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5 Things You Should Know About Frangipani Beach Resort in Anguilla

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Katie Seemann
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Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

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Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, F...
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Michael Y. Park

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Michael Y. Park is a journalist living in New York City. He’s traveled through Afghanistan disguised as a Hazara Shi’ite, slept with polar bears on the Canadian tundra, picnicked with the king and que...
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The author stayed as a guest of Frangipani. All opinions are the author’s own, and the hotel had no input in any part of this review.

I recently visited Anguilla for the first time. This under-the-radar Caribbean island won me over with its incredible beaches, excellent food, and fantastic resorts.

Frangipani Beach Resort, named the No. 1 (2018) and No. 2 (2019) best hotel in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure, was my first stop (I also stayed at Malliouhana during this trip in May 2024).

This small property has just 24 rooms but offers all of the amenities you may find at a larger resort, including a spa, a fitness center, twice-daily housekeeping, and access to water sports (Hobie sailboats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and inner tubing are all complimentary).

I want to share a few things I learned about the resort to help you decide if this is the right spot for your next vacation. Let’s jump in.

1. Frangipani Can’t Be Booked Online

You can’t book Frangipani Beach Resort online — bookings are only taken via email or phone. I’ll be the first to admit that I shy away from activities, hotels, etc., that can’t be booked online. However, after visiting the resort, I understand why it’s done this way.

You get personalized service at Frangipani, starting with the booking process, through a dedicated concierge team.

Katie at Frangipani Resort in Anguilla
Enjoying Frangipani Beach Resort in Anguilla.

“Guests should know that at Frangipani, we will work with them before arrival to make them aware of the island’s offerings (restaurants, activities, must-dos, etc.),” John Vasatka, Frangipani’s general manager, told me. “We’ll help book transfers, dining options, and activities for guests before their stay.”

Hot Tip:

When booking Frangipani, be sure to use a credit card that earns bonus points on hotel stays. My favorite is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which earns 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel. Other great options include the American Express® Green Card*, which earns 3x Amex Membership Rewards points on travel, and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card. which earns 5x Wells Fargo Rewards points on hotels.

*The information regarding the American Express® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

2. The Resort Has Its Own Boat, the FrangiCat II

Even though this resort is small, it has its own boat, the FrangiCat II.

FrangiCat II
The FrangiCat II.

Each Tuesday and Friday, guests can join the Beach Hopping trip on FrangiCat II. It costs $100 per person and includes all drinks, towels, snorkel gear, and other water toys on the boat (lunch and gratuities not included). My husband and I went on this trip and loved it. We visited multiple spots around the island for snorkeling, swimming, and just relaxing on the beach.

On board the FrangiCat II in Anguilla
We stopped for a photo op in front of the Anguilla Arch. Image Credit: FrangiCat II crew

I was really impressed by the thoughtfulness of the crew — they’d heard that a guest on that day’s trip didn’t drink (spoiler alert, it was me), so they didn’t premix rum into the punch and packed plenty of Heineken 0.0 (along with other nonalcoholic beverages). This seemingly simple gesture really meant a lot to me and made my day even more enjoyable.

3. It’s Small in the Best Way Possible

If you’re used to megaresorts (like me), Frangipani Beach Resort is a big change. This small resort has just 24 rooms, so it has a very intimate feel.

View from my room at Frangipani Resort Anguilla
The view from 1 of my room’s 2 balconies.

However, being a small resort comes with some benefits: There was never any need to claim a pool or beach chair early in the morning, there were no crowds, it was quiet, and if you forgot something in your room, you could be there in 2 minutes (instead of walking 20 minutes to get back to your room at a megaresort).

Hot Tip:

American Airlines is the only airline that offers service from the U.S. to Anguilla (there are 2 direct flights per day from Miami, with a third coming in December 2024). If you want to book your flights with points, you’ll want to earn American AAdvantage miles first. Alternatively, you can fly to St. Martin and take the ferry to Anguilla, which takes about 30 minutes.

4. It’s Beachfront … I Mean, Really Beachfront

You can’t get more beachfront than Frangipani Beach Resort.

Because it’s a smaller property, both the hotel and pool are literally steps from the sand, offering a true beachfront experience. After staying at so many beach megaresorts, where you can be a half-mile from the sand, this was a welcome change.

Frangipani Resort on Meads Bay Beach in Anguilla
Frangipani Beach Resort is right on the beach.

The resort is in the center of Meads Bay Beach, which is about 1 mile long. You can walk down to Malliouhana (a Mr and Mrs Smith Property) at one end all the way to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla on the other.

I’ve traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, and this stretch of beach is easily one of my favorites.

5. There’s Only 1 Restaurant

There’s just 1 restaurant at Frangipani, Straw Hat. We ate breakfast there both mornings of our stay, and it was a beautiful spot to start the day.

Ice coffe at straw hat restaurant in Anguilla
Iced coffee and a beach view. I was a happy girl.

Not only did Straw Hat have awesome beach views, but the food was delicious, as well. Whatever you order, get a side of johnnycakes (you’ll find these at many restaurants in Anguilla) — they are amazing.

Frittata at Straw Hat in Anguilla
This frittata was so yummy. Also, do yourself a favor and order the johnnycakes.

Final Thoughts

Frangipani Beach Resort in Anguilla is a small boutique resort that’s big on personalized service. If you’re looking for a laid-back, relaxing trip to Anguilla with easy beach access, few crowds, and an attentive staff, Frangipani should be on your radar.

The information regarding the American Express® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not reviewed nor provided by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frangipani Beach Resort all-inclusive?

No, Frangipani Beach Resort is not all-inclusive. In fact, there are no all-inclusive resorts on the island of Anguilla.

Is Frangipani for adults only or is it family-friendly?

Frangipani is open to guests of all ages, including children. The resort’s 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites are perfect for families. There’s also a 5,000-square-foot, 4-bedroom villa that could work well for a multi-generational vacation.

How much does it cost to stay at Frangipani Beach Resort in Anguilla?

The prices at Frangipani Beach Resort vary by room type and season. During the low season, a standard room starts at $385 per night plus tax, while a luxury ocean view room starts at $575 plus tax. A 1-bedroom suite starts at $875 per night plus tax.

How many restaurants are at Frangipani in Anguilla?

There’s 1 restaurant at Frangipani Beach Resort in Anguilla. Straw Hat is open to hotel guests and the general public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Where is Frangipani Resort located?

Frangipani Beach Resort is located on Meads Bay Beach on the southwest end of Anguilla.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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