles and mosaics, alongside botanical- inspired hand-painted detailing in the soaring Greco-Moorish domes above. The lush foliage, both inside and out, create a serene and relaxing environment to perfectly complement the authentic spa treatments. 

A SPACE TO DREAM 

Spread across the resort’s secluded crescent-shaped cove and all with direct access to the stunning white sandy bay are 108 newly appointed rooms, suites and villas – all with large private verandas. 

The interiors honor laid-back island life with a relaxed and layered look that allows guests space to read, write, dine and dream away the hours in total comfort. 

Natural tones, linens and cottons are injected with a mix of blues, greens and botanical prints and clever use of dark grey tiled flooring creates a sense of calm in a space flooded with natural light. Wholly original and custom-designed tiles are present throughout the resort, including custom inlaid- pebble mosaics, bespoke marble patterns, and hand-crafted tiles, all produced specifically for the resort. 

Many of the accommodations boast large bathrooms with wet rooms that overlook secluded walled courtyards, bursting with botanicals and complete with private seating area. Technology and modern conveniences such as USB ports, integrated within the furniture, are available but discreetly hidden from view.

The three and five-bedroom private villas offer more space for families and groups of friends to embrace island living and feature domed double-height ceilings, high spec kitchens, large dining areas and private pools. 

BEAUTY OF BOTANICALS 

Lush botanicals hang from ceilings, white walls and line every pathway – creating a free-flowing way for the beautiful jungle outside to thrive and be appreciated inside of the property. As guests wander through gardens and along pathways – clever landscaping opens up to new perspectives of the beach and the planting of indigenous fragrant flowers awakens the senses. 

Tropical firs and botanicals can be seen throughout the property, on furniture fabrics, wallpapers, which also include woven grass cloth and artwork. Original 18th and 19th Century botanical prints sourced from London’s V&A are a nod to the well-travelled guest and Europeans who originally discovered the island. 

THE DETAILS 

Deluxe Beachfront King rooms at Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla start from $725/ £568 or approximately IDR10,200,000 per night based on two people sharing including breakfast. 

For more information, visit belmond.com/capjuluca

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