One of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean is now home to its first and (pretty much guaranteed) only beach bar. The Cap Shack opened in 2019 as part of the Belmond Cap Juluca on gorgeous Maundays Bay in Anguilla. It’s located at the far west end of the bay nestled among the dunes that mark the end of the beach. In a sense it’s far enough removed from the villas of the resort to seem nicely separate.

It’s easy to spot, marked by a bright blue and white vintage 40’s-era Citroen TUB van, converted into a food truck and buried in the sand. An attractive small thatched roofed wooden bar sits on a platform nearby. A scattering of ‘egg’ loungers and other seating complete the attractive picture.

The Cap Shack gives those guests fortunate enough to be staying at Belmond CJ a reason to get up from their beach loungers and wander over, where they can enjoy small tapas-style meals along with some pretty sophisticated libations. Non-residents are also welcome at the bar.

It’s a high-end resort bar, so prices are premium along with everything else, but even with its high-end offerings, the Cap Shack is a chilled place, and the view back along the curve of the bay to the sparkling white iconic buildings of Cap Juluca is stunning.

What will you have?

Beer:  A good lineup, including Carib, Red Stripe, Corona, Budweiser and Bud Light. They also stock the new AXA, which bills itself as Anguilla’s first local beer. Though it’s yet to be actually made on Anguilla (plans call for a brewery on the island), you have to love their slogan: “Tranquility wrapped in brew”. Plus it’s a nicely refreshing beer.

Rum/Cocktails: A full range of premium spirits (e.g., rum, tequila, vodka, gin) is available, as is a robust wine list (even Whispering Angel Rose!). This is definitely a place for creatively mixed cocktails. The Aperol Sunset seemed to be a favourite there. A generous selection of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails are also available.

Food: A creative menu of small selections, such as ashi tuna poke bowls and crunchy tofu, along with some more traditional beach bar favourites like pulled pork tacos and cheeseburgers (albeit with wagyu beef).

 Asides

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Evening beach barbeques with live music are held weekly.

Reflections… 

You won’t just happen upon this place. You have to make the effort to drive to Cap Juluca, and then keep going to the end of the beach. But with a drink in hand and staring at the electric blue water of Maundays Bay, it will be tough to find a reason to leave.

NH 2019