These Beachfront Anguilla Villas Were Designed By A Famous Architect
These gorgeous Caribbean island escapes were designed by the architect behind a mansion from “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Anyone who’s had the pleasure of touring Anguilla from the water will have noticed the prominent cluster of tall, angular white villas on the breathtaking island’s West End beachfront. Designed by famed architect Myron Goldfinger in the late 1990s—many people know him for the similar Southampton, NY mansion featured prominently in The Wolf of Wall Street—they have long been lauded as “geometric castles in the sand, [with] a profusion of triangles, semicircles and rectangular expanses of glass,” by the likes of Architectural Digest.
Currently two of the original Goldfinger villas plus a smaller residence make up Altamer Luxury Villas, a private villa resort that is the jewel of the Lesser Antilles island’s luxury accommodations. The marquee five-bedroom offerings are the Antilles Pearl at 11,000 square feet, and Blue Diamond at 13,000 square feet, both designed for exclusive use rather than on a per-room basis and lending any stay the feeling of private ownership.
Altamer Luxury Villas “epitomize the pinnacle of the Caribbean experience,” the property notes. “With a commitment to unparalleled hospitality and breathtaking surroundings, Altamer offers an exclusive escape for discerning travelers seeking refinement and relaxation.” Along with each villa stay comes access to private pools overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Guests can enjoy a range of personalized services and amenities, including gourmet dining experiences crafted by private chefs, rejuvenating spa treatments, and curated island excursions. The five-bedroom layouts feature one palatial principal suite and four additional guest bedrooms, all with en-suite baths and ocean views.
In addition, Altamer declares, “Our best-in-class local concierge offers services such as travel arrangements, itinerary planning for activities like boat trips, private chef dinners, Moke rentals, horseback rides, and even wedding/proposal planning. Want to go out fishing for local spiny lobster and then have it prepared al fresco by the pool? Not a problem.
Altamer is now owned and managed by New York-based real estate investment, development and asset & property management firm Time Equities Inc. (TEI), ensuring its continued prominence and not inconsiderable upkeep. We spoke to Ray Aberman, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Altamer Luxury Villas about this amazing landmark:
What is the property’s architectural legacy?
Altamer was founded in 1995 by Rebecca and Michael Eggleton, a young American couple who were vacationing in Anguilla when they discovered a beautiful plot of land to build a holiday villa on. The Eggletons asked Myron Goldfinger to be their architect after seeing his nearby work at the [now closed] Covecastles resort. Three large villas and five additional acres later, Altamer Luxury Villas came to be. The name is inspired by the Italian word for high, “alta,” and the French word for sea, “mer.”
How does it remain compelling compared to other local luxury resorts?
Altamer is more than just a collection of luxury villas. Its staff, made up of Anguilla-born residents, most of whom have been working there for twenty years, are passionate about the island and love sharing its magic. What sets Altamer apart from other local luxury resorts is the opportunity to create curated itineraries with the help of the concierge service. The staff can be as involved as guests desire, offering a unique and personalized experience compared to other local resorts.
How is Anguilla developing as a destination?
Although the island’s establishments continue to remain relatively small, the island does have a growing international reputation as a luxury destination. According to Anguilla’s Tourist Board’s Director of Tourism, Stacey Liburd, the board’s primary goal includes attracting specific traveler segments such as honeymooners and adventure seekers. They are also prioritizing environmentally sustainable developments and community-driven tourism programs.
Who the clientele for Altamer is and what features do they love the most?
Most of the recent clientele consists of multigenerational families, groups of couples, two or three families traveling together, and larger friend groups. The most sought-after feature is the ultimate privacy and customizable experience with bespoke itinerary planning. The villas provide ample space for groups to gather for activities while also offering enough space for individual enjoyment and relaxation.
Are there any future development plans for the property?
The property is in the early stages of exploring potential options for future renovations including a dedicated pickleball court (guests can currently play pickleball on a converted tennis court, with paddles provided; and a possible re-design of the 8-bedroom, 14,000 square foot African Sapphire villa [Ed. note: the third of the original large Goldfinger villas, which was damaged by a hurricane].
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