Malliouhana, a Mr & Mrs Smith Resort in Anguilla [In-Depth Review]

The author was traveling as an invited guest of Malliouhana. All opinions are the author’s own, and the hotel had no input in any part of this review.

I recently returned from a 4-night stay on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, where I tried out 2 different resorts.

For my first 2 nights, I stayed at Frangipani Beach Resort, a boutique hotel on Meads Bay Beach. For my last 2 nights, I stayed at Malliouhana, a Mr & Mrs Smith property that Travel + Leisure has named one of the Top 500 Best Hotels in the World.

Malliouhana, which debuted in 1984, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. When it opened, it was Anguilla’s first 5-star luxury resort, and it’s still one of the best (and most beloved) hotels on the island.

Booking Malliouhana

Malliouhana is part of the Mr & Mrs Smith collection of hotels, which was acquired by Hyatt in 2023. That means it’s now bookable through World of Hyatt. Prior to that, it was part of the Auberge Collection.

Mr & Mrs Smith properties don’t fall into Hyatt’s usual categories, so they can be extremely high-priced when paying with points. The least expensive night I found on points (during random searches) cost 83,750 points per night, and prices went up from there.

Unless you’re extremely points-rich, it might be better to book Malliouhana with cash to earn lots of Hyatt points and then save those points for a more valuable redemption. This is true of many Mr & Mrs Smith properties, not just this one.

Malliouhana room charges are coded as a Hyatt when using a Hyatt credit card, so you can earn up to 9x points per dollar spent on The World of Hyatt Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 65,000 Bonus Points. Earn 35,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent

Up to 65,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$975

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
• 1x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn 35,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

Mr & Mrs Smith properties also count as a brand in Hyatt’s Brand Explorer program. After staying at 5 different Hyatt brands, you can earn a Category 1 to 4 free-night certificate.

Bottom Line:

Malliouhana, a Mr & Mrs Smith property, is the only hotel in Anguilla that can be booked through World of Hyatt.

Other Ways To Book

Malliouhana can also be booked through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and Capital One Premier Collection. These programs offer extra perks and benefits, including free breakfast, a room upgrade, and a hotel credit.

If you book Malliouhana through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts via AmexTravel.com, you can use your prepaid hotel credit of up to $200 from The Platinum Card^® from American Express, and you’ll earn 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar (up to $500,000 per year).

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Apply With Confidence and, if approved, find out your welcome offer before deciding to accept the Card. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount.

As High As 175,000 Points (Find out your offer)

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Apply With Confidence and, if approved, find out your welcome offer before deciding to accept the Card. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

If you book through Capital One Premier Collection via Capital One Travel using the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn 10x Capital One miles per dollar.

Location

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean, less than 15 miles from St. Martin. Many visitors fly to St. Martin and take the 25-minute ferry ride to Anguilla.

You can also fly directly to the island from the U.S. via American Airlines (which is what I did). There are currently 2 daily flights to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) from Miami (MIA); a third will be offered on Saturdays from December 2024 through April 2025.

Malliouhana is just under 20 minutes from the airport.

Local Attractions

Anguilla is known for its beautiful beaches and excellent food scene. Those things are fantastic, for sure, but there is so much more to this 35-square-mile island. During my trip, I enjoyed scuba diving, hiking through Katouche, Anguilla’s “rainforest,” and a salt-picking excursion, as salt used to be a major export for the island.

Checking In

Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted with a cool towel and a welcome drink.

The first thing I noticed was the incredible mirrored tile floor. It was mesmerizing and totally cool.

I loved the glamorous yet laid-back feel of the hotel’s decor.

After I stopped gazing at the floor in awe, we were escorted to our room by a staff member to complete our check-in. This was the first time I had ever been checked into a hotel in my room. I could see they were trying to go for a personalized and elevated experience, and it definitely came through.

Room

My room was bright, spacious, and colorful. The decor was Caribbean-inspired with modern touches.

The room had a large table and chairs, as well as an oversized mirror that appeared to be normal but actually held the television.

A sweet welcome gift of homemade treats was in a gift box waiting for us on the table.

As we walked into the room, the minibar was to the left. Coffee (a Nespresso machine with real cups — yay), tea, and Fiji water were complimentary.

There were also drinks and snacks available for purchase.

There were additional beverages for purchase in the minifridge.

The closets had colorful curtains instead of doors that made them look like dressing rooms in a clothing store at first glance.

Inside the closets were robes, slippers, a safe, and extra toiletry items like a travel hairbrush and dental set.

The 4-poster king bed was so comfortable after a long day of exploring the island. There were plenty of plugs and reading lights on both sides of the bed.

A sitting area had a small couch and coffee table in the corner of the room.

The room was stylish and comfortable, but the real star of my room at Malliouhana was the incredible balcony. First of all, it was huge, with a small table and a circular lounger.

But really, it’s all about the view, and this quarter-circle-shaped balcony offered stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and Mead’s Bay Beach.

Enjoying a cup of coffee early in the morning overlooking the crystal clear water was truly a delight.

Bathroom

The bathroom had marble countertops and double sinks.

The hand wash and lotion were Malliouhana-branded, along with a branded makeup towel on the countertop.

The stand-up shower was tucked into the corner of the bathroom.

It had Malliouhana-branded shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in full-sized containers.

The toilet was in a separate area, but there wasn’t a door, so it wasn’t private.

Amenities

The guest room contained a list of the resort’s daily activities, including sunrise yoga, kickboxing, poolside hand and foot massages, cooking demonstrations, and live music.

Coffee and Tea in the Lobby

In addition to Nespresso machines in each guest room, coffee and tea were available in the lobby each morning.

Sunrise Yoga

One of the activities offered at Malliouhana was sunrise yoga on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. The complimentary class took place on a shady deck area overlooking the ocean. It was a perfect way to start the day.

Not only was it a beautiful spot, but I really enjoyed the instructor. Yoga mats (Malliouhana-branded, of course) were provided.

Pools

The 2 pools at Malliouhana were perfection — quiet and uncrowded with warm water and spectacular ocean views.

The family pool was 1 level below the adult pool. It had cushy lounge chairs and incredible views.

The adults-only pools had in-pool lounge chairs and overlooked the family pool and ocean.

Cold water, towels, and sunscreen were always available at the pools.

Cabanas were around each pool, too.

These cabanas, which had cushioned outdoor couches and curtains for shade, were complimentary for guests.

Beach

Malliouhana overlooks Meads Bay Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The main hotel is perched on a cliff with sweeping ocean views.

A pathway and stairs led down to the beach.

The first section of the beach is a small alcove that feels very private.

Then, a small set of stairs allowed access to the rest of Meads Bay Beach.

On the main beach, chairs and umbrellas were available for hotel guests. Beachfront guest rooms and Leon’s at Meads Bay, the hotel’s beachfront restaurant, were in this area.

If you’re a fan of beach walks like I am, you’ll love this mile-long stretch of white sand on Meads Bay Beach. It’s flanked by Malliouhana on the east and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla on the west.

Spa

I didn’t get a chance to enjoy a spa treatment during my stay, but I stopped by to snap a photo. The spa’s lobby had a small retail space. A list of services with prices is available online.

Outdoor Recreation

In addition to everything Anguilla has to offer on the island, there’s plenty to do without leaving the hotel.

There were tennis and pickleball courts.

The boat-shaped playset was a fun attraction for kids.

Bikes were available for guests to use free of charge with a reservation.

Gym

The gym at Malliouhana had treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, free weights, and medicine balls.

An outdoor section of the gym had various bars, rings, and benches.

Food and Beverage

Anguilla is known for its food scene, and it’s often cited as one of the best Caribbean islands for food. While I recommend getting some meals at the hotel, you can’t go to Anguilla without trying some of the local restaurants. My favorites were breakfast at Straw Hat (at Frangipani Resort) and dinner at Veya and Sharky’s.

Celeste

Celeste is Malliouhana’s signature restaurant. This 3-tiered restaurant offers spectacular ocean views and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Celeste is open daily from 7 to 11 a.m. for breakfast and from 6 to 10 p.m. for dinner. Live music is available from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Leon’s at Meads Bay

Leon’s at Meads Bay is the hotel’s beach restaurant. It has a laid-back vibe with live music on the weekends. The menu features Caribbean-Asian fusion fare and tropical cocktails.

Leon’s at Meads Bay is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Bar Soleil

Bar Soleil is the hotel’s open-air lounge serving an all-day menu of tapas, cocktails, beer, and wine. Offering exquisite views of the sea, this place was eye candy for my soul.

The walls were covered in colorful artwork, and the built-in couches were lined with pillows, giving cozy-chic vibes for days.

Bar Soleil is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. There’s live music from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Service

The service at Malliouhana was excellent. The staff was attentive and helpful, and there was twice-daily room service. I loved the treats the staff left for us in our room each day, like fresh guava gummy candies (officially called “guava cheese,” which isn’t the most appetizing name) and bush tea, a traditional herbal tea.

Final Thoughts

Malliouhana is a Mr & Mrs Smith property on the beautiful island of Anguilla. It’s the only property on the island that is bookable through Hyatt. This luxury resort has a glamorous but relaxed vibe with stunning beach and ocean views that are second to none.

While the price in World of Hyatt points is a bit steep, it’s fantastic that Hyatt fans have an option on Anguilla now. This was my first trip to the island, but it absolutely won’t be my last.