Zen, Tranquility and Romance at Quintessence Hotel
Meet Merla Smith-Halley, General Manager of Quintessence Hotel on Anguilla who shares her personal suggestions for the perfect stay, her secret spot at the resort, what to know about this tropical grand mansion and why guests keep coming back.
Merla Smith-Halley, General Manager of Quintessence Hotel, has more than 25 years of luxury hospitality experience on the beautiful island of Anguilla. Merla oversees operations for this very special Relais & Chateaux resort that has garnered international attention since opening in 2018. From preopening to date, Merla has had a keen focus on assisting owner Geoffrey Fieger in making his vision for Quintessence Hotel a reality.
How did Quintessence Hotel begin on Anguilla?
Owner Geoffrey Fieger set out to create an elegant escape, one rich in character, and unrivaled in both luxury and genuine hospitality. The hotel was created by artisans with museum-like quality where Haitian art and antiques fill every room mixing spacious comfort with beautiful, lush tropical surroundings inside and out.
What sets your resort apart from others?
The heart of the hotel embodies an unrivaled intimacy that is felt throughout. It is a truly homelike feel in our tropical grand mansion.
What are your personal recommendations for the perfect stay on Anguilla?
There isn’t just one reason that Anguilla’s charming character and appeal has kept vacationers returning again and again. With Quintessence as their home, guests might start by enjoying Long Bay Beach or one of the other 32 beaches on the island, delight in the culinary offering of Julian’s Restaurant, explore the islands renowned cuisine, get out on the water and take a trip to a private cay… but most of all appreciate the humble hospitality. True, life-long friendships have been known to form between Anguillans and visitors.
What’s the vibe at “The Q”?
I’d say one of zen and tranquility, and one noted as one of the most romantic hotels on the island.
What are some of your favorite on property experiences that guests shouldn’t miss?
Perhaps an ambitious game of pickle ball, lunch at our beachside restaurant, and a swim in our infinity edge pool.
What’s your favorite place to have coffee in the morning on property?
Without a doubt relaxing in the seclusion and tranquility of the resort’s formal garden.
Can you share a little about your culinary offerings and favorite dishes?
Chef Dominique and his team create wonderful dishes at both Julian’s Restaurant and Coral Bar, of French-Caribbean fusion. One of my favorite new dishes at Coral are the Crayfish Kebabs with red onion, green mango, and glazed with a sweet chili sauce.
Do you have any secret spots around the hotel?
Just a few steps from the hotel entrance is a small garden, which is a lovely spot to appreciate the landscape and read a book.
Where is the postcard shot on the property?
Without a doubt, the view of Long Bay Beach and the Atlantic Ocean taken from the Penthouse Terrace.
What are some of the upcoming events on Anguilla?
One of Anguilla’s most notable and biggest holidays is Anguilla Day. Celebrating Anguilla’s independence from St. Kitts and Nevis in 1967, May 30th continues to be a day of festive celebrations, including a highly anticipated sailboat race around the island.
What is the experience like at your Spa and favorite treatment?
Everyone deserves a little relaxation starting with at least our 60-minute relaxation massage, which can be offered outdoors in the gazebo.
What are you most proud of at your resort?
The personal attention that is recognized at Quintessence. Not only am I able to meet with every guest during their stay, but we have a total of forty-five team members for just 12 suites waiting to attend to your stay.
What new things can we expect from the resort in 2024?
In the upcoming season we’ll be opening Bernard’s Cellar, a champagne cave featuring the most coveted and recognized vintages. The Cave is in addition to our 6,000 bottle, Wine Spectator Award-Winning collection.
What do you want Four Hundred members to know about your property?
A warm Anguillan welcome is waiting at the doors of Quintessence Hotel and once here, you will likely be back. Nearly seventy percent of our guests repeat year after year.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design