Why Visit Anguilla?

Wondering why you should visit Anguilla? Find out in our guide to the tropical paradise island.

The Caribbean island of Anguilla may be small, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with stunning beaches, an abundance of excellent restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere that’s near impossible to tear oneself away from.

A holiday in Anguilla is the ultimate escape

The quickest and simplest answer to “why visit Anguilla?” is for the jaw-dropping beaches. With 33 beaches those looking to while away the days in the sun will be spoilt for choice here.

Shoal Bay East on the northern shore is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean with its pink-hued sand and impossibly turquoise water. It is certainly one of the most popular on the island and has a multitude of eateries, including Uncle Ernie’s with its fantastic (and rightfully popular) rum punch, but we think you’d missing out by not checking out some of the other spectacular options below.

Little Bay in the northwest of the country is one of the island’s most special beaches. It offers secluded coves and great swimming. It’s only accessible by boat from Crocus Bay, and well worth getting there early to beat the crowds.

Alternatively, head to the much-loved Meads Bay on the north shore. This is one of the ‘big three’ beaches, however, you may enjoy a much more secluded day here, the mile-long beach is less busy than Shoal Bay East and Rendezvous and is perfect for those looking for a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming.

For an even more tranquil experience take a boat trip from Sandy Ground to Prickly Pear Cays, two uninhabited islands, where you can explore the rocky coastline and spot the numerous nesting birds. Snorkel amongst the Coral Reefs, take a stroll on the beach, cocktail in hand or simply relax and enjoy fresh Lobster in the Prickly Pear Bar and Restaurant.

There are Amazing Activities to Partake in

For those looking for a bit more activity on their holidays, there are wonderful snorkelling and diving possibilities available when you visit Anguilla. Snorkelers will find they are spoilt for choice with excellent access from all the beaches. Head out from Crocus Bay and you may be lucky enough to see a Hawksbill Turtle or Giant Manta Ray. Those wishing to explore further afield can book onto a dive boat and explore one of the seven marine parks around including Stoney Bay Marine Park and the sunken boat The El Buen Consejo.

Stay on the south coast of Anguilla and enjoy the sleek and fresh Villa Bianchi. This exclusive luxury villa has plenty to keep all ages entertained and even has private access to two beaches.

Or for what can only be described as truly spectacular views over Little Bay beach, Ani Villas won’t disappoint. Perched on a cliff top these two luxury villas are beautifully contemporary in style and offer some of the highest levels of service. Whether you choose to relax in the villa’s pool, hot tub, roof deck or lounge we promise you will never tire of admiring the turquoise waters and sandy beaches below.

Music and food are the two biggest reasons to visit Anguilla and Rendezvous Bay is the spot to go for the former. Head to the beachside restaurant Dune Preserve to listen to Island star Bankie Banx on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday afternoons or for those lucky enough to be on the island in March, Rendezvous Bay and Dune Preserve is where the annual music festival Moonsplash takes place and is an event that should not be missed!

For late-night entertainment make your way over to Sandy Ground, home to the main harbour. This is where you will find the weekend action at popular beachside bars The Pumphouse, The Sand Bar, and Elvis’ Beach Bar, and the location for dancing the night away to the best live music in the Caribbean.

After a day exploring the island, you’ll be positively spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. With over 100 restaurants and offerings ranging from roadside barbecues to fine dining establishments, foodies will be in their element here. For 5* dining in an exquisite setting head to The Restaurant at Malliouhana and enjoy pan-roasted snapper or Caribbean Triggerfish while overlooking the beautiful Meads Bay or for something a little different try Chef Joe Richardson’s Japanese offerings at Tokyo Bay, and while away the evening feasting on fresh sushi.

> See our collection of luxury villas in Anguilla

Visit Anguilla, Our Favourite Caribbean Island: A Review from Our Director Tim Latimer

“Anguilla is one for the bucket list.

The little-known island of Anguilla is the absolute gem of the Caribbean. Off the beaten track and off the radar for most, Anguilla ranks up there with the best for anyone lucky enough to stay in one of Anguilla’s luxury beachfront villas.

So what is it that is so special about the Caribbean island of Anguilla that keeps people coming back?

I visited the island for the first time in 2016 and completely fell in love with its laid back style, jaw-dropping white sand beaches and of course, those spectacular luxury villas.

The highlights? Where do I start?

Firstly – the beaches. According to The Travel Channel, the world’s best beaches can be found on Anguilla. There are a plethora of incredible beaches dotted all around Anguilla, all with immaculate white sand, lapped by the bath-warm azure waters of the Caribbean Sea – so stunning they look like they have been photoshopped.

“Many Caribbean islands would be grateful for just one of Anguilla’s estimated 33 powder-white beaches.” Conde Nast Traveler

My personal favourite was the spectacular beach at Meads Bay. A few cafes and restaurants can be found along the 1.5km crescent beach but mostly you’ll be on your own. The sea and sand is as good as it gets so you’ll never want to leave.

Stay at the exceptional Villa Ocean, an ultra-contemporary luxury villa located right on the beach at Meads Bay – one of Anguilla’s absolute finest properties. A few steps across the garden and you are on the powder-fine sand where your butler will lay out the beach toys – stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling gear. Nothing starts the day like a SUP session!

Alternatively stay at one of the two luxury Kasari villas (West or East), also located right on the beach at Meads Bay in Anguilla. These super-cool properties make the perfectly stylish base for your luxury villa holiday on the island of Anguilla.

A Mini Swashbuckling Adventure

Then when you are ready to get off your sun lounger, I can highly recommend a sail on the classic wooden West Indian sloop ‘Tradition’. You can enjoy cocktails on board as the sun sets as this beautiful boat can take you on a mini-swashbuckling adventure.

Another trip I would absolutely recommend is heading over to Sandy Island. Hop in a speedboat at Sandy Ground for the short but high-speed dash across the bay to this tiny, and I mean tiny, desert island. It is literally a little patch of white sand with a few palm trees and a beach bar-cum-lobster shack. My idea of heaven.

If you are looking for total privacy and total luxury, stay at Villa Caelum. This exceptional luxury villa in Anguilla has played host to many of Hollywood’s finest. Each suite has been impeccably styled using daring fabrics and the service is outstanding. The villa sits in a beachfront position, but thanks to its horseshoe layout around the pool in the centre it feels like you are alone in the universe, albeit with a team of professional staff at your beck and call.

For a different perspective, the two stunning Ani Villas are perched up on the cliff top giving spectacular views. These are without doubt two of my favourite villas in our portfolio. Contemporary in design and beautifully finished, these luxury villas in Anguilla also offer the highest level of service to make sure you are very well looked after.

Then you have the cool Caribbean beach bars. Elvis’ at Sandy Ground is not to be missed, with its boat-cum-bar, as is the ramshackle Bankie Banx’s on Rendezvous Bay. The reggae star Banky Banx often gets the crowd going with live performances of some of his hits. After dark, the Pump House is the place to head for live bands and a ‘jump up’.

As you can probably gather, I was completely won over by the charming island of Anguilla in the Caribbean. It’s beautiful, friendly and home to some of the best luxury villas in the world. Visiting Anguilla should be on everybody’s bucket list.

I for one can’t wait to go back.”

By Tim Latimer

Director of Firefly Collection

Book the Best Villas in Anguilla

If you’ve decided to visit Anguilla, and want to stay in the finest luxury villas, contact us. We have been matching customers to their dream Caribbean villas for over a decade.