Some golf destinations you stumble upon by chance. Others, you seek out with intention. And then there’s Aurora Anguilla—a remote and refined Caribbean gem; getting there feels like a rite of passage. But make no mistake: this journey is worth every mile.
To reach Aurora Anguilla from my home base in Orlando, I had to fly to Miami, connect to St. Maarten, hop a ferry to the pristine shores of Anguilla, and finally catch a ride to the resort. By the time I arrived, I’d been on planes, boats, and in the back of a luxury SUV—but the moment I stepped into the open-air lobby, gazing out over the infinity pool and turquoise sea beyond, I felt it: instant gratification. Every step of the trek melted away as I was greeted with a cool towel, a signature cocktail, and that unmistakable island breeze. This wasn’t just a hotel arrival—it was a full-on reset.
Aurora Anguilla is far more than your typical beach resort. Its story is as layered as its panoramic views. Initially developed by the Cuisinart family, the resort was built with a passion for food and wine. It quickly earned a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier culinary destinations, combining French flair with Caribbean soul.
In 2020, the property took on new life when it was acquired by Richard M. Schulze, founder of Best Buy. Schulze had two personal dreams: to own a world-class golf course and to run a steakhouse where he could pour his heart—and his favorite bourbons—into the menu. At Aurora, he’s done both. And he’s done them incredibly well.
The Golf
Let’s start with what brought me here in the first place. The Aurora International Golf Club is a Greg Norman Signature Design and one of the finest golf experiences in the entire Caribbean. The 18-hole championship course is a stunning layout that winds through Anguilla’s dramatic landscapes—rolling dunes, rocky outcroppings, salt ponds, and oceanfront cliffs—all framed by the kind of coastal views you usually only see in glossy travel magazines.
The front nine is a gentle introduction with wide fairways and forgiving landing zones, but don’t get too comfortable—it’s only setting the stage for a back nine that ramps up the challenge and the scenery. The signature stretch begins around hole 14, where you’ll find yourself teeing off with several water hazards to navigate.
Norman’s design takes full advantage of the island’s topography, giving you a strategic and spectacular layout. Risk-reward decisions are baked into every round, and the conditions are as good as you’ll find anywhere. Tightly mown fairways, true greens, and well-placed bunkering ensure the course rewards smart play and punishes anything less.
But perhaps the biggest surprise is how peaceful and uncrowded the course feels. No homes are lining the fairways, no traffic noise—just you, your clubs, and the natural rhythm of the island. It’s golf in its purest, most luxurious form.
And if 18 isn’t enough, the resort recently added Avalon Links, a new nine-hole short course that brings fun. Designed for quick rounds, relaxed vibes, and breathtaking sunsets, it’s the perfect place to sharpen your short game—or play barefoot with a cocktail. From serious competition to casual island loops, Aurora offers golf at every pace and every level.
The Food
In a resort born from a love of cuisine, expectations are naturally high, and Aurora delivers. At D Richard’s, Schulze’s namesake steakhouse, aged prime cuts are served alongside handcrafted cocktails and a wine list that rivals major city steakhouses. The attention to detail—from the tableside martinis to the bone-in ribeye—is exceptional.
Elsewhere on the property, you’ll find various dining experiences celebrating local flavor and international influence. Whether you enjoy snacks in a cabana, savoring wood-fired pizza on the beach, or indulging in sushi at Tokyo Bay, every bite reminds you that this resort was founded on culinary excellence.
The Stay
The accommodations at Aurora Anguilla are simply stunning. From beachfront suites with private plunge pools to sprawling villas that offer total seclusion, everything is designed to immerse you in luxury while keeping the natural beauty of the island front and center. Thoughtful touches like curated minibars, local artwork, and impossibly soft linens remind you: this is not your average beach vacation.
Sustainability by Design
While luxury is front and center at Aurora Anguilla, what’s happening behind the scenes is equally impressive. The resort is quietly setting a new standard for sustainability in the Caribbean. With multiple on-site greenhouses, nearly every vegetable served at the resort is grown right on the property. The produce is fresh, organic, and as local as it gets—often harvested just hours before it hits your plate.
But it doesn’t stop at farm-to-table dining. Aurora has invested heavily in solar energy and state-of-the-art desalination systems that produce thousands of gallons of fresh water daily. This clean water supports the guest experience and the golf course’s lush fairways and greens, without putting undue strain on the island’s natural resources.
It’s a bold, forward-thinking approach that effortlessly blends luxury and responsibility. If the world were to end tomorrow, Aurora Anguilla might be the perfect place to find yourself, with ocean views, incredible food, and a self-sustaining ecosystem to ride out the storm.
The Final Score
What sets Aurora apart is the feeling you get once you arrive—a blend of discovery, indulgence, and serenity that makes the entire journey feel like a pilgrimage to paradise. Whether you’re sipping rum under a palm tree, teeing it up with the sea at your back, or simply staring out at the endless blue from your balcony, you’re constantly reminded of one thing: this was worth the trip.
So yes, it takes some effort to get here. But maybe that’s the point. Aurora Anguilla isn’t just a place you go—it’s a place you earn. And once you arrive, you’ll be glad you made the journey.