There’s no shortage of gourmet food festivals across the globe, but few blend barefoot luxury, world-class hospitality, and epicurean excellence quite like the Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE). From April 30 to May 4, 2025, this destination-wide festival invites travelers to immerse themselves in Anguilla’s vibrant culinary scene and unmatched island charm. For discerning travelers who value privacy, sophistication, and authenticity, Anguilla offers not only an elite Caribbean escape—but a growing cultural movement around food, wine, and legacy.
Where Culinary Passion Meets Island Elegance
Now in its fourth year, the Anguilla Culinary Experience is quickly establishing itself as the Caribbean’s most refined gastronomic gathering. Set against the backdrop of 33 powder-white beaches and turquoise waters, ACE is more than a celebration of food—it’s a philanthropic platform. A portion of proceeds supports the next generation of Anguillian chefs and hospitality leaders through educational and mentorship programs.
What makes ACE particularly unique is its collaborative spirit. Top local chefs join forces with internationally acclaimed talent in a series of seaside dinners, cooking competitions, hands-on workshops, and wine-paired experiences. From Michelin-starred chefs to beloved neighborhood restaurateurs, the shared goal is to showcase the island’s native ingredients—lobster-sized crayfish, just-caught snapper, and vibrant island herbs—in unforgettable ways.
A Taste of What’s to Come
The 2025 program features five days of immersive events, beginning with the much-anticipated “Taste the Magic of Malliouhana” opening night soirée. Hosted by ACE’s Platinum Partner, the island’s iconic Malliouhana resort, this event features bold flavors and creative flair led by celebrity Chef Kerth Gumbs and his renowned Culinary Dream Team. Chef Gumbs, a champion of BBC’s Great British Menu and a judge on MasterChef Junior, brings global recognition and a commitment to nurturing local talent.
Festival highlights include:
- “Bacchus Feast: A Roman Celebration” at Savi Beach Club, featuring Italian delicacies and a theatrical floor show.
- The Chefs’ Villa Dinners at the oceanfront Villa Alegria, where culinary stars from Chicago’s Andros Taverna and Anguilla’s acclaimed Veya Restaurant craft multi-course tasting menus paired with French wines.
- The Beach BBQ and Basket & Bartending Battles, where island chefs and mixologists face off in friendly (and fiery) competitions on Rendezvous Bay.
- Ceviche making with Four Seasons Executive Chef Manu Calderon, progressive lunches, rooftop cocktail parties, and island-wide rum crawls curated by Quest Experiences.
It’s a rare opportunity to experience a destination by flavor—where every bite tells a story of heritage, innovation, and collaboration.
Exclusive, Yet Effortless
Anguilla’s appeal extends far beyond the plate. This limestone-and-coral gem offers a rare blend of exclusivity and accessibility. With no large cruise ships or all-inclusive resorts, the island has retained its authenticity and elegance. Yet it remains conveniently reachable from major gateways including Puerto Rico and St. Maarten—and now, non-stop from Miami.
American Airlines currently offers two daily flights from Miami to Anguilla on most days, with a third flight added on Saturdays during peak travel periods. This expanded service makes it easier than ever to arrive just in time for ACE’s opening toast or a long weekend of barefoot luxury.
Malliouhana: Anguilla’s Iconic Retreat
For those attending the festival, Malliouhana offers more than just a place to stay—it’s a destination unto itself. Celebrating its 40th anniversary as Anguilla’s original grande dame, the resort is perched above Meads Bay and Turtle Cove, with panoramic views, access to three beaches, and signature island style.
Guests booking the resort’s ACE 2025 package receive two complimentary tickets to the opening night event, “Taste the Magic of Malliouhana,” along with elevated accommodations and a full suite of luxury services. With 63 colorful and expansive guest rooms, signature dining by Chef Kerth Gumbs, a two-tier infinity pool, a boutique spa, and access to world-class amenities—including tennis, private excursions, and island adventures—Malliouhana sets the standard for Caribbean glamour.
As Chef Gumbs shared:
“Get ready to Taste the Magic! Anguilla is the culinary capital of the Caribbean, and Malliouhana’s Dream Team is creating a taste revolution. We can’t wait to kick off the 2025 Anguilla Culinary Experience with an unforgettable night that will leave you spellbound as we blend the incredible flavors of the island with modern flair and a dash of magic. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!”
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re planning your next gourmet escape, scouting new destinations for culinary investment, or seeking experiences that blend culture with comfort, the Anguilla Culinary Experience delivers. It’s where culinary mastery meets elevated travel, where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand, and where the island’s heart is as generous as its table.
For event details and ticket packages, visit www.anguillaculinaryexperience.com.
To explore Anguilla’s world-class offerings, head to www.ivisitanguilla.com.
