Welcome to the captivating world of Anguilla, a hidden gem in the Caribbean Sea that promises an enchanting escape like no other. With its powdery white beaches like Meads Bay, turquoise waters, and warm island hospitality, this serene paradise boasts a myriad of wonders waiting to be explored.
If Anguilla is a novel discovery for you, or if you’re already intrigued and seeking to uncover more about this captivating destination, you’re in for a treat!
Renowned as the world’s premier luxury island destination, as voted by the prestigious World Travel Awards, Anguilla boasts a magnetic allure with its endless stretches of pristine white sandy ground beaches, swaying palm trees, and the mesmerizing sapphire blue sea.
It’s no wonder why travelers from every corner of the globe are drawn to its laid-back vibe and enchanting beauty.
Where is Anguilla?
In my recent adventure, I was invited by the Anguilla Tourist Board to spend three unforgettable days in Anguilla, a British overseas territory nestled in the Eastern Caribbean, just a short 20-minute ferry ride north from Sint Maarten and to the east of Puerto Rico.
What is a fun fact about Anguilla?
Anguilla was named after the Spanish word for eel, because of its eel-like shape.
What is Anguilla best known for?
Anguilla is a popular tourist destination because of itsย easygoing atmosphere and magnificent beaches and waters. Make sure to check out Bay Beach & Shoal Bay East.
Where is the best place to stay in Anguilla?
In my experience, if you are spending your vacation on a luxury island like Anguilla, go all out and stay in a luxury hotel, such as the Viceroy or CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa.
If you are looking for something more budget-friendly, I spent a few nights at Anguilla Great House Beach Resort, which has an amazing location, directly on the beach, but the rooms could use a renovation.
I also spent a night at Anacaona Boutique Resort. This one is not on the beach but does have access to two beautiful pools.
What language does Anguilla speak?
The official language is English. Most people in Anguilla speak British-influenced English.
What is Anguilla’s famous dish?
Anguilla’s National Dish is Pigeon Peas and Rice. Check the 5 best places to eat in Anguilla here.
What is the best month to visit Anguilla?
The best times to visit Anguilla areย February through Aprilย when rain is at its lowest. The worst times to visit are August through December when it rains the most.
What are the best things to do in Anguilla?
You’re Caribbean island stay is most likely to revolve around water, sunbaking, and eating. These are the worst things to do in Anguilla.
Check out these cool activities from Get Your Guide.
What is Anguilla Day?
Anguilla wanted its independence from the state. As of 30 May 1967 Anguilla Day commemorates the repulsion of the Royal St Kitts Police Force from the island. Its union with Saint Kitts and Nevis was formally severed in 1980.
Get ready for an exciting journey as we delve into bite-sized Anguilla tidbits that are sure to surprise and delight you!
22 things you may not know about Anguilla
1.ย Anguilla isย so tiny! Itโs only 26km longย (16 miles) and 5 km wide (3 miles).
2.ย Anguilla is aย popular tax haven since there are no capital gains, estate, profit, or other forms of direct taxation.
3.ย More than 90% of the residents areย descendants of slaves transported from Western Africa. They are friendly and happy people.
4.ย While Anguillans eat a lot of seafood, goatย is the most popular meat.
5.ย Anguillaโs averageย annual temperature is a warm 27ยฐCย (80ยฐF).
6.ย While Anguilla does accept US dollars, the official currency is theย Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is pegged to the US dollar at US$1 = EC$2.70.
7.ย Everything in Anguilla isย crazy expensive. Most things are imported to the island, which makes supermarket items priced high. But itโs not just supermarkets. Restaurant and accommodation costs can be steep as well.
8.ย The island’s accommodation is Luxury, with a capital L.ย While snorkeling I spotted a beautiful cliff-top property. My guide reported it is a vacation rental priced at around US$10,000 to US$35,000 per week.
9.ย While super luxurious hotels are easy to find, do not worry, as you can pick upย budget-friendlyย accommodations ranging from US$100 – $150 per night for a couple.
10. For a US$40 round trip (on a boat shuttle named โHappinessโ) you can get to Sandy Island, a small cay off of Anguilla โ a secluded paradise within paradise. In my opinion the best beach on the island.
11.ย There is aย Heritage Trail, where you can visit beautifulย old churchesย and interesting historic features of the island.
12.ย Theย food is amazing. So amazing it deserved itโs own post.
13. Snorkel is a popular past-time in Anguilla. Anguilla is renowned for its spectacular and ecologically significant coral reefs and beaches. We spent one-morning snorkeling at Shoal Bay, and while it might not have been as impressive as the Great Barrier Reef, there were plenty of colorful tropical fish and beautiful cave systems in the cliffs.
Whether you choose between Shoal Bay, Maunday’s Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Little Bay, Scilly Cay, Cove Bay, Crocus Bay, or any of Anguilla’s 33 beaches, you’ll find the perfect beach for you. Anguilla is the answer to perfect beach wanderlust.
14.ย You can get there byย charter planeย โ but why fly when you can ride the waves?
15.ย You can get to Anguilla byย ferryย from St Maarten beach in just 20 minutes.
16.ย The island is full ofย goats. Lots of them. As the localsโ primary meat source, you will find goats all over the island.
17.ย Stray (orย ultra-free range)ย chickensย abound โ like most of Central & South America.
18.ย Theย locals all know each other. ย With a population of only 15.9 thousand (2023 estimate), it seemed everywhere we went our guide was greeting a friend or neighbor.
19.ย I love the cinema and while not a shock to some, having no cinema was a shock to me. If you want to watch the latest blockbuster, youโll have to head to St Martin (Sint Maarten). Not far, but a whole other country.
20.ย Most localsย shop onlineย or visit Puerto Rico. San Juan is a one-hour direct ๏ฌight.
The local post office has a US address to make โdomesticโ delivery easy. But there are not many retail shops on the island so most of the locals head offshore to North America. The lack of retail malls really does add to the rustic charm though.
21.ย There areย no real streetsย or letterboxes. Post is delivered to the post office for you to collect.
22. Youโll need more than 3 days. To truly enjoy the island, relax on the beach, and soak it in, plan for at least a week or more. My 3 days only left me wanting more and completely unsatisfied!
Anguilla’s serene and remote island ambiance provides the perfect escape from the frantic pace of everyday life, allowing visitors to unwind and embrace tranquility in its purest form.
This Caribbean island is a sanctuary for the soul, that invites you to bask in its laid-back charm and immerse yourself in the essence of relaxation.
If this list has sparked your curiosity and ignited a desire for a soul-soothing getaway, then it’s time to set your sights on the captivating allure of Anguilla!
