Anguilla
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Anguilla is a British territory located in the Eastern Caribbean, laying just north of Saint Martin. Known for its delicious food and incredible turquoise waters, the island’s pristine sandy beaches are some of our favorite beaches in the world.
If you are craving privacy, you can find it in Anguilla. Getting to Anguilla takes a little bit of effort (large jets don’t land here), which makes the island considerably less crowded than most Caribbean destinations. In fact, you might spend the day on a long stretch of beach and barely see another person.
Although the island caters to more of a “luxury travel” experience, the vibe is far from stuffy. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a private family getaway, a romantic couples retreat, or for celebrating any special occasion.
Anguilla is one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets. For us, it is simply paradise.
Meads Bay Beach Villas – This small and secluded property includes four private villas which each have their own private plunge pool. Villa I sits directly on the beach while the other villas are literally a few steps from it. Each villa has two bedrooms, although Villas III and IV can be rented as a one-bedroom suite for a reduced price. Check rates and availability >>
Zemi Beach House – Located on Shoal Bay, Zemi Beach House is a luxury hotel with a Thai-inspired vibe. The location is perfect, the rooms are exquisite, and the service is superb. Complete with excellent restaurants and an incredible spa area, it is hard to go wrong with Zemi Beach House. Check rates and availability >>
Four Seasons – Known for their luxury hotels around the world, the Four Seasons Anguilla doesn’t disappoint. Overlooking both Meads Bay and Barnes Bay, this hotel boasts one of the most incredible views on Anguilla. The property offers regular guest rooms, suites, private residences, townhomes, and beachfront villas. Check rates and availability >>
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa – This luxury resort is located right on Rendezvous Bay. In addition to the incredible views of Saint Martin, the resort offers awesome food, an incredible spa, and access to an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. Check rates and availability >>
Garvey’s Sunshine Shack – Located right on Rendezvous Bay, eating at Garvey’s Sunshine Shack is an Anguilla must. This beach bar and grill offers excellent food and even better service. Garvey himself will almost certainly be manning the grill while you eat, drink, and soak up beautiful views of the bay. The venue often hosts live music and is also available for private parties.
Sunset Lounge and SALT – Grab a drink and enjoy the incredible sunset views from the Sunset Lounge at the Four Seasons. Don’t forget to try the island’s best sushi, including the Mona Lisa Roll, while you’re there. When you’re ready, head around the corner for a delicious seafood dinner at SALT, also located in the Four Seasons.
Sandy Island – Spend the day on this desert isle and enjoy some of the most ridiculous grilled Caribbean lobster we’ve ever had! The island is completely unpretentious – it’s a tiny spot with some chairs, some picnic tables, and a bar and grill that looks like a shack. However, the food is out of this world.
da’Vida – Featuring an extensive menu of seafood, sandwiches, pizzas, and more, da’Vida is a treat for the whole family. The beach bar and restaurant is open during the day while the main restaurant is also open for dinner. Check their schedule to hear live music from local musicians like Omari Banks.
Ocean Echo – Located on Meads Bay, this restaurant offers some of the most delicious seafood dishes you’ll find on the island. (Seriously, try the Mahi!) Sit inside or enjoy your meal while dipping your toes in the sand.
🌴🌴🌴 Rendezvous Bay – Located on the south side of the island, this is simply one of our favorite beaches in the world. The turquoise water is calm, the sand is powdery white, and the views of moutainous Saint Martin are incredible. Bring a towel and enough sunscreen to spend at least one day here!
🌴🌴 Meads Bay – This incredible stretch of coastline is another one of my favorite beaches in the world. Here, you’ll find sugary white sand, sparkling blue waters, and barely a soul in sight!
🌴🌴 Shoal Bay – Located on the island’s northeast side, Shoal Bay is home to another incredibly beautiful beach. A reef sits right off much the beach, helping to produce some of the craziest shades of blue water we’ve ever seen. It is also a fun spot to do some snorkeling. The area does have a few more hotels and restaurants than the rest of the island, so Shoal Bay is probably the most well known of Anguilla’s beaches. That also makes it the busiest beach for tourists, although it is still far from crowded.
🌴 Little Bay – Little Bay is a beautifully remote, tiny cove that is accessible only by boat. Well, that isn’t entirely true – you can also reach the beach by wandering through the brush and scaling down what is effectively a tall cliff. If you get the chance, rent a boat and take a picnic here for the day.
🌴 Sandy Island – Imagine a tropical desert isle, complete with a beautiful sandy beach and palm trees waving in the breeze. Now, imagine it with some beach chairs, umbrellas, and a small bar and grill. That is Sandy Island! It’s worth the quick 10-minute ferry ride to spend the day – especially if you’re craving grilled lobster.
Big Spring Cave – This protected area is known for the ancient petroglyphs etched into the cave’s walls. Tours of the site are conducted through the Anguilla National Trust.
East End Pond – Popular with birdwatchers and ecotourists, East End Pond is the only protected salt pond on the island.
(Key: 🌴🌴🌴=Must See, 🌴🌴=Make an Effort to Visit, 🌴=If You Have Time, None=Worth Mentioning)
Getting to Anguilla – As we’ve mentioned, large commercial jets do not fly directly into Anguilla. To get there, you can:
- Fly to St. Maarten (SXM) and arrive in Anguilla by private ferry
- Fly to St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, or Antigua and hop on a small connecting flight to Anguilla
Getting Around the Island – Anguilla is roughly 16 miles long and about 3 miles wide. We highly recommend renting a car while you are there. Renting a car is easy, the island is considered safe, and it is difficult to get too lost. Check rental car rates here >>
