Anguilla is a tranquil, sun-drenched jewel of the British West Indies. This island will captivate you with its chilled island vibe, soft white sand, and the bluest waters you’ve ever seen! In a world full of large cruise ships and busy beach resorts, Anguilla still feels intimate and unspoiled, offering travelers a gentle yet unforgettable Caribbean escape. I have visited twice and to this day it remains my favorite Caribbean island.
Most travelers do not fly into Anguilla directly. Arrive via nearby St. Maarten (SXM) and take a quick ferry across the channel (about 15-20 minutes). There are also direct flights from some U.S. cities, including Miami and Boston, making travel easier for those looking for a beach vacation without an additional stopover.
Once on the island, most beaches and restaurants are within easy reach, but renting a car gives you the freedom to explore all of the coast, from quiet bays to those overlooking the dramatic Atlantic Ocean. I highly recommend renting a car.
Four to five days in Anguilla is optimal, long enough to really relax without feeling rushed. Hop between some of the island’s best beaches, giving you time to explore the island by land or sea, and enjoy slow breakfasts, long lunches and natural sunset cocktails. In Anguilla, it’s important to get into a rhythm rather than over-plan, and five nights will allow you to do exactly that.
The small island of Anguilla has an impressive collection of luxury hotels, from iconic beach resorts to boutique hideaways with a very personal feel. Whether you want the luxury of full service or the elegance of bare feet, here are a few I always recommend:
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
A stylish, modern luxury hotel nestled between two of the island’s best beaches, featuring three stunning swimming pools and some of the most beautiful private villas in the Caribbean. Four Seasons Anguilla We have some of the best luxury villas on the island, perfect for families or groups of friends. We stayed here on a recent visit and loved it. Here is the blog post.
Belmond Cap Juluca
The iconic white domes along Maundays Bay offer an effortlessly romantic and timeless elegance. The property occupies the entirety of Maundays Bay, giving it a very secluded feel.
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club
A grand resort experience in Rendezvous Bay with a championship golf course, spacious grounds and great family charm. We stayed here in 2017 when it was Cuisinart, but now they’ve rebranded and it’s better than ever.
Earth Beach House
Shoal Bay’s boutique beachfront charm with a tranquil spa and a more intimate, forward-thinking design feel. We stayed here in 2017 and absolutely loved it. Here is the blog post.
Maliouhana
Anguilla’s grand dame sits dramatically on the sea with panoramic views and sophisticated, old-school Caribbean soul.
With 33 beaches surrounding this small island, Anguilla is widely considered to have some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and some of the best in the world. beauty? All beaches are public but still empty. You can rent a chair, have a long lunch, and spend the whole afternoon wherever you like. It’s better to explore the coastline by car or from the water on a boat tour.
In no particular order, here are seven must-visit places on the island:
Shoal Bay East
It is frequently ranked among the following: best beaches in the world (And my personal favorite beach, not just in Anguilla, but in the entire world.) Shoal Bay East is a place that will stop you in your tracks with its long, dazzling white sand beaches and turquoise waters. This is a beach that all future beaches can be compared to.
Rendezvous Bay
It has wide open coastline with views of St. Maarten in the distance and some of the calmest waters on the island since the Caribbean side.
Moundays Bay
Shaped like a perfect crescent moon with calm, glassy waters and iconic white domes lining the coast, this place has a postcard-worthy feel.
Little Bay
Accessible only by boat, kayak, or short hike, the dramatic cliff-lined cove is secluded, beautiful, and perfect for snorkeling.
cove bay
It’s leisurely and tranquil, with gentle waves and plenty of space to stretch out and stretch out. We did beach horseback riding here with Seaside Stables Anguilla and it was fantastic.
Barnes Bay
Quiet and understated, Barnes Bay is ideal for a peaceful swim away from the crowds.
Mezz Bay
Another world-class beauty, Meads Bay combines soft sands, dazzling sunsets and some of the island’s best beachfront restaurants.
Anguilla is often called the culinary capital of the Caribbean for good reason. For such a small island, the dining scene is impressive, with a mix of bare beach shacks and chic beach restaurants. Fresh seafood, bold Caribbean flavors, and sunset cocktails are basically a daily ritual here. Here are some popular products I recommend:
Sunshine Shack
This is the best lunch spot in Rendezvous Bay. Imagine grilled lobster, rum punch, and reggae floating in the air.
Blanchard Restaurant
This is a long-established island restaurant serving fine Caribbean cuisine in a romantic garden setting.
jackal
Intimate beachside dining with French Caribbean style and the freshest seafood on the island.
Straw Hat Restaurant
A comfortable yet sophisticated classic on the sand, perfect for long lunches that morph into sunset cocktails.
Sharky Restaurant
It’s colorful, creative and full of character, with bold local flavors and a true island feel.
Pimms (Belmond Cap Juluca)
Beachfront fine dining with a sophisticated Caribbean twist, ideal for a romantic evening.
Sunset Lounge (Four Seasons Anguilla)
Cliffside cocktails and panoramic views make it one of the best places on the island to watch the sky turn pink and gold.
- safety: Anguilla is regularly included in the Caribbean region. safest islandIdeal for individual travellers, couples and families.
- Island Speed: It’s getting dark here on the island. Slow and leisurely, this refreshing beach bar hums after the sun goes down.
- Dress code: Beachwear is on the sand. Skirts and light dresses complete the perfect town look.
- best time to go : November to April is the best time to visit!
What keeps travelers coming back is that Anguilla hasn’t lost its soul. Where many islands are busy and built-up, Anguilla is effortlessly sophisticated yet retains a deep sense of authenticity. This isn’t a glitzy Caribbean playground, each of the 33 white beaches feels like your own personal retreat. And once you experience it, you’ll understand exactly why Anguilla is not just a trip, but a place to visit again and again. This is why we came back and we know for sure that we will be back soon.
Thanks for stopping by! xoxo
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