Malliouhana is the grand old name of Anguilla, a resort on a low bluff at the eastern end of Meads Bay that the hotel itself credits with putting the island on the luxury map. For honeymooners it offers something the newer resorts cannot copy: a position above two beaches, with Meads Bay's mile of white sand on one side and the small, sheltered curve of Turtle Cove on the other.
Rooms are big by Caribbean standards. Even the entry guestrooms run to roughly 800 square feet with a large private terrace, while suites add a separate sun terrace and space to live in. A cascading infinity pool sits at the edge of the bluff. Leon's at Meads Bay, the resort's beach restaurant, is one of the island's favorite rum punch stops.
Travel + Leisure readers have ranked it the top resort in Anguilla and Forbes has named it the island's best hotel overall. It suits couples who want a classic, full-service resort with real character. It is family-friendly, so couples after a kid-free scene should weigh that.
Highlights at a glance
- Bluff-top position above Meads Bay and Turtle Cove
- Guestrooms of about 800 square feet with large terraces
- Cascading infinity pool at the edge of the bluff
- Leon's at Meads Bay beach bar and live reggae
- Four private Villas by Malliouhana with butler service
Why Couples Love Malliouhana
Location is the headline. From the bluff you look straight down Meads Bay, which many Anguilla regulars rate as the best beach on the island, with calm water that turns pale glass green close to shore. Turtle Cove, on the other side, is smaller and more private for a morning swim.
The resort also has history. It has been a fixture of Anguilla since the island's early days as a luxury escape and the open-air public spaces still have that easy Caribbean grandeur: breezy terraces, sea views from almost everywhere and sunsets that drop right into the water. Service is polished without being stiff. Couples often mention how quickly staff learn their drink orders, which matters more than it sounds on a week-long stay.
Rooms and Suites to Book
Guestrooms measure about 775 to 875 square feet, each with a large private terrace for catching the breeze. They are generous enough that you will not feel cramped, though views vary, so ask for an ocean-facing room when you book.
Suites are where a honeymoon gets special. They range from about 1,350 to 4,500 square feet, each with a large private patio plus a separate sun terrace and the views over the Caribbean are the best on the property. If your budget stretches, a suite is the upgrade to make.
For more privacy, Villas by Malliouhana are four separate homes about three minutes' drive away, with butler service, a dedicated concierge and optional private chef. Villa guests keep full access to the resort.
Food, Drink and the Spa
Caribbean Table is the main restaurant, a reimagining of the resort's former signature restaurant, Celeste. It serves breakfast and dinner in an open-air room with Caribbean cooking and a wine list recognized by Wine Spectator.
Leon's at Meads Bay is the beachfront restaurant and bar, run under culinary director Kelston "Sweets" Connor. It is walk-in only, closed Mondays and famous for its rum punch. Live reggae plays on Thursdays and Sundays and its Sunday afternoon party draws people from across the island.
Bar Soleil, by the pool terrace, is the sunset spot, with cocktails and Asian-inspired small plates. In-room dining runs through the day. The Malliouhana Spa offers treatments and wellness packages and wellness classes are on the schedule.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Start with the beach. Walk the full length of Meads Bay at sunset, past the low-rise resorts and restaurants, then come back for dinner. Snorkel the rocks around Turtle Cove on a calm morning.
Anguilla is small, so the rest of the island is easy. Take a boat day to Prickly Pear Cays for a beach lunch and snorkeling, or to Sandy Island off Sandy Ground. Shoal Bay East is worth a half day for its long powdery sand. Sandy Ground has live music most nights in season. Anguilla is a serious food island too and the concierge can point you to the island's roadside barbecue spots and beachfront restaurants. On the property itself there are wine tastings and culinary experiences.
Getting There
Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) on Anguilla is about 15 minutes from the resort by car, but it mainly receives small regional flights from hubs such as San Juan and Antigua.
Most couples from the US fly into Princess Juliana International (SXM) on St. Maarten, which has nonstop service from several US cities. From there, a boat crosses to Blowing Point in Anguilla in about 25 to 30 minutes, followed by a short drive to Meads Bay. Malliouhana's Island Hopper offer has included boat transfers for guests flying through St. Maarten, so ask about it when booking. Private charter boats are faster and more comfortable than the public ferry, especially with luggage. Bring your passport, since you cross a border on the way.
Is It Worth It?
Malliouhana is priced in Anguilla's luxury band. Expect roughly $900 or more a night for a guestroom outside peak season and considerably more from mid-December through April. These are estimates; check live rates.
You are paying for the bluff-top position, very large rooms and a famous beach restaurant on your doorstep. For couples who want a classic resort with history and room to breathe, it delivers.
Pick elsewhere if you want a kid-free crowd, since the resort runs a children's program and markets itself to families. Couples who want a smaller scale and a lower bill should look at Frangipani Beach Resort along the same beach. Those wanting a big, modern resort with multiple pools may prefer the Four Seasons at the other end of Meads Bay.
Good to Know
The resort has a Mini-Explorers kids program, so school holidays bring families. If you want quiet, avoid Christmas, New Year and spring break, or ask for a room away from the pool.
The bluff means some stairs and paths between the rooms, the pool and the beach. Mention any mobility concerns when booking, as accessible rooms are available.
Anguilla's best months are December to April, when the weather is dry and breezy. Summer is hotter and quieter with better rates, while late summer and autumn carry hurricane risk, so consider travel insurance. Mosquitoes appear at dusk after rain. Dengue occurs in the Caribbean, so pack repellent and if you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices before you go.
Insider tips
- Ask for an ocean-facing guestroom when you book, since views vary across the property.
- Go to Leon's early on a Sunday afternoon, because it is walk-in only and fills up fast.
- Use Turtle Cove for a morning swim when Meads Bay is busier.
- Ask about boat transfers from St. Maarten when you book, as offers sometimes include them.
