The positives:
The Cuisinart is no question a beautiful resort and beach and you pay for it. I believe the pictures I’ve attached will show you why you should stay there but the rest of this review will give you insight on the things you can’t see in photographs.
The negatives/ cautions first:
THE STAFF was overly friendly on our arrival but their attitudes soon changed to cold. Don’t even think about getting to the restaurant five minutes before it opens because they wouldn’t even let us sit down. The bartender was extremely short with us and not personable at all. And the worst encounter was the concierge woman who quoted us a certain price for an excursion then when she found out we would be paying cash added that there was also an $80 service charge per person. We thought nothing of it and planned to pay the price we were given, however when we went down later and a new girl was at the desk she only charged us the original price of the activity. When I asked her if there was a service charge she said no which is when we realized that the first girl was trying to scam us and pocket an extra $160 for herself. I was very offended that at such an upscale resort there would be this type of dishonesty and it left a very bad taste in my mouth.
TOXIC CHEMICALS were being sprayed not far from us while we ate breakfast. Landscapers with facemasks blowing chemicals on the grounds to keep the mesquite and bug count down can make those with sensitive immune systems ill. Although there was a lack of bugs at this resort please be advised if you are pregnant that this is very bad to inhale when the ocean breeze is blowing it through your food. We also stayed at “Serenity Cottage” which does not spray and were fine with using our own personal bug spray while enjoying the beauty of the birds and little lizards that were happily living around the grounds (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
You only need to look at the photos to see the beauty of Cuisinart, and the size of the bathroom and closet is unreal. The beds were very uncomfortable and all the shopping was extremely overpriced. One small hair tie was $5, which just killed me. It’s a one of those resorts that has the beauty but I’m afraid lacks much of the charm that you look for in a beautiful island like Anguilla. We stayed at Serenity Cottage instead on our return to Anguilla and would never again recommend Cuisinart over Serenity. Please read our review of Serenity Cottage if you are interested. CHEERS

My wife and I got married at the CuisinArt in early November, 2007. It was the most amazing experience!

We had about 18 guests join us at this little slice of paradise. I can not find enough good things to say about this resort. The staff was amazing. Everyone at the resort is friendly and lets you know that they genuinely appreciate you being there. By the end of our week stay, everyone knew our names, our friends names, etc. They knew me and were always friendly, and I wasn't even an official guest at the resort until my wedding night. I stayed at the Frangipani Resort - my bride and I were traditional and did not want to create excess temptation by staying at the same location in the days leading up to the wedding.

When I would come to the resort, the bellhop at the front entrance generally knew where I could find my family & friends (a couple were on the farm tour, a couple were at the pool, a handful were at the beach).

The rooms were incredible. We had jr. suites overlooking the beach and water and St. Maarten in the distance. The beach was unbeliveable. The sand was as soft as talc powder and so white it didn't get hot under the blazing sun. It literally felt cool on my feet (none of the other islands have sand like this).

By the time the wedding was over, all of our guests were begging us to book an anniversary visit - they all wanted to make another vacation of it.

Speaking of the wedding - wow! We were married in a garden setting under a huge trellace of bougianvilla in full bloom. They timed the wedding to end and give everyone an amazing sunset. The wedding coordinator team did a fantastic job and made things so easy for my bride with regard to all the little decisions that have to be made. I've attended my share of weddings and nothing remotely compares.

By the way - if you book a wedding or honeymoon, take them up on the catered beach dinner. They set up an exclusive little dining area for us on the beach. They surrounded our table with tiki torches and created a path to our "spot" with luminary candles. It was incredibly romantic. And the food was spectacular. I think I had some sort of encrusted grouper or other fish - I can't remember now, but it was so good... Had I been standing at the first taste, I would have fallen down. I'm usually ho-hum about food, and I've had my share of first class meals - but this food was literally euphoria for me.

I was so enamored with the CuisinArt and Anguilla, I really will consider retiring there. We actually met a guy from New York that lives part-time in NYC and part-time in Anguilla. He has a home in Anguilla, but he prefers to stay at the CuisinArt. I would too!!

Just for some comparison - we went to Nevis for our honeymoon and stayed at the legendary Four Seasons. Their claim to fame is being the only 5-diamond resort in the carribbean. While the Four Seasons is incredible in its own right, it does not remotely compare to the CuisinArt. If most 5-star hotels would compare to Prime Rib, the Four Seasons is a Black Angus Filet Mignon. The CuisinArt, on the other hand, is Kobe Beef! There is just no equal.

A must visit destination if you're looking for luxury, rest & relaxation. Its pricey but worth every penny. The food was excellent although if you prefer your lobster steamed and not dry skip the lobster grill on Tuedays. The room was very spacious and certainly get a room overlooking the sea. Breakfast was served on our private balcony every morning at whatever time we requested. The service was outstanding. There was always a pool chaise or beach chaise especially for you. Service was never far away. You can get away without a car but we rented a jeep which was delivered to and picked up from the resort. We enjoyed exploring the island and found driving on the left no problem. Traffic was very limited. Our favorite offsite location was Sandy Ground where boats, yachts and ships of all sizes moor. We lunched at Roy's several times and recommend it. We will return but a word to the wise....it is not a budget destination.

My wife and I spent 7 nights at the CuisinArt in late January. The resort and the island of Anguilla were fantastic. I cannot imagine anything being better. It was our first visit to both but certainly not our last. The resort was incredible from the grounds, to the spa, the beach and the room. We stayed in a third floor suite with an ocean facing patio and a private sundeck off the rear. The room and particularly the bathroom were very large and well appointed. We ate breakfast most mornings on the patio. The morning sun moved us inside a few mornings. The middle room on the third floor and the second floor rooms all have the same view but give you a partially covered patio.
The beach was amazing. Most days the number of persons on the beach were minimal but always pretty quiet. Few children around but not many. The beach attendants were always attentive and delivered the afternoon sorbet at 3. The wind was never an issue and we never had any problems with bugs, We spent very little time at the pool area although it was a nice place to sit in the mornings.
My wife used the spa three times and said the massages were great. We went on the sunset cruise which was awesome. Only one other couple so it was like we were out on the water by ourselves. You can check with the conceirge to see how many people are signed up for the sunset and day cruise.
All the staff are friendly and helpful. Ena at the conceirge desk was quite helpful. Patricia was great in the spa as a massage therapist.
We canceled our car rental after going out the first night. Very few signs and lots of small roads makes it difficult. We found a great cab driver (Harold) and used him all week. If you are not going out every day, a cab is cheaper.
The food at the hotel was good but not great. The lunches at Cafe Med were enough to share and offered alot of variety. The vegetables were all from the on-site farm and made everything better. Cafe Med was also nice for breakfast even if it was the continental. Next to the pool with views toward the beach. Santorini's was worth a visit, particularly on lobster night. The sommelier was outstanding.
We left the resort most evenings for dinner as the island has some outstandings restaurants. The Barrell Stay in Sandy Ground was our favorite. Owned by an English chef, the dishes were amazing, particularly the sauces. The seating is right next the beach. Go to Sandy Ground for a great sunset at Elvis' Beach Bar and then walk to the Barrell Stay. Tasty's served local dishes and was outstanding. Cap Jaluca was worth a trip for lunch served on the beach. We walked to Dunes Preserve next to the resort and had a nice casual lunch. At night, visit Dunes Preserve to hear Bankie Banxx play various instruments .Also take in the Pumphouse.
We flew into St. Marteen and took the Funtime Shuttle across to the resort. The shuttle is across the street from the airport and arrives 25 minutes latter in Anguilla ten minutes from the hotel. All of this can be arranged by the hotel and makes the arrival and departure very easy.

I cannot imagine any other place on Anguilla being better than the CuisinArt. Just amazing. Can't wait to return.