By Alexander Britell

It should be a very busy festive season in Anguilla this year.

Another of Anguilla’s top resorts has announced its reopening plans, with the Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection announcing a planned relaunch on Dec. 15.

The iconic property, which has been shuttered since Hurricane Irma last year, has been fully restored and updated, according to a statement from the resort.

Each of the Anguilla resort’s 46 oceanfront rooms has been “brought back to life,” while Malliouhana has also unveiled an expanded pool area, a new beachfront bar, new dining concepts and a transformed Sunset Bar.

But it isn’t just a relaunch — it’s an expansion, too.

At the beginning of next year, the Malliouhana will debut a new two-bedroom beachfront villa, along with new beachfront and garden suites and an expanded spa.

That will include the addition of 11 new beachfront suites, along with four new garden suites.

The beach bar experience will be a particular point of emphasis, with a “toes in the sand” ambience including locally-inspired snacks and meals along with a curated selection of both regional beers and Caribbean rums.

Auberge first opened the Malliouhana in 2014.

The latter will feature six new treatment rooms and a brand-new ocean-view pool, along with some additional meeting and event space, the property said.

“Malliouhana has long been a beloved and unrivaled destination experience in the Caribbean,” said Craig Reid, CEO, Auberge Resorts Collection. “In partnership with new ownership, Bixby Bridge Capital, LLC, we have poured our heart and soul into restoring the resort guests have come to know and love, while taking the opportunity to add new amenities and experiences that really elevate and complement this special corner of paradise. Our team is ready and excited to welcome back both familiar and new faces!”

But the Malliouhana is not alone in Anguilla’s tourism comeback.

Malliouhana’s relaunch will come a little over a month after Anguilla’s beloved Belmond Cap Juluca reopens in November.

Anguilla’s CuisinArt resort, which already reopened its Reef by CuisinArt hotel earlier this year, will reopen its signature property in November as well.

— CJ