Anguilla: Where Blue Meets Blue

Anguilla (rhymes with vanilla) is often voted as having the best beaches in the Caribbean, and arguably the world. A British Overseas Territory located just north of St. Martin, it is flat, dry, and unassuming. It lacks the dramatic mountains of St. Lucia or the lush rainforests of Jamaica. But what it lacks in elevation, it makes up for with blindingly white sand and electric blue water.

In 2026, Anguilla remains the connoisseur’s choice. It has rejected mass tourism—no cruise ships (big ones) and no casinos. Instead, it focuses on high-end villas, 5-star resorts, and a restaurant scene that rivals major cities. It is quiet, safe, and sophisticated.

Why Visit Anguilla in 2026?

For the beaches and the food. Anguilla is known as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.” In 2026, the island hosts superb food festivals. The vibe is “barefoot luxury”—you might see a celebrity at a beach shack, but nobody bothers them. It is the ultimate place to do absolutely nothing in the most beautiful setting imaginable.

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December - April): Perfect weather. Sunny, dry, 28°C. This is the peak season.
Shoulder Season (May - August): The water is warmer, prices drop significantly. The August Monday festival (boat racing) is huge.
September & October: Many hotels and restaurants close for hurricane season and renovation.

How to Get There

Fly: Fly into St. Maarten (SXM).
Ferry: Take the 20-minute public ferry or a private speedboat shuttle from the Dutch side (SXM airport) directly to Anguilla (Blowing Point). This is the most common route.
Direct Air: Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) handles private jets and small regional flights (e.g., from San Juan or Antigua), and recently some direct flights from Miami (American Airlines).

Iconic Experiences & Sights

1. Shoal Bay East

Consistently ranked #1 beach in the world. Two miles of pinkish-white sand. The reef is close to shore, making for great snorkeling. The beach bars here (like Gwen’s Reggae Grill) are legendary.

2. Meads Bay

The “sunset strip” of Anguilla. Home to luxury resorts like Four Seasons and Malliouhana. The water is often like a swimming pool. The dining options right on the sand are incredible.

3. Little Bay

A tiny cove accessible only by boat (or rope down a cliff). High cliffs surround azure water. It’s a romantic, secluded spot perfect for snorkeling.

4. Sandy Island

A cay of pure sand a mile offshore. You take a water taxi named “Happiness.” There is nothing there but a restaurant, some palm trees, and the ocean. Eat crayfish and drink rum punch.

5. The Arch

On the rugged west end. A natural limestone arch standing in the sea. Great for photography.

6. Moonsplash Festival

If you visit in March, the Moonsplash music festival at the Dune Preserve (Bankie Banx’s beach bar built from driftwood) is the coolest reggae party on the planet.

Where to Stay

West End: The luxury hub. Meads Bay, Maundays Bay (Cap Juluca). Expensive and exclusive.
Sandy Ground: The main harbor. lively nightlife, more affordable guesthouses.
Shoal Bay: Great for beach lovers who want to be right on the best sand.

Gastronomy: Crayfish and BBQ

Anguillan Crayfish: Not a lobster, not a shrimp. Small, spotted, sweet spiny lobsters native to the area. Grilled with garlic butter, they are divine.
BBQ: On weekends, the smell of BBQ ribs and chicken fills the air. Ken’s BBQ in The Valley is an institution (street food).
Johnny Cakes: Fried dough biscuits, eaten with everything.

Sustainability & Coral

Coral Restoration: Projects are underway to replant staghorn coral on the reefs.
Renewable Energy: The island is slowly shifting to solar power to reduce reliance on diesel generators.

Safety and Tips

Driving: Driving is on the LEFT (British system). You need to buy a temporary local license from the rental agency.
Cost: Anguilla is expensive. Even a burger at a shack can be $20+. Budget accordingly.
Dress Code: Swimwear is for the beach. Cover up when in town or shops. It’s a conservative, church-going island.

Digital Nomad Life

Anguilla was one of the first nations to introduce a “Digital Nomad Visa” during the pandemic, and the infrastructure remains top-tier. The internet is fast and reliable even in beach villas. The island’s safety and high-end amenities make it an attractive, albeit expensive, base for remote workers. Many luxury hotels offer “work from paradise” packages that include IT support and dedicated office spaces.

Cultural Events

Anguilla is quiet, but it celebrates hard.

Festival Del Mar: Held in Island Harbour over Easter weekend. It celebrates the sea with sailing races, crab races, and massive seafood cook-offs.
Anguilla Summer Festival: Held in early August. It features carnival parades, soca monarchs, and the famous “August Monday” beach party at Sandy Ground, which starts at 4 AM (J’ouvert) and lasts all day.

Anguilla is quality over quantity. It doesn’t scream for attention; it whispers. It is a place where the water heals you, and the food feeds your soul.