The sparkling azure waters of the Caribbean Sea and uninterrupted stretches of pristine white sand beaches set the tone for the peaceful, carefree vibe found on Anguilla. With smiles around every corner and the warm hospitality of the island’s 13,000 hosts, Anguilla is home to some of the world’s best beaches, award-winning resorts, hotels and villas, and a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the leading destinations of choice for discerning travelers.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Anguilla is between May and August, when you stand the best chance of getting a good package deal and also avoiding the worst of the hurricane season (which generally runs from June 1 to November 30). Hotel prices are low from September to October, but selection is sparse – many properties close down during these months. The most expensive time to visit is from the early winter until spring when the weather is ideal.
Where to eat
Sandy Island Restaurant
You can’t get any better than eating on your own private island. This island is a short speedboat shuttle from the main island of Anguilla. The food is fresh and surprisingly good. It is all prepared on the island and not carted over from the mainland. My chicken and salad plate was delicious. It could have been the spellbinding views, it could have been really good food, but honestly, how can a meal be bad when you are eating on your own mini-island in the Caribbean?
Veya
The place to be in the evening. When we arrived there was live music, dramatic décor and friendly staff. But most importantly, impeccable food from a New Yorker.
Straw Hat
Maybe it’s just me, but I love a restaurant with a difference and the Straw Hat really goes all out with its themed name. Straw-hat lights, bread served in a straw hat and an even an opportunity to walk out with your own straw hat. Situated right on the ocean this place serves delicious food in a fun, vibrant atmosphere.
Smokey’s
Another restaurant situated right on the beach and the perfect place for lunch. Grab a table on the sand, dig your toes in and enjoy the views. Perfect for families as the kids will be so engrossed with playing in the waves or building sandcastles you can enjoy your cocktail in peace. My jerk chicken wrap was spicy, but don’t miss the fish bite appetiser!
Mango’s
Fine dining on the beach. You won’t get your feet in the sand, so it’s the best opportunity to dress up and head out with someone special or friends. While it wasn’t the best steak in my life, it was still a solid contender.
Pimms
Pimms is located literally on the ocean at Cap Juluca. When we dined here we were watching the fish swim by. If you’re looking for a fancy night out in Anguilla definitely head to Pimms for dinner. Our dining experience at Pimms was our favorite dinner out. Not only was the food delicious but so was the service. The menu offers various seafood dishes, steak, chicken, lamb, and more.
Ken's’ BBQ
We read about Ken’s BBQ on TripAdvisor and we’re happy to find it was right down the street from our villa at CeBlue. Ken’s BBQ isn’t hard to miss as there will be a line of people waiting in line in front of his smoking grill. Most restaurants in Anguilla serve BBQ ribs but no one does them like Ken. No matter what part of the island you are staying a trip to Ken’s BBQ is totally worth it. You’ll have to time your visit right as Ken’s BBQ is only open Thursday thru Saturday.
E’s Oven
E’s Oven is a local favorite. It may not be on the beach or have an epic view but the food hits the spot. If you’re looking to try the local Anguilla Crayfish but don’t want to pay $50 then head to E’s. E’s oven offers the best seafood options at a fraction of the beach restaurants. The menu includes lobster, snapper, Anguilla crayfish, shrimp, goat, lamb, chicken, and more.
Beaches
“Anguilla is ranked number one world’s best all around beaches.” — The Travel Channel
Anguilla has 33 pristine beaches and over twelve miles of stunning, white powder sand and tranquil waters ranging from aquamarine to cobalt blue. Beaches of all kinds, from the long, gentle shoreline of Rendezvous Bay perfect for strolling, to the colorful beach bars that rest on the blinding white sands of Shoal Bay. The village beach of Sandy Ground welcomes fun first — home to dancing, parties and boat racing, and secluded coves such as Little Bay offer picturesque romance. The open and wild feeling of Junk’s Hole is home to the lone Palm Grove barbecue, and the bright fishing boats in Island Harbour give visitors the opportunity to witness the fishermen and the sailors of Anguilla at work. The deep plush sands of Meads Bay are home to some of the most elegant dining and hotel options and a soft rolling wave. Crocus Bay’s scenic coral cliffs are a perfect sunset location. Barnes, Maundays, Merrywing, Mimi Bay, Dropsey, Long Pond and The Forest…the list is endless.
All of Anguilla’s beaches are public, uncrowded and unspoiled. Every cove, bay and stretch of sand is marked by unique characteristics, such as rock and coral formations and picturesque tropical plants. There is a beach for everyone, for every kind of beach day, for every mood.
“Many Caribbean islands would be grateful for just one of Anguilla’s estimated 33 powder-white beaches.” — Conde Nast Traveler
Here’s a list of the Best Beaches in Anguilla.
Rendezvous Bay With calm water, soft sand, and panoramic views of St. Maarten in the distance, what’s not to love about this stunner on the southwest coast? Book a room at CuisinArt Resort & Spa and call it your own.
Meads Bay Perhaps its most famous tenant is Four Seasons Anguilla, but from Frangipani Beach Resort to Anacaona, there are restaurants (such as Blanchards) and hotels at all price points that open onto the rightfully famous sands of this northwestern beach.
Shoal Bay East Named one of the best beaches in the world by almost every travel brand, this marquee strand stretches for two blissful miles, bordered by beach bars, private villas and hotels such as Zemi Beach Resort.
Little Bay Accessible only by boat (or, for the intrepid, rappelling down a steep hillside), this compact cove is almost always deserted, so it’s the perfect retreat for canoodling couples. (And if you stay at nearby Ani Villas, you can wake up to it every day).
Barnes Bay Adjacent to Meads Bay, this much smaller beach is a more tranquil alternative, with equally warm seas and a picture-perfect shore that’s perfect for chilling out solo – and for guests of the villas at Four Seasons Anguilla, who enjoy this as their view.
Sandy Island Even though it’s not on the mainland, we’re adding the talcum sands and turquoise waters surrounding this islet (five minutes offshore from Sandy Ground on Anguilla’s north coast) to our beach-meet-bum list. Wherever you’re staying on island, you owe yourself a few hours here.
Sandy Ground We love the lively, almost “urban” vibe of this strand, which borders the village of Sandy Ground, which is Party Central on Thursday nights. And patrons from famous beach bars and restaurants (including Elvis and Johnno’s) who spill out on the sand after a few rum punches, will, no doubt, agree with us.
Island Harbour If you’re on island during Festival Del Mar over Easter, you’ll definitely want to come to this sandy sweep for live music, dancing, and fresh cooked fish and seafood. But any time of year, this fishing village’s shore is a winner, and it’s a great choice if you’re staying in a villa on the East End.
Maundays Bay We just can’t get enough of this beach (where Cap Juluca presides), mostly because of its iconic smile-like curve bordered by crystal-clear sea that constantly whispers our name.
Junk’s Hole If you really want to get away from the crowds (not that there are any on Anguilla!), head east and follow the signs down a rugged and rutted path to Nat’s Palm Grove, where you’ll find this windswept swath that you can likely have to yourself.
Best Hotels
Belmond Cap Juluca - Maundays Bay
Malliouhana, An Auberge Resort - West End Village
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa - Rendezvous Bay
Zemi Beach House, Resort & Spa - Shoal Bay Village
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla - West End Village
Frangipani Beach Resort - West End Village
Anacaona Boutique Hotel - West End Village
Paradise Cove Resort - Cove Bay
Anguilla is ranked as:
#1 in Best Caribbean Beaches
#7 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
#9 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in the Caribbean
#12 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean
#14 in Best Caribbean Honeymoons