A Tropical Reunion at Zemi Beach House

For two longtime best friends, a reunion at Zemi Beach House was worth the wait. Here’s what not to miss on this tropical escape in Anguilla.

The Perfect Location

The Caribbean island of Anguilla turned out to be the ideal spot for a gathering with my high school best friend, Linda, after several COVID-postponed trips. Arriving at Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, on the island’s northeast coast, we marveled at a breathtaking array of turquoise waters, affirming that this paradise was worth the wait.

Our Vacation Experience

Our vacation goals included sunshine, pristine beaches, poolside cabanas, exquisite food, refreshing cocktails, and a relaxing tropical atmosphere. Zemi Beach House fulfilled every aspect of our desires: it features a boutique hotel with 76 rooms, four pools, a sandy beach, a luxurious spa, and tennis facilities. The dedicated staff made us feel pampered every moment of our stay. A handwritten welcome note greeted us, and upon departure, we received a heartfelt note signed by many of Zemi’s lovely team members who felt like friends after just a few days.

Culinary Delights

Celebrities also cherish Zemi Beach House. Paris Hilton and her husband left the day we arrived, and several guests shared how gracious they were. Princess, the hotel’s rum specialist, recalled how her son, a fan of “Cooking with Paris,” was thrilled to receive a FaceTime call from the celebrity.

During our first dinner, we enjoyed a meal served at a beachfront table, just steps from the shore, surrounded by candles and lanterns. The menu featured grilled steak, succulent lobster, and our first taste of Johnny cakes—a delightful local fried bread that soon became an obsession. These soft yet crispy treats were worth every carb.

Each day began with an expansive buffet breakfast at 20 Knots, where we savored our meals with ocean breezes and our toes in the sand. Lunch and dinner were available at beachfront tables and on the patio. From noon to 9 p.m. daily, delicious sushi was served at Bohio Lounge, while Stone, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, offered the freshest local seafood and meats, delicately infused with Asian flavors.

Evening Entertainment

Evenings in Bohio Lounge provided delightful entertainment. One highlight was Mystic Vibes, featuring a talented mix of keyboard, saxophone, and vocal performances. During Caribbean Night, we indulged in local cuisine, including grilled lobster and conch, accompanied by lively music from Boss and the Horse Power Band, which had everyone dancing by night’s end.

Relaxing Spa Experience

We dedicated a morning to rejuvenation at the Zemi Thai House Spa, located in an authentic 300-year-old house transported from Thailand nearly 50 years ago. After a soak in a warm pool near the Thai Tea House juice bar, we opted for customized massages, body treatments, and facials in the serene ambiance of the spa, later unwinding on hammocks and lounge chairs.

Exploring the Island

One of our most enjoyable adventures was driving a Moke around the island. This vehicle combined features of a golf cart and a Jeep, and although we felt a bit apprehensive at first, we quickly embraced the experience. I drove while Linda navigated, which led to some hilarious moments as we bumped along off-road and temporarily lost our way. We stopped at scenic beaches and breathtaking viewpoints, all while sharing laughs with friendly locals cheering us on.

Throughout our stay, we connected with fellow guests—including couples, families, and groups of friends—who were equally delighted to be there. Nicolette and Will were on their honeymoon, while Ellen and Matthew enjoyed a “babymoon” in anticipation of their new arrival. Others relished the warm tropical scenery before heading back to wintry climates.

Conclusion

As we boarded a boat to connect to our flight in St. Maarten—a charming aspect of any Anguilla vacation—we reflected on our tropical getaway. It was indeed worth every moment spent waiting to reunite at Zemi Beach House, and we found ourselves eagerly anticipating our next visit.