What’s So Special About Anguilla?

Are you looking for something new this summer? Tucked away in the eastern reaches of the Caribbean, Anguilla is a shy beauty with a warm smile, and it’s top of our wanderlust list for summer 2025. A slender ribbon of coral and limestone, fringed in emerald and ringed by 33 immaculate beaches, this is the postcard-perfect beach getaway dreams are made of. But Anguilla’s allure extends beyond its sun-bleached shores. The island boasts a vibrant culinary scene, a plethora of accommodation options, from boutique boltholes to sprawling resorts, and a calendar brimming with festivals and cultural celebrations giving the island year-round appeal. Whether you’re looking ahead to some winter sun, or haven’t settled on this summer’s holiday destination, Anguilla’s balmy climate, gentle breezes, and easy-going charm is really something special.

Why Anguilla?

On arrival, Anguilla reveals itself as the perfect playground for relaxation and adventure. The public beaches are the island’s crowning glory, each with its own distinct personality. From Maunday’s Bay, with its crescent of powdery sand, to the Moorish domes of Cap Juluca; this is the stuff of Caribbean dreams. Little Bay, accessible only by boat or a daring climb, offers seclusion and crystalline waters, while Prickly Pear Cay beckons snorkellers to beautiful reefs, teeming with marine life.

Beyond the beaches, Anguilla’s spirit of adventure comes alive, and the wild at heart can enjoy LED kayaking, horseback riding through the surf, or setting off on an all-terrain quad biking adventure. Guided hikes reveal the island’s wild side, from the lush Katouche estate to the dramatic cliffs of Windward Point. 

Offshore, cays like Sandy Island and Prickly Pear promise unforgettable days of live music, grilled lobster, and cocktails served with a side of Caribbean joie de vivre. Speaking of lobster, food is a serious affair here, with over 100 dining spots ranging from toes-in-the-sand beach shacks to sophisticated fine dining. Enjoy smokey barbecue at a roadside stand, feast on freshly-caught snapper at a family-run restaurant, or say yes to gourmet creations by celebrity chefs. As the sun sets, Anguilla’s nightlife rises, think live bands, DJs, and the vibrant pulse of soca and reggae at Sandy Ground’s lively bars, or the laid-back rhythms of Shoal Bay East, where locals and visitors mingle over rum punch and reggae beats.

Where To Stay

Anguilla’s accommodation scene is as diverse as its landscape, catering to every taste and visitor. For those seeking barefoot luxury, Malliouhana is an icon, perched above Turtle Cove with direct access to one of the island’s most secret stretches of sand, and Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, graces Maunday’s Bay with its Moorish architecture and legendary service.

Zemi Beach House, a stand-out for eco-conscious and community-forward travellers, is nestled on Shoal Bay East, a sanctuary of contemporary elegance, with a world-class spa and ocean-facing suites. 

For those seeking privacy, CéBlue Villas and The Beach House offer exclusive-use estates with sweeping sea views and private pools, and for those that prefer a boutique gem, Carimar Beach Club offers excellent value and a warm welcome for families and groups. 

ÀNI Anguilla is an exclusive, all-inclusive private resort featuring luxury inclusions such as full-board dining, daily spa treatments, and bespoke experiences including night kayaking, plus pet-friendly amenities, and a dedicated staff who personalise every detail for groups of 12 to 20 guests.

What To Do In Anguilla

Life in Anguilla is lived outdoors, and the island’s compact size makes exploring easy. Charter a sunset sail, rent a colourful Moke to cruise the coastal roads, or paddleboard across turquoise bays, to take in all the sights. 

For a taste of island heritage, join a heritage tour with the Anguilla National Trust. Nature beckons with eco-walking tours for birdwatchers, turtle patrols in nesting season, and salt-picking experiences in the island’s historic salt ponds. Quest Experiences offers active and cultural activities from bird watching to rum tasting on Anguilla with local guides. 

From vibrant carnival parades in August to spontaneous beach barbecues backed by the gentle rhythm of the waves, the possibilities are endless. 

Getting There 

Fly direct to Antigua with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic then take an inter-island flight to Anguilla. Alternatively, KLM and Air France offer routes via Amsterdam or Paris to St. Maarten, followed by a boat transfer or a short flight. For those preferring to cross the Atlantic via the US, American Airlines now operates direct flights from Miami into Anguilla, with easy UK connections.

For information on Anguilla, please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board | ivisitanguilla.com

For special offers on accommodation and more, visit deals.ivisitanguilla.com