Nestled along the exquisite Shoal Bay East, Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, is an enchanting haven for honeymooners seeking an intimate and luxurious escape. Situated on six pristine acres of Anguilla’s world-famous beach in the northern Caribbean, this boutique hotel is a paradise in itself, offering an irresistible blend of natural beauty, opulence, and Caribbean hospitality.
A Paradise Unveiled:
The moment you arrive at Zemi Beach House, you’ll be captivated by the sheer beauty that surrounds you. The turquoise waters and soft, powdery sands of Shoal Bay East create a serene backdrop for a memorable honeymoon. Getting here is a breeze, with direct flights to the island airport or the option to embark on a sea shuttle adventure from St. Maarten’s Airport. Your romantic getaway begins as soon as you set foot on this picturesque island.
Intimate Luxury:
Zemi Beach House is an intimate boutique hotel, offering 76 rooms and suites designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and privacy. Whether you choose a peaceful beachfront suite to wake up to the sound of gentle waves or opt for the luxurious Celebration accommodation with its rooftop pool deck, every moment spent here is destined to be unforgettable.
Romantic Retreat:
At Zemi Beach House, romance is woven into every detail. The suites are thoughtfully designed to exude tranquility and luxury, with a blend of Caribbean charm and modern amenities. Step onto your private terrace to savor breathtaking ocean views, walk hand in hand along the moonlit shores, and let the waves serenade you as you cuddle in your private haven.
A Honeymooner’s Dream:
Zemi Beach House is a sanctuary for honeymooners. The attentive staff is committed to making your stay nothing short of perfect. From arranging private beachside dinners under the stars to offering expert spa treatments that enhance your relaxation, every moment is tailored to create lasting memories.
Culinary Delights:
The culinary experiences at Zemi Beach House are a true delight for the senses. The resort offers a range of dining options, from savoring exquisite Caribbean flavors with oceanfront views at Stone to relishing gourmet sushi at 20 Knots. Each meal is a celebration of taste and culinary artistry, adding a delicious layer to your honeymoon experience.
Activities and More:
While the serene beach is tempting, Zemi Beach House also offers an array of activities to keep you entertained. Whether you wish to partake in water sports, practice yoga on the beach, or explore the natural wonders of the island, there’s something for every couple to enjoy together.
In conclusion, Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, offers honeymooners an enchanting blend of natural beauty, intimacy, and exceptional service. Your honeymoon at this idyllic retreat is not just a vacation; it’s a chapter in your love story waiting to be written. Your slice of paradise awaits at Shoal Bay East, where Zemi Beach House turns dreams into cherished memories.
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What Honeymooners Love Above Zemi Beach House
Summary of Verified Guests at Zemi Beach House
Zemi Beach House, Anguilla, was lauded by travelers for its impressive amenities, beautiful beachfront location, and superior service. Many reviewers praised the spacious and clean rooms, with a particular mention of the efficient housekeeping service. The resort's restaurants received high marks, with guests appreciating the varied menu and quality of food. The beach was consistently highlighted for its serenity and beauty, with beach service and facilities like paddle boards and kayaks adding to the experience. The staff was repeatedly commended for their attentive, warm, and professional service, contributing significantly to the overall satisfaction of guests.
Reviews of Zemi Beach House
First, let me say, it’s been our dream to visit Zemi Beach House since our last time in Anguilla. The last time we stayed at Manoah just down the beach. Our room was enormous and right on the beach. However, Zemi seemed to have more amenities that were important to...
First, let me say, it’s been our dream to visit Zemi Beach House since our last time in Anguilla. The last time we stayed at Manoah just down the beach. Our room was enormous and right on the beach. However, Zemi seemed to have more amenities that were important to us. It’s a little out of our budget, but we saved our Chase points and used a combination of Chase points and cash to book our trip. Upon check in we were told that breakfast was not included because we had booked through Chase. I don’t see this included anywhere in the reviews so if you’re using Chase points to book this vacation, you should know this. Breakfast is an additional $120 a day for a couple. At first, we put it on the plan and then we realize we’re not big breakfast eaters, so we scrapped the unnecessary cost. So far our room is beautiful and service is lovely. We will update this review when we complete our vacation, but we only just arrived. I just want to make sure that people booking their vacations through Chase know that breakfast is not included and $118 a day over the course of seven days is very pricey for breakfast and it will not be included. Even with a 20% discount if you accept that upon booking, it’s still very pricey. Our only other observation so far is that the screaming kids can be a little bit much in the late afternoon. And the food at 20 Knots is still very good.
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Just returned from a week staying at the Zemi hotel on the Atlantic. The hotel was beautiful, the grounds were beautiful, the staff was very welcoming and attentive to all our needs. The two restaurants on the premises were wonderful. Highly recommend
Zemi Beach House is our new favorite place to stay! We were greeted at the airport, and the outstanding service continued from there. Each and every staff member was kind and considerate, going out for their way to assist in any way possible. The accommodations were causally elegant, with a...
Zemi Beach House is our new favorite place to stay! We were greeted at the airport, and the outstanding service continued from there. Each and every staff member was kind and considerate, going out for their way to assist in any way possible. The accommodations were causally elegant, with a laid back vibe. Everything was extremely clean, the housekeeping staff does an excellent job. We especially enjoyed the pools and the beach. Our attendants there, T and Michael, made sure that we were comfortable and had plenty of refreshments, every day. This was a very fun and relaxing getaway, we can't wait to visit again!
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Lots of things to like about this resort, but I am typing this review at 3:30 unable to sleep because the speakers at the pool are blasting music. Front desk indicated that they are supposed to automatically turn off at a certain time, but they are not. Called the IT...
Lots of things to like about this resort, but I am typing this review at 3:30 unable to sleep because the speakers at the pool are blasting music. Front desk indicated that they are supposed to automatically turn off at a certain time, but they are not. Called the IT guy who seemed to get them off for an hour, but they are back on. We are in room 605 which is by the beach so probably hearing it more than most rooms. Why they play any sounds at night is a mystery, but this is unacceptable. Had a similar experience our first night and was assured it would not happen again.
Wish I could take time to comment on the nice things including a very friendly staff and nice beach, but not being able to sleep on a vacation really defeats the purpose.
Will be complaining to management, but really nothing they could offer would compensate for this terrible experience.
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Zemi Beach House Anguilla - Beautiful Shoal Bay Beach Resort!
Zemi Beach House Resort on famous Shoal Bay Beach - it's paradise!! We were very impressed with the resorts proactive service from check-in to check-out, and at poolside or on the beach or while dining at their restaurants. Breakfasts were delicious with daily specials and the dinners on the sand...
Zemi Beach House Resort on famous Shoal Bay Beach - it's paradise!!
We were very impressed with the resorts proactive service from check-in to check-out, and at poolside or on the beach or while dining at their restaurants. Breakfasts were delicious with daily specials and the dinners on the sand by candlelight very relaxing. The wait and pool/beach staffs were all very attentive and engaging.
It truly felt like the Zemi Beach House was one big happy family!
Met many regular returning guests > a testament to their experiences and memories created! First time guests - we will be back!
The Zemi is located on the upper NW quiet part of Anguilla with a highly ranked walk-able beach and some other nice local beach restaurants nearby.
Resort facilitated our taxi/semiprivate boat transfer to/from St Maarten airport.
The Zemi Beach House is an LXR Hilton property that was just purchased by the Dart Group - hoping that they keep the Zemi as an LXR Hilton within their hotels portfolio too.
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My husband (Diamond) and I stayed here for five nights and I could not recommend this hotel enough. Immediately upon check in our status was acknowledged - we are also return travelers and it was nice that the hotel staff acknowledged that. Rooms - these rooms are so spacious and...
My husband (Diamond) and I stayed here for five nights and I could not recommend this hotel enough.
Immediately upon check in our status was acknowledged - we are also return travelers and it was nice that the hotel staff acknowledged that.
Rooms - these rooms are so spacious and clean. Housekeeping does not get enough credit for how hard they work - from daily housekeeping to turn down service they did not miss. Our products were always replaced and full and fresh towels were provided (housekeeping even took notice that we use a lot of towels so they supplied extra without asking). Nespresso in the room and robes. They replaced the minibar daily with whatever was empty and if we had any special requests they accommodated that.
Gym - spacious and clean with water bottles provided!
Beach - I cannot emphasize enough how serene, relaxing and quiet this beach is. It never feels crowded the chairs are perfectly spaced apart - beach service sets up your towels and provides water bottles that are replaced upon request, bar drink service is quick and pleasant. They also provide sunscreen which is a nice touch seeing as we are a carry-on only family (iykyk). Paddle boards and kayaks are available upon request all included!
Restaurants - the food here is amazinggggg I dream about the breakfast buffet. So many fresh, healthy options in the buffet portion and new menu options daily. Their dinner service/menu is phenomenal.
If you are a luxury beach connoisseur like myself this resort is it. We can’t wait to come back again!
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A slice of heaven on a pristine beach.
We spent the week at Zemi and I can’t say enough about the experience. It was a chill Anguilla vibe, exactly what we were looking for. Our room was spacious, super clean, equipped with thoughtful amenities - a beach bag and flip flops. The view from our terrace was inspiring....
We spent the week at Zemi and I can’t say enough about the experience. It was a chill Anguilla vibe, exactly what we were looking for. Our room was spacious, super clean, equipped with thoughtful amenities - a beach bag and flip flops. The view from our terrace was inspiring. Th beach, pristine. The water a dazzling aqua blue with lavender highlights. No lie! The reflection of a violet sky. The buffet breakfast was a 12/10. Daily changes to hot food offerings along with an omelette station. Our fave was the daily fresh juice shots with ginger. With most hotel experiences, the staff is what makes you want to come back. We are grateful for GdC and Frank’s introduction to the hotel. Lobna and Fabrice were constant management presences. The team members who made the stay especially memorable with their kind, warm interactions were Stacey, Tracy, Aisha, Tiffany, Michael, Jean, Josette, Charlotte (I hope you win at Bingo!) and Whitney
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I cannot possibly explain how amazing Zemi Beach House is… but I will try. I’ve written a review before two years ago, but we returned and it is just as perfect as ever! The hotel is gorgeous, with the most beautiful pool, and it is right on the ocean. You...
I cannot possibly explain how amazing Zemi Beach House is… but I will try. I’ve written a review before two years ago, but we returned and it is just as perfect as ever! The hotel is gorgeous, with the most beautiful pool, and it is right on the ocean. You can see the beach from the pool, and the outdoor areas are pristine and have comfortable seating everywhere. It is sheer perfection… but to write about Zemi and not mention the staff would be like telling half of a story. The people here make Zemi what it is. A home away from home where everyone knows your name, the way you like your coffee, and where you like to sit and watch the world go by. It begins at check in with Raquel and Nellar. They greet you with a nice cold beverage and a big welcome back hug. Josette will find you the perfect spot every morning, and make sure you have almond milk for your coffee (thank you). Stacey… oh Stacey… she has my heart! She is there supervising breakfast and is also the Rhum Room in the evenings. She is my girl! I cannot say enough about her kind, compassionate, and genuine loving nature. I cannot wait to see you again, my friend. Another person I cannot say enough about is Tuneero. He is the pool & beach supervisor and he is just happiness personified. He took care of us everyday, and made sure we had the exact chairs in the exact spots that we loved at the pool and the beach. Also at the pool/beach we loved Hector, Uniqua, Chino, and Deanna. They all took care of us as though we were family. They are all amount the kindest people I’ve met. So… you will come to Zemi Beach House because you’ve seen the beautiful pictures of the property, and you’ve fallen in love with them… but you will return to Zemi Beach House because you are part of the Zemi family. We feel so lucky to be part of this family. See you next year everyone!!! We love you, Zemi!
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A home away from home in paradise
Just returned from a 4 night stay. Beach was amazing, everything was clean and well maintained. Pictures don’t do the property justice, there is so much attention to detail, both in the structures and the landscaping. We were in a standard Ocean View and it was spacious. AC was quiet,...
Just returned from a 4 night stay. Beach was amazing, everything was clean and well maintained. Pictures don’t do the property justice, there is so much attention to detail, both in the structures and the landscaping. We were in a standard Ocean View and it was spacious. AC was quiet, worked great, and we loved the ceiling fan. Comfy beds.
For food: I’m not much for buffets, but breakfast far exceeded expectations - the lady at the omelet bar was amazing, and the pastry was also a highlight We loved that we could walk the beach to several different spots for lunch. While on property, we had dinner at Stone, which was good, and followed with a rum flight at the Rhum Room. Even if you’re not a fan of rum (I’m more of whiskey person), Stacy is extremely knowledgeable and will help find something more suited to your taste. We also had lunch on property one day, and the poke bowl was good.
The hotel staff were all very warm and helpful. The only criticism is that it felt like they could’ve used more staff at peak time as service could be a bit slow. But chances are that you came to the island to slow down anyways. Also, it is a considerable drive to a lot of the well known dinner spots, so I would recommend renting a car.
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Above and beyond perfect stay
The staff here are incredible! From the moment we landed, we felt like they had prepared for our arrival and taken many small details into account. Beautiful and serene resort. The breakfast buffet was one of the best I’ve had anywhere at a hotel. Quality food and varied options. The...
The staff here are incredible! From the moment we landed, we felt like they had prepared for our arrival and taken many small details into account. Beautiful and serene resort. The breakfast buffet was one of the best I’ve had anywhere at a hotel. Quality food and varied options. The beach is pristine! Pools are beautiful with attentive service. No issues whatsoever during our trip. Wish we could have stayed longer
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Wonderful stay in paradise!
A Truly Exceptional Stay: Service Beyond Compare My stay at this resort was absolutely unforgettable, thanks to the incredible staff who went above and beyond to make every moment perfect. I have to give special mention to a few exceptional individuals who stood out. Paulo, the General Manager, was an...
A Truly Exceptional Stay: Service Beyond Compare
My stay at this resort was absolutely unforgettable, thanks to the incredible staff who went above and beyond to make every moment perfect. I have to give special mention to a few exceptional individuals who stood out. Paulo, the General Manager, was an outstanding leader who made every guest feel valued. His genuine kindness and attentiveness set the tone for the impeccable service throughout the resort. Jerdell Lake, the Experience Manager, went out of his way to help me find my lost phone, spending an entire hour assisting me until it was recovered. His patience and dedication were truly remarkable. Emanuele Sabatini, the Executive Chef, deserves immense praise for his extraordinary efforts in accommodating our challenging dietary restrictions. From breakfast to dinner, Emanuele personally ensured every meal was safe for us to enjoy, creating special dishes and checking in frequently to guarantee everything was perfect.
Beyond these incredible individuals, the rest of the staff were equally accommodating and thoughtful, creating a seamless and luxurious experience from start to finish. The resort itself was stunning, with pristine rooms, beautiful beach views, and top-notch amenities. I’ve stayed in many hotels, but this experience truly set a new standard for hospitality. It’s impossible to include every detail or mention every amazing staff member in one review, but suffice it to say this is a five-star resort in every sense of the word. Thank you, Paulo and team, for an exceptional stay!
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OVERPRICED DISILLUSIONMENT
Hilton’s Zemi Beach House — underwhelming room, erratic service, undisclosed construction noise = overpriced disillusionment. ROOM: Zemi’s website photos do NOT accurately depict the room we received. Our Ocean View King Room’s furniture and decor felt and looked cheap like yard-sale leftovers. From the wrinkled and torn curtains to the...
Hilton’s Zemi Beach House — underwhelming room, erratic service, undisclosed construction noise = overpriced disillusionment.
ROOM: Zemi’s website photos do NOT accurately depict the room we received.
Our Ocean View King Room’s furniture and decor felt and looked cheap like yard-sale leftovers. From the wrinkled and torn curtains to the yellowing phone jack, the small non-smart TV, the spindly table/desk, and the mismatched patio lightbulbs, the room was.... sad. Most disappointing however was the non-existent ocean view. Was the small sliver of dark blue above the buildings and treetops how our room qualified as Ocean View? Perhaps. Did we feel as though we’d been misled? Absolutely.
**The bathroom and closets were fine, showing wear but functional.
RECEPTION: When booking, I requested a non-adjoining room on a higher floor but we were given neither. We inquired about another room but were unenthusiastically offered a Garden View and told that otherwise, the hotel was full. They claimed not to have received the non-adjoining request (said they’d have honored it if noted — no mention of the higher floor) but assured me that a single, quiet, gentleman was currently next door. When he departed two days later, his replacement was a family of five - including a baby. We could easily hear them through the adjoining door. (**Be sure you note non-adjoining when you book your reservation but also that you call and email. I was told that was what I should have done.)
At check-in, when asked if we’d like to be called by the manager or offered another room if one became available we said, “Yes” but were never contacted.
STAFF: Unfortunately, it wasn’t simply the room and reception that were a letdown. Interactions with staff were also inconsistent. The beach attendants were outstanding as were the cleaners and room service runners (all of whom we had too few occasions with which to interact) but the restaurant staff (whom we interacted with most often) were hit or miss. A few were friendly, but most were indifferent at best.
LOCATION: While Shoal Bay beach is one of the best in Anguilla, we spent most of our time closer to Shoal Bay Villas (opposite end of the beach from Zemi). We went there to escape the construction noise directly next door to Zemi Beach House. We were informed of the construction only after we’d arrived. Had we been offered the choice to delay, we would have, as the noise was too loud to enjoy Zemi’s beach and chairs which were much more comfortable than the free chairs down the way. Thankfully the workers took a break one of the weekend days and in the evenings.
So, with a price tag of $1,000+ a night is the beach location special enough to justify the expense? No. It is not. I wish we had stayed at The Four Seasons.
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Five stars, easily, for the Zemi. Where do we start. I suppose the perfect, fantasy Caribbean beach, beautiful grounds, extremely well-designed and maintained facilities, and perfect quiet, tranquil, laid-back atmosphere. It was just completely chill. That we were able to book with a standard points award was another huge plus...
Five stars, easily, for the Zemi. Where do we start. I suppose the perfect, fantasy Caribbean beach, beautiful grounds, extremely well-designed and maintained facilities, and perfect quiet, tranquil, laid-back atmosphere. It was just completely chill. That we were able to book with a standard points award was another huge plus - it was a lot of points but cannot imagine a better way to use them. Room upgrade as a Diamond Member to an ocean view was legit - the view was head-on and spectacular. The breakfast was outstanding. And a (modestly) late check-out was offered and appreciated.
At no time did anything ever feel crowded (even at a peak time of year) and the staff was universally friendly but unobtrusive and professional. While we certainly tipped, it was not expected or taken for granted. The main pool area was never loud or chaotic, but the adult infinity and lap pool area was another huge perk. And countless little touches demonstrated what luxury really means - not fancy-ness, but feeling like everything is totally taken care of. Like the attendant at the ferry terminal who greeted us and helped with a taxi despite that we had not pre-arranged one. Or the always-immaculate seating areas despite being right on the beach. Or the staggered balconies designed for added privacy. Or the fountains in the main bar/restaurant area that kept things serene (and drowned out any (occasional, mild) construction noise nearby).
Food was very good throughout - especially, a bit surprisingly, the sushi - and while we had ambitions to leave the resort, the convenience and quality there always won out. We did not even venture to the places down the beach within walking distance.
A couple misc tips/pointers/tiny hiccups, etc., in case they are helpful to others or the hotel.
• As others have mentioned, the complimentary sunblock, flip-flops, and beach bag are all great and reduce packing needs. There is snorkel equipment too although note this station was staffed only sporadically so make sure to grab stuff when you see someone there.
• The snorkeling from the beach (which was a big draw for us) is very good if not life-changing. We had the best luck walking way down the beach to the east - past the Manoah hotel and the villas to where there is a noticeable bend - and then swimming out from there and following the small reef back a bit to the west.
• Complimentary bottled water is available throughout except, a bit mysteriously, when you cross the threshold into the restaurant, where you have to specify that you want “tap water” if you prefer not to be charged extra for your H2O. (FWIW, small pet peeve, but having to awkwardly fend off the “still or sparkling” overture to start a meal was perhaps the one thing I would have preferred to leave at home while on vacation.)
• Small glitch upon arrival as the room was not ready by check-in time and no one came to get us as promised when it was. Bags were also spirited away so we had no opportunity to have swimwear or dry gear (there was some rain that day) for a few hours. Not a disaster but did not make a great first impression at what turned out to be an otherwise near-perfect resort.
Any small knocks above are mentioned as honest feedback/advice so others have the best experience possible. This was truly a very very special place and we would not hesitate for an instant to return. Thanks to everyone at the Zemi for a wonderful vacation!
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A Perfect Paradise – Hilton Zemi Beach House Exceeds All Expectations
As a long-time Hilton Diamond member, I’ve had the pleasure of staying at many properties around the world, but nothing compares to the unforgettable experience we had at the Hilton Zemi Beach House in stunning Anguilla. Even before arriving, I used the Hilton mobile app to chat with the front...
As a long-time Hilton Diamond member, I’ve had the pleasure of staying at many properties around the world, but nothing compares to the unforgettable experience we had at the Hilton Zemi Beach House in stunning Anguilla.
Even before arriving, I used the Hilton mobile app to chat with the front office staff to set up a few birthday surprises for my wife. Janelle, Shellian, Neller, & Brenique were so gracious and responsive. They gave me great options from which to chose. I was very happy and thought to myself, “this is going to be a really great trip”. We were not disappointed. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were somewhere truly special.
We were greeted with warm smiles and a refreshing Zemi Rum Punch by the outstanding manager Lisa Josef and her incredible team, setting the tone for what would become one of the best vacations of our lives. The check-in process was smooth and personal, followed by a brief orientation and a guided tour of this spectacular property.
The grounds were absolutely pristine—lush greenery, colorful flowers, and perfectly manicured landscapes that looked like something straight out of a postcard. It’s clear that the resort takes great pride in maintaining its natural beauty.
When we arrived at our room it was incredible. We had a, spacious ocean view room with a stunning view of the ocean as well as the beautiful, lush grounds.
The staff was nothing short of exceptional. Every team member we encountered was professional, warm, and attentive. Special thanks to managers Tracey, Stacey, Luna, and Raquel, who went above and beyond to make our stay extraordinary. They made my wife’s birthday truly memorable with special touches and thoughtful surprises. They also gave us fantastic suggestions for exploring the island, which added even more magic to our trip.
We had several couples treatments at the incredible Zemi Thai House Spa. The therapists, Surya, Indri & Petal were skilled and professional leaving us completely relaxed and rejuvenated after each treatment.
Lachalya & Jean got us prepped for each treatment and prepared incredible smoothies and drinks for us after our treatments at the Thai Spa bar. The entire spa staff was outstanding and very accomodating.
Dining at the resort was a real highlight. The Stone fine dining restaurant offered exquisite meals in an elegant atmosphere, while 20 Knots was our go-to for delicious, laid-back breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet was outstanding with lots of options from which to choose—and as seasoned travelers, that’s saying a lot! Special shoutout to Whitney, who made the most incredible omelettes, and to Tiffany and Narkesia for their top-tier service and attention to detail.
Evenings were a delight at their sleek, modern bar, where we enjoyed perfectly crafted cocktails and nightly live entertainment that added just the right amount of energy and charm.
And of course, the beach is pure paradise—powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the kind of serenity you can only dream of. It’s hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever experienced.
In all honesty, this was the best vacation we’ve ever had, and we’re already planning our return. The Hilton Zemi Beach House is a gem, and as loyal Diamond members, we felt appreciated, pampered, and truly at home.
Five stars aren’t enough. Thank you, Zemi Beach House—see you soon!
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Our second trip to Zemi. We are an empty nester couple. Our last trip Zemi was calm, quiet & relaxed. Perfect! This trip, Zemi has lost its intimate, boutique feel and now feels like any Hilton resort w/a primary focus on families w/children. It is noisy & crowded at the...
Our second trip to Zemi. We are an empty nester couple. Our last trip Zemi was calm, quiet & relaxed. Perfect! This trip, Zemi has lost its intimate, boutique feel and now feels like any Hilton resort w/a primary focus on families w/children. It is noisy & crowded at the beach front restaurant & pool. The surf front & shady chaise loungers are claimed early in the morning by people arriving later. There is an adults pool however it’s away from the beach and not serviced by staff other than setting out water & towels. All the staff are wonderful, friendly & warm. The location is phenomenal. But, if you’re looking for quiet relaxation, this is no longer the place.
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My recent stay at Zemi Beach Club in Anguilla was an unmitigated disaster, a textbook example of how to alienate guests with deplorable service and a staff utterly devoid of care or competence. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that this so-called “luxury” resort had no intention of...
My recent stay at Zemi Beach Club in Anguilla was an unmitigated disaster, a textbook example of how to alienate guests with deplorable service and a staff utterly devoid of care or competence. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that this so-called “luxury” resort had no intention of delivering on its lofty promises. The service was so abysmal it felt like a personal affront—as if they were daring me to complain, only to dismiss me with the same apathy that permeated every aspect of my stay.
The trouble began before I even checked in. On March 16, I called to confirm taxi service from the airport upon my arrival in Anguilla. I was assured a hotel representative would meet me after customs and immigration. That promise evaporated the moment I landed. No one was there. Stranded, I had to rely on a rival hotel’s staff—who were graciously greeting their own guests—to help me contact Zemi Beach and arrange a taxi. It took nearly an hour after landing for them to finally send someone. For a supposed “5-star luxury resort,” this was an embarrassing and infuriating start.
Upon arriving at the hotel and beginning the check-in process, I asked why no one had met me as promised. Rather than owning the mistake, the check-in clerk deflected blame onto the airline. I was stunned. Our flight had departed on time and landed 10 minutes early—how could this possibly be the airline’s fault? When I pressed, she claimed they couldn’t confirm the flight’s arrival time with the airline, so they simply didn’t bother sending anyone. I asked why no one had contacted me directly, the paying customer, to clarify. Silence. No apology, no accountability—just a stubborn refusal to accept responsibility. It was a disheartening prelude to what would become a relentlessly disappointing vacation.
Breakfast each morning at the hotel’s restaurant, 20 Knots, was a masterclass in mediocrity. Service was consistently slow—drinks took 15-20 minutes to arrive—and the staff were forgetful, unfriendly, and palpably indifferent. The atmosphere felt off, like they resented our presence. I raised these issues with the restaurant manager daily, only to be met with blank stares and zero remorse. This apathy extended across the hotel: from the restaurant and bar staff—who coasted on an automatic 18% gratuity—to the elusive beach attendants who were nowhere to be found. The reliance on guaranteed tips seemed to breed a culture of complacency; why bother with quality when your paycheck doesn’t depend on it? Breakfast arrived cold every day, and my complaints fell on deaf ears.
The breaking point came at dinner at 20 Knots—an experience so shameful it cemented my contempt for this place. My wife and I planned to eat at the bar, enjoy some cocktails, and unwind. We brought unopened water bottles from our room, intending to sip cocktails instead. Service at the bar was predictably glacial, so we relocated to the restaurant. Seated at last, we ordered two Piña Coladas. Seventeen minutes later—without a single visit from our server—I noticed the manager hovering near our table. I assumed she might finally address the abysmal service. I was wrong. Instead, she instructed our server to whisper to my wife that we’d be charged for the still-unopened water bottles. This, apparently, was her pressing concern—not the fact that we’d been ignored for nearly 20 minutes, still without our drinks. I was livid. To be nickel-and-dimed over unconsumed water while enduring such neglect was the final insult.
I pulled the manager aside, away from the dining area, to spare us further humiliation. She was unmoved—cold, unapologetic, and dismissive of our entire experience, not just that night but throughout our stay. The restaurant itself was a culinary abomination: orders arrived late, cold, and often incorrect, delivered by a waitstaff who seemed to go out of their way to avoid us. When I pointed out issues, I got eye rolls and excuses, never solutions or apologies. The food was an overpriced travesty—reheated, flavorless, and unworthy of a gas station microwave, let alone a “fine dining” establishment. I’ve had better meals at truck stops where the staff at least feigned interest.
Furious, I marched to the main building and demanded to speak with a manager. How could a self-proclaimed 5-star resort tolerate such incompetence? He offered nothing but excuses, claiming that each of my complaints had prompted “coaching opportunities” for the staff. Clearly, these sessions were as effective as shouting into the wind—service remained atrocious every time we ate. I made one simple request: that the General Manager, Paulo P., call me the next morning before our 10:50 a.m. departure so I could detail these grievances directly. It was a test of his leadership, and deep down, I knew he’d fail it. He did. Someone else called instead, and when I reiterated my request for Paulo himself, I wasn’t surprised he’d dodged it. It was par for the course.
Reading the hotel’s 1-, 2-, and 3-star reviews, I see my nightmare reflected in countless others: abysmal service, an uncaring staff, and a systemic rot that starts at the top with Paulo. His responses to negative feedback are jaw-dropping in their tone-deafness and lack of professionalism. Someone needs to scrutinize his leadership—or lack thereof—because he’s clearly incapable of managing this property. His written replies to reviews are so ill-judged that silence would serve him better than the drivel he commits to paper.
Even the smallest details underscored their incompetence. After the restaurant fiasco, we ordered room service. The bellhop told us to leave the tray outside our door for overnight pickup. When we checked out at 10 a.m., the dirty dishes still sat there—a fitting final testament to their broken promises.
Zemi Beach Club’s management and practices demand a thorough overhaul. Paulo is demonstrably unfit to lead, incapable of instilling the service, quality, or accountability a true 5-star resort requires. I urge Hilton’s leadership to take my feedback seriously. We endured three nights at this sham of a luxury property, where rates soar past $1,500 per night for service that wouldn’t pass muster at a budget motel. This isn’t a 5-star experience—it’s a 5-star swindle.
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