Highlights
Beaches
Beaches are a highlight of any Caribbean holiday, though with the much sought after sands of Barbados and unusual pink hues of Bermuda claiming most of the fame, Anguilla is perhaps more of an underdog. While Shoal Bay, on the east side of the island, attracts many holidaymakers with its lively atmosphere and beach buffets, the west coast has a more exclusive and peaceful tone. Maunday’s Bay is a beautiful spot for couples, with views of the neighbouring island of St Martin a few miles into the distance. On the opposite side of the coastline is Meads Bay, a stunning stretch of powdery white sand on the doorstep of many luxury resorts.
Heritage
Anguilla may be more known for its part in colonial history, but prior to this, it was inhabited by Amerindian people, and fascinating titbits of their history can be stumbled upon across the island. The Big Spring Heritage Site was discovered in 1980, home to wall carvings that turned out to be dated back to between 600 – 1400AD. The petroglyphs here refer to the spirit named Juluca, a colourful spirit who is said to still appear in the form of rainbows. Hotel concierge desks are more than happy to advise on and arrange cultural tours that introduce visitors to the island’s heritage, whether your interests be history, art or nature.
Activities
One of the main draws of Anguilla is the beach life – however, a little adventure is welcome in the mix too. With a warm, pristine ocean, it is no surprise that watersports are popular here and that sailing is the national sport. The sub-aquatic kingdom of Anguilla is perhaps the finest in the Caribbean, and features on the checklist of many a diver. Colourful reefs and wreck sites are teeming with marine life, and PADI-qualified instructors cater to both the experienced and beginners with shore dives and excursions out to nearby islets.
Golf
Golfers are very well catered for in Anguilla. The 18-hole Greg Norman designed golf course, CuisinArt, spans 7,063 yards of lush greenery, complete with beautiful water features and views over St Martin and the Caribbean Sea. Cyclists may have bike hire arranged for them, while riders can take to horseback to explore their surroundings. For those who prefer to be the spectator, Webster Park nearby hosts a number of cricket matches and other sporting events, alongside domino tournaments, a pastime you will notice is very popular with local residents.
Dining
Anguilla serves up wonderful traditional Caribbean food, and many of the restaurants have won numerous accolades for their cuisine. Seafood is a speciality, and freshly caught lobster or crayfish top most menus, along with sizzling fish fries; enjoy the delicious island flavours as you listen to live steel pan music, sitting with your toes in the sand. Fine dining on the island is exceptional, with an array of venues attracting five star chefs from across the globe. Home-grown produce is a pride of the island, along with specially selected imports that feature in many gourmet dishes for a delectable blend of local and international flavours.