True Escapism
Trudy Nixon visits The Spa at Malliouhana, and discovers how going for one treatment can turn into a full day of relaxation at one of the most beautiful, luxurious and iconic hotel properties in the world.
Photography of The Spa at Malliouhana by KSharp Media.
Me time
Anyone who knows me, knows I’m pretty good at the work/life balance thing. But, even though life in Anguilla is good, these are still stressful times.
My go to ‘cure’ for stress – travel – has been curtailed for over a year now.
Not being able to jump on the ferry to the neighbouring island of St Martin for a long French lunch, or hop on a plane to Nevis for some mountain air and mangos has taken it’s toll on me. So, looking to escape, I decided to treat myself to a trip to the The Spa at Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection. It didn’t disappoint.
From the moment I entered the gorgeous entrance area to be met with smiles from the warm and welcoming team- I knew I was somewhere special.
When Marcia guided me into the fragrant, spacious, beautifully appointed dressing room – I felt I had entered a different world.
My blissful, amazingly luxury, yet affordable day went like this
Arrive at 10.30, shower, slip into my robe and wander out onto the spa’s spectacular ocean view terrace to wait for my treatment. This incredible space commands an elevated position between Mead’s Bay iconic Tamarind Tree and famous little cove.
From here you can gaze, unobserved by those on the beach, at Mead’s Bay, spread before you in all its turquoise and white glory.
I helped myself to ice cold water lightly fragranced with tangy ginger and orange. Then identified my preferred sunbed and settled down to an hour of swimming, sun bathing and reading.
Cool corridors
What felt like moments later a gentle voice encouraged me to come inside for my treatments.
After slipping between the softest of sheets in one of the aqua hued, perfectly climate-controlled treatment rooms, I luxuriated in a 60 minutes Swedish massage coupled with a 30 minute Indian head massage.
By the end, I was so bonelessly relaxed by the magic hands of my therapist, Ayanti, I wondered if I was awake or dreaming.
Pure harmony
The idea of combined treatments is always appealing but normally out of my price range.
However, during this introductory phase, experienced Spa Manager Estela, has curated creative, decadent and affordable packages for local residents to encourage us to try the full range of service.
I have already decided that next time I will book the ‘Love you head to toe’ package which includes a massage, facial, mani and pedi – because I love me.
Visit The Spa At Malliouhana for a full range of beauty treatments including mani/pedi’s, waxing, makeup and hair cutting and styling. These delights take place in the stunning salon area. Go here for full list of services.
Above it all
I floated back outdoors into the sunshine. Then gazed at people swimming and power boats cruising Mead’s Bay as I sipped the frosty glass of prosecco and 3 exquisite confections kindly presented as part of my package.
I savoured each and every bubble and sweet crumb then eased myself into the balmy swimming pool for a few gentle laps.
Tasty treat time
A little later I decide to order up some lunch from Leon’s menu.
The popular beach bar menu serves tasty and reasonably priced island-fresh cuisine. There is lots of choice. You can go healthy with salsas, ceviche’s and salads. Or get indulgent with their iconic rich and delicious johnny cake sliders packed with BBQ pork or a juicy burger.
The team are happy to bring up any drinks from their menu – from frozen cocktails to bottles of wine or champagne.
Senses sated
At around 2.00 pm, Anguilla’s current band du jour, Vere Music, started to play at Leon’s. Their melodic Caribbean set drifted along the beach and up to the Spa. I thought it was the perfect, gentle accompaniment to the swish of the ocean and the call of the birds.
If you prefer not to listen to music and want complete peace and quiet all day, I would recommend coming to the Spa in the morning or on a day Leon’s doesn’t have music. I visited on a Sunday.
During the day other guests came and went- a couple of couples and a handful of single ladies like me. We acknowledged each other but didn’t engage in chat. Respecting each others privacy because there is the space to do so.
The Spa at Malliouhana is a special place.
Snoozing on my sunbed I thought about how amazing it would be to spend the day there with a loved one. And that when I could, I would treat my nieces to a beauty treatment or two, and they would be super impressed.
This gorgeous place encourages intimacy. It’s magic makes you want to share the experience. And, just in case anyone doesn’t know what to get me for my birthday, or their Mom for Mother’s Day, we will take a The Spa At Malliouhana gift certificate please.
I love company but my alone time was perfect
My only complaint for the whole day was that it went by so fast I didn’t have time to finish my book or try out the sauna or steam room. Ah well, next time I suppose.
I quietly and thoroughly enjoyed the pool and my lounger until minutes to six. At which point I showered and primped awhile before reluctantly re-entering the real world.
Blissed out and blessed by the experience
Oh and I even managed a little shopping on the way out!
A true escape
At the time of writing this article I hadn’t left Anguilla for over a year and was unlikely to do so for a few months more. On that day however, I travelled far, by way of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Great Groups
The possibilities for relaxation, bonding and good times at the Spa are endless. I’ve described a quiet day alone, but I’ve also been lucky enough to spend time there as part of a girlfriend’s birthday celebration.
Our group of 7 booked treatments, had a sumptuous lunch then hung out all afternoon with wine flowing. Unwilling to end the day we carried on the party at Leon’s!
Enjoying this special Anguilla experience with your group is easy.
Simply ask each member of your tribe to book a treatment and you can lime and enjoy the facilities together en masse.
The Spa Manager will recommend and design special packages for your group.
The Spa at Malliouhana,is also available for private parties and events – please enquire for conditions and preferred day for groups.
Photography for this article by Kevin Archibald of KSharp Media.
Thank you to our True Anguilla models: Sue & Jasmin Ruan, Samantha Boyce Kentish and Devin Archibald.
And our Malliouhana Models: Ayanti and Estela.
