Discover Anguilla: A Hidden Caribbean Gem with Stunning Beaches, Amazing Cuisine, and Premier Snorkeling

Paradise is a Caribbean island with white-sand beaches, aquamarine tides, and five-star resorts.

The Dominican Republic brims with all-inclusive resorts. Much of St Barts is about megayachts and swanky restaurants. Family and spring breakers flock to the Bahamas in droves. Nevis exudes an off-the-beaten-path allure (and celebrities love it). For a sun-splashed getaway that encapsulates adventure, relaxation, sea-view accommodations, breathtaking shores, and flavorful cuisine, plus a whole lot of luxury, you really can’t beat Anguilla in the Lesser Antilles.

With beautiful beaches and gorgeous sunsets, it’s one of the most picturesque islands in the region. “What makes it so special is, without a doubt, the people. Visitors will encounter warm, humble, and genuine hospitality throughout the island,” Colleen Harrigan-Walsh, an Anguillian native and the sales manager at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, told iBestTravel. Anguilla also boasts world-class resorts with service, amenities, and a romantic ambiance that rivals anywhere.

Not surprisingly, it’s a top destination for honeymoons and babymoons. More than just a setting to let sparks fly, this Caribbean gem is also an excellent family-friendly destination thanks to properties with kids clubs, sparkling swimming pools, and direct ocean access. Food enthusiasts rave about the standout culinary scene with seafood—especially local crayfish—as the star.

Ready to dip your toes in the warm ocean waters, frolic on the white sand, and sip fresh-cracked coconuts? Before jetting off to paradise, scroll on for expert guidance on everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Anguilla.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Malliouhana

It’s no secret that Malliouhana excels in luxury. This locally operated beachfront icon makes glamour look effortless with decor so chic and colorful it’s an instant mood booster. Couples enjoy gracious hospitality and an utterly intoxicating atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for romance—whether you’re relaxing on a striped lounge by the tumbling oceanfront infinity pool, lazing in a palm-shaded hammock, or enjoying a date night at Celeste.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

The rebranded Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla showcases a modern aesthetic and a kid-friendly setup superior to many luxury properties on the island. However, that doesn’t mean it’s any less ideal for relaxation. Thoughtful service, three pools, sprawling suites and villas, and activities ranging from kayaking to volleyball ensure a family vacation full of ease and excitement.

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla

Generations of discerning travelers remember Cap Juluca as the Anguillian resort that started it all. Luxury reaches new levels at this beloved Belmond property. Besides its immaculate setting on Maundays Bay and impeccable service, guests rave about the white-washed architecture, superb dining options, and spa treatments. Suites aren’t just for sleeping; they’re full-blown sanctuaries with king-sized beds, double tubs, and private pools steps away from the waves.

Quintessence Hotel

Couples seeking relaxation and romance will find bliss at the Quintessence Hotel, an adults-only Relais & Châteaux retreat overlooking Long Bay. Set amidst lush tropical gardens, this intimate property combines the best features of a grand mansion and a luxury beachfront resort. There are nine sophisticated villas and suites—each with 24/7 butler service—alongside an infinity pool, spa, tennis courts, and a celebrated French restaurant boasting an impressive wine cellar.

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

A great option for families, Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club stretches over 300 acres of tropical gardens and boasts a beachfront that looks photoshopped. The 178-suite property also features sparkling pools, multiple dining options, a 27,000-square-foot spa, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, and a forthcoming waterpark, in addition to fun activities like pickleball clinics and lobster BBQs.

Best Beaches

Rendezvous Bay

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful beach on Anguilla than Rendezvous Bay, which offers stunning views of St. Martin. It’s perfect for seaside strolls, swimming, and snapping memorable photos. The palm-fringed crescent of snow-white sand lapped by aqua tides looks like it’s filtered through an Instagram lens—yet we assure you, it’s all natural.

Mead’s Bay

Repeatedly ranked among the top beaches globally and one of the most cherished spots to soak up the sun in Anguilla, Meads Bay stands out against any sandy stretch in the Caribbean. “Beyond being a pristine place to lay out, it’s dotted with superb restaurants and resorts,” notes Harrigan-Walsh.

Little Bay

A secluded cove in northwest Anguilla accessible only by boat, Little Bay epitomizes a hidden treasure. Its remote location ensures you’ll share the aquamarine ocean and white sand with only a few sun worshippers and snorkeling fans.

Shoal Bay East

Calm waters, coral gardens, and vibrant marine life make Shoal Bay East one of Anguilla’s best snorkeling spots. After exploring the underwater wonders, visitors can relax with rental umbrellas and lounge chairs.

Sandy Island

For more tranquility, taking a boat excursion to Sandy Island is worthwhile. It’s a mere sliver of white sand surrounded by turquoise water, perfect for day-trippers looking to sunbathe, snorkel along the pristine reef, or sip rum punch at the lone brightly colored restaurant.

Best Things to Do

Big Spring Cave

Although archaeology might not be the first thought when considering Anguilla, Big Spring Cave reveals its prehistoric narrative. This ceremonial site dates back to 600 A.D. and showcases numerous fascinating petroglyphs alongside freshwater springs.

Fountain Cavern

Another site rich in pre-Columbian history, Fountain Cavern, offers a glimpse into the ancient artifacts left by the indigenous Amerindians, who resided on Anguilla about 1,500 years ago. Visitors can view petroglyphs etched into the bedrock and sculpted stalagmites.

Scrub Island

Scrub Island, small and uninhabited, is steeped in legend. Located not far from the eastern tip of Anguilla, its windswept, uncharted appeal features wild goats and deserted beaches. Myths surround the abandoned hotel and remnants of a smuggling plane, making it a memorable day trip.

Best Anguilla Restaurants

Sunshine Shack

Perched on Rendezvous Bay, the Sunshine Shack—also called “Garvey’s” by locals—is a colorful spot famed for its fresh food and vibrant atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike gather under the open-air setting to relish plates of grilled chicken, ribs, snapper, and lobster while enjoying cold beers or rum punch, all while taking in the waves lapping the sand.

Blanchards

Set on scenic Meads Bay, Blanchards is celebrated as one of the best dining establishments on the island. The menu highlights local ingredients, featuring delicious seafood alongside vegetarian and vegan options. The service is consistently excellent, and diners can choose to eat in the open-air dining room, bar, or outdoors on the leafy patio.

Jacala

A delightful venue for lunch or dinner, Jacala serves artfully prepared seafood dishes (with rave reviews for dishes like lobster risotto, conch ceviche salad, and red snapper) and boasts a stunning beachfront position complete with warm hospitality. Additionally, famed culinary personality Martha Stewart is among its fans.

Sharky’s Restaurant

Sharky’s Restaurant enjoys the rare distinction of being beloved by both locals and visitors. It stands out as one of the few Anguilla restaurants not on the beach—yet this doesn’t deter patrons. The outdoor patio, paired with live Caribbean music, creates a lively atmosphere. Once you try the stir-fried lobster, you’ll find yourself dreaming about it until the next visit.

The Cap Shack

Some of the best bars and restaurants can be found at high-end hotels, so it’s no surprise that The Cap Shack is located at Cap Juluca. This breezy beachside eatery, done the Belmond way, combines attentive service with stunning views of Maundays Bay and mouthwatering dishes—the tuna poke bowl and lobster roll are standout options not to be missed.

Best Time to Visit

Anguilla enjoys year-round great beach weather, but the most perfect conditions occur in the winter and early spring. Prices and demand peak during this time, especially during holiday weekends, as many seek to exchange the ice and snow for blue skies and consistent temperatures in the low 80s. From May to August, travelers might find good deals, as this period marks the start of hurricane season; yet the risk of a severe storm remains low.

If you’re hoping to save a bit, September, October, and early November offer reduced rates and fewer crowds; however, keep in mind that many businesses may close, and inclement weather could affect your travel plans.

How to Get There

Most travelers fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on Sint Maarten, which welcomes nonstop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Afterward, they can hop on a ferry or a private vessel to Anguilla. Alternatively, a quick 10-minute flight with Anguilla Air Services connects the two islands.

If you prefer to bypass the boat and small plane, Envoy Air, the largest regional carrier for American Airlines, operates a direct route between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Anguilla-Clayton J. Lloyd Airport (AXA). Tradewind offers seasonal scheduled service from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) to Anguilla-Clayton J. Lloyd Airport (AXA) from December to early April.

The most seamless travel option features Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, which recently launched charter flights exclusively for guests. These flights depart from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) directly to Anguilla, with a quick stop in San Juan on the return journey for customs clearance before returning stateside.

How to Get Around

With no public transport available, visitors typically get around Anguilla by taxi or rental car. Additionally, it’s common to spot vacationers driving Mokes—top-down fun rides that are popular in the Caribbean.