Image courtesy of Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla
There is a sense of ease that settles over you when you arrive in Anguilla. You feel it when you suddenly register the sun starting to slide below the horizon after spending a mellow afternoon at a beach shack. Or when you notice the rhythmic lapping of turquoise water against pristine sand. Or when you arrive at your hotel and the staff greets you as though they’ve known you for years, not moments. Before you know it, your mind and breath have slowed to match the island’s gentle pace all on their own.
Savvy travelers favor Anguilla for its 33 powder-white beaches, strong culinary scene, and highly regarded luxury resorts. But what surprises many visitors is how seamlessly that refinement fits onto an island that still feels intimate and wild. Glamorous cliffside infinity pools look out over the same waters where traditional wooden sloops compete in spirited local regattas, and Michelin-caliber resort kitchens sit just down the sand from open-air shacks serving fresh grilled crayfish. And while there has been a steady influx of modern developments in recent years, Anguilla’s soul remains firmly rooted in an independent, community-first spirit.
Need to know
Image courtesy of Quintessence Hotel Anguilla
From arrival logistics to local customs, this essential information will help you navigate Anguilla with confidence.
Currency: Anguilla uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar. U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere and are frequently given back as change for cash transactions. Credit cards are widely used, but carrying cash is essential for beach shacks, taxis, and fruit stands.
Languages: English is the official language of Anguilla, but you will also frequently hear Anguillian English Creole, a local dialect with West African roots.
Airports: Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) serves as the main gateway, offering year-round direct connections to Miami and San Juan, alongside seasonal flights to Boston and Newark. Alternatively, many travelers fly into the larger Saint Martin (SXM) airport, which has flights from New York, Toronto, and European cities. The cross-channel ferry from the neighboring island to Anguilla takes 20 minutes.
Transportation: Anguilla has no public transportation, but it’s very small and easy to get around. Unmetered taxis operate on published, fixed zone rates, and major resorts can coordinate your ferry or private boat, and car transfers directly from Saint Martin or the local airport. For ultimate island flexibility, renting an open-air Moke is highly recommended.
Best time to visit: December to April typically brings the most sunshine and calmest seas. The shoulder season (May–August) is a local favorite; the crowds thin and waters remain beautiful, but temperatures and humidity climb as summer advances. The off-season (September–November) brings budget-friendly prices but coincides with the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, prompting many upscale restaurants, villas, and resorts to close for annual maintenance.
Ideal length of stay: Four to five nights is the sweet spot, giving you ample time to sink into the island’s slow-paced rhythm without days feeling repetitive. Most travelers choose to base themselves at a single resort, but consider splitting your time between two properties if staying for one week or more.
Signature dishes and drinks:
Spiny lobster: The island’s prized marine delicacy, often served grilled and brushed with garlic butter or simmered in a richly spiced Creole sauce
Crayfish: This native crustacean is actually the spotted spiny lobster, a smaller, sweeter cousin of the non-speckled variety—not the petite freshwater crustaceans found in North America
Pigeon peas and rice: Anguilla’s comforting national dish pairs seasoned rice and pigeon peas; frequently enriched with salt meat and aromatic herbs
Johnnycakes: Slightly sweet fried or baked cornmeal flatbreads
Goat water: A deeply savory traditional stew of slow-cooked local goat meat, heavily spiced with cloves and scotch bonnet peppers
Salt ceviche: A crisp coastal starter featuring the fresh catch of the day cured in lime juice, sea salt, and scotch bonnet peppers
Rum punch: The quintessential nutmeg-dusted dark rum cocktail of fresh lime juice, sugar, and a dash of Angostura bitters
Mauby: A traditional brew from the bark of the buckthorn tree, yielding a bittersweet herbal finish
Sorrel: A vibrant crimson drink brewed from hibiscus petals, ginger, and cloves
Soursop juice: The tropical fruit also known as guanabana yields a thick, creamy nectar reminiscent of strawberry, banana, and pineapple
Campari and orange: The ubiquitous island staple cuts the bitter Italian aperitif with fresh orange juice
What to wear: Anguilla embraces a barefoot chic aesthetic. Lightweight linen and cotton are essential year-round to stay cool in the tropical warmth, while a light cardigan or wrap comes in handy for breezy evenings. Swimwear is strictly for the beach and pool, so pack stylish cover-ups for daytime lunch spots and smart-casual resort wear—sundresses, tailored shorts, and collared shirts—for dinner. The island’s best dining and lounging happen directly on the sand, so prioritize high-quality flat sandals or boat shoes over high heels.
Travel tips:
Saint Martin ferry: Have your passport handy as you’ll clear customs and immigration on both sides. The ocean can be rough in strong trade winds with a significant swell, so if you tend to get seasick, you might opt for another form of transportation.
Sea turtles: Nesting season runs May through October on several beaches. The Anguilla National Trust monitors activity and organizes night walks to minimize disturbances.
Car and moke rentals: Driving is on the left side of the road, and you will need a temporary local driving permit (around $25–$30 USD) to drive your rental vehicle.
A closer look at Anguilla
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Anguilla may not have the instant name recognition of its neighbors, but that’s by design. With high-rise buildings heavily restricted and large cruise ships banned, the island is less developed and less touristed. The handful of resorts that dot the island attract travelers who appreciate finesse without fanfare.
The northern coast shows Anguilla at its most secluded and dramatic. Rugged limestone cliffs frame hidden coves, offering spectacular vantage points over the Atlantic, and strands like Captain’s Bay and Shoal Bay East seem tailor-made for lounging and snorkeling.
The island’s southern side runs trendier and more high energy. It’s a hub for water sports and home to many of the island’s most popular luxury hotels and beachside restaurants. The white sands and turquoise waters of Rendezvous Bay and Maundays Bay invite scenic strolls, and once the sun sets, live reggae music drifts through the air as diners settle in for a relaxed, toes-in-the-sand meal.
Where to stay
ÀNI Anguilla: Perched on a private peninsula on the island’s northern cliffs, this fully-staffed, ultra-luxury private villa caters exclusively to single-group takeovers, offering custom itineraries and absolute seclusion.
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club: This sprawling Rendezvous Bay resort stands out for its extensive amenities, including a championship golf course, water park, pickleball complex and full-service spa—making it a natural fit for multigenerational families.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla: Honeymooners gravitate to this Maundays Bay retreat for the serene atmosphere, attentive service, and uninterrupted ocean views from its Greco-Moorish–inspired villas.
Fora Perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, welcome amenity, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla: Perched on a rocky bluff, this striking resort swaps Caribbean pastels for sleek, geometric marble, and organic textures across its suites and villas. Family-friendly amenities include a zero-entry pool and complimentary kids club.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Malliouhana Resort Anguilla: The glamorous cliffside hideaway that first put Anguilla on the luxury-travel map remains beloved for its vibrant interiors, tiered infinity pools, and vantage point overlooking Meads Bay.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast credit, welcome amenity, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts: Thoughtful details that set this Shoal Bay East property apart, from the 300-year-old teak house that now serves as the spa to the Rhum Room’s collection of more than 100 small-batch spirits and the beach concierge ready with kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Quintessence Hotel Anguilla: Few properties on Anguilla feel as personal as this 12-suite Long Bay mansion, where a world-class Haitian art collection, underground wine cellar, and round-the-clock butler service shape the guest experience.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cruising to Anguilla
Image courtesy of Orient Express Sailing Yachts
Anguilla keeps a tight window on its port calls, with a cruise season lasting from November through April. Because the island maintains a low-impact approach to tourism, ships anchor offshore in the protected waters of Road Bay. Passengers take water taxis directly to Sandy Ground, a laid-back beach village with lively beach bars, salt ponds, and traditional sailing boats.
Popular itineraries
Leeward Islands (3–7 days): Routes visiting immediate neighbors like Saint Martin and the British Virgin Islands prioritize shorter hops at sea and maximum time spent anchored in secluded coves.
The Antilles Islands (7–14 days): Extended journeys include the historic fortifications of Puerto Rico, boutique shopping on St. Barths, and the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
Notable cruise lines
Explora Journeys: The luxury lifestyle brand operates sleek mid-sized ships with refined wellness programs and small-group shore excursions with local guides and behind-the-scenes access.
Fora Perks include a €300 Journey Experience Credit per stateroom on select voyages. Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits also available on select sailings.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts: Art Deco interiors inspired by the original Orient Express distinguish these 54-suite sailing yachts, which carry just over 100 guests.
Fora Perks include a $250 shipboard credit per person.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Private terraces come standard in every suite, while the marina platform transforms the yacht into a launch point for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding at anchor.
Fora Perks include a $150 shipboard credit per guest, welcome amenity, exclusive shore excursion options, enhanced recognition on board, and more. Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits also available on select sailings.
Seabourn Cruise Line: Thoughtfully scaled ships, all-suite accommodations, and intuitive service are hallmarks of this luxury line favored by travelers who prefer smaller ports and a slower-paced Caribbean itinerary.
Fora Perks include a $250 shipboard credit per person.
Windstar Cruises: Sailing is part of the experience aboard this line’s signature masted ships, which harness the Caribbean trade winds while calling on smaller ports.
Fora Perks include up to $300 shipboard credit per stateroom on select sailings.
SeaDream Yacht Club: Days aboard these twin yachts revolve around swimming, watersports, and socializing at the line’s signature Champagne & Caviar beach party.
Emerald Cruises: Bright, contemporary interiors distinguish these 100-guest superyachts, which call on smaller Caribbean ports and anchorages.
History and culture
Anguilla’s laid-back atmosphere belies a history shaped by resilience and self-determination. Long before European settlement, the island was home to the Indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples, whose legacy lives on in ceremonial sites like Big Spring and Fountain Cavern. British settlers arrived in 1650, ushering in a plantation economy sustained by enslaved Africans. But Anguilla’s dry climate and poor soil made large-scale agriculture difficult, leading many residents to earn their livelihoods as fishermen, seafarers, and boatbuilders.
That independent streak came to a head during the Anguilla Revolution of 1967, when residents rejected governance from St. Kitts, expelled the island's police force, and declared a short-lived republic before ultimately coming under separate British rule. Today, that history is reflected in the island’s enduring boat-racing tradition, vibrant culinary scene, and close-knit communities, where visitors are welcomed with genuine warmth.
Cultural celebrations and events
Moonsplash Music Festival (March): Founded by Anguillian reggae musician Bankie Banx, this beachfront festival coincides with the March full moon and draws reggae, folk, and blues artists for several nights of live music.
Festival Del Mar (March/April): Held over Easter weekend, this community celebration highlights Anguilla’s maritime heritage with fishing tournaments, boat races, crab races, and plenty of freshly grilled lobster and crayfish.
The Anguilla Culinary Experience (May): Local chefs join visiting culinary talent for beachfront dinners, wine tastings, and collaborative events that showcase the island’s growing food scene.
Anguilla Regatta (May): This multi-day sporting showcase pays tribute to traditional sailing and boat racing—Anguilla’s national sport—pitting locally built wooden sloops against one another in coastal races.
Anguilla Summer Festival (late July–early August): The island’s Carnival celebration fills the island with parades, music competitions, J'ouvert festivities, and beach parties during the two weeks surrounding Emancipation Day.
Valley Christmas Festival (December): The holiday season begins with a community celebration in The Valley, Anguilla’s capital, featuring a Christmas tree lighting, steel pan performances, local food, and artisan vendors.
What to do in Anguilla
Image courtesy of Malliouhana Resort Anguilla
With 33 beaches and a compact footprint, Anguilla is easy to explore at your own pace. Spend mornings on the sand, afternoons on the water, and leave plenty of time for long lunches overlooking the sea.
Beaches: Every one of Anguilla’s 33 beaches is open to the public, from the restaurant-lined shores of Meads Bay and the long stretch of Rendezvous Bay to the secluded sands of Captain's Bay.
Snorkeling and scuba diving: Clear water and healthy reef systems make the island’s protected marine parks some of the Caribbean’s best spots for snorkeling and diving. Popular sites around Shoal Bay East and Stoney Ground are home to sea turtles, coral gardens, and several shipwrecks.
Boat rentals and charters: Taking to the water is an essential Anguillian pastime. Charter a catamaran for the day or hire a private boat to reach secluded spots like Little Bay, which is accessible only by sea or a steep rope descent.
Offshore cays: A short water taxi ride brings you to Scilly Cay for grilled lobster and live music, while the uninhabited Prickly Pear Cays are well-suited to snorkeling, swimming, and a day on the beach.
Water sports: Southern beaches offer some of the island’s best conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing, while calmer waters lend themselves to kayaking and paddleboarding.
Golf: Tee off at the Greg Norman-designed 18-hole championship course at Aurora Anguilla Resort, where challenging fairways hug the coastline and offer unimpeded views of Saint Martin.
History and heritage: Explore the Indigenous petroglyphs at Big Spring and Fountain Cavern, then visit Wallblake House to better understand Anguilla’s colonial history and the forces that have shaped the island.
Where to eat in Anguilla
Image courtesy of C Level at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club
Fresh seafood and local ingredients anchor menus across the island, whether you’re dining at one of the beachfront shacks serving grilled crayfish to a refined resort restaurant.
Leon’s at Malliouhana Resort Anguilla: Burgers, rum punches, and live reggae make this colorful beachfront spot a favorite for a casual lunch.
Sunset Lounge at Four Seasons Resort: Come for the sushi, stay for sweeping sunset views across Meads Bay with a cocktail in hand.
Pimms at Cap Juluca: Globally influenced Caribbean fare is served in an open-air pavilion.
C Level at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club: Thursday nights draw locals and visitors alike for a beachfront barbecue featuring grilled spiny lobster, crayfish, and other island specialties.
Julian’s Restaurant at Quintessence Hotel Anguilla: An extensive wine cellar complements French-influenced Caribbean dishes.
Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve: Built from driftwood and reclaimed boats, this landmark is a late-night fixture where you can catch live performances by the namesake reggae legend.
Coconuts Beach Bar: Cold beer, fresh seafood, and Caribbean comfort staples keep this unfussy beachfront spot busy from lunch through sunset.
Blanchards | Restaurant and Beach Shack: The original restaurant offers an elevated dinner experience, while the neighboring Beach Shack serves tacos, lobster rolls, and casual lunches on the sand.
Straw Hat Restaurant: Overlooking Meads Bay, this beloved institution right on the sand serves elevated Caribbean classics in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Trips to add on
Anguilla is easy to combine with nearby destinations, whether you’re looking for another island, a dose of history and culture, or an urban stopover before heading home.
Saint Martin (20-minute ferry): Split between French and Dutch governance, the island offers excellent restaurants, shopping, casinos, and an international airport with extensive flight connections.
Puerto Rico (1.5-hour flight): Wander the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, tour the UNESCO-listed forts of El Morro and San Cristóbal, and linger over dinner in one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic food cities.
Miami (3-hour flight): Turn a travel day into a city break with afternoons in the Design District and Wynwood, evenings at standout restaurants, and an easy nonstop connection home.
If not Anguilla…
If you love Anguilla's pristine white sands, world-class dining, and barefoot luxury, several other islands capture that same sophisticated spirit.
Saint Kitts and Nevis: Greener and more mountainous, these neighboring islands are known for rainforest hiking, restored historic estates, and a scenic railway tour.
St. Barths: Designer boutiques, acclaimed restaurants, and a yachting scene give this French Caribbean island a more cosmopolitan feel, while its beaches remain among the region's best.
Turks and Caicos: Grace Bay Beach, excellent diving, and a strong collection of luxury resorts make this archipelago another compelling choice for travelers who prioritize time on the water.
The Exumas, Bahamas: Best explored by boat, this chain of cays rewards visitors with translucent water, secluded beaches, and private-island retreats.
