How to describe Anguilla? The dreamy 16-mile-long Caribbean island is quite literally what vacation dreams are made of, particularly for foodies, design junkies, and beach lovers who head to this quiet, uncrowded island for the robust food scene, stunning boutique hotels, and 33 (!) picturesque white sand beaches. The best part? Anguilla has never been easier to get to thanks to daily direct flights from Miami, which began in March. Ready to book? Here’s our guide to where you can stay, eat, drink, etc.
SEE
AXA Hike Life
Want to see a side of Anguilla you would probably never discover on your own? Book an adventure with AXA Hike Life (just DM them on Instagram). Their intrepid guides will lead you through Anguilla’s incredible rainforests, caves, cliffs, and scenic trails, and secret beaches. Start brainstorming captions now.
Calypso Charters Anguilla
Whether you’re down for reeling in some mahi-mahi, snorkeling in a secluded turquoise cove, exploring one of Anguilla’s uninhabited outer islands, or sadly need a shuttle back to St. Maarten to catch your flight—Calypso Charters’ fleet of power boats and skilled captains is at the ready.
The Beaches
It’s hard to choose from 33 options, all of which are open to the public and most feature awesome beach shacks. Our favorite spots for a lunch/beach doubleheader are Blanchards on Meads Bay, Nat’s Place on the windswept and remote Savannah Bay, and live music at Madeariman on Shoal Bay East.
EAT
Veya Restaurant
Owners Jerry and Carrie Bogar are living everyone’s Caribbean dream after leaving their Pennsylvania-based eatery to open one of the island’s best globally-inspired restaurants. Chef Carrie’s take on red snapper, rack of lamb, and lobster fritters is not to be missed. Late night, head downstairs to the Moroccan cocktail lounge for live music and killer cocktails.
Falcon Nest
This off-the-beaten-path, laid-back beach shack in Island Harbor is worth the trek. Owner and fisherman Warren “Mutt” Webster reels in the daily catch while the chefs work their magic on dishes like grilled mahi-mahi, calamari, and possibly the best grilled lobster you’ve ever had.
Uchu
On this island, it can be hard to stand out food-wise, but Uchu captivates even the most jaded eater with its creative take on Peruvian cuisine. Enjoy the very distinct flavors of the Andes region, jungle, and the Peruvian coast, while overlooking Cap Juluca’s scenic cove. Don’t miss the fresh ceviches and tropical Anguilla-meets-Peru Pisco Punch.
DRINK
Tradition Sailing
There is something incredibly magical about this classic West Indian Sloop, led by First Mate and chef Deborah Vos and Captain Laurie Gumbs, whose roots go back generations in Anguilla. Book their sunset sail if you feel like sipping on champagne cocktails and rum punch while checking out the beautiful Anguillan coastline and sunset. (Let’s be real, who doesn’t?)
Sunset Lounge
This dazzling open-air bar at the Four Seasons has a very trendy L.A. vibe thanks to the combo of expert mixologists, creative sushi, and Cuban cigars available on request. But it is the unparalleled sunset views that will leave you awestruck, hence the name.
Bar Soleil
Located inside the one-of-a-kind gem of a hotel Malliouhana, this bar matches its Hollywood Regency vibes. Design details include birdcage candleholders, jungle-themed artwork, and plenty of palm-leaf printed pillows. The cliffside perch is the spot to nosh on Caribbean tacos and vintage rum drinks.
STAY
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel
It just doesn’t get more glamorous than this. Guests stay in whitewashed Moorish-style villas decked out with sculptural furniture and gorgeous tilework, overlooking a beach so perfect it looks permanently Instagram-filtered. Cipriani’s delicious sister restaurant Cip’s is on one end of the beach, while a chic beach shack beckons with strong Sundowners on the other.
Zemi Beach House
Ask anyone from Anguilla which beach is their favorite (a frequent island debate), and Shoal Bay East frequently makes the cut. Zemi is the only resort on this breathtaking mile-long beach. Highlights include lounging on a poolside daybed shaded by palm trees, sampling their 100-plus varieties of small batch rums, and indulging in the East-meets-West wellness therapies at their magical Thai house spa. Sounds terrible, we know.
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club
This expansive 300-acre property is set up like two resorts in one—each with its own guest rooms, pool, restaurants, amazing staff, and beach. We’re partial to the Rendezvous Bay side with impossibly gorgeous beachfront villas and chic poolside scene (complete with rosé spritzer shots each afternoon). The hotel is a culinary destination unto itself with seven exceptional locally sourced restaurants, including the island’s first steakhouse.
BEAUTY PICKS
Too Faced Born This Way Sunset Stripped Eyeshadow Palette
Bring the sunset to the beach—in the form of this Too Faced palette, that is. Containing 16 warm, sultry, and sexy shades, your eye makeup will make the sky jealous.
ROSE Ingleton MD Calming Hydration Booster Serum
Let’s face it: your journey to rest and relaxation may take several hours. Airplanes tend to suck hydration right out of your face; help replenish your skin with this serum formulated with hyaluronic acid and sea whip extract.
THINKsport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Sunscreen can have a negative effect on coral reefs and sea wildlife. Wear this one while snorkeling and swimming to help preserve the environment.
LeChat Mood Polish In Mint Freeze
Whether you’re feeling (literally) hot at the beach or cooling down with a tropical drink at dinner, let your nails match your vibe with a polish that changes with the temperature. Mint Freeze is reminiscent of a refreshing island cocktail, with creamy pink transitioning to a deep mint color.
Sara Bliss is a writer and brand strategist. Her writing on travel, beauty, design, and business has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, and Travel + Leisure. She is the author of 11 books, including Take the Leap: Change Your Career, Change Your Life and Hotel Chic. She is a Forbes contributor and New York Times bestselling author. She’s also the co-founder of One Eleven Partners, a brand content, strategy, and marketing firm working with travel, wellness, and fashion clients
