A tiny limestone stretch of an island, Anguilla boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with mile after mile of bright white sands, lapped by a gentle electric-blue sea and lined by laid-back beach bars. Although small, the island offers a great range of excellent hotels — from simple, low-key spots to indulgent luxury resorts. Our pick of the best places to stay in Anguilla includes some fantastic family-friendly resorts, as well as charming suggestions for intimate couples in search of tranquillity.
Some of our Anguilla Collections:
First colonised by the English, Anguilla has an intriguing colonial history, which is well worth exploring. Take a tour of Wallblake House, reputedly the island's oldest surviving structure, and marvel at the treasures of the Heritage Collection Museum, curated by local historian Colville Petty.
Today, the island boasts a thriving modern fishing and lobster-catching industry, and an excellent collection of bars and eateries showcasing the the freshly-caught flavours of the sea. Foodies will find plenty of dishes to sample and savour, both within the island’s resorts, in swish restaurants and in the small, local beach bars so emblematic of the Caribbean. Kick back on pristine sands, hire a bike to cycle along palm-fringed paths and take in the cultural and historic sites — or to explore still more breath-taking beaches.
There’s a whole world under the water’s surface, too. Try snorkelling, hone your diving skills, or hop in a glass-bottomed boat for a family trip out to the reef. There’s also kayaking, sailing, water-skiing, wake-boarding and windsurfing for active travellers to enjoy. If you’re around for a little longer, the nearby island of Saint Martin — one-third Dutch and two-thirds French — makes for an appealing day out, accessed by regular 30-minute ferries from Anguilla’s western side.
Anguilla is the perfect island for travellers eager to unwind in tropical bliss, and many of the best places to stay in Anguilla are on the beach — ensuring that you can soak up those spectacular panoramas to your heart’s content.
