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Hydroponic Wellness In Anguilla

by Lisa Loverro

CuisinArt Resort & Spa, on the island of Anguilla, has the culinary distinction of being the only Caribbean resort housing a pesticide-free, hydroponic farm. The 18,000-square-foot farm incorporates two lettuce ponds; vine crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and eggplant; and a large variety of herbs, all housed in a hurricane-proof greenhouse. Leaving nothing to waste, the nutrient-rich drainage water from the farm is recycled to feed the landscaped gardens ensuring year-round lush, vibrant flowers and tropical plants that complement the resort’s white-washed buildings. The grounds of the 275-acre resort are truly spectacular, and lead to a velvety white sand beach that stretches for two miles.

Almost everything at the resort incorporates products from the hydroponic farm. My arrival amenity included a bowl of beautiful cherry tomatoes handpicked from the garden, bursting with a sweetness. The poolside bar offers cocktails with cucumber-infused vodka and treatments on the 27,000-foot Venus Spa menu blend together herbs for scrubs, massage oils and facials. I tried the Fresh Bar Scrub body treatment that combined sea salt and rosemary and lemongrass from the farm, which left my skin feeling silky smooth. There are top-notch restaurants here as well, including the newest, Tokyo Bay, built atop the spa building and featuring an authentic sushi bar and diverse menu including offerings from the farm like the Miso-Roasted Hydroponic Eggplant Gyoza.

Beyond the resort’s pool and beach there is a championship golf course, tennis courts, bike rentals and cooking classes offered to all guests. A fitness trainer is on hand for yoga classes or an early morning boot camp session for guilt-free indulgence later in the day.

The setting of the CuisinArt Resort & Spa couldn’t be more perfect for a healthy and rejuvenating getaway. Located in the Leeward Island of the Caribbean, the resort is accessed via an easy flight to St. Maarten where a ferry will whisk you away for a quick 30-minute ride to paradise. cuisinartresort.com

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