Hotel Review: Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Anguilla, once accessible only by boat or private charter, has become more reachable since American Airlines inaugurated a direct flight from Miami in December 2021. This new route has unlocked a world of possibilities for eager travelers. Known for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters, Anguilla is a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, stands out among its luxurious accommodations. The Zemi Beach House is a five-star resort and offers a blend of high-end amenities and unique local experiences, making it a must-visit on my travel list. Though winter in Austin is rather mild, my wife and I decided to embrace the snowbird lifestyle and escape to Anguilla for a warmer, more delightful winter. We spent a few nights at the Zemi Beach House, and here is my review of Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts:
Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, is located at Shoal Bay East, West Indies 2640, Anguilla.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card is currently offering a signup bonus of 180,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in 6 months. Be aware that since this is an American Express card, you’re only allowed to receive the signup bonus once per lifetime. With a valuation of 0.6 cents per point, the signup bonus is worth about $1,080. The annual fee is $550, but cardmembers get a free night certificate, $200 airline credit, $400 Hilton resort credit at select Hilton resorts, complimentary CLEAR membership, and Hilton Diamond status, the highest in Hilton’s member ecosystem.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card has undergone changes, including updates to its benefits, annual fee, and card design.
The AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card earns 14X per dollar spent on Hilton hotels and resorts when booked directly through Hilton and 7X on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly with select companies, and U.S. restaurants. All other purchases will earn 3X per dollar spent. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, you’ll get a 100% points bonus and 10 extra points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. Therefore, the AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card earns a total of 24X per dollar spent on Hilton properties when booked directly with Hilton, yielding a grand return of 14.4%. With Hilton’s frequent points promotions, you can rake in a serious amount of Hilton Honors points in no time. Even if you don’t stay at Hilton properties too often, this card is definitely worth the annual fee due to its amazing perks and benefits, and I strongly believe it’s the best hotel credit card available on the market right now. The elevated sign-up offer ends on 1/17/2024, so make sure to apply before the offer ends.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
The Zemi Beach House is located on Shoal Bay East, a stunning beach in Anguilla known for its white sand and clear turquoise waters. Nearby attractions include Sandy Ground for nightlife, the Heritage Collection Museum for cultural insights, and Island Harbour for local seafood and boat trips. Scilly Cay offers a rustic beach bar experience, while Wallblake House provides a glimpse into colonial history. Activities in the area include snorkeling, diving, sailing, and golfing at the CuisinArt Golf Resort. The resort also features a luxurious spa for relaxation and wellness programs.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The moment we stepped off the plane and cleared passport control at Anguilla's airport, I was directed to meet an employee from our rental car company. Instead, I was greeted by an attendant holding a sign for Zemi Beach House, accompanied by the rental car company employee. They offered us chilled bottled water and warmly welcomed us to Anguilla. Initially, I was a bit puzzled, but it turned out that when I mentioned our rental car company to the hotel, the hotel concierge coordinated with the rental car company for a special greeting. We were then asked if we preferred fruit punch or rum punch as our welcome drink upon arrival at the property. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made us feel instantly at home.
As expected, we were greeted with a refreshing rum punch and a cool towel.
After a swift 10-minute drive, a parking attendant valeted our car, and we were delighted to learn that parking was complimentary—a perk that could save around $50 per night.
The parking lot near the main check-in area was incredibly spacious, making parking a breeze.
The check-in area, though small, was elegantly decorated with wooden furniture exuding tropical vibes.
Although the check-in area itself was rather small and didn't have a designated waiting space, the efficient and swift check-in process more than made up for it.
The receptionist efficiently reviewed our stay details and escorted us to a golf cart for a brief tour of the property, providing a wealth of information about the resort. She highlighted the history of the Zemi Spa House, the availability of the onsite tennis court, and the luxury dining experience at Stone, the hotel’s fine dining destination.
The tour of the property was both welcoming and informative, offering detailed insights that I truly appreciated.
I appreciated the thoroughness of the tour and the warm welcomes from the moment we left the airport. It was undoubtedly one of the most hospitable check-in experiences among the hundreds of hotels I've stayed at. After the tour, we were taken to our building, where the receptionist personally walked us to our room and provided a detailed tour of the accommodations. Then, we went up to the third floor where our room was located.
Bedroom Review
Entering the bedroom, I was pleasantly surprised by its generous space, with a king-sized bed commanding the center. The wooden furniture and framed landscape photos unmistakably marked it as part of a beachfront resort. Above the bed, a carved wooden art piece added a touch of tropical flair.
I absolutely adored the carved wooden headboard and the bedroom's charming tropical decor.
While the mattress was decent, it could have been a bit plushier. Beside the bed, unique wooden octagon-shaped nightstands offered both USB ports and outlets, but a master light switch was nowhere to be found.
While the mattress was a tad firm for my taste, I appreciated how the hotel infused a delightful tropical flair into the interior design.
Instead of a retractable TV, the room had a wall-mounted flat-screen TV in the corner, beneath which sat a small desk with a beachy lamp.
I wish there was an extra chair to transform the table into a cozy dining nook for two.
On the desk, a welcome amenity awaited: a fruit platter and bottled still and sparkling water.
The welcome platter was a delightful touch; the fruits made for perfect afternoon snacks after a refreshing swim.
Although we used the desk for room service, its leg design prevented two chairs from fitting side by side, making a dining table preferable. Behind the bed was a narrow work desk, which was consistent with the room's wooden decor, but it wasn't ideally situated due to the adjacent bathroom.
Though the work desk was cleverly tucked behind the bed, it was a bit too narrow for my comfort.
The bedroom boasted two spacious closets and resort amenities including his and her flip-flops and a beach tote bag. The turquoise beach bag was sturdy, and the flip-flops offered more cushioning than the usual free ones you’d get at resorts.
The beach bag and flip-flops were lovely souvenirs that we've enjoyed using at other beach destinations ever since.
Near the room entrance, a minibar lined the corridor, equipped with an Illy espresso machine, an electric kettle, and mini bottles of liquor and nuts for purchase.
The minibar presented an array of snacks and alcoholic beverages, with coffee pods and tea bags replenished every morning.
Below, a mini fridge was well-stocked with alcoholic beverages and soda, and the prices were not too outrageous considering the resort’s location.
The mini fridge was generously stocked with alcoholic drinks and sodas,
Our upgraded oceanview room featured a covered outdoor balcony directly opposite the bed. The floor-to-ceiling sliding door allowed ample natural light to flood the room. The balcony was furnished with a small dining table, outdoor chairs, and two lounge chairs; it provided a comfortable spot even in rainy weather, thanks to its covered roof and ceiling fan.
The balcony, with its covered roof and ceiling fan, was a perfect spot to unwind, even during a rain shower.
The mesmerizing view of Shoal Bay East and the Atlantic Ocean was a highlight that I enjoyed every moment during my stay.
The breathtaking view of Shoal Bay East and the Atlantic Ocean was a constant highlight, making every moment of my stay truly unforgettable.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the spacious bedroom. My only gripe was the noticeable nighttime noise from neighboring rooms, despite the resort's intimate setting. I hope this isn't a common issue.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was positioned just behind the bedroom's accent wall and featured a double sink vanity with unique, carved wooden sinks.
The sinks in the bathroom were a striking design choice, perfectly complementing the resort's tropical escape theme.
Each sink had its own distinct design, and I truly appreciated its eccentric character. Across from the sink was a makeup table with a spacious mirror and a dedicated vanity chair.
The bathroom featured a dedicated makeup vanity, ensuring the sink area remained clean and uncluttered.
The walk-in shower featured both a standard showerhead and a handheld version. Toiletries by Malin+Goetz included familiar shampoo and conditioner scents that you could commonly find at other hotels like The Loren at Lady Bird Lake. However, the body wash and soap stood out with their lovely rum fragrance, perfect for a Caribbean setting. I particularly enjoyed the mildly exfoliating bar soap.
The rum fragrance, with its subtle coconut scent, was an ideal touch for the Caribbean ambiance.
One of the downsides of the bathroom was that the walk-in shower had only a partial glass barrier, causing water to splatter onto the bathroom floor during showers.
Though the walk-in shower was stylish, it lacked a physical door, causing inevitable water splatters on the bathroom floor.
Additionally, while the bathroom included a water closet, it used the same half-glass door, compromising privacy. The only way to achieve complete privacy was by closing the main bathroom door, which wasn't ideal for couples sharing the space.
The water closet offered limited privacy unless the bathroom door was closed.
A standalone bathtub added a touch of luxury, accompanied by rum-scented bath salts and a cute yellow rubber duck. Unfortunately, the bathtub faucet was broken, with water flowing from both the main faucet and the handheld showerhead simultaneously, making it tricky to fill the tub.
The standalone tub promised a relaxing touch, but unfortunately, the broken faucet diminished the experience.
To make matters worse, the tub slowly drained water, requiring us to keep it running during our bath. Despite the bathroom's appealing aesthetics and well-chosen toiletries, the malfunctioning bathtub and lack of a private door for the water closet were disappointing.
Pools Review
The Zemi Beach House offered two exquisite swimming pools, each featuring a unique atmosphere.
The main swimming pool was nestled by the Bohio Lounge and 20 Knots.
The main pool, located by Shoal Bay Beach and at the heart of the resort next to 20 Knots, was lined with first-come, first-serve cabanas and lounge beds nestled among palm trees.
Spacious cabanas were available on a first-come, first-served basis, with attentive pool attendants ready to set up your bed for ultimate comfort.
One standout feature was the thick transparent glass panel at the pool's edge, offering a peek into the pool's interior and serving as a popular Instagram spot.
The glass barrier at the infinity pool's edge became a favorite photo spot among guests.
With a depth ranging from 4.5 to 6 feet, this infinity pool was the perfect place any time of the day with its gently heated water. The pool's design, resembling stacked diamonds, added to its aesthetic appeal.
The infinity pool was gently heated and offered the perfect place for a refreshing swim at any time of day.
Despite slightly slow service, you could order food and drinks from the bar at 20 Knots. Drinks were served in hard plastic cups, ensuring poolside safety.
The poolside menu featured a delightful mix of simple and signature cocktails from 20 Knots.
After we selected one of the cabanas, pool attendants promptly set up our cabana with towels and provided bottled water with an ice bucket. Conveniently, communal Sun Bum sunscreen (SPF 30) was available, adding to the thoughtful amenities.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the complimentary Sun Bum sunscreens to keep your skin protected under the sun.
We frequented the main pool during our stay, and in the early mornings the hotel played Zen-like music, and as the day progressed, it would transition to vibrant, clubby tunes. The second swimming pool was reserved for adults only and was directly across from the hotel gift shop.
The second pool was an exclusive retreat for adults and was tucked between the hotel buildings.
On the wooden deck floor of the pool, lounge beds and cabanas were surrounded by tropical plants, and it was significantly more shaded than the main pool.
Surrounded by tall palm trees and buildings, the adults-only pool enjoyed much more shade, creating a cool and relaxing oasis.
The pool was divided into three levels; The upper level was a general swimming area, the middle level featured half-submerged pool beds ideal for lounging, and the lower level was a 60-meter lap pool.
The pool was ingeniously divided into three levels, with the lowest level featuring a 60-meter lap pool for serious swimmers.
Despite being centrally located among the buildings, the adult-only restriction ensured increased privacy and reduced traffic compared to the main pool. Although there was no permanent pool attendant, staff periodically checked in on guests. Like the main pool, this one also offered Sun Bum sunscreen and a bottled water station for hydration. However, the pool was not heated and the cold water discouraged us from using it in favor of the heated main pool. The main pool's proximity to the beach was a major advantage, allowing easy alternation between the beach and poolside relaxation. Private lounge beds on the beach were exclusively reserved for Zemi Beach House residents and guests.
Personally, I preferred the primary pool by the beach, where I could effortlessly switch between the pool and the ocean's embrace.
Pool attendants extended their service to the beach, providing bottled water with ice and occasionally offering fruit sticks with watermelon and grapes for quick healthy snacks. In the evening, the ambiance was enhanced by jazz music from Bohia restaurant, creating a soothing backdrop as we relaxed in the pool.
As evening fell, the soothing sounds of soft jazz music wafted from the Bohio Lounge and Bar, adding a touch of elegance to the ambiance.
Despite visiting in January during peak season, the pool was never crowded, with only a few people present at any given time. The combination of beautiful design, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service made our poolside experience truly memorable.
Gym Review
The gym was open 24/7 and was located in building #4, to the left of the adult pool. The fitness center featured wooden floors and an airy, beachy ambiance and even had two accessible balcony doors that provided glimpses of the tropical Caribbean view. The gym was practically divided into two sections.
The gym was thoughtfully divided into two sections, with the first dedicated to cardio exercise machines.
The first section was dedicated to an open area and cardio exercise machines, all equipped with modern equipment and water bottles so guests didn’t have to bring their own. For something chilled, there was a hydration station with bottled water.
Each piece of equipment had bottled water nearby, and for those who preferred a chilled drink, the mini fridge was just a step away.
The other side of the gym housed strength equipment, with neatly organized dumbbells and kettlebells next to two adjustable benches and a large mirrored wall.
The fitness center's wooden interior seamlessly blended with the resort's tropical ambiance, creating a harmonious workout environment.
It may be expected, but the equipment was well-maintained, and the gym was spotless and air-conditioned. Although no music played, the serene environment and well-kept facilities made it an excellent place to work out.
The gym was never crowded, making it an ideal spot for maintaining your fitness routine.
In addition, the gym was rarely crowded, as most guests preferred spending their time by the pool or enjoying nature, making it a perfect spot for those looking to maintain their fitness routine.
Resort Activities
The resort's highlight, aside from lounging by the pools, was the array of water sports. Thanks to the stunning Shoal Bay East beach, the Zemi Beach House offered complimentary activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding.
The Zemi Beach House provided guests with complimentary activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding, inviting them to explore the beauty of the ocean.
We indulged in both, though the resort's intimate size meant occasional waits for equipment. The calm, crystal-clear waters of the Shoal Bay East beach were perfect for these activities. As a first-time paddleboarder, I appreciated the attendant’s helpful tips and tricks.
The calm, crystal-clear waters of Shoal Bay East beach were ideal for a variety of recreational sea activities.
For families, the kids club provided a variety of arts and crafts activities, allowing parents to enjoy water sports. Adjacent to the kids club was the Out of the Blue Boutique, a small shop selling beachwear, swimwear, souvenirs, snacks, and over-the-counter medicine.
The Out of the Blue Boutique was a charming little shop offering beachwear, swimwear, souvenirs, snacks, and over-the-counter medicine.
My wife found a pair of sunglasses and a straw hat at reasonable prices, completing her beach look.
It was a delightful shop to explore, featuring local artisanal goods, especially unique clothing and jewelry.
Beyond shopping and water sports, the resort frequently hosted tapas nights at Bohio Bar & Lounge.
The Bohio Bar & Lounge was situated in the hotel courtyard and was a casual spot specializing in sushi.
We attended a tapas night on Thursday, where complimentary bites, wine, and cocktails were served.
The courtyard was always impeccably clean, and I loved its relaxing yet upscale atmosphere.
The only downside was that the waitress came by rarely, and we were not able to have more than two rounds of food.
Every Thursday night, the lounge offered complimentary cocktails and small bites, accompanied by the vibrant sounds of live jazz music.
The lounge only served Rum Punch as its only complimentary cocktail, but it was a delicious—cost-saving touch that helped manage resort expenses.
While the only free cocktail was Rum Punch, it was delicious and a nice perk for my wallet.
For those seeking relaxation and pampering, the resort featured a unique 306-year-old authentic Thai house for its spa—the only one of its kind in the Caribbean.
The Zemi Thai House Spa featured a 306-year-old authentic Thai house, making it a unique gem in the Caribbean.
The property's beauty was immediately apparent, with calming incense and fragrant essential oils enhancing the sensory experience.
The zen-inspiring garden at the spa was the perfect oasis we needed on our trip.
At the center was a juice bar serving raw pressed juices made from organic ingredients, and the spa house had multiple open areas exclusively for spa guests.
Exclusively for spa guests, the garden at the spa felt like a private retreat, delivering a relaxing experience.
The Zemi Thai House also housed the resort’s third pool, a small heated pool with gentle hydrotherapy jets exclusive to spa guests, providing a private, tranquil experience.
The third pool was reserved for spa guests and featured hydrotherapy jets that were incredibly soothing.
Even though we initially booked a massage, we had to cancel due to scheduling conflicts. The spa’s cancellation policy requires a 12-hour notice, with a 50% charge for late cancellations. Thankfully, the resort waived the fee after some discussion, as the policy hadn’t been disclosed at booking.
Despite a bit of miscommunication at the spa reception, I would still revisit the spa if I return to the resort in the future.
Despite this hiccup, I’m eager to try the spa services on a future visit. Opposite the Zemi Spa House was a tennis court with artificial turf. Guests could reserve the court for an hour through the spa house.
Booking the tennis court for an hour was a breeze, with the hotel providing all the necessary accessories for a great game.
We booked an early afternoon slot, and upon arrival, found rackets, tennis balls, chilled bottled water, fresh towels, and bug spray waiting for us. This considerate preparation was a pleasant surprise, contrasting sharply with the bare-bones experience at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.
It was a thoughtful touch to have a cooler with chilled bottled water for hydration and bug spray to keep you protected from mosquitoes.
Playing on artificial grass for the first time, I quickly noticed the ball's lower bounce compared to hardtop courts. Despite a morning rain leaving some spots wet, we enjoyed our game, making it a great option for tennis enthusiasts on vacation.
Breakfast Review—20 Knots
Breakfast at 20 Knots was a complimentary treat for all guests, served daily from 7 AM to 10:30 AM. The restaurant offered both indoor and outdoor seating, with most guests opting for the beachfront tables.
If you want to enjoy outdoor seating, I recommend arriving early as those tables fill up fast.
The natural beauty of Shoal Bay East provided a stunning backdrop, with calm ocean waves and warm Caribbean weather enhancing each morning's meal.
Starting my morning with breakfast while listening to the gentle ocean waves was simply perfect.
The only drawback to dining outside was the presence of mosquitoes, but the restaurant thoughtfully provided bug spray for guests. After securing an outdoor table, we headed inside to explore the breakfast buffet.
The indoor dining space was ideal for accommodating large groups.
While the selections weren't as extensive as those at other premium resorts, the quality was commendable. I first visited the hot food stations, which had scrambled eggs, fingerling potatoes, and pancakes.
Though the breakfast buffet wasn't very extensive, the food quality was excellent.
These selections varied daily, with surprises like curry potatoes and cheese scones on certain mornings. The hotel also had a dedicated build-your-own omelet stand with a live cook.
The omelet station featured a great array of customizable ingredients, though with only two eggs per omelet, I found it best to select just a few favorites.
Despite trying the omelet twice, I found the first one was overcooked and the second was undercooked. The omelets were made with just two eggs, so they were relatively small, but most importantly, the inconsistency was disappointing.
The omelet station was a hit or miss; my egg white omelet was greasy and overcooked at times.
In my opinion, the highlight of the buffet was the grilled vegetables. The kitchen expertly grilled a variety of vegetables, including white asparagus, zucchini, onions, and peppers, and kept them warm on grill pans.
The grilled vegetables were absolutely delicious, and I couldn't get enough of them.
Sausages and bacon shared the grill pans, allowing the fat to drain away as they awaited serving. My favorite was the pork sausage, and all the vegetables were perfectly cooked with just the right amount of crunch.
The white asparagus was perfectly cooked and crunchy, while the sausages had a pleasant sweet and smoky flavor.
Adjacent to the hot station were cold cuts of meat and cheese, with smoked salmon being a popular choice among hotel guests.
The charcuterie selection was pretty standard but still quite popular among guests.
For those wanting something lighter, precut fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and cantaloupe were available. Though I expected the tropical fruits to be more flavorful than those in the US, they were slightly underwhelming.
I expected the fruits to be sweeter than those in the US, but they were surprisingly tart and not quite ripe.
I was excited to see passion fruit, which is one of my favorites, but they were overwhelmingly tart. I wished for more diverse salad options, so I stuck with the grilled vegetables.
While the bread station was limited, the pastry section was fantastic.
At the center of the buffet was a decadent assortment of pastries, including banana bread, carrot cake, and almond croissants, all baked fresh each morning.
The pastry selection was outstanding, and I loved that the kitchen rotated the options daily.
My favorites were the chocolate chip cookies and chocolate croissants filled with Nutella. Other lighter breakfast options like muesli and smoothies were also offered. I particularly enjoyed the spinach mango smoothie, which was delicious despite its unusual appearance, and I found myself going back for more.
I was delighted to find that the main hot dishes, select pastries, and smoothies were rotated daily, keeping the menu fresh and exciting.
We had breakfast at 20 Knots every morning during our stay at the Zemi Beach House, and I was initially concerned that the buffet might become repetitive. However, I was pleased to discover that the primary hot dishes, certain pastries, and smoothies were rotated daily, keeping the offerings fresh and exciting. Aside from the inconsistent omelet station, I was very satisfied with the breakfast buffet. The service was attentive, and the fact that it was complimentary was a significant perk. Given that Hilton usually provides minimal breakfast stipends even for its luxury brands, I appreciated that the Zemi Beach House went above and beyond to treat its guests to a full, high-quality breakfast experience.
Lunch at 20 Knots was superb; the prices were quite reasonable considering the quality and generous portions.
During my three-night stay, I noticed many people from other resorts coming to 20 Knots for breakfast, and I wholeheartedly recommend trying it out, especially if you're staying at the Zemi Beach House.
Bar Review—Rhum Room
One evening at the resort, we ventured to the Rhum Room, nestled in the central courtyard. Open daily from 6:30 PM to 10 PM, Rhum Room is a specialty cocktail bar that boasts an impressive selection of 140 types of small-batch, single-estate rums.
The Rhum Room is a specialty cocktail bar boasting an impressive collection of 140 small-batch, single-estate rums.
The bar also features an extensive collection of cigars, so I recommend visiting early if you'd like to avoid the smoke while drinking.
For cigar enthusiasts, indoor smoking is permitted, offering a haven for those who enjoy a smoke or prefer to steer clear of it while at the bar.
We arrived around 9 PM and found it pleasantly quiet. The setting was casual, with an interior reminiscent of a sophisticated lounge, complete with leather-embossed couches and decorative bookshelves.
The bar's interior evoked the charm of an upscale speakeasy or a refined gentlemen's lounge.
We chose to sit at the bar; it was lined with shelves showcasing specialty rums, including a premium option priced at $600 per shot.
Creative rum-based cocktails were presented in intriguing vessels, adding a unique flair to the experience.
Guests are encouraged to partake in rum-tasting experiences, but we decided to try their signature cocktails instead. The menu was beautifully designed with burnt edges, which intrigued us. I mistakenly thought the images next to the drinks indicated the type of Tiki glassware they'd be served in, but apparently, they were just illustrations.
The burn marks on the menu were a interesting detail, making me feel like I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.
My wife’s Guabancex Sour was expertly crafted with a proper egg white foam and fragrant passion fruit notes.
The Guabancex Sour was a sensory delight, with fragrant passion fruit notes and a velvety texture from the egg white.
The Caribbean Milk Punch, presented in a unique vessel, was much sweeter than expected, tasting like a spiced pineapple candy drink.
The Caribbean Milk Punch surprised me with its sweetness, but the captivating vessel made it a memorable drink.
It was very approachable, even for those new to rum. All cocktails were priced at $16, which I found reasonable given the bar’s extensive rum offerings and prime location. Whether you're a rum connoisseur or simply curious about Caribbean rums, I highly recommend visiting the Rhum Room at the Zemi Beach House.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The check-in process at the Zemi Beach House was exceptional. I was greeted at the airport with cold water, and upon arrival at the front desk, the receptionist welcomed me with a complimentary glass of rum punch. A detailed tour of the property and complimentary valet parking instantly made me forget everything and start enjoying the resort.
Zemi Beach House is located right in front of Shoal Bay East, consistently voted one of the best Caribbean beaches for many years. Unlike larger resorts, Zemi Beach House's smaller size ensures more attentive service, perfectly complementing Anguilla’s quiet and serene setting. If swimming in the ocean isn't your preference, the two onsite infinity pools were never crowded, even during peak season.
During my stay, I enjoyed breakfast and lunch at 20 Knots and drinks at the Rhum Room. The food at 20 Knots was of superior quality compared to local restaurants charging similar prices. Additionally, the hotel frequently hosts events with complimentary tapas and cocktails, allowing guests to sample offerings before visiting.
Negatives
Despite the warm reception at the beginning of my stay, I encountered some disappointing experiences at the Zemi Spa House, particularly with room service for dinner. We ordered pizza for dinner, but it was mistakenly delivered to the wrong room and eventually arrived cold. I also faced a billing error that had to be corrected after returning home, which was a disheartening experience from a five-star resort.
Although a standalone bathtub is a great amenity, the one in my bathroom was damaged, and the tub’s drain stopper was broken. Additionally, the water closet only had a half-glass door, which didn't provide full privacy.
Summary
Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, is a luxurious retreat on the stunning island of Anguilla. Nestled in front of the picturesque Shoal Bay East, I was captivated by the pristine ocean views and the tranquil Caribbean ambiance. Our upgraded oceanview room was spacious and adorned with unique wooden artwork and furniture, reflecting the island’s rich heritage. Though the resort is intimate in size, it is brimming with amenities and facilities. With two outdoor infinity pools and complimentary water activities on the beach, there was never a shortage of things to do. The dining options at the Zemi Beach House are reasonably priced, and for rum enthusiasts, the Rhum Room offers an impressive selection of specialty Caribbean rums. Admittedly, my stay wasn’t flawless due to some logistical issues with room service and at the Zemi Spa House. However, the resort’s prime location and exceptional hospitality more than compensated for these inconveniences. I highly recommend the Zemi Beach House to anyone visiting Anguilla.
![Credit Card Review: AMEX Hilton Honors Aspire [Oct. 2023 Update]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e155597124c2c0cab493f6e/1699025463591-0KYZQ1K44P4ZJRD7J7KZ/AMEX+Hilton+Honors+Aspire+Thumbnail_PointsMiler.JPG)
