Anguilla
Little Bay, Anguilla. Image by Jim Nix
Anguilla from above, Image by Ramon Katie
Anguilla is slightly “far-flung” as Conde Nast says. Nevertheless, you wanna go.
Especially compared to some of the more overt touristic draw of other Caribbean Islands, Anguilla has something genuine in the beaches, the food, and the stays that inhabit it. I associate both top-notch beaches and top-notch food with this island destination.
*This site contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission if you make a booking through us.
However, close or not, easy to get to, or slightly far-flung, Anguilla continues to grace charts of numerous publications for top islands. Mysteriously, not one write-up has an overtly explicit reason, a tangible truth, as to ultimately why this island is so worthwhile.
I think this is why the island is on the lists. There is nothing exuberant about Anguilla. It doesn’t have flair per se. It simply has a refined environment inclusive of pristine beaches that tend to be less crowded than many Caribbean islands, it’s laidback fancy. It tends to have a great food scene established by long-term livers who appreciate the pace of life there.
Where to Stay? Aurora
Aurora
A special place on the island is a hotel that used to be run by Cuisinart and has since reopened as Aurora. It’s a magical stay situated beach-side with a focus on farm-fresh dining at its restaurants and a clean manicured vibe of island design. With an expansive golf course on-site, the whole area and aura of Aurora is luxurious.
The specifically enchanting thing about Aurora is the farm-fresh dining. The resort’s restaurants feature produce from their 10,000 square foot hydroponic farm. It’s fresh, it’s sustainable, it’s delicious. It’s impactful to see an island pursuing a grow-your-own farm-to-table model.
Little Bay, Anguilla. Original image by PR Pharma
Rendezvous, Anguilla. Image by JR Pharma
Beyond the pursuit of growing their food, the hydroponic farm has more symbolism about the history of the island.
Allegedly, Anguilla hosts unfertile soil conditions which were prohibiting factors to the island developing as a plantation island and unlike many of its other oceanic neighbors. This has however been noted as allowing the island to be spared harsh racial tensions from plantation histories.
The food elsewhere island-side is worth checking out, it has delightful restaurants and a diverse array of eats. It’s a location where I had, get this: eggplant creme brulee…! In addition to the local Caribbean representations and seafood, the Italian food scene is also strong. Unforgettable dinners to be had on the waters as well as playful casual seafood spots that are locally beloved.
Beaches
Image by Carlos Soares
In terms of beaches, Rendezvous Beach on Aurora is nice enough to extend you through a vacation. Other beaches are worth exploring via rental car. Some tops include Savannah, Rendezvous, and Little Bay Anguilla, the last of which is a top recommendation especially while visiting the island. To get to Little Bay Island, you must traverse there via boat, it’s a great day excursion and the snorkeling and swimming at this outlet is wonderful.
Food Recs
For further food destinations, check out Straw Hat and Blanchards which are favorites that make hybrid recipes mostly based on seafood fresh of the island.
*Safety tip
I recommend a rental car to get a feel for the various beaches of the island and to explore the restaurant scene.
Bottom line
Of exquisite beaches and more exquisite local food, Anguilla is an island to appreciate.
