The Design Lover’s Dream Caribbean Escape

It’s been a big year for both LVMH and Belmond.

The world’s leading luxury group, which counts Louis Vuitton, Moët Hennessy, and Bulgari — to name a few — in its substantial porftolio, completed the acquisition of Belmond in April. For its part, Belmond owns 45 luxury hotel, train, and river cruise properties in 24 countries including Italy, Russia, and Mexico. It's not hard to see why LVMH took an interest.

“Belmond delivers unique experiences to discerning travellers and owns a number of exceptional assets in the most desirable destinations,” said LVMH chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault in a statement.

The new Belmond Cap Juluca pays homage to the landscape and heritage of Anguilla.

One of those destinations is Anguilla, where Belmond launched its new resort, Belmond Cap Juluca, in early 2019. Acquired by Belmond in 2017, the property received a US$121 million-renovation helmed by international design firms HKS and Rottet Studio to become Belmond’s flagship resort in the Caribbean.

The outdoor terrace features an infinity edge pool with tiles that complement the resort's Greco-Moorish architecture

The ideal beach resort, particularly in a destination such as Anguilla, requires a certain amount of sophistication and exclusivity without the baggage of pretension. Striking a delicate balance between glamorous and casual, Belmond Cap Juluca achieves the “barefoot luxury” that eludes many other resorts, thanks to its thoughtful restoration.

“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.

The designer continues, "The new layout provides the opportunity for the guests to explore space to space with ease.”

A nod to Anguillan craftsmanship and heritage, the sculptures, bespoke floor tiles, and tabletops are crafted with locally harvested limestone. The selection of furniture in natural materials is the perfect foil to the resort's Greco-Moorish architecture.

Deep green and white ceilings and tiles, punctuated by flashes of botanical prints and rattan accents, form the restaurant’s striking design

The Design Lover’s Dream Caribbean Escape

Tropical firs and botanicals are the highlight of wallcoverings and upholstery throughout the resort. Rattan furniture pieces in the bar as well as other indoor public spaces bring the outdoors in.

Each of the 108 rooms, suites, and villas features a relaxed yet layered look

All rooms come with a large private veranda designed in neutral shades and with linen and cotton accents

“We understood that to do [the resort] 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,” explains Lauren Rottet, the founding principal of Rottet Studio. “The new design is about intrigue, and allowing guests to feel relaxed and free, while also enjoying the most finely appointed resort in the world.”

Photography courtesy of Belmond