Gourmet Caribbean

Anguilla and St Barth

Sometimes it's hard to believe that one can eat so well in the middle of a tropical paradise. But that's what you'll find on the islands of Anguilla and St Barth. While both known for their excellent restaurants and outstanding food quality, both islands are completely different, making this a diverse and enjoyable itinerary. So forget the diets, and get ready to indulge in sun, sand, and excellent cuisine!

You'll fly into St. Maarten, and then connect by boat to...

Anguilla. Upon arrival, you'll notice that the island is quite flat, with soft coralline sand that recedes into turquoise blue water. It's a quiet locale, with a nice selection of very good resorts, perfect for initial relaxation after a wedding or a busy month at the office. How it came to develop such a selection of great food we aren't sure, but you are the beneficiaries!

You'll begin your trip with five nights at...

the exceptionally well-run CuisinArt Resort and Spa. That's right – brought to you by the same folks who created the CuisinArt food processor. Knowing that, you're certainly in for a treat. Your room is a Junior Suite, featuring plenty of space and a great view out to the pretty beach. Spend a day or so indulging yourselves at the shore or the pool, and be sure to visit the spa for a couples massage.

You'll also have the opportunity to...

take advantage of their on-site gourmet program, including a wine tasting, tour of their hydroponic farm, a hands-on cooking class with their executive chef, and a number of dinners including a place at the Chef's Table one evening with wine pairings. If you'd like to venture off property, we can suggest a couple great yet laid back places for a Caribbean-inspired dinner. On your final day, you'll take a small boat out to the locally renowned Scilly Caye for a lobster lunch, rum punch, and a festive beach party atmosphere.

Next you'll fly to the lovely island of...

St. Barth (via St. Maarten). Here the scenery changes – it's hillier, greener, and the beaches are still beautiful but smaller, in many cases tucked into pretty coves. Villas dot the hillsides, and the main town of Gustavia features one of the most picturesque ports in the Caribbean, as well as some excellent shopping.

Your home for the next four nights is...

the gorgeous St. Barths Isle-de-France, on Flammands Beach, arguably one of the island's finest. You'll feel the laid back sophistication – sip a cocktail poolside as the hotel's boutique features a beachwear fashion show, or have lunch at their incredible restaurant Le Case de L'Isle. But the goal in St Barth is to get you out at night, every night, to one of the island's many exceptional restaurants. Given St Barth's French diaspora and that country's corresponding culture, food here is raised to an art form. With more than 60 restaurants, there's not a bad meal to be had. Champagne and caviar? Not a problem. Fabulous burgers with killer views? We know your place. Romantic Italian, high French cuisine, country crepes or even sushi? St. Barths has all of these and much much more. The hard part will be choosing what to save for the next visit!

Who will enjoy this trip:

Food lovers will be in heaven. For those wishing to mix and match experiences these two islands provide a very good contrast. Beach lovers will be thrilled by Anguilla's long white sands and by St. Barths lovely but smaller beaches. Those who like a town to explore and some local culture will enjoy St. Barths. Couples looking for a more upmarket experience will find this in both destinations.

Who should avoid this trip:

If you are watching your budget, St Barth in particular is very expensive (on the Euro). During high season St. Barth can feel a bit pretentious to some due to the sheer wealth on the island. Low season is different. Anguilla is quite quiet, so if you are very active, you might reconsider or skew your time towards St. Barth. Those who aren't keen on small connecting flights or ferry / boat transfers.