Last week, I had the pleasure to head to Bermuda to finalize the details for a client’s upcoming May wedding at The Loren Hotel. Below, I share some snaps from my 48 hour escape, I am OBSESSED with this hotel —
Elisa
A COLLECTION OF OUR TRAVEL NOTES
ROOMS: 28 suites, 14 villas and 22 private residences. Private Residences come with a full staff of house manager, butler and private chef.
GETTING HERE: Antigua Airport ( ANU ) is easily accessed via direct flights from most major U.S. cities. Upon arrival, guests board a private 20 minute boat ride to paradise where the only mode of transportation is my foot, bike or golf cart.
JUMBY BAY RESORT named for the playful spirits believed to roam the West Indies, the property is sure to enchant. Situated on a 300-acre private island with two white-sand beaches, Jumby is renowned for its extensive and impressive luxury all-inclusive offering.
The resort promises both leisure and adventure for travelers of all ages. Guests can partake in a wide variety of water sports such as- waterskiing, wake boarding, tubing, boating, kayaking, even a sailing academy. There is also a fitness center, yoga & meditation classes, 3 tennis courts, bicycles to roam the property paths and 3 pools.
All dining is á la carte with special Jumby Bay traditions, including a reimagined White Night Party on the beach, dinner at the farm and the Caribbean Dinner at the Pool Grille. They have everything from a casual hamburger or sandwich for at the Beach Shack to a gastronomic dinner at the Estate House with our Chef Matthew (who used to work for Alain Ducasse). For something in between, they offer their Veranda restaurant located directly on the beach for pizza, pasta, salads – bistro dining in a very family friendly where the kids can play in the sand until the food arrives.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: November to July as hurricane season runs from late August to end of October.
MAPPS X JUMBY BAY: Special nightly rates and spa credits.
EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONS:
*The Island Escape: Preferred Partner Agents can offer clients 10% off online rates, valid for Beachside Resort Suite bookings until January 15th, 2021. This is not available on their website for direct bookings.
*Time for Two Offer which can be booked anytime until October 2021 and includes a bottle of chilled champagne and a welcome culinary amenity to toast you arrival, One 60-minute Couples Massage and a Private Beach Dinner under the stars for two on a night during your stay.
MAPPS TIP: We highly encourage clients to partake in their food and entertainment pop-ups, different ones offered each night, with beach parties, tastings and culinary classes to keep all ages entertained.
Every Saturday evening, the DJ performs in the sand for a Sunset Beach Party happy hour.
Gin & Golf at the poolside ‘19th hole’ where guests can tee off into the setting sun as the bartenders prepare botanical gin cocktails.
Cooking classes and wine and rum tastings continue, in bubbles and small parties.
Guests can recline on the sands for starry movie nights watching Bogart or Bond.
White Night Beach Party, music fills the Caribbean skies as guests indulge in an elegant four-course dinner by the sea.
Caribbean Nights with the best BBQ in Antigua.
Their new partnership with Casamigos tequila with margaritas served at the Beach Shack. They also have a Casamigos bicycle driving around the island taking orders and a Casamigos hotline for your own private bartender!
The laid back island of Anguilla has always been a crowd favorite due to it’s gorgeous beaches, endless land and sea activities, warm hospitality, farm to sea dining and a location that combines convenience with seclusion. While all of these attributes are still the main draw… these days the islands Covid free status has boosted their bragging rights and placed them at the top of the winter travel charts.
When Covid-19 entered the United States and surrounding islands this past March, Anguilla sprung into action quickly and locked down for months which proved to be quite successful. During the height of the pandemic, they only recorded 2 positive cases and after re-opening this past month with strict protocols in place, they are happy to report the island is still Covid free since this past May.
We are thrilled that Anguilla is now welcoming back visitors and are incredibly impressed with the conditions that they have put in place. Pre-entry requirements includes travelers submitting a negative PCR test taken within three to five days prior to arrival and upon arrival, another PCR test will be administered and a second test will be given on day 10 or 14. Guests based upon their assigned bubble will be given access to a variety of approved amenities and activities on each day, including select restaurants, golfing, scuba diving, kayaking, excursions to Prickly Pear, Sandy Island, and Scilly Cay, and more but advanced reservations are required, and transportation from an approved operator only will be provided.
*Mapps will handle all of this legwork to make the planning process seamless.
“We are pleased to announce that Anguilla’s hospitality product can now reopen in a safe though unprecedented way, subject to inspections and safety protocols designed to protect the health of our visitors and our nation,” said Anguilla Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure Haydn Hughes. “We want everyone to enjoy the Anguilla experience – we invite you to lose the crowd and find yourself.”
The idea is to “allow visitors to interact with Anguilla’s exceptional tourism product while limiting their interaction with Anguilla’s population,” according to the Anguilla Tourist Board.
Added bonus: Anguilla has been deemed a level 1 by the CDC, meaning there is little to no risk so there is no quarantine required upon return. Cheers to stress-free vacations. Below, we take you behind the scenes on where to stay, eat and drink on island —
xx Elisa
STAY
AUBERGE MALLIOUHANA: Set on 25 acres of verdant gardens, the hotel consists of 46 rooms and suites with a bright, contemporary aesthetic defined by robin’s egg blues and bright yellows with expansive private terraces. There are three restaurants, a bi-level pool deck, non-motorized and motorized water sports, boating, sailing, fishing, tennis courts, golf, movie nights on the beach and a full service spa.
BEST FOR: Adults only preferred until they open their new family villas and kids club in spring 2021.
MAPPS X AUBERGE: MAPPS is a preferred partner with Auberge Resorts and receives special nightly rates, daily breakfast and a $100 food and beverage credit per room.
BELMOND CAP JULUCA: Located on the coveted Maunday Beach, the 108 rooms, suites and villas are free standing, beachfront units decorated in natural and light blue hues with elegant antiques. There are four restaurants, one pool, a kids club, non-motorized and motorized water sports, boating, golf, sailing, fishing, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts and a full service spa and fitness studio.
BEST FOR: Adults and/or families with kids of all ages as there are activities for everyone.
MAPPS X BELMOND: MAPPS is a member of Belmond’s Bellini Club and receives special nightly rates, daily breakfast and a $100 food and beverage credit per room.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT: Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the majority of the 66 villas and resort accommodations overlook the breaking surf and blue horizons of two of Anguilla's 33 spectacular beaches. There are four restaurants, two pools, non-motorized and motorized water sports, golf, tennis and basketball courts, boating, sailing, fishing, kids club, a rock climbing wall and a full service spa and fitness studio.
BEST FOR: Adults and/or families with kids of all ages as there are activities for everyone.
MAPPS X FS: MAPPS is a preferred partner with Four Seasons Hotels and receives special nightly rates, daily breakfast and a $100 food and beverage credit per room.
EAT & DRINK
BLANCHARDS: Blanchards Restaurant has been hailed as one of the best restaurants in the Caribbean with innovative cuisine by Chef Melinda Blanchard. Their Beach Shack, located next door, offers a casual alternative of picnic tables on the beach and toes in the sand dining.
JACALA: Even Martha Stewart declared Jacala her "favorite" in all of the Caribbean. One bite into Chef Alain's wakame-marinated tuna carpaccio, with a view of Meads Bay blue, and the hype makes sense.
PICANTE: A casual Caribbean Taqueria serving up the best fish tacos and margaritas on island.
THE STRAW HAT: Straw Hat has been enchanting visitors to the island since 1996! Their menu features something for everyone, and their team will make you feel at home in a relaxed, unpretentious and fun beachfront atmosphere.
VEYA: If you're a major foodie, or if you just want a romantic dinner night, Veya delivers on every level.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING HERE: Commercial planes land in St. Martin ( SXM ) where travelers will clear customs, take a five minute car ride to the marina, followed by a 25 minute boat ride over to the island of Anguilla or can opt for a ten minute connecting flight to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. (AXA ) The hotels are located 10-15 minutes by car from the dock. Private flights land in Anguilla at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA ) and must land before 7pm each day.
We think we speak for everyone when we say we cannot wait to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021. Over the past few months we have been working behind the scenes, setting up travel for client’s who feel comfortable flying for the holiday season. This year definitely presented some curveballs but we love a good challenge. We booked flights on carriers who have mask mandates, spaced out seating and HEPA filtration systems ( hello Delta, JetBlue and United Airlines ) as well as private planes and set up VIP fast track to avoid immigration lines. We chose preferred partner hotels, villas, private chefs, activity suppliers and restaurants who adhere to a strict Covid-19 guideline policy which includes mandatory testing and mask mandates for their employees as well as socially distanced tables and chairs. We also have set up any necessary Covid-19 testing requirements in advance and organized at home appointment testing for those who prefer a private Doctor rather then a center. Below, we share a sneak peek into some of their trips as well as their safety policies. Let’s face it, those who start the new year with a tan just always look better.
BEACH ENCLAVE
GETTING HERE: 20 minutes by car from Providenciales International Airport. (PLS)
ROOMS: The enclosed development on Grace Bay Beach is comprised of 4,5 and 6 bedroom villas.
ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, tennis, basketball court, fishing, kids club and golf.
MAPPS X THE BEACH ENCLAVE: $1000 private chef credit and a $500 credit to be a used towards water sport activities.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory is mandatory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted). The test must have been taken no more than 5 days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://www.beachenclave.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Beach-Enclave-COVID-19-FAQ.pdf
COMO PARROT CAY
GETTING HERE: After arriving at Providenciales International Airport (PLS), guests are driven 10 minutes to Leeward Marina where they depart on a 25 minute boat ride to the private island of Parrot Cay.
ROOMS: The enclosed development is comprised of 3, 4,5 and 6 bedroom private residences, 1 and 2 bedroom beachfront villas and 46 rooms/suites.
ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, tennis, fishing, kids club and spa/fitness.
MAPPS X THE COMO PARROT CAY: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory is mandatory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted). The test must have been taken no more than 5 days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://www.comohotels.com/en/booking-terms-in-relation-to-covid-19
FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA
GETTING HERE: 35 minutes by car from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. ( LIR )
ROOMS: 120 rooms/suites and 49 private villas and residences.
ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, surfing, sailing, tennis, golf, fishing, kids club, hiking, biking, zip-lining, ATV and spa/fitness.
MAPPS X FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: No testing is required to enter Costa Rica, nor is a quarantine mandatory upon arrival. Upon return back into the US, the testing and/or quarantine requirements vary state by state.
CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/2020/lead-with-care-program/
FOUR SEASONS MAUI
GETTING HERE: 25 minutes by car from Kahului Airport. (OGG)
ROOMS: 455 rooms/suites.
ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, surfing, sailing, tennis, golf, fishing, kids club, hiking, biking, zip-lining, ATV and spa/fitness.
MAPPS X FOUR SEASONS MAUI: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a state-approved trusted testing partner and complete a State Dept. of Agriculture paper form (which is distributed on all flights) prior to arrival within the state.
CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/2020/lead-with-care-program/
GRACE BAY CLUB
GETTING HERE: 15 minutes by car from Providenciales International Airport. (PLS)
ROOMS: Grace Bay Club has 26 different categories ranging from rooms/suites to private villas, residences and estates.
ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, tennis, fishing, kids club, spa/fitness and golf.
MAPPS X GRACE BAY CLUB: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory is mandatory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted). The test must have been taken no more than 5 days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://gracebayresorts.com/hotel-policies/
NIZUC
GETTING HERE: 8 minutes by car from Cancun International Airport. ( CUN )
ROOMS: 274 rooms, suites and private villas.
ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, tennis, kids club, spa/fitness and golf.
MAPPS X NIZUC: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast, one way airport transfer and a $100 spa credit.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: No testing is required to enter Mexico, nor is a quarantine mandatory upon arrival. Upon return back into the US, the testing and/or quarantine requirements vary state by state.
CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://www.nizuc.com/covid-19-update/
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
GETTING HERE: 30 minutes by car from Cancun International Airport. ( CUN )
ROOMS: 274 rooms, suites and private villas.
ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized water sports, zip-lining, sailing, tennis, kids club, spa/fitness and golf.
MAPPS X ROSEWOOD: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: No testing is required to enter Mexico, nor is a quarantine mandatory upon arrival. Upon return back into the US, the testing and/or quarantine requirements vary state by state.
CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/covid-19-update
WYMARA RESORT
GETTING HERE: 10 minutes by car from Providenciales International Airport. (PLS)
ROOMS: 91 rooms/suites and 5 private villas.
ACTIVITIES: Pool, beach, non-motorized and motorized water sports, fishing, tennis, golf and spa/fitness.
MAPPS X WYMARA: VIP priority complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast and resort credits.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory is mandatory (antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted). The test must have been taken no more than 5 days prior to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
CLICK LINK FOR SAFETY MEASURES: https://wymararesortandvillas.com/policies-and-procedures/
COMMERCIAL AIRLINE SAFETY MEASURES
DELTA: https://www.delta.com/content/www/us/en/travel-update-center/overview.html
JET BLUE: https://www.jetblue.com/safety
UNITED: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/what-to-expect.html
PRIVATE AVIATION SAFETY MEASURES
NET JETS: https://www.netjets.com/en-us/safety
WHEELS UP: https://wheelsup.com/safety
* MAPPS works with a handful of preferred private aviation companies. You do not need to be a member of Wheels Up or Net Jets to fly private with our agency.