The Dune Preserve is a Place Like No Other
When one thinks of going on a vacation, some of the popular amenities most are attracted to, besides atmosphere and tourist attractions, are often food and lodging. Anguilla’s own ‘Dune Preserve’ provides so much of all these components. There are plenty of places for one to make themselves comfy and find cuisine to satiate, but when looking for the full package, Bankie’s Dune Preserve most certainly delivers. Established in 1994 by owner Bankie Banx, this tree house hideaway provides character and ambiance by the tons. The eccentric establishment is located nearby CuisinArt Golf resort and the Hughes medical center.
The location of this seemingly shipwrecked lounge is literally right on the sea. Bankie’s, as it is affectionately called by visitors and staff alike, has an appeal that fits its location on the sea better than most. Its decorative nature comes alive with the remnants of a shipwrecked vessel, spread across the horizon as if it had been salvaged and set inside out. This cozy spot offers beautiful furnishings, as well as recycled musical equipment as a part of the chairs and benches. Visitors will find gorgeous paintings of past musical performers from the Caribbean-Reggae era draped on the walls alongside gorgeous sculptures and other repurposed remnants of the island. A DJ booth rests upon a Pirate’s perch to provide the island with tropical themed music. Nothing can prepare you for this tucked away location’s true ambiance. As you enter, one might wonder, “is this place even open?” However, once you cross the threshold, you quickly realize, this place is perfect in every way. The architecture makes no logical sense and things seem to float with ease. The structure is almost entirely made of old boats and wooden planks. The ceiling is nonexistent in most parts exposing you to the tropical sun during the day, and the Milky Way at night.
To add to the colorful surroundings and the calming luxuriate of the island, there is authentic Caribbean cuisine made available from noon until sunset. While enjoying the beautiful white sands, heavenly blue skies, and sparkling turquoise waters, one can truly live while letting their palette partake in a piquant assembly of Caribbean dishes that this eatery provides. Each dish cultivates the culture with authentic herbs and spices. Bankie, who resides on the property, is often seen indulging in the company of his guests, relaxing and regaling many with stories of how he came to be “trapped in paradise” as well as educating people on the rich culture the island has to offer.
Evenings at the Dune Preserve are almost like stepping into another place and time. It’s as if the island, along with the building, comes fully alive! There are bonfires amidst the bright lighting and the sound of reggae and jazz flowing through the air from the beachside as well as inside this magnificent dwelling. On Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, Bankie provides the entertainment himself, bringing the full experience together. One of the more popular nights is Friday, where patrons are treated to performances from Bankie himself as well as his son Omari Banks, who is reggae royalty having performed all over the world, alongside a rhythmic band. Their show feeds the traveler’s soul and provides a wondrous raucous of calypso, reggae, and jazz tunes to elate as well as soothe into the night. Performances start at 9pm, apart from Sunday when Bankie does a midday performance starting at noon and crooning into sunset known as Sunday school. Guests are encouraged to dance on the beach to this musical barrage. If you stumble across this gem during the day hours, you simply must stay for lunch. The menu features no more than three selections, but when you’ve managed to do something perfectly, there is no need for excess. Try the whole snapper with beans and rice, or the grilled-to-perfection chicken. Dune Preserve is closed on Monday’s, but lunch starts at 12 noon every other day. We highly recommend experiencing both lunch and a night time performance as you will witness the place transform into an open air club house under the stars fit for Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, with rum punch in hand of course. Jamming under the stars with palm trees swaying above head, in between the musical notes the only sound that can be heard is the crashing of night waves onto the beach in front of you. Across the sea, the mountainous hills of St. Maarten glow with lights of residences.
The Dune Preserve is also the home of the annual Moonsplash festival, Bankie’s personal labor of love. Moonsplash is the Caribbean’s longest running music festival, spanning 30 years and has played host to some of the most well known names in music including Jimmy Buffet. This event brings the biggest reggae acts from all around the world for a four day jam session that you will never forget. Check out their website for more information https://www.bankiebanx.net/moonsplash. If you miss out on that festival, rest easy, The Dune Preserve also hosts the Bankie Banx Rendezvous Folk and Blues Fest in the summers. For 3 days attendees can eat, drink and dance to live blues, jazz, folk and even some country music, while also participating in multiple events throughout each day! Videos, reviews and recollections from satisfied guests can be found along with information for future plans on https://www.facebook.com/RdvFolkBlues/.
Both festivals are an absolute must when visiting Anguilla.
The Dune Preserve has been considered one of the #1 beach bar locations in the world! A feat quite fitting for such a unique enterprise!
Here’s a rundown of the hours again, be mindful they are closed on Mondays, but available for private parties. Reservations are highly recommended, although you can stumble into a lucky seat, we wouldn’t chance it.
Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday – lunch 12-5pm; local band at 9pm
Wednesday – lunch 12-5pm; Bankie Banx at 9pm
Thursday – lunch 12-5pm; AIM 4 U Band at 9pm
Friday – lunch 12/food continues through the night; Bankie Banx and son, Omari 9pm
Saturday – lunch 12-5pm
Sunday – food from 12pm to sunset; Bankie Banx and Friends from 12pm to sunset.
Dune Preserve — https://www.bankiebanx.net/dunepreserve/
Rendezvous Bay 2640, Anguilla
Call +1 264-772-9384
Contact — https://www.bankiebanx.net/form