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A glamorous Caribbean gem perched atop the island of Anguilla overlooking the endless, sparkling sea awaits.

Private cabanas surround two pools overlooking the Caribbean waters at Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLIOUHANA, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

Days spent toes-in-the-sand lounging on the beach at Meads Bay and taking in Anguilla’s dynamic culinary scene just got easier to check off the bucket list. With daily nonstop flights from Miami to Anguilla, a luxury escape with family in tow to Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection (aubergeresorts.com/malliouhana) is now more alluring than ever.

An easy island lifestyle begins the minute I step onto the property with a Malliouhana family greeting that makes me feel all the comforts of home. Th is famed beachside hideaway offers private villas for two or up to four guest rooms, allowing for a maximum of 12 people in a villa. At Malliouhana, we truly feel like we are the only family there as the privacy of each villa is remarkable and the service is so attentive.

Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection’s lounge, entry and nook at Bar Soleil PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLIOUHANA, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

I choose to take in the fresh morning breeze with yoga on the open-air terrace and spend days on the crystal-clear waters paddleboarding and snorkeling amid the privacy of Turtle Cove. The pools bring us together for some family fun, but we keep our brood busy with the Malliouhana Mini Explorers program introduced this year, where guests ages 5 through 12 can choose from chef classes to kite-making and other arts and craft s to snorkeling adventures while parents can rejuvenate at The Spa at Malliouhana, which features a private infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean. For active adults, an Auberge Adventure program includes a Beach-fari excursion in a colorful electric Moke, motorboating, island hopping, deep-sea fishing, sailing classes and horseback riding.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLIOUHANA, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

Along with simply enjoying poolside relaxation, I have the opportunity to taste dishes from new Malliouhana executive chef Andrea Ferrandi, who brings creative methods of regional Anguillian and Caribbean cuisine in addition to a resourceful menu that incorporates the freshest catch from the Anguillian sea. “I want Malliouhana guests to taste and be immersed in locally sourced and flavorful ingredients specific to the island of Anguilla,” says the chef. And I certainly do, with a sumptuous freshly caught lobster as my main entree at Celeste.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLIOUHANA, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

Another decadent treat for foodies is Flavors of Malliouhana, a new curated series of residencies and collaborations with world-renowned chefs who grace the kitchen at Celeste and the resort’s beach shack, Leon’s at Meads Bay, to celebrate the island’s rich gastronomic traditions. Award-winning New York-based chef, author and television personality JJ Johnson was the series’ first presenting chef, followed by James Beard Award-winning restaurateur and chef Nina Compton, along with more chef talents later in the year.

A warm Malliouhana family welcome is topped off with a refreshing drink. PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLIOUHANA, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

Whether guests watch the sunset while dining privately in their villa or at Celeste, dancing to live reggae at Leon’s or sipping on its specialty rum punch poolside in a private cabana, there is not a spot on-site that can hide the beautiful scene of the golden hour at Malliouhana. On my last evening, while learning how to mix up the finest island cocktails—like my favorite paloma—with Malliouhana’s top barista at a private class given at Bar Soleil, we appropriately toast to the exquisite island flavors and the magical sunset that couldn’t be more breathtaking.