After the wear and tear of success, there is Anguilla

Anguilla is a jewel in the Caribbean’s crown. It is an island that has consistently earned praise from visitors and recognition from celebrities. The government’s stringent entry protocols have been extraordinarily successful, resulting in low Covid incidence and high vaccination rates among the resident population making Anguilla is one of the safest destinations in the region.
Traveling to Anguilla is easy. Some visitors arrive directly on the island by private jet. As of December 11, American Airlines will offer twice-weekly, non-stop service to Anguilla from Miami into Anguilla’s International Airport, and starting January 5, 2022, three flights a week will operate year-round. Other visitors connect over Sint Maarten, for a 6-minute flight or a 20-minute ferry ride to the island. Regardless of how you get to Anguilla, this picturesque island, all of sixteen miles from end to end, boasts thirty-three pristine beaches, considered among the finest in the world.
In my visit I thought about the difference between Anguilla and other Caribbean islands. I concluded that for me, it was the laid back, barefoot elegance and the friendliness of her people. Anguilla is a casual and convivial place, by-passed by the big-box resorts that dominate the Caribbean. Today, there are 6 global, luxury brands that have chosen Anguilla as their destination of choice, ensuring that the island still feels untouched by commercialism. In addition to her spectacular beaches and endless watersports, a world class tennis facility, a Greg Norman designed signature 18-hole Championship golf course, Moke and ATV rentals are among the many pursuits available for visitors to this island paradise.

Anguilla boasts an incredible selection of luxury villas that attract multi-generational families or groups of friends traveling together, enjoying the seclusion of these fully staffed homes, many on the beach, with service that is sure to satisfy the most discerning guest. These villas are privately owned, some by captains of industry, others by bold face names, all with the most innovative architecture and superbly appointed. Some may feature classic Caribbean décor, while others are modern and minimalist, but they are all warm and inviting.
The people of Anguilla take pride in sharing their island with visitors and you will be touched by their hospitality. Their love of cricket and boat racing is matched only by their enthusiasm and their ardor for food and festivals.

Once you have sampled the fine dining at your resort or villa, be sure to visit the local restaurants, all offering delicacies and colorful fusions to tickle your palate. Sea to table and farm to table cuisine are the hallmarks of the Anguillian culinary scene. Trendy beach bars flourish on the necklace of white sand that surrounds the island, with deliciously intoxicating cocktails, and exceptional ambience.

Blue skies, sunshine and balmy sea breezes create the ideal environment for restoration and relaxation. If you are staying in a villa, a masseuse can ease your tension with healing hands. Looking to host a yoga retreat or hire an instructor to lead practice on the sugary sands? Both are readily available.

These services are also available at resorts. With Shoal Bay as your backdrop, and birdsong as the soundtrack, unwind in an authentic Thai House offering Taino-inspired massages and facials. Other resorts with on-site spas provide salt scrubs, aromatherapy treatments, and healing rituals, just a fraction of an exhaustive list. Whichever option you choose, you are sure to feel rejuvenated.
Anguilla is not a ‘swinging from the chandeliers’ kind of island, but a good time will be had by all. Children can make sandcastles and splash in the sea, while parents and grandparents keep a watchful eye, rum punch in hand. Teenagers might enjoy kitesurfing, horseback riding, or stand-up paddle boarding.

Anguilla’s offshore cays, Prickly Pear and Sandy Island, are a crayfish lover’s paradise, and a snorkeler’s dream. Charter a boat to take the family on a high seas adventure, or marvel at marine life on board a glass bottom boat. When the children have retired, a doting nanny can watch them while the adults head out for a night of live music. The next day, visit local art galleries and indulge in retail therapy.

Whether you are going for the first or one-hundredth time, Anguilla is sure to leave a lasting impression. As their tourism slogan boasts, Anguilla is Beyond Extraordinary.