ANGUILLA: TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE PRETTIEST ISLAND IN THE CARIBBEAN
Anguilla is my perfect Caribbean island. It’s small. It’s upscale. It’s crowd-free. There are no hagglers. And it’s home to some of the most epic beaches in the Caribbean. It’s funny, I knew very little about the island before this trip, and now it’s all I can talk about. This place is an absolute gem. Below is my complete travel guide to Anguilla including the best beaches, adventures, viewpoints, Anguilla photo locations, resorts, restaurants, travel tips and more.
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The view of Meads Bay from Four Seasons Resort Anguilla.
ANGUILLA TRAVEL TIPS
- HOW TO PRONOUNCE ANGUILLA? – It is pronounced ANG-GWI-LUH.
- CURRENCY – The official currency of Anguilla is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but the US Dollar (USD) is also widely accepted.
- RESERVATIONS – With a handful of restaurants on the island, it’s recommended to make dinner reservations in advance.
- TIPPING – Tipping etiquette is similar to the US. In fact, most restaurants will automatically add on a 15% gratuity.
- WATER – Similar to most islands, drink from bottled water and avoid iced cubes.
Shoal Bay East is the most picturesque beach on the island.
WHEN TO VISIT ANGUILLA
- DECEMBER-APRIL – High season on the island is the best time to visit. It’s sunny with low chance of rain, and the water is calm and idyllic this time of the year.
- MAY, JUNE, NOVEMBER – Shoulder season can be hit or miss with weather, but resorts often have more availability and offer lower prices.
- AUGUST-OCTOBER – Low season coincides with rainy season and the possibility of hurricanes. Most hotels and resorts close for all or part of the off-season.
It’s an easy climb down to Little Bay, a dazzling secluded cove that looks more like Corfu than the Caribbean.
HOW MANY DAYS ON ANGUILLA
One solid week is enough time to explore the island, its beaches and the best restaurants at a relaxed pace with a breathable itinerary. If time is tight, it’s possible to experience most of the island in four full days.
Loved the easy beach access from Four Seasons Resort Anguilla. OUTFIT DETAILS: Amazon coverup linked here.
BEST BEACHES ON ANGUILLA
LITTLE BAY
Little Bay is an absolutely stunning secluded cove on the north coast of Anguilla. The idyllic bay sits surrounded by soaring limestone cliffs covered in foliage – much more character than all the flat beaches on the island. It reminds me more of Corfu than the Caribbean. And because Little Bay isn’t easy to access, it’s very secluded. There are four ways to reach Little Bay:
- KAYAK – Bring your own kayak and launch from Crocus Bay.
- BOAT – Hire a water taxi from Crocus Bay. Everyone uses Calvin who runs drop-off and pick-up trips from Crocus Bay to Little Bay. You’ll find his boat under the large tree, near da’Vida Restaurant. Cost is $15 per person round trip. Travel time is 10-minutes each direction.
- JUMP – There’s a high place to cliff jump down into Little Bay (only for the adventurous).
- ROPE CLIMB – Use the resident rope to descend (and ascend) the steep cliff down to the bay. Honestly, I didn’t even need the rope, there are plenty of rock grips.
MAUNDAYS BAY
One of several stunning beaches on the island, Maundays Bay is crescent shaped and the epitome of a Caribbean post card. The sand here is powder white lapped by calm, turquoise water. This is a fabulous beach for swimming and sunbathing.
MEADS BAY
Another perfect beach that boasts soft white sand and blinding turquoise water. The beach is home to several island institutions including the resorts Malliouhana and Four Seasons, as well as restaurants Blanchards, Jacala and Straw Hat.
RENDEZVOUS BAY
The sand is soft, the views are epic on this two-mile stretch of beach that sits on the southwest coast of the island. Sunshine Shack is located on Rendezvous Bay, a great place to visit during lunch.
SHOAL BAY EAST
Not only is Shoal Bay East considered the prettiest beach on Anguilla, but it’s often called one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Both the sand and water here emit blinding shades of white and turquoise. The beach is quite large, stretching two miles along the east coast of the island. The north end of the beach is the prettiest, and where you’ll find an area that resembles the tip of a sandbar. Shoal Bay East is great for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling the offshore reef. And don’t confused Shoal Bay East with Shoal Bay West (they are two entirely different beaches).
Breakfast at Bamboo Bar & Grill every morning was an absolute treat.
PLACES TO VISIT ON AND AROUND ANGUILLA
KATOUCHE CAVE
This cave sits on the north side of the island for hikers looking for a break from the beach. Katouche Cave is a limestone cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites, surrounded by lush tropical greenery. A guide is recommended.
PRICKLY PEAR CAYS
This set of remote islands is located five miles north of Anguilla. Prickly Pear Cays are uninhabited, and offer up an amazing day trip option with paradise feels. The eastern cay is the prettiest, nestled in a turquoise lagoon ideal for swimming and sunbathing. There are two ways to get to the Prickly Pear Cays: hire a local shuttle boat from Sandy Ground or book a group or private boat tour.
ST. MARTIN
If you’re on Anguilla for awhile and need a change of scenery, consider a day trip over to St. Martin. There is a 25-minute public ferry that operates throughout the day. A one-way ticket is $30 USD for adults, and can be purchased in-person at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal (connects to the Marigot Port ferry terminal on the French side of St. Martin).
Our Four Seasons Resort Anguilla villa had a private infinity pool.
WHERE TO STAY ON ANGUILLA
Cap Juluca is an incredible five-star resort located on Maundays Bay. The Moorish design of the property is beautiful with white white dome villas conjuring all the feels of Andalusia and Morocco. It’s an intimate, but sprawling resort that boasts 64 rooms, 42 suites and 23 villas – large enough for guests to move around by golf cart, custom bicycles and a retro Volkswagen van. This place is beautiful.
This epic Four Seasons Resort sits perched on the bluffs that separate Barnes Bay and Meads Bay, both accessible from the property. The family-friendly resort is the largest on the island and offers a gamut of amenities including three pools (Aleta, Bamboo and Sunset), spa, rock climbing, tennis, kayaking, paddle boarding, basketball court, gym and a kids club. There are 181 accommodations, a mix of rooms, suites, villas and multi-bedroom residences. Rooms are plush, spacious and airy, nothing short of five-star luxury. And the residences are a great option if you’re visiting the island with a group.
Malliouhana is an institution on Anguilla, the first luxury resort on the island. It sits perched on a cliff between Turtle Cove and Meads Bay where the property’s iconic two-tiered infinity pool overlooks the sea. There are 63 rooms and suites on property that offer guests private terraces.
QUINTESSENCE HOTEL, RELAIS & CHATEAUX
This is the most intimate luxury resort on the island. Quintessence Hotel is a Relais & Chateaux boutique property that sits in a grand mansion, home to a mere 12 suites. The spaces are all completely unique featuring vaulted ceilings, Haitian art, four-poster beds, exotic woods, handcrafted furniture and marble bathrooms. The property overlooks beautiful Long Bay.
Zemi Beach House has the privilege of being located on Shoal Bay East, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. There are 76 beautiful rooms and suites that feature a range of amenities including private terraces, plunge pools and sea views. On-site is Thai House Spa, an authentic 300-year old wooden spa that was transported from Thailand.
Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay is a vibe for lunch.
WHERE TO EAT ON ANGUILLA
BAMBOO BEACH BAR
Fabulous seaside dining at Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, and the food is delicious. My personal favorites were the fresh fruit smoothies and the coconut banana pancakes.
BLANCHARDS BEACH SHACK
Casual place to eat on Meads Bay with a walk-up counter that serves both Caribbean and American cuisine. Menu offers a range of options including blackened mahi mahi tacos, lobster rolls, burgers and cocktails.
BLANCHARDS RESTAURANT
A sister establishment to the Beach Shack, Blanchards is a sit-down restaurant that is a favorite on the island. Menu includes panko-crusted grilled shrimp, zucchini bread, jerk chicken, grilled crayfish, sesame-crusted grouper and Moroccan fish tagine.
JACALA BEACH RESTAURANT
Jacala is considered one of the best restaurants on Anguilla. It’s located in an all-white open air dining room with views of the sea. The French-Caribbean fusion menu changes, but might include calamari risotto, filet mignon, snapper fillet, grilled crayfish and poached mahi mahi.
LIMON-LIMON
For a break from Caribbean fare, Limon-Limon offers a menu of coastal Mexican cuisine that is open for both lunch and dinner. Popular dishes include green enchiladas, tacos (cochinita pibil, pork carnitas and grilled tampiquena), short ribs and roasted chicken. Limon-Limon is located at the Four Seasons Resort.
SANDBAR
Popular spot on Sandy Ground for a laid-back lunch, or a cocktail at night when the beach transforms into a lively setting for music, drinks and dancing.
SHARKY’S
Sharky’s is a beloved local spot in West End Village. The restaurant is always packed with guests ordering popular dishes including lobster stir-fry, pan-seared snapper, crusted mahi mahi and grilled lobster. Reservations recommended.
STRAW HAT
Straw Hat offers beachside (or beach chair!) dining on Meads Bay. It’s located at the Frangipani Beach Resort, serving guests since 1996. Popular menu items include lobster Johnny cake benedict, tuna banh mi, Caribbean fish tacos, big eye tuna flatbread and grilled Anguillan lobster.
SUNSET LOUNGE
This lovely lounge for sunset views is located at the Four Seasons Resort. The lounge doesn’t take reservations – it’s first come, first serve. The black marble bar with open-air seating is a vibe. Drinks are fabulous, and the menu is Pan-Asian cuisine.
SUNSHINE SHACK
One of the best lunch spots on the island with a fun Reggae vibe. Sunshine Shack serves fresh grilled snapper, bbq chicken, ribs and lobster cooked over an outdoor charcoal pit. It occupies a prime location on Rendezvous Bay.
VEYA
Veya is referred to as the island’s treehouse restaurant. The garden setting is a nice change from all the beachside dining. Veya serves a fusion menu that mixes flavors from the Caribbean, India, Morocco and Thailand. Reservations recommended.
The grilled lobster at Salt was delicious.
GET AROUND ANGUILLA
- MOKE MINI VEHICLES – These fun open-air mini vehicles are a vibe, and fun way to explore the island. There are no doors, no rooftop and look like a stylish mini version of a British military Jeep (but in pink!).
- RENTAL CAR – Anguilla is a small island, but the beaches and restaurants are spread out. I suggest booking a rental car for your entire stay for the ease and freedom of moving around the island. Several international brands have outposts including Hertz, Avis, Thrifty and Dollar. There are also a handful of local agencies available.
- TAXI – If you prefer not to drive, there are taxis available. The fares are government regulated, and based on zones (not distance). You cannot hail cabs, instead there are designated taxi stands, or can be requested by a hotel or restaurant.
The resort has three pools, as well as direct shore access to two of the prettiest beaches on Anguilla.
GET TO ANGUILLA
- FERRY – If the flight times to Anguilla don’t work (or they are too expensive), an alternative is to fly to St. Martin and take the 25-minute public ferry. A one-way ticket is $30 USD for adults, and can be purchased in-person at the ferry terminal in Marigot.
- FLIGHT – The Anguilla-Clayton J. Lloyd Airport (AXA) welcomes direct flights from the US including American Airlines (from Miami) and AnguiillAir (from Boston, Newark and Baltimore). It can also be reach by short inner-island flights within the Caribbean on Anguilla Air Services, Ailver Airways, Tradewind Aviation and Trans Anguilla Airways.
