Imagine an island where traffic lights don’t exist, where beach bars play reggae covers of Adele songs, and where the sand is so white it glows under a full moon. Welcome to Anguilla—a 16-mile sliver of bliss where “rush hour” means waiting for a herd of goats to cross the road. If you’re craving a Caribbean getaway free of crowds and clichés, here’s why this British Overseas Territory deserves your suitcase space.
1. Beaches That Redefine “Paradise”
Anguilla’s 33 beaches are its heartbeat. Unlike neighboring islands, there’s no private shoreline here—every stretch of sand is public, from the celebrity-frequented Shoal Bay East (often dubbed the Caribbean’s most beautiful beach) to the wild, windswept Little Bay, accessible only by boat or a daring cliff scramble.
- Shoal Bay East: Two miles of blush-pink sand and water in 50 shades of turquoise. Snorkel the coral gardens at low tide.
- Rendezvous Bay: A crescent of serenity where you’ll find Garvey’s Sunshine Shack, serving rum punch so good it’s practically a civic duty.
Related : Why St. Barth Is a Must-Visit Destination for Yacht Lovers
2. A Food Scene That Punches Way Above Its Weight
With over 100 restaurants for just 15,000 residents, Anguilla is a foodie’s playground. Forget buffet lines—here, lobster is grilled beachside, and chefs trade Michelin pedigrees for barefoot brilliance.
- Must-Try: Tasty’s coconut-crusted snapper, Jacala’s champagne-soaked lobster salad, and the roadside “BBQ War” pits at Sandy Ground on Sundays.
- Local Secret: Order a “Ting with a Sting” (grapefruit soda + Anguilla’s potent Pyrat rum) at Elvis’ Beach Bar.
3. Infinity Boat: Your Gateway to Hidden Anguilla
No visit is complete without a day on the water with Infinity Boat—a locally owned charter company that’s redefining island exploration.
- Secluded Snorkeling: Their guides know secret spots like Prickly Pear Cays, where neon parrotfish dart through untouched coral.
- Sunset Champagne Cruises: Glide past offshore cays as the sky turns tangerine, with Anguilla’s coastline twinkling in the distance.
- Eco-Conscious Tours: Infinity Boat uses low-emission engines and partners with marine conservation groups to protect reefs.
- Pro Tip: Book their “Picnic & Snorkel” package. They’ll drop you on a deserted beach with a gourmet lunch and a vintage cooler of Prosecco—pure Robinson Crusoe chic.
Choose your Boat trip in Anguilla !
4. A Culture Built on Rhythm and Resilience
Hurricanes and history have shaped Anguilla’s spirit. The island’s 1967 revolution (a peaceful rebellion against British-Saint Kitts rule) birthed a fierce pride in independence. Today, that resilience shines through:
- Festivals: August’s Carnival is a riot of colorful j’ouvert parades and calypso battles.
- Art Scene: Gallery-hop in Island Harbour to meet painters like Cheddie Richardson, who crafts driftwood sculptures inspired by African and Arawak heritage.
5. Sleep in Style—Without the Stuffiness
Anguilla’s hotels blend luxury with barefoot ease.
- Belmond Cap Juluca: Moroccan-inspired villas steps from Maundays Bay. Their butlers deliver piña coladas via golf cart.
- Zemi Beach House: A 300-year-old Thai-inspired spa housed in a restored chattel house. Yes, really.
- Budget-Friendly Gem: The Reef Hotel offers sleek suites with kitchenettes—ideal for sunset cheese boards on your terrace.
6. The Secret to Anguilla’s Magic? Its People
Anguillans greet visitors like long-lost cousins. Strike up a conversation with a fisherman at Sandy Ground, and you might end up invited to a beach BBQ. As one local chef told me: “We’re not ‘friendly’—we’re just us.”
When to Go & How to Do It Right
- Best Time: November–April (dry season), but May–October offers lower rates and empty beaches.
- Getting There: Fly to St. Maarten (SXM), then a 25-minute ferry ride. Pro tip: Splurge on a private charter boat transfer—it’s worth the Instagram-worthy arrival.
- Leave Room For: A bottle of Anguilla Sea Salt, harvested from the island’s salt ponds since the 1600s.
Anguilla doesn’t shout. It whispers—through the rustle of sea grape trees, the clink of rum glasses at dusk, and the laughter echoing from an Infinity Boat skimming the horizon. Come for the beaches, stay for the soul. Just don’t blame us if you start browsing real estate listings by day two.
