Four Seasons Anguilla
Four Seasons Anguilla

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A GUIDE TO ANGUILLA

INTRO: Anguilla: Tranquility wrapped in blue

Belmond Cap Juluca
Image courtesy of Belmond Cap Juluca

We all know the popular Caribbean destinations: Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos. But if you’re looking for a less crowded, off-the-beaten-path island, Anguilla should be your next stop. This small island boasts pristine white sandy beaches, relaxed beachfront dining, and luxurious resorts. Beyond its serene shores, you can dive into vibrant coral reefs, enjoy rum punch while listening to live music, or even take a quick trip to nearby Saint Martin for a change of scenery.

Anguilla, situated in the eastern Caribbean, is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With over 33 beaches, including the famous Shoal Bay, the island is a prime spot for snorkeling, diving, and other aquatic activities. The coastline features a blend of upscale resorts and charming boutique hotels, making it an ideal location for both relaxation and adventure.

The island’s vibrant culture and history are reflected in its lively festivals, traditional music, and varied cuisine. Historical attractions such as the Wallblake House and the Heritage Collection Museum offer insights into Anguilla’s past. Its dining scene spans from casual beachside eateries to fine dining establishments, catering to a range of tastes.

Exploring Anguilla is easy with the option to rent a Moke, a fun and open-air vehicle perfect for navigating the island’s roads. A drive around Anguilla uncovers hidden treasures and scenic views, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Renting a Moke enhances the Anguilla experience by providing a sense of adventure and the freedom to explore at one’s own pace.

HOW TO GET TO ANGUILLA

Since I flew in from EWR, I combined the destination with St. Martin. I flew into  the  Princess Juliana International Airport at St. Martin (a 4-hour flight from Newark), spent couple days at St. Martin, and took a 30-minute boat ride over to the island. 
 
Once in Anguilla, I took cabs when I needed to go places, but next time I would rent a car. If your ideal vacation involves hopping from one crystal clear beach to another, eating delicious meals, and avoiding large crowds, Anguilla is for you. 
 
They’re in the process of building a bigger airport that will allow for more commercial flights to come in, so if you’re planning to go, do it soon before it loses its island charm.If you live in Florida, it’s a short direct flight into the Anguilla airport. 
 
PRO TIP: You have to pay a tax at the airport upon exiting but luckily they do accept visa/mastercard and ofcourse cash. 

WHEN TO VISIT ANGUILLA

Anguilla benefits from a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, making it an appealing destination at any time. However, different times of the year offer distinct advantages depending on what you’re looking for. The peak season in Anguilla runs from December to April when the weather is ideal, with temperatures typically ranging from the upper 70s to 85 degrees. It’s a perfect escape from the cold winter, but be prepared for higher prices during this time.

For a more budget-friendly option without compromising on great weather, consider visiting between May and early August. Avoid traveling from September to November as many businesses, including resorts, close for hurricane season.

High Season (December to April):This is the peak period for visitors, featuring sunny, dry weather ideal for beach activities and water sports. The temperatures are comfortably warm, and the island is alive with events and activities. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so it’s advisable to book accommodations early.

Shoulder Season (May to August): During the shoulder season, travelers enjoy a mix of favorable weather and fewer crowds. While temperatures remain warm, occasional showers are usually brief and followed by sunshine. This period is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed vibe and better accommodation rates. The island remains vibrant, with most attractions and restaurants operating as usual.

Low Season (September to November): In the low season, Anguilla experiences higher humidity and increased chances of rain, including potential hurricanes. For those who are flexible with the weather, this can be a serene time to explore the island’s beauty with fewer tourists. However, some businesses may have reduced hours or be temporarily closed.

WHERE TO STAY IN ANGUILLA

When it comes to high-end destinations in the Caribbean, Anguilla stands out. This little gem of an island boasts some of the world’s most architecturally stunning and beautifully decorated spots that will leave you breathless at every corner as you sip your rum punch overlooking the sparkling aqua sea. 

But how do you choose where to stay in Anguilla? The good news is that while there are numerous amazing options, each is best suited for different types of trips and travelers and we will of course pair you with the perfect resort. 

When selecting a luxury resort in Anguilla, three names frequently come up, although we have an extensive selection of villas as well: 

1. Read our review of Belmond Cap Juluca 

2. Malliouhana, an Auberge resort, and 

3. Read our review of The Four Seasons Resort Anguilla

Each caters to a different audience, offering distinct experiences. If you have five nights or more on the island, consider splitting your stay between two of these resorts to experience different sides of Anguilla. This approach allows you to fully appreciate the island’s diverse offerings.

WHERE TO EAT IN ANGUILLA

Anguilla is known for having the best food in the Caribbean, from freshly caught seafood to Caribbean classics like jerk-style meats. And rum!

Even though Anguilla is only 35 square miles, the island is home to over 100 restaurants. Yes, you read that right! Anguilla is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. They even host an annual Anguilla Culinary Experience, which is an international epicurean festival where chefs from both Anguilla and around the world meet to raise money for culinary education for the island’s next generation. With all the restaurants on the island, we couldn’t visit them all, but my personal favorites include Blanchard’s, Picante, and Cip’s.

  1. Pimms Restaurant – is classed as one of the most romantic restaurants on the island. Beautifully located on the water’s edge, Pimms offers amazing Caribbean inspired selections like ‘Pan-Fried Local Mahi Mahi’ and ‘Anguillan Lobster Coco Cappuccino’ that appeals to all the senses. Open Friday – Tuesday for dinner.
  2. Cip’s by Cipriani – enjoy classic Italian meals like ‘Prosciutto Di Parma’ in a serene, al fresco setting. Open daily for dinner.  
  3. Uchu – serves delightful Peruvian bites and creative cocktails. By day, unwind in the relaxing atmosphere of Maundy’s Bay. At night, it gets a bit livelier with acoustic entertainment by our local artistes (except for Mondays). Open daily for lunch and dinner.
  4. Cap Shack – a casual, ‘toes-in-sand’ lunch outlet. Enjoy a savory ‘Tuna Poke Bowl’ while sipping on a potent cocktail concocted in a vintage bus.  
  5. Salt at the Four Seasons
  6. Jacala 
  7. Blanchard’s Restaurant: Blanchards is situated on Meads Bay, one of the most popular beaches on the island, home to many hotels and some of the best restaurants. Start with happy hour at  Blanchards Beach Shack, which is perfect for lunch and snacks (or feeding your kids if they’re with you). Then, stroll along Meads Bay to watch the sunset and explore the hotels on the strip before returning for dinner. I will definitely return to the Beach Shack for lunch and happy hour on my next visit, and Blanchards for dinner without question—it was my favorite meal in Anguilla
  8. Mango’s Seaside Grill

  9. Celeste at Malliouhana   

  10. Veya Restaurant:  A beautiful restaurant with live music to enjoy while dining. My favorites were the tuna crudo, steak lettuce wraps, banana cheesecake trifle, and chocolate lava cake. We ordered three appetizers and one main dish to share because all the appetizers sounded so good, we couldn’t decide which to get. I would definitely order that way again next time. It’s always fun to try a variety of different dishes. 
  11. Straw Hat Restaurant: Our dinner here was amazing. I especially loved the tuna flatbread and the guacamole appetizer served with plantains. The tuna dish reminded me of the tuna pizza at Momoya (one of my favorites), but Straw Hat’s version was even better. For our mains, we ordered the snapper and the grouper, both simply prepared. We finished with two desserts: a chocolate cake and an ice cream pie, both of which were delicious. We left feeling full and satisfied.
  12. Sharky’s
  13. Tasty’s POV: The diners here included both locals and tourists, but there was a notable presence of locals, which I loved. Everything we ordered was prepared in a simple and delicious manner, which I really appreciated. I had the tuna tartare and seafood salad, featuring crayfish, snapper, lobster, shrimp, and conch—it was the best I’ve ever had. Others ordered the lamb chops, which were also delicious. For dessert, we had the coconut cake and brownie; the coconut cake was incredible, and the brownie did not disappoint. The entire meal was simple, light, and outstanding.
  14. Ocean Eco

WHAT TO DO IN ANGUILLA

  1. Explore the Beaches: Anguilla boasts an array of stunning beaches, though they may start to blend together after a while. We particularly enjoyed exploring Meads Bay, Shoal Bay East, and lounging at Cap Juluca.
  2. Play Pickleball & Do Yoga: Unique amenities are routinely offered at hotels, such as pickleball and yoga. If you’re interested in activities like these, be sure to check what amenities are available at the hotels you’re considering.
  3. Take a Boat to Prickly Pear:  We did half a day boat tour to this small island off Anguilla and loved exploring it. We enjoyed a lunch that felt like a home-cooked meal, featuring lobster, small plates of salad and potato salad, mahi mahi, and ribs. 
  4. Visit Shoal Bay East:  This was one of the bluest and most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.
  5. Rent a Chair at the Cap Juluca Hotel: This is included in your stay if you are staying at the hotel. Cap Juluca has one of the best beaches in Anguilla, where you can just swim in the crystal clear pool. 
  6. Moke rental: Renting a Moke is a fun and practical way to explore Anguilla. These open-air vehicles are perfect for navigating the island’s scenic roads, providing an enjoyable and flexible way to visit various attractions. A Moke rental offers the freedom to discover hidden gems and experience Anguilla at your own pace, making it an essential activity for any visitor. Although in Anguilla is easy, you will have to adjust to driving on the left side of the road!

  7. Salt Picking experience: Before Anguilla’s tourism boom of the 1980s, salt picking was the primary livelihood for Anguillans. Today, the island’s largest salt pond in Road Bay, amidst the warm and dry weather, evolves from shallow coastal ponds into natural salt pans, crystallizing seawater. Take part in this age-old tradition, connecting with Anguilla’s maritime heritage. Enjoy traditional breakfast bites after the experience, just like the ancestors did in the old days.

Picture of Urvshi Marwah

Urvshi Marwah

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