The ViewFort Estate of Anguilla has reopened its doors after a major rebirth and 6-month renovation following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.  Today, Anguilla is coming back to life with more and more businesses opening and tourism reclaiming its rightful place on this private and lush island.

Mrs. Josephine Gumbs-Connor – one of the native co-owners and proprietors of the private estate – recently spoke about this topic on a panel discussion at Luxury Daily’s annual Women in Luxury Conference in New York City on May 9th. “This record-breaking storm nearly had the best of us, but we were so empowered by the spirit of our Anguillian People, coupled with our personal resilience, that we have now re-emerged on to Anguilla’s luxury market with an even more attractive product which continues to stay true to the history, culture and heritage of our island for which we were known,” said Connor.

ViewFort Estate is where Anguilla’s unique heritage and the elements of modern luxury meld to offer discerning travelers the comforts of home at the Island’s most elegant and historic setting – and the only of its kind – on the beautiful and sought-after destination of Anguilla. It delivers an unmatched ‘at home’ feeling for its guests while providing a window into the best of Anguillian culture and hospitality. To bring the comforts of luxury and “home” to its first guests, ViewFort Estate celebrated its reopening this month by hosting the CEO Summit of The Luxury Marketing Council, upon which Mrs. Gumbs-Connor sits as a member, where nine executive members and their spouses and children stayed at the Villa for fourdays to experience all that it has to offer, as well as explore all that is the island of Anguilla, through carefully curated experiences designed by the Villa team.

Framed by rock walls of a previous generation positioned on the highest point of Anguilla (214 ft.), the Villa owes its unique authenticity to a beautifully preserved 200-year old structure that has remained in the family, one of the last remaining pieces of artisanal work of 19th century Anguilla. The Villa and its 9 characteristically-appointed Suites capture 360-degree swathes of panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Anguilla’s neighboring islands and cays. Combined with the feeling and essence of casual elegance the Villa exudes, it was purposefully designed to be unpretentious and deliver a warmth and serenity that comes from the easy-going lifestyle that is signature to the island. We call thisPure Anguilla, something no other resort, villa or hotel can authentically convey.

The Villa’s infinity pool spills out into two oversized Jacuzzis surrounded by miles of ocean frontage, where under swaying coconut fronds guests enjoy impressive sunsets and star-filled, moon-lit skies. Every suite captivates an eclectic expression of the spirit of the island with the Main House Suites providing the graceful appointments expected of a 5-star property and living spaces inclusive of a commercial-sized kitchen, library, indoor dining and living room, much like the comfortable luxury of an elegant home. The Villa Suites, separated by green lawns on the estate’s lower level, likewise share in premium appointments but also integrate separately from sleeping quarters areas for private dining, lounging and outdoor terraces with ocean views. Classically-trained butlers and staff are available 24/7 to ensure guests enjoy a fully tailored Pure Anguilla experience at every turn.

ViewFort Estate also encompasses 80 acres of the family’s Katouche Forest, with its caves, hiking trails, wetlands and two secluded beaches – Katouche Bay and Little Bay. Katouche, an educational and fun guided hiking and caving/spelunking tour experience, has earned its fame with one of its found artifacts now on display at The Smithsonian. While Little Bay beach, which is hugged by the serene beauty of the protected cliffs, is internationally recognized for its blue crystal waters and powdery sands, and outstanding snorkeling, swimming and water-sports.

With Memorial Day Weekend fast approaching, View Fort Estate is offering guests to book a 4-night holiday long weekend at the Villa. Details can be found here: http://viewfortanguilla.com/blog

Guests may inquire about having the Villa:

• Prepare private Culinary Experiences with Anguilla’s top, Michelin-star, classically trained Chef;
• Handle event planning and entertainment for on-property weddings, parties, celebrations or events;
• Charter a private “hop on/hop off” swim and sand boating tour around the island, complete with crew, music and signature cocktails;
• Host a private Chef’s cooking class in the Villa’s gourmet kitchen with the island’s top Chef(s);
• Organize a multitude of off-property island activities, ranging from kite surfing to tiger boating to historical tours with a museum visit to shopping island wide to golfing to a culinary “food crawl” to anything in between that Anguilla has to offer;
• Arrange on-property spa services and yoga; and,
• Equip and prepare guests for privately guided Hiking and Caving tours at the Villa’s nearby Katouche Estate, Anguilla’s Rainforest with the Villa’s seasoned local expert.

  

Pure Anguilla Foundation

The Estate’s native island owner and villa proprietor, Mrs. Gumbs-Connor (most recently seen on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and CNN Tonight with Don Lemon as a result of the 2017 hurricanes), also founded and runs the Pure Anguilla Foundation — a non-profit entity formed under the Anguilla Foundation Act R.S.A. cA62, which came into existence in 2017 following the passage of Hurricane Irma and the significant devastation which resulted from the strongest hurricane on record ever formed in the Atlantic.

In a matter of days after Hurricane Irma hit, she brought together four other members who comprise its Council and whose skill set and experience span disciplines in the areas of finance, business, public relations and medicine. Together, these highly respected individuals in their various fields represent a diverse panel who share the common interests of love for Anguilla and Caribbean People as a whole; and, who seek ways through philanthropy to develop the islands’ People and their circumstances, mitigate harsh circumstances affecting these small island states and their Peoples, and build resiliency for the future.

With one of its first projects called “Return to Happiness,” a partnership with UNICEF created to help alleviate the trauma of the hurricanes to children of the island, the Foundation has a wide range of areas that capture the attention of Donors wishing to support this Foundation.

To learn more about ViewFort Estate’s trinity of offerings, or to learn more about or donate to the Pure Anguilla Foundation, visit www.viewfortanguilla.com