An Island Escape Taught Me That True Balance Lives Between Quiet Moments and Bold Exploration

For months—okay, maybe years—I’d been running on autopilot: juggling work, kids, social obligations, and the never-ending to-do list that always seemed to refill itself overnight. Self-care? That was a face mask once a month if I remembered. Me-time? Only if you count a crime podcast in bed while scrolling.

Then came an unexpected invitation: a few days at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, a beachfront resort set along the white sands of Rendezvous Bay. Hitting pause felt impossible… but so did ignoring how much I needed the sun, stillness, and ability to take a breath.

What I didn’t expect was how that island escape would completely reframe the way I think about balance—between rest and adventure, indulgence and intention, stillness and movement. Sail off with me.

A Bit About Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

Aurora Anguilla is a gorgeous 5-star resort sprawled across 300 acres along the crescent-shaped Rendezvous Bay, one of the most breathtaking and serene beaches I’ve ever experienced. Getting there is a fun adventure, with arrivals via St. Maarten or San Juan, plus options for private jets, sea charters, and ferries.

The resort offers 178 beautiful suites and villas alongside six top-tier restaurants, including D. Richard’s, the island’s first and only steakhouse on the island. Golf enthusiasts flock here for the Aurora Anguilla International Golf Course, featuring an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship course and the 9-hole Avalon Links short course.

Beyond lounging in the crystal-clear waters, there’s an array of activities to keep you energized, from paddleboarding to pickleball. Families will appreciate the splash pads (I know my kids would have loved them), water park with a lazy river, teen centers, and kids club—plus-ups that don’t just serve kids, but make it possible for parents to feel like they’re, well, on an actual vacation.

Bonus: There's a full service gym on property at Rendezvous Bay, perfect for an energizing morning workout. I also took a yoga class on the open-air pavilion, the best way to unwind after a long day of travel.

My Aurora Highlights

A Culinary Tour Without Leaving the Resort

One of the unexpected joys of the trip was hopping on the resort shuttles that whisk you across the island—not just to activities, but to the different restaurants scattered throughout the property. It added a sense of playful adventure to every meal. The dining experience itself is incredibly well-curated, with something for every palate.

A clear standout was Tokyo Bay, a guest favorite for good reason. Chef Joe Richardson brings both artistry and intention to every dish, even crafting his own soy sauce in-house. The short rib dumplings and fried rice were comforting, elevated, and packed with flavor.

Letting the Island Set the Pace

We had every intention of going snorkeling, but the weather had other ideas. Instead, we shifted gears and spent the afternoon at Sorana Spa, where we created our own custom body scrubs to take home, a thoughtful, sensory souvenir. Afterwards, we lounged in the spa’s serene pools, offering a moment to get grounded before a final evening on the island.

New Territory, New Hobbies

Named the Caribbean’s Golf Resort of the Year by Caribbean Journal's Travel Awards, Aurora attracts travelers for its greens alone. I had the chance to take a lesson with resident golf pro Nick, and he couldn’t have been more fun, approachable, and patient with our group of beginners. What I expected to be a nerve-wracking time was shockingly enjoyable—dare I say I might even become a golf person now. 

Luxury Isn’t Mindless, It Can Be Mindful

What left the deepest impression on me wasn’t the views or the spa, it was learning about Aurora’s sustainability and community initiatives. Knowing that the resort is actively giving back and investing in the island made the experience feel meaningful on a whole new level.

The resort seamlessly integrates advanced environmental practices into every facet, from clean energy and water management to farm-to-table dining and community partnerships. Their holistic sustainability model aims for minimal environmental impact while maximizing socio-economic benefits for Anguilla.

A Few Notes:

I'll admit, I was worried that four days and three nights wouldn't be enough—but honestly, while I'd happily stay a full week, it was reassuring to see many of the same travelers on my flights. Clearly, this quick escape is part of the rhythm.

If you're someone whoe likes to arrive early at the airport, be sure to factor in potential delays from the ferry—"ferry traffic" is real. There are options for private charters, which are a great alternative if you're traveling with a group or pressed for time.

Final Thoughts:

Stepping away from my usual environment and routine made all the difference in slowing down and embracing intention. I realized I didn’t need to fill every moment with nonstop excitement or adventure. Sometimes, simply making the journey to a destination is enough of an adventure. My body was craving rest and grounding more than anything else.

Taking yoga classes in an open-air pavilion helped me connect deeply with my breath and the island’s natural cadence, bringing a much-needed sense of restorative stillness after traveling. Meanwhile, crafting my own natural body scrub at the spa turned a luxurious treat into a meaningful ritual—one that felt truly personal.

Upcoming Wellness Retreats:

Ready to book your own getaway? Aurora Anguilla is set to run a seasonally immersive program of Wellness Retreats, each with its own unique focus and thoughtful programming. The first series will run November 7-11, 2025, followed by January 20-24, 2026. Highlights will include daily science-based discussions, gut centered massage therapy, nourishing cooking classes, and gentle movement. Prices start at $4,795 per person.