Anguilla, a first class Caribbean island that also comes with a first class price tag, but a wonderful honeymoon destination. Pronounced ang GWIL uh, this small island offers miles of exquisite white sand beaches, some of the most beautiful in the world.
The island offers pure rest and relaxation with no crowds. The larger cruise ships don’t stop at the island, so it is never slammed with crowds. The hotels on the island are very reminiscent of the Mediterranean and Greece. They are typically white and are set against the deep turquoise waters. Anguilla is not a lush island, it is dry, but edged in coral.
The island is about 16 miles long with one main road and is 3 miles wide. There are 30 + incredible beaches.
Captain’s Bay is the wildest and most remote beach and bay. The surf is awesome, but can be dangerous at times. The bay is only accessible by 4wd vehicle.
Maunday Bay is a popular beach and is located in a quiet protected cove.
Rendezvous Bay, is an area where you can stroll the mile and half stretch of perfect white sand beach with very calm turquoise waters and a view of St. Martin. The island of St. Martin is a short 5 miles from Anguilla and is an easy trip by boat, making Anguilla a great day trip if you are staying on St. Martin.
Road Bay is a very popular spot with private yachts, you will always see a few anchored just off the coast.
Shoal Bay and Sandy Ground, Shoal Bay is the most famous beach in the Caribbean and a popular hangout for the day trippers from St. Martin. There are hotels and restaurants in this area.
Watersports are very popular, you can snorkel the coral reefs, scuba dive a few of the wrecks, sail and windsurf. Don’t expect to rent a jet-ski on Anguilla, they are illegal. Bike rentals are a fun way to get from beach to beach.
Golf has recently made its way to Anguilla. Currently there is one golf course which is part of the CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. The course was designed by Greg Norman. Coming in 2014 is another course that was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
A visit to the Valley District is not to be missed. This is the historic district and you can’t leave without taking home some of the local handcraft. There isn’t a lot of shopping, just a few quaint shops.
Four of the seven endangered species of sea turtles can be found in the waters around Anguilla and if you are lucky, you may see a female laying eggs on one of the beaches.
Cuisine
The food in Anguilla can be pretty pricey too, but you can find great food at reasonable prices if you are willing to try the roadside stands.
You will find fress off the boat fish and seafood. Savor grilled lobster paired with rum punch. Open air restaurants are popular with incredible views.
Back to the roadside stands, you will find them around the island, it is quite popular. They serve all types of food, especially BBQ chicken and ribs. Many of them have set days and hours they are open.
An island secret is the Corn Soup Lady. She shows up at Webster Park with 2 large pots of corn soup and it is incredibly good. Get there before noon as she typically sells out.
Anguilla is another one of those lesser known and quiet spots in the Caribbean where you truly can get away from it all.