Anguilla: A Caribbean Gem's Evolving Allure
Anguilla, a British territory nestled in the Caribbean, is currently undergoing a remarkable transformation, enhancing its appeal as a premier travel destination. With the introduction of non-stop flights from major East Coast cities, the inauguration of the Caribbean's first Guerlain spa, continuous advancements in its opulent hotel landscape, and a state-of-the-art marina designed to accommodate mega-yachts, the island is more accessible and luxurious than ever. This guide delves into the island's evolving charm, highlighting both its established gems and newly unveiled experiences, ensuring visitors can craft a perfect itinerary blending relaxation with adventure.
The island of Anguilla, spanning 35 square miles, is celebrated for its immaculate beaches, exquisite dining, and challenging hiking trails. It has solidified its status as a must-visit location, drawing a growing number of discerning travelers. To truly immerse oneself in the splendor of this West Indies paradise, the key lies in exploring its latest offerings while also dedicating time to discover the lesser-known spots cherished by locals and seasoned visitors. This curated selection provides an insider's perspective on the ideal balance between hidden treasures and well-regarded attractions.
Among the top lodging options, Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, stands out as an exclusive retreat. Situated on the serene Maundays Bay, renowned for its pristine white sands and azure waters, the hotel offers breathtaking scenery. Its 70 white stucco villas, many featuring ocean views and personalized butler service, can be combined into spacious four- or five-bedroom residences. A significant addition in 2024 was the Caribbean's inaugural Guerlain-branded spa, a sprawling facility with seven treatment rooms. This spa draws inspiration from Moroccan craftsmanship and the ancient healing traditions of Anguilla’s Arawak inhabitants, offering treatments like "Infinite Renewal" and "Ocean Vibes" that perfectly capture the essence of the tranquil environment. Cap Juluca also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, from Cip's (by Cipriani) to Uchu, a Peruvian restaurant serving innovative dishes such as octopus carpaccio and yucca and watermelon fritters. For a more casual yet refined experience, Cap Shack offers beachfront dining where guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine barefoot.
Aurora Anguilla, formerly Cuisinart, has been transformed into a five-star family-centric resort under new ownership. Located on the picturesque Rendezvous Bay, Aurora combines extensive entertainment and water parks, including a 600,000-gallon lagoon and a 1,400-foot lazy river, with villas offering private butler service. The resort also features the Aurora Amphitheatre, a 500-seat outdoor venue, alongside tennis, basketball, and bocce courts, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Notably, Aurora houses what is considered the Caribbean’s leading hydroponic farm, supplying nearly 90% of the produce for the property. In November, Aurora introduced Sole di Mare, a restaurant offering a fusion of French, Greek, Spanish, and Moroccan flavors.
Since its inauguration in 2016, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, strategically positioned between Meads Bay and Barnes Bay, has become one of the most sought-after hotels in the West Indies. Its kids' club, equipped with a large outdoor trampoline and rock-climbing wall, is widely recognized as one of Anguilla's best, making it a popular choice for families. The hotel's appeal is further enhanced by its new dining concept, Lima Limon, which brings sophisticated Mexican cuisine to its beachfront restaurant on Barnes Bay, featuring dishes like red shrimp aguachile and plant-based arroz con leche. This modernist hotel comprises 181 guest rooms, suites, and villas, along with a two-story waterfront spa and a fitness center that now includes a dedicated reformer studio.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, Malliouhana, often referred to as the island's grand dame resort, is currently under new management. Known for its luxuriant gardens and stunning vistas over Meads Bay, Malliouhana is a pioneer in celestial experiences. It offers one of the finest vantage points for sunsets in Anguilla and partners with the NASA-affiliated SETI Institute and Unistellar Odyssey Pro telescope for exceptional stargazing. Its acclaimed restaurant, Celeste by Kerth Gumbs, pays homage to Caribbean flavors with dishes such as black grouper with tamarind glaze and green curry, complemented by sides of plantains and rice and peas.
Zemi Beach House, a 65-room hotel, is nestled on the world-renowned Shoal Bay East, celebrated for its expansive white beaches, crystalline waters, and protected coral reefs. It is the island's only five-star hotel that operates entirely on solar energy during the day. The hotel features a premier spa and Stone, a fine-dining sea-to-table restaurant. A local recommendation is to experience one of their spa treatments, which honor the island's indigenous Taino people through rituals involving herbs, fruits, muds, and salts.
The Quintessence Hotel, known locally as The Q Hotel, is a discreet yet luxurious establishment. Its entrance is subtly marked by a rock emblazoned with the letter "Q." No expense has been spared in its rooms, which showcase the owner’s Haitian and African art collection. Julian’s, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, is a tropical French bistro specializing in seafood, offering dishes like coconut-crusted mahi-mahi and lobster pasta.
Anguilla's vibrant dining scene extends beyond hotel premises. Hibernia Restaurant Art Gallery, open for 30 years, offers French-Asian fusion cuisine in a unique setting—the co-owner Mary Pat O’Hanlon’s home, which also houses an Asian art gallery and a sculpture garden. The menu, inspired by the owners’ annual visits to Southeast Asia, includes dishes such as smoked duck with endive salad and their famous Tom Yam Pla, featuring fresh Caribbean fish in a hot and sour broth. For an authentic island experience, dining directly on the beach at open-air cafes and bars is essential. Madeariman, a beach shack on the quieter east end, serves exceptional food, including a highly recommended yellow curry with fresh grouper, and hosts live reggae bands on weekends. Jacala, renowned for its French cuisine, offers a coveted dinner reservation experience where chef Alain Laurent and Jacques Borderon create a welcoming atmosphere. Their dishes, particularly anything à la meunière and their desserts, are highly praised.
Beyond relaxation and culinary delights, Anguilla provides a range of activities. The Anguilla National Trust, a local non-profit environmental organization, offers guided walking tours for $50 per person, revealing hidden limestone beaches, unique rock formations, and untouched parts of the island like remote Windward Point, which are otherwise inaccessible. To fully appreciate the island's beauty, a boat tour is indispensable, as many grand properties, scenic beaches, and cliffs are best viewed from the water. Garfield of Gotcha Garfield’s Sea Tours offers customizable luxury boat tours with knowledgeable crews, with a two-and-a-half-hour island tour, including stops at swimming and snorkeling spots like Little Bay, being a popular choice. For a unique adventure, Sea Side Stables provides horseback riding experiences on the beach, under the moonlight, or by the ocean, offering a serene way to connect with the island's natural beauty and achieve a truly relaxed state of mind.
Anguilla, once considered a remote destination requiring multiple transfers, has become one of the most accessible Caribbean islands. The Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation, expanding its runway to accommodate larger aircraft. BermudAir has initiated non-stop seasonal services from Newark, Boston, and Baltimore. American Airlines has increased its flights from Miami, adding a third Saturday flight, and Tradewind Aviation offers scheduled flights from San Juan to Anguilla using modern Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.