The SL Guide To Anguilla
about the ISLAND
Considered by many to be one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, Anguilla has become a popular destination for solo travellers, couples and families alike. It’s also a safe bet when it comes to winter sun: when the season gets into full swing, the daytime temperatures average around 28°C, rarely dipping below 22°C even at night.
The island’s 33 beaches, none of which are privately owned, are another major draw, but there’s plenty to do besides lounging in the sun. Visitors can try a variety of water sports including LED light-up sea kayaking, horseback riding along the beach, all-terrain quad biking, hiking the island with local guides and experts, or taking to the tropical waters on a boat trip exploring the offshore cays like Prickly Pear or Sandy Island.
where to EAT & DRINK
With more than 100 places to eat across the island, Anguilla is becoming known for its food and drink scene, which blends West Indian, African, French and British cooking traditions. From roadside BBQs to independent family restaurants, beach bars serving seafood caught that day to fine-dining spots, foodies will be in their element. You could even book your trip to coincide with the island’s Anguilla Culinary Experience, a four-day festival held each May. During the epicurean event, chefs from Anguilla and around the world showcase why Anguilla is the ‘culinary capital of the Caribbean’ through experiences at the island’s world-class resorts, villas and restaurants that draw on the island’s rich history and abundance of sea-to-table ingredients.
Come evening, a party vibe takes over the island, with many bars playing host to singers, Caribbean bands and DJs. Locals claim that the cocktail scene in Anguilla is as hot as the weather – we like the sound of the action at Sandy Ground, the island’s nightlife hotspot, where you can enjoy tropical drinks below a canopy of palm trees and fairy-lights at the likes of Lit Lounge and Elvis Beach Bar. Shoal Bay East is another place for good times, with great bars and restaurants where locals and holiday makers mix. Highlights include Tropical Sunset Restaurant & Bar, Gwen’s Reggae Bar & Grill, Madeariman and Round De Corner Bar & Grill.
Malliouhana
INSPIRED?
Here Are Some Of The Most Popular Restaurants On The Island…
Celeste, at Malliouhana
Blanchards
Blanchards is often hailed as one of the best restaurants in the Caribbean and can be found on one of the most pristine beaches on Anguilla. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the main restaurant is an atmospheric open-air dining room. The team’s neighbouring Beach Shack offers a casual alternative: picture picnic tables on the beach, while guests dine with their toes in the sand.
Visit BlanchardsRestaurant.com
Ocean Echo
Ocean Echo is one of Anguilla’s newest five-star dining experiences, offering a decent mix of international and Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant’s USP? Panoramic ocean views from every seat. This tranquil spot often hosts live music and is open for lunch, dinner and private parties.
Visit OceanEchoAnguilla.com
Da’Vida
On an idyllic tropical cove on the northern coast of the island, you’ll find Da’Vida Beach Club. A destination in its own right, this Crocus Bay hotspot is one of the best places to catch sunset by the sea. Expect a wide-ranging menu of international and Caribbean classics – try the platter of mahi, shrimp, conch, mussels and crayfish served with lemon butter sauce.
Visit DaVidaBeachClub.com
Veya
On a hillside heading into Sandy Ground, Veya offers a refined dining experience in a treehouse setting. After selling all her belongings and moving her family to Anguilla in 2007, chef Carrie Bogar has been cooking for locals and tourists alike. Carrie’s creative menu showcases the freshest ingredients and is inspired by the flavours of the Caribbean, India, North Africa and South East Asia.
Visit VeyaRestaurant.com
Straw Hat
At Frangipani Beach Resort on Meads Bay, Straw Hat has been a firm favourite on the island since 1996. It’s relaxed and unpretentious with a fun beachfront atmosphere, offering a menu filled with crowd-pleasing regional classics such as hand-caught lobster and crayfish.
Visit StrawHat.com
Mango’s Seaside Grill
Showcasing locally caught fish and lobster in Barnes Bay, Mango’s serves uncomplicated dishes in a beautiful, relaxed location. The menu rarely changes for a reason – expect sesame snapper, spicy whole snapper, and five pepper crusted steak served with green peppercorn sauce.
Visit MangosSeasideGrill.com
Malliouhana
WHERE TO STAY: Hotels
Malliouhana
Malliouhana put Anguilla on the map as a luxury getaway – and today the oceanfront resort continues to set the standard. Atop a bluff that rolls down to white sands and the sea, the hotel offers spacious beachfront accommodation, an infinity pool with dramatic views, an award-winning spa and one of the most popular beach bars on the island.
Visit Malliouhana.com
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
This resort spreads out along Maunday’s Bay, one of the island’s best sandy stretches. In each bedroom or suite, tones of white are paired with soft pastel fabrics, there are huge bathrooms designed for pampering, and colourful flowers and natural botanicals bring the outside in. Hotel highlights include the infinity-edge pool, Pimms restaurant’s elevated Anguillian cuisine and The Cap Shack beach bar. A new spa in collaboration with Guerlain will debut in spring 2024.
Visit Belmond.com
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla
Set along the island’s northwest shore, this five-star resort has plenty of spacious accommodation – 80% with ocean views – and guests can fill their days with water sports, pool time and exotic dining experiences. We like the look of the split-level Townhouses, which feature private kitchens, outdoor grills and living areas that are ideal for entertaining at home if you’re travelling with a group. Each comes with a private pool overlooking the Caribbean.
Visit FourSeasons.com
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
Zemi Beach House
Spread across six acres, this sprawling spa resort aims to create balance and enhance wellbeing. An upscale beach home on Anguilla's Shoal Bay, guests staying at the hotel will have access to modern rooms, plenty of bars and restaurants (we like the look of the Bohio Sushi Lounge) and daily island excursions, catamaran tours, sunset sails, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing can all be arranged.
Visit ZemiBeach.com
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club
Here, guests can spend their days at the spa, playing on the island’s only golf courses and experiencing the hotel’s hydroponic farm-to-table dining destinations. This one is great for families: this autumn will see the launch of the Aurora Entertainment Park – think a half-acre swimming pool with a lazy river, water slides, a kid’s splash pad and cabanas, plus tennis courts and a tennis centre, pickleball courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, bocce ball courts, a rock-climbing wall, 18-hole miniature golf course and a teen centre.
Visit AuroraAnguilla.com
Carimar Beach Club
With over 35 years of history, this property provides its guests with a personal connection to the island’s best experiences. There are 24 spacious villas available as either a one-bedroom/one-bathroom or two-bedroom/two-bathroom set-up. The team provides an authentic Caribbean experience on the mile-long stretch of Meads Bay Beach. Each villa is within a minute’s walk to the sand and its location in the West End means it’s close to many of the best restaurants on the island.
Visit Carimar.com
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
Quintessence Hotel, Relais & Châteaux
Elegant and secluded, Quintessence Hotel is a luxury five-star oceanfront hotel. Inspired by the island’s original Malliouhana hotel, built and operated by the late Leon Roydon on Meads Bay, this property was meticulously constructed, stone by stone, over ten years by owners Geoffrey and Keenie Fieger, who set out to create an elegant escape that was rich in Caribbean character.
Visit QHotelAnguilla.com
The Manoah Boutique Hotel
On Shoal Bay East – a nearly deserted stretch of white sand – there's a handful of small-scale resorts and villas as well as a string of laid-back beach bars. The Manoah is one of them. A great spot for snorkelling, this space is all about the water – guests can dine directly on the beach or open beach terrace and all the rooms from the penthouse to one-bedroom accommodation has those famous ocean views.
Visit The-Manoah.com
Frangipani Beach Resort
With just 19 rooms and suites, plus a four-bedroom beachfront villa, this is a boutique hotel on Meads Bay. Guests can enjoy a pool and beach service, complete with complimentary motorised and non-motorised water sports. There’s an on-site fitness centre, tennis court and basketball court, plus lots of wellness treatments at the Plumeria Balinese Spa. Beachfront dining is available at Straw Hat Restaurant (see above), and there’s a beachside food and drink service and twice daily housekeeping as standard.
Visit FrangipaniResort.com
Tranquillity Beach Resort
This is one of the newest boutique hideaways on the island. Offering a ‘luxe-meets-low-key vibe’ experience across 15 private retreats right on the beach, these stylish oceanfront suites combine a villa feel with a highly personalised resort service. Dinner on the beach can be prepared by a private chef, the kitchens and bars are stocked with staples and spirits and there’s a five-star restaurant just moments down the beach.
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
WHERE TO STAY: Villas
Alkera
With views of Shoal Bay East hillside and the Caribbean Sea, Alkera overlooks stretches of white sand and offers privacy and a striking design for up to ten guests. A contemporary architectural gem, the villa blends indoor and outdoor living, with expansive glass panels, soaring ceilings and an open concept, so the island’s sunrises and sunsets can be enjoyed inside and out. Outside, there’s a heated infinity pool with floating island platform, an al fresco kitchen, bar and dining area, and tucked-away hammocks and seating areas.
Visit AlkeraAnguilla.com
Long Bay Villas
A celebrity favourite, Long Bay Villas Anguilla is on secluded Long Bay Beach. A trio of five-bedroom villas – Sand, Sea and Sky – were transformed inside and out by a team of designers and architects in 2018. Guests can enjoy the private 7,000sq ft villas, which comes with the support staff of an exclusive resort: think butlers, beach attendants, housekeepers and concierges. Each villa has an oceanfront terrace with heated infinity pool and hot tub, and living and dining areas that showcase the panoramic views. Four of the five bedrooms in each villa come with deluxe spa bathrooms with indoor/outdoor showers.
Santosha Villa Estate
On its own secluded stretch of Long Bay Beach, you’ll find Santosha Villa Estate Anguilla. The estate sleeps 21 guests in a grand villa and a collection of guest houses and suites that can be rented all together as a private resort. With a tropical garden, sea-view pool, hot tub and oceanfront courtyard, the elegant property also comes with a gym, three tennis/basketball courts, ensuite bathrooms with open-air showers, and stairs leading down to the beach. Five-star service includes a butler, concierge, housekeeping, 24-hour security and beach service with complimentary soft drinks.
Santosha Villa Estate Anguilla
Spyglass Hill Villa
On the ridge at North Hill, Spyglass Hill Villa is an elegant four-bedroom property, overlooking Sandy Ground and offshore Sandy Island. The villa is decorated in a contemporary Caribbean-Mediterranean style, with relaxed indoor/outdoor living spaces, an infinity-edge pool, large deck, indoor atrium, fitness room and spacious bedrooms. The master suite’s patio is a private hideaway, with an outdoor shower and jacuzzi. The villa is always rented exclusively, even if guests choose the one-bedroom option, so the entire villa and all its amenities are theirs only.
Visit SpyglassHillAnguilla.com
Little Butterfly Villa
Little Butterfly is a luxury one-bed apartment on the mezzanine level of Papillon Villa. It offers a contemporary and affordable stay in the centre of Anguilla. The south-facing suite offers complete privacy, a spacious king bedroom with ensuite and jacuzzi tub, open-plan living and dining areas, and a large outdoor deck that looks onto the turquoise waters of the sea and neighbouring island St Martin.
Beaches Edge Villa
Beaches Edge Villa is a five-bedroom oceanfront villa with direct beach access to secluded Pelican Bay, where guests will frequently have the sand entirely to themselves. The ultra-modern villa has soaring glass walls that provide views of the sea, an oceanfront terrace with pergola and one of the largest private pools on the island, plus a hot tub and shallow pool for kids. Four of the five bedrooms have ocean views, and all have private ensuites.
Visit BeachesEdge.com
Fletch’s Cove
Inspired by contemporary Mexican architecture, this oceanfront two-bed villa has been thoughtfully designed. Folding doors from the stylish, warm-toned villa open to the pool terrace, offering views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Guests can follow a short footpath to a small, secluded beach on the south coast. The villa is also close to popular beaches, restaurants and other island attractions.
Visit VillaLuxe.com
Long Bay Villas Anguilla
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Nevaeh
An exclusive, Balinese-inspired beachfront retreat, Nevaeh features nine luxurious bedrooms that can accommodate groups of up to 20. Alternatively, five bedrooms can be rented for smaller groups. Nevaeh is in Long Bay, a short distance from world-renowned Meads Bay Beach and several upscale restaurants. Amenities include a large pool, hot tub, gym, tennis and basketball courts, a golf simulator and cinema. Water sports equipment, golf carts, grocery stocking and personal laundry are included with all rentals.
Visit NevaehAnguilla.com
Cerulean Villa
A stay at Cerulean Villa combines the secluded luxury of a world-class beachfront location with the facilities of a five-star spa resort. Offered to one group exclusively, the enclave features nine guest bedrooms, multiple beachfront dining and lounging terraces, an expansive pool deck, infinity pool, tennis courts, private gym and dedicated spa room. Modern in design, the 20,000sq ft villa’s distinctive architecture catches the eye against the backdrop of beautiful Barnes Bay.
Visit LaCureVillas.com
Altamer Luxury Villas
Altamer comprises three white villas with great views south towards Saint Martin and direct access to a white sand beach. It’s a popular setup for large groups and wedding parties. If you’re travelling in numbers, Antilles Pearl and Blue Diamond both have five bedrooms each, while Petit Topaz is a one-bed duplex.
Visit Altamer.com
Malliouhana
Tradition Sailing Charters Anguilla
what to SEE & DO
By Sea...
As well as 33 beaches to choose from, there are lots of ways to experience the island by sea. Visitors can book onto a sunset sail on a classic ship with Tradition Sailing, or opt for a lunchtime or half-day trip to experience Anguilla on the water. A day visit to Anguilla’s offshore cays is a must. There are four to choose from: Sandy Island, Prickly Pear, Scilly Cay and Scrub Island – the latter tour offers cave snorkelling and sea turtle spotting. For something more active, Anguilla Watersports is the name to know. The team can organise anything from kiteboarding to paddleboarding and glass-bottom kayaking – and everything from simple rentals to academy training is on offer. Seven distinct marine parks protect the waters of Anguilla and its marine life, allowing reefs to thrive. One of the island’s most impressive dive destinations is Stoney Bay Marine Park, home to the 18th-century wreck site of Spanish galleon El Buen Consejo. The government of Anguilla has designated the site as an underwater archaeological preserve, where divers can spot submerged items like anchors, cannon balls and religious medallions.
On Land...
For a half sea/half land activity, guests can learn to ride a horse in the waves through Seaside Stables. We also suggest a visit to both Fountain Cave and Big Spring to spot hundreds of petroglyphs and carved stalagmites, representing the gods of the Taino indigenous populations who first called Anguilla home – book a heritage tour with Anguilla National Trust to learn more about island’s indigenous history. Visitors can also see Anguilla’s last surviving plantation house, Wallblake. Dating to 1787, it is believed to be the oldest building on the island and is a living testament to the short-lived plantation experiments for growing sugar and cotton on Anguilla. Quest Experiences is the go-to company for authentic island activities, from Johnny Cake making and salt picking, to hiking and guided cycling tours. For a change of pace, visitors can rent a recently redesigned Moke to explore the island.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
At just 17 miles long and three miles wide, it’s easy to plan a coast-to-coast hiking experience on Anguilla. Highlights include hiking and exploring the 80-acre Katouche estate – often referred to as the rainforest of Anguilla – Limestone Bay, Brimegin Trail and Windward Point. The Anguilla National Trust offers guided nature hikes, and Seagrape Tours offers birdwatching, hiking, snorkelling and scuba diving. Other active pursuits on Anguilla include yoga on paddleboards, horseback riding and bicycle tours, with many companies and hotels offering trips and lessons.
To Relax...
Anguilla’s five-star resorts offer style and seclusion at the highest level, including superb spas. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club’s Sorana Spa offers restorative experiences using natural elements from the island paired with refined techniques. With treatments inspired by the Caribbean’s rich healing traditions, the stylish Malliouhana Spa offers transformative, island-inspired spa journeys and a private spa infinity pool overlooking the sea. Favourite treatments at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort include the Blue Tranquillity massage, inspired by Anguilla’s turquoise bays, and the salt scrub which uses ingredients native to the island to smooth and detoxify the skin. At Zemi Beach House, the Zemi Thai House Spa is a sanctuary housed within a 300-year-old Thai house. This serene and luxurious spa features the island’s only hammam, as well as treatment rooms, relaxation areas and a fresh juice bar.
Visitors to Anguilla will find many independently operated wellness businesses, and independent masseurs who offer treatments at spas, beauty salons or at private visits to hotels or villas. Malakh Day Spa offers a truly Anguillian spa experience with its directly on the beach at Shoal Bay. Malakh offers an extensive array of spa services, including massages, reflexology, nail treatments, facials and body wraps for individuals, duos and larger groups. Retreat AXA is a full-service wellness studio where boutique barre fitness meets island paradise, just a short drive from many of the island’s hotels, resorts and villas. The studio offers barre-based fitness classes followed by homemade cold-pressed juices. Anguilla Yoga offers vinyasa flow classes of varying levels, led by resident yogi Sammi Green, while Josharmond Mckinson-Romney of Anguilla Healing Yoga incorporates methods and teachings from Ashtanga, Vinyassa and Hatha yoga in his sessions.
how to GET THERE
One of the joys of Anguilla is that it’s just off the beaten path – and as a result, it has retained its charming character and appeal. But there’s good news: the island can be easily accessed from the major gateways of Antigua, St Maarten and Miami.
Anguilla (AXA) is accessible from the UK via British Airways or Virgin Atlantic on services to Antigua, followed by a short inter-island flight transfer from Antigua (ANU) to Anguilla. An alternative route is with KLM/Air France via Amsterdam/Paris to St Maarten (SXM), followed by a short boat transfer or flight. American Airlines also operates a service from Miami International Airport (MIA) into Anguilla, with connections from/to the UK available.
British travellers after some winter sun will be pleased to know that Anguilla Air Services has announced it will be operating scheduled flights between Antigua and Anguilla three times per week for the upcoming season: AAS will operate return flights between Anguilla and Antigua on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from Friday 3rd November 2023 until April 2024.
Tradewind Aviation will soon operate twice weekly from Antigua to Anguilla, with a scheduled service on Saturdays and Sundays from 18th January until 8th April 2024. Plans are in place for a connection with British Airways, which would allow UK travellers to book London to Anguilla, via Antigua, on a single booking.
For more information, or to book a trip, visit IVisitAnguilla.com
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