The Caribbean is filled with spectacular destinations, but few offer the blend of luxury, serenity, adventure, and authentic hospitality quite like Anguilla. While the Dominican Republic brims with lively all-inclusive resorts, St. Barts showcases extravagant megayachts, and the Bahamas cater to family vacations, Anguilla offers a perfect retreat for travelers seeking something different — unspoiled beaches, heartfelt hospitality, luxurious stays, vibrant culinary scenes, and unforgettable marine adventures. Nestled in the Lesser Antilles, this jewel shines brightly among Caribbean islands.
With its miles of powdery, white sand beaches and picture-perfect sunsets, Anguilla is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in the region. Yet beyond the natural beauty, it is the warmth of the Anguillian people that leaves the most lasting impression. “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, a native of Anguilla and sales manager at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, shared with Travel + Leisure. Indeed, every encounter, every meal, every stroll across the island is imbued with a sense of welcome that cannot be manufactured.
Anguilla is not only a top destination for honeymooners and couples seeking romantic escapes, but it is also a haven for families. Numerous resorts cater specifically to children with special clubs, kid-friendly activities, and sparkling swimming pools overlooking the ocean. Meanwhile, food lovers will be delighted with the island’s culinary richness — where seafood reigns supreme, particularly the local crayfish, which foodies claim is among the best they’ve ever tasted.
Whether you’re dreaming of dipping your toes into turquoise waters, lounging under a palm tree, embarking on thrilling underwater adventures, or indulging in world-class gastronomy, Anguilla offers all the ingredients for an unforgettable Caribbean holiday. Scroll down to discover everything you need to plan your trip to paradise.
Best Hotels and Resorts in Anguilla
In Anguilla, luxury isn’t just a promise — it’s a way of life. The island’s finest resorts balance breathtaking locations, impeccable service, and thoughtfully curated experiences for every type of traveler.
Malliouhana
A dazzling fixture on Anguilla’s shoreline since its opening, Malliouhana is an effortlessly glamorous resort where colorful, stylish interiors meet unmatched natural beauty. Overlooking a stunning stretch of ocean, this beachfront icon is a haven for couples seeking romance. Picture yourself stretched out on a striped lounger by the oceanfront infinity pool, swinging gently in a palm-shaded hammock, or savoring a candlelit dinner at Celeste, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant. Every moment at Malliouhana feels like a cinematic love story waiting to unfold.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Formerly the famed Viceroy Anguilla, the rebranded Four Seasons Resort and Residences embraces a sleek, modern aesthetic while remaining deeply rooted in island charm. It caters beautifully to families, offering three spectacular pools, sprawling villas, and a range of outdoor activities including kayaking, beach volleyball, and guided snorkeling tours. The thoughtful service ensures parents can truly unwind while kids embark on endless adventures under the Caribbean sun. It’s the epitome of worry-free luxury for all ages.
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
A beloved institution in Anguilla’s luxury scene, Cap Juluca remains synonymous with island elegance. Nestled along Maundays Bay, this Belmond property offers more than just a place to stay — it offers an experience. The pristine beach, whitewashed Greco-Moorish architecture, flawless service, and sophisticated dining options create a timeless environment where every sunset feels more magical than the last. Suites feature king-size beds, dual soaking tubs, private pools, and direct beach access, ensuring every guest feels enveloped in luxury from dawn till dusk.
Quintessence Hotel
For adults seeking an intimate, refined getaway, the Quintessence Hotel — an exclusive Relais & Châteaux property — delivers pure bliss. Overlooking Long Bay, this exquisite retreat feels like a grand tropical mansion combined with a luxury boutique hotel. Nine gorgeously appointed suites and villas offer 24-hour butler service. Guests can unwind in the serene infinity pool, savor fine French cuisine paired with rare vintages from the wine cellar, indulge in holistic spa treatments, or browse an impressive private art collection. It’s the ultimate destination for discerning travelers looking to completely escape the ordinary.
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club
Families looking for a lively, activity-filled experience will love Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. Spanning more than 300 acres of lush tropical landscapes and boasting a breathtaking beachfront, this expansive resort is a playground for guests of all ages. It offers sparkling pools, multiple world-class dining venues, a Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, a 27,000-square-foot spa, and a variety of organized activities — from pickleball clinics to lobster barbecues. A new water park is also on the horizon, promising even more fun for future visitors.
Best Beaches in Anguilla
Anguilla is famous for its spectacular coastline, with some of the finest beaches not just in the Caribbean but in the entire world. Here are the ones you simply can’t miss.
Rendezvous Bay
With its soft, white sand and sweeping views of nearby St. Martin, Rendezvous Bay is one of Anguilla’s crown jewels. Perfect for long seaside strolls, gentle swimming, or snapping idyllic vacation photos, the calm, inviting waters and palm-lined crescent shore feel almost too perfect to be real. Whether you want to lay back under the sun or dance barefoot in the surf, this stretch of paradise is an unmissable highlight.
Meads Bay
Repeatedly voted among the world’s top beaches, Meads Bay combines sheer natural beauty with exceptional amenities. It’s not just a place to sunbathe — it’s a complete experience, with upscale restaurants, beach clubs, and luxury resorts like Malliouhana and Frangipani Beach Resort lining its shores. “Beyond being a pristine place to lay out, it’s dotted with superb restaurants and resorts,” notes Harrigan-Walsh. The sunsets here are particularly magical, casting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Little Bay
Little Bay is a secluded cove tucked into the northwestern cliffs of Anguilla. Accessible only by boat or via a daring rope descent down the cliffs, this hidden gem rewards the effort with tranquility and stunning snorkeling opportunities. The crystalline waters teem with marine life, and thanks to its isolation, you’ll often have this slice of heaven almost entirely to yourself.
Shoal Bay East
If snorkeling is on your Anguilla agenda, Shoal Bay East should be your first stop. Its thriving coral gardens and abundant marine life make it a snorkeler’s dream. Beyond the underwater adventures, Shoal Bay East offers powdery white sand perfect for lounging. Plenty of amenities — from beach bars to umbrella and lounge chair rentals — mean you can easily spend an entire day enjoying the scenery and sea.
Sandy Island
For a true castaway experience, hop on a boat and venture to Sandy Island. This tiny speck of sand ringed by aquamarine waters offers the ultimate escape from reality. Day-trippers can bask in the sun, snorkel around pristine reefs, and enjoy a laid-back lunch at the island’s sole restaurant, sipping rum punches and feasting on fresh seafood with toes in the sand.
Best Things to Do in Anguilla
Beyond the beaches and resorts, Anguilla offers cultural, historical, and natural experiences that reveal a deeper side of the island.
Big Spring Cave
Anguilla’s rich indigenous history is preserved at Big Spring Cave, a prehistoric Amerindian ceremonial site dating back to around 600 A.D. Here, visitors can view remarkable anthropomorphic petroglyphs etched into the stone walls and marvel at the ancient freshwater springs that once sustained early inhabitants. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the island’s distant past.
Fountain Cavern
Another site of immense archaeological significance, Fountain Cavern holds a treasure trove of Pre-Columbian artifacts. Carved stalagmites and intricate petroglyphs offer silent testimony to the island’s early Amerindian cultures. Today, it stands as a preserved site of wonder for history buffs and curious travelers alike, serving as a reminder of Anguilla’s storied beginnings.
Scrub Island
Just off Anguilla’s eastern tip lies Scrub Island, a wild and largely uninhabited paradise steeped in local legend. It’s a favorite for day-trippers looking to explore deserted beaches, mysterious ruins, and the remains of a smuggler’s plane wreck. Stories abound of shipwrecks and secret treasure, giving Scrub Island a mystical aura that adventurous visitors find irresistible.
Best Anguilla Restaurants
Anguilla’s culinary scene is a dynamic celebration of the island’s vibrant culture, fresh seafood, and international influences. Whether you’re dining at a beachfront shack or a five-star resort, delicious meals await at every turn.
Sunshine Shack
Located on the picture-perfect sands of Rendezvous Bay, the Sunshine Shack — affectionately known as “Garvey’s” by locals — is a cheerful beachfront haunt where good vibes and great food flow freely. Locals and visitors alike flock here for grilled lobster, snapper, ribs, and chicken served up in generous portions. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and every rum punch feels like the start of a new adventure.
Blanchards
Set against the stunning backdrop of Meads Bay, Blanchards has been an institution on Anguilla’s dining scene for decades. Its menu spotlights local ingredients and boasts a delightful range of seafood dishes, vegetarian options, and Caribbean flavors with global twists. Diners can choose between an elegant open-air dining room, a lively bar area, or an enchanting garden patio for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Jacala
A favorite for leisurely beachfront lunches and romantic dinners, Jacala wows with artfully prepared dishes like lobster risotto, conch ceviche, and freshly grilled snapper. The French-influenced menu combined with warm hospitality and breathtaking views makes it easy to see why it’s so beloved. And if you need one more reason to visit, Martha Stewart herself counts Jacala among her favorites in Anguilla.
Sharky’s Restaurant
Unlike most dining spots in Anguilla that cling to the coast, Sharky’s Restaurant is set inland — but don’t let that dissuade you. Adored by locals and tourists alike, Sharky’s offers a lively atmosphere with Caribbean music, a breezy outdoor patio, and standout dishes like stir-fried lobster that will have you planning your next visit before you even finish your meal.
The Cap Shack
Located at the luxurious Cap Juluca resort, The Cap Shack is a breezy beachside eatery that elevates the casual Caribbean dining experience. With impeccable service, stunning views of Maundays Bay, and mouthwatering dishes like tuna poke bowls and lobster rolls, it captures the essence of laid-back Anguillan elegance at its finest.
Best Time to Visit Anguilla
Anguilla boasts a warm, sunny climate year-round, making it an excellent destination whenever you need a beach escape. However, certain seasons offer distinct advantages depending on your priorities.
Winter and early spring — especially from December through March — are considered peak season, when travelers eager to trade snow for sand descend on the island. During this time, expect perfect beach weather with temperatures consistently in the low 80s and minimal rainfall. Naturally, prices are highest during this period, particularly around major holidays.
From May to August, visitors can enjoy more affordable rates and fewer crowds as the official hurricane season approaches. While the risk of major storms remains low early in the season, it’s something to keep in mind when planning your trip. September, October, and early November offer the lowest prices, but many businesses close temporarily, and travel disruptions due to weather are more common.
How to Get to Anguilla
Though Anguilla feels like a hidden gem, getting there is more convenient than you might think, especially with the many transportation options connecting it to major hubs.
Most visitors arrive via Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which offers direct flights from cities like New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Miami (MIA), and Atlanta (ATL). From SXM, travelers have two choices: a short ferry ride or a quick 10-minute flight to Anguilla. Regular ferries and private water taxis operate between Sint Maarten and Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on Anguilla, making the transfer simple and scenic.
Alternatively, for those who prefer to skip boats altogether, there are direct flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) operated by Envoy Air, a regional carrier for American Airlines. Additionally, Tradewind Aviation offers scheduled flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to Anguilla during the high season from December to early April.
Guests staying at the luxurious Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club can take advantage of the resort’s exclusive charter service, with flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) directly to Anguilla, streamlining the journey even further. The return flight includes a brief stop in San Juan for customs clearance before continuing home.
How to Get Around Anguilla
Anguilla is a relatively small island, but it doesn’t have a public transportation system, so visitors have a few options for getting around once they arrive.
Most tourists opt to rent a car, which offers the flexibility to explore hidden beaches, off-the-beaten-path eateries, and scenic spots at their own pace. Keep in mind that driving is on the left side of the road, a remnant of Anguilla’s British heritage.
Taxis are another popular mode of transport, especially for shorter trips or excursions around the island. Rates are set by the government, so there’s little haggling involved — but it’s still smart to confirm the fare before setting off.
For something a bit more playful, visitors can rent a Moke — a quirky, open-air, Jeep-like vehicle that has become an iconic sight in Anguilla. Perfect for beach hopping and scenic drives, Mokes add a fun, island-style twist to getting around.
