5 Reasons Why Anguilla is the Caribbean’s New Must-Visit Destination
When Travel + Leisure Magazine named Anguilla the best Caribbean island it was met with a rousing response of ‘wait, where?’ Three years and three consecutive #1 island awards later, word is slowly starting to get out. Oh, and did we mention that there is a new direct flight from Miami International Airport! If there had not been a global pandemic that shut down travel, especially to smaller and less developed Island-nations like Anguilla, there’s no doubt the beaches of Maundays Bay would be posted all over your favorite travel bloggers social media. So without further ado, here’s 5 reasons why this is your new must-visit destination.
Amazing Beaches
First off, all the beaches are quiet and relaxed. The incredible turquoise water is calm, crystal clear and bring short of inviting. There are no masses, just serene spots of paradise surrounding the island. Some have lux resorts while others are dotted with small apartments and condos. Each beach is very literally a slice of heaven.
Shoal Bay East is likely the island’s most popular two-mile stretch of soft white sand and offers what you’ll find on almost all of the beaches; chairs for rent, food & drink available for purchase and more bliss than you planned for. Rendezvous Bay on the southwest coast, Meads Bay towards the northwestern end and the hidden Cove Bay Beach are other notable spots where you can work on that island tan.
2. Beach Shacks
Not only do incredible beaches border the island coast but so do Anguilla’s famous beach shacks. Ask any local or repeat visitor and everyone has their favorite. Fairly minimalistic colorful beachside bars, they are all owner operated and gleefully incredible.
The Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay (pictured) is where Garvey serves up incredible ribs straight from the grill, Gwen’s Reggae Grill on Shoal Bay is where Gwen and her nephew BBQ a mean chicken and Nat’s Place aka Palm Grove provides the added adventure of finding it’s isolated location to a whole grilled lobster and island-famous Johnny Cakes and hot sauce (#ProTip - The hot sauce is bottled and sold and makes a wonderful souvenir).
3. Incredible Accommodations
As Anguilla’s popularity continues to increase, especially with the addition of American Airline’s direct flight from Miami International Airport which eliminates the need for a stop-over and boat ride, some of the world’s best hospitality operators are starting to move in.
The Cap Juluca (pictured) from luxury hotelier Belmond is the best of those with an unmatched, secluded location on Maunday’s Bay, several restaurants including Cip’s, an island casual off-shoot of the legendary Cipriani, and nightly champagne sabering among an endless list of other amenities. The Four Seasons is a short jaunt across western side of the island and offers dual-beaches and an infinity pool perfect for watching the sunset. On the eastern side, Aurora Anguilla just opened taking over from the former CuinArt Hotel and has their own golf course.
4. Food & Cocktails
Beach shacks aren't they only ways to experience delicious island flavor. Anguilla is known for both casual and high end restaurants that help provide definite punching power to the F&B scene on the island. When the sun sets, locally owned and resort-based restaurants open and bringing a more refined approach to the cuisine.
Conch carpaccio (pictured) is a great snapshot of how local chefs and restaurateurs are utilizing easily accessible seafood as well as variety of cultural inspirations to put forth contemporary products. This dish was enjoyed at Sharky’s, a roadside residential home turned popular restaurant. Sharky’s also serves an excellent spiny lobster spaghetti and lobster cake.
As for the island’s cocktail scene, although young and fledgling, at higher end resorts young professionals are taking it upon themselves to emulate what they’re seeing on more trafficked islands. If you find yourself at Pimms, located at Cap Juluca, be sure to visit mixologist Leron who is barrel-aging cocktails and playing with rum-based variations on classics like the Negroni and Old Fashioned.
5. Island Vibe
To be clear, if you’re looking for bustling streets filled with shops or rambunctious nightlife this is not the place for you. The island is only 16 miles long and 3 miles across and there isn’t really a ‘main drag’ to speak of. So what’s here you ask? Just those calm and relaxing island vibes you picture in your head when you get stressed out. If you’re looking to relax and unplug while enjoying some of the best beaches and local restaurants in the Caribbean then this is the place for you.