ANGUILLA, British West Indies (November 20, 2024) — Malliouhana, Anguilla’s iconic luxury resort, hosted a three-day 40th Anniversary Season of Celebration kickoff with a star-studded soirée weekend from November 1-3, 2024. The event brought together celebrity chefs, renowned musicians, and award-winning vintners for an unforgettable experience. Benefitting the Anguilla Music Academy (AMA), the significant and incredible generosity of the sponsors, artists, community and guests has created tremendous and immediate impact in supporting the organization and its mission to empower the people of Anguilla and the Caribbean through music, media and technology.
The weekend featured a series of exclusive events made possible with the extraordinary collaboration and selfless investment of time, energy, talent and funds by countless individuals, artists, businesses and brands. The impact has been powerful and instantaneous, with The AMA announcing the first scholarships are now available for a three-semester music production and engineering course beginning January 13, 2025. Recording experiences at the AMA are available for guests of Malliouhana and will serve as ongoing fundraising for programming for local students.
Kicking off the celebration and fundraising events, the AMA hosted an opening VIP reception with wines by JaM Cellars. Saturday included a four-course wine pairing dinner for more than 80 guests with John Anthony Vineyards at Celeste by Kerth Gumbs with live acoustic performances by Omari Banks and GRAMMY-nominated artist Natasha Bedingfield, followed by a beachfront silent disco under the stars at Leon’s at Meads Bay sponsored by JaM Cellars. Sunday was the grand finale of the all-day Leon’s MusicFest on Meads Bay on the JaM Cellars stage with a VIP lounge featuring JaM Cellars wines that rock, Patron tastings, delicious bites from Chef Sweets and a lineup of incredibly talented musicians.Logan Miller, Managing Director of Malliouhana, said, “The 40th Anniversary Soirée was a testament to Malliouhana’s enduring legacy of luxury and hospitality. It was heartwarming to see our guests, staff, and the Anguilla community come together with so much talent, time and generosity to celebrate this milestone in support of the future of music.”
A highlight of the weekend, The JaM Cellars stage provided the perfect setting for the beachfront concert that raised spirits and funds to celebrate the island’s best talents. Guests enjoyed incredible performances by local and international artists, including global icon Bankie Banx, the soulful sounds of Omari Banks, island favorite Vere Musiq, multi-talented Dennis Warrington and Omalie 360, headliner Natasha Bedingfield and more.
Three generations of legendary Anguillian artists, Bankie Banx, son Omari Banks, and Omari’s daughters Somaiya and Ashé, represented a multi-generational showcase that underscored the importance of music not only to the nation but to the future generations of musicians, producers, and performers supported by the AMA. The event culminated with an electrifying performance by Natasha Bedingfield, who had the crowd on their feet and dancing in the sand.
Laura Rose, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Storey Hotel Management Group, added: “This weekend set the perfect tone for our 40th season, and we are incredibly grateful to all our partners who made it such an amazing experience. It showcased the best of Anguilla’s culture, cuisine, and music, and Malliouhana is so proud to support the work of the AMA and the community as a cornerstone of Caribbean luxury. We look forward to an entire Season of Celebration, welcoming guests to experience the magic of Malliouhana.”
John Anthony Truchard, Founder and CEO of John Anthony Wine & Spirits, commented: “We were honored to be part of this historic celebration. The fusion of fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and world-class entertainment captured the essence of Malliouhana’s legacy. It was a pleasure to be part of such a tremendous effort and initiative to support a legacy of music and giving.”
Darius James, Founder of the Anguilla Music Academy, shared his gratitude: “The support from Malliouhana, John and Michele Truchard and this event will have a lasting impact on our mission to nurture Anguilla’s musical talent. It was incredible to see our students perform alongside international artists, inspiring future generations of musical talent. We are so grateful to Natasha Bedingfield for her time on stage and for taking the time to work with students at the recording studio on Saturday.”
The 40th Anniversary Soirée marks the beginning of a year-long series of events and experiences at Malliouhana that will continue through 2025. Now, in every guestroom, guests can discover more about the resort’s fascinating history and impact with the 40th Anniversary commemorative Malliouhana Magazine and a beautiful hardcover book, MALLIOUHANA: The Original Art Collection, re-released as a special edition and featuring more than 300 works of Haitian art in the Malliouhana collection.
2025 promises more showcase events celebrating the island pillars of food and wine, art and culture, music and Anguilla’s National Sport of boat racing—when boats take to the water in April. Later that month, Malliouhana is set to showcase the talents of their Culinary Dream Team, hosting the Opening Night Party as the Platinum Partner for the 4th annual Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE), Anguilla’s only destination-wide food and wine festival. With celebrations all year, including the annual Summer Festival in late July and the magic of Festive each holiday season, it’s always a great time to be Malliouhana.
For more information on upcoming celebrations, visit malliouhana.com/40years and follow @malliouhana on Instagram for all the latest on Malliouhana and this exceptional celebration.
ABOUT MALLIOUHANA
2024 marks forty glamorous years of Malliouhana’s enduring appeal as Anguilla’s “Grande Dame” and the kick-off of her 40th Anniversary Season of Celebration. Iconic, luxurious, and exuding quintessential Caribbean charm, the island’s first five-star luxury resort perches like an oasis atop a panoramic bluff overlooking the azure waters and white-sand beaches of famed Meads Bay and Turtle Cove. Defining a new era of island elegance and world-class hospitality, Malliouhana’s superb gastronomy, impeccable service, and unrivaled wine list put Anguilla and Caribbean cuisine on the international map.
With 63 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, the resort blends warm and gracious Caribbean hospitality with colorful, classic island design and a “barefoot chic” style. Refined culinary experiences at the resort’s three distinctly styled destination restaurants—Celeste by Kerth Gumbs, Bar Soleil, and the beachside Leon’s at Meads Bay—elevate the unforgettable flavors of the islands. Malliouhana embraces a rich past and innovative future where luxury—with a commitment to sustainability, wellness, and community—is at its core.
Malliouhana’s expanding list of 2024 honors and accolades includes Forbes’ Best Hotel in Anguilla Overall, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Resorts in the World as #1 in Anguilla and Top 20 Best Resorts in the Caribbean, U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Gold Badge, Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, plus recognition by Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, Gold List and Readers’ Choice Awards. The Spa at Malliouhana is proudly recognized by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the “World’s Best Hotel Spas” and listed among the “Top 10 Hotels” in Organic Spa Magazine’s 2024 Wellness Travel Awards.
ABOUT JaM CELLARS
JaM Cellars is all about easy-to-love, every-day wines. Made by Napa Valley vintners John and Michele Truchard (the “J” and “M” in JaM), the JaM Cellars portfolio features Butter by JaM Cellars—including Butter by JaM Cellars, featuring Butter Chardonnay, ButterCans, Butter Cab, Butter Bubbles, plus NEWLY-RELEASED Butter Sauv Blanc and Butter Pinot Noir—along with the original JaM Cabernet that started the label. All the wines are distinctively delicious: Butter Chardonnay melts in your mouth, Butter Sauv Blanc is refreshingly tropical, Butter Bubbles is bright and creamy, Butter Pinot is fruity and velvety, Butter Cab is silky smooth, and JaM Cabernet is juicy and berry-licious. Butter Chardonnay is also available in fun, grab-and-go, single-serve 250ml ButterCans—each about a glass and a half, also available in a 4-pack. JaM Cellars wines are meant to be enjoyed anytime—whether it’s a special occasion or any-day celebration. This year, Butter Chardonnay, one of the bestselling Chardonnays in the U.S. over $13, was recognized as an Impact Blue Chip Brand award winner for 10 years of consecutive growth. Check out JaM Cellars on Facebook and Instagram @jamcellars, #JaMCellars, or JaMCellars.com.
ABOUT JOHN ANTHONY VINEYARDS
John Anthony Truchard founded John Anthony Vineyards in 2003 with a clear and persisting vision: select the ideal climate and vineyards; choose the best vine stock available; work with the highest-caliber winemaker; and share the resulting wines with those who will truly appreciate them. Today, the signature collection includes Sauvignon Blancs from Carneros, Syrah and Merlot from Oak Knoll District, Cabernet Sauvignons from Calistoga, Oak Knoll and Coombsville, and John Anthony Reserves of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah selected from the best of each harvest. John Anthony wines are highly-regarded, well-balanced, and will cellar for years to come. Available online, through the Tasting Lounge, and on a limited basis at select fine wine shops and restaurants across the country. The John Anthony Tasting Lounge is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until midnight Thursday to Saturday in the heart of downtown Napa. To learn more, please visit johnanthonyvineyards.com.
ABOUT STOREY HOTEL MANAGEMENT GROUP
Storey Hotel Management Group is renowned for its distinguished collection of boutique luxury properties in sought-after destinations worldwide. Their meticulously curated portfolio includes award-winning hotels, resorts, and villas dedicated to community and is an authentic reflection of local culture. With a highly customized management approach, Storey celebrates the stories, sharing the unique spirit, history and heritage of each property and destination. With a steadfast mission to provide guests with impeccable service and unforgettable experiences, Storey continues to redefine world-class luxury, setting new standards across the hospitality industry.
For more information about the Storey Hotel Management Group portfolio of properties, including Malliouhana Resort, Long Bay Villas and Santosha Villa Estate in Anguilla, Walton Residence in Chicago, Nanuku Resort Fiji and The Ameswell Hotel and Park James Hotel in Silicon Valley, please visit www.storeyhotelgroup.com.
