Anguilla Vacation Packages

In Anguilla, the coastline serves as the island's playground. With its sparkling, clear waters and pristine, white sand beaches, the coast offers an array of thrilling activities. Tucked away in the island's northeast corner, Captain’s Bay and Island Harbour serve as a hub for boating enthusiasts. Here, the harbor bustles with vibrant fishing boats, ready to take you on captivating maritime journeys.

In the northwest, the beaches are indeed something to behold. Particularly, Shoal Bay Beach, lauded globally, presents a chance to unwind and a lively social scene. The beach is lined with eateries where you can taste local flavors, boutique shops perfect for picking up unique souvenirs, and even spots for wreck dives that promise unforgettable underwater experiences.

Traveling to the southwest corner of Anguilla, you’ll encounter Cove Bay and Maundays Bay, each boasting its alluring stretches of sand and water. Their serene atmospheres are ideal for peaceful moments or a reflective walk along the shore.

Once the allure of the coastline has been fully absorbed, Anguilla invites you to venture inland toward its rich historical heart. Steeped in fascinating stories, the island’s interior offers a peek into the past with well-preserved plantation homes, an old jail, a church, and a museum waiting to share their tales. It’s a place where the echoes of history resonate, adding another dimension to your vacation.

While Anguilla's name often echoes in the glitz of hip-hop songs and the glamour of reality TV, the island's enduring charm and modest elegance truly set it apart. Despite being a petite landmass, merely 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, Anguilla has held a distinguished place on the travel itineraries of chic globetrotters for years. Its pristine white sand shores and serene ambiance have long been a magnet for wealthy families seeking tranquility and celebrities wanting to evade the camera's glare.

Upon landing in Anguilla, you are immediately embraced by a sense of casual elegance and understated luxury that is as compelling as unexpected, given the island's upscale reputation. But the heart of Anguilla lies in its warm and welcoming inhabitants, a community of around 16,000 people whose genuineness and warmth quickly make you feel at home.

Your journey from the airstrip or ferry dock along quaint, rutted roads offers little hint of the financial affluence underpinning the island. However, as you approach the coast, the curtain is lifted to reveal an impressive vista of multimillion-dollar villas and luxury resorts adorning Anguilla's beaches. It's a striking contrast that underscores the island's unique blend of unassuming simplicity and refined luxury.

In a nutshell, Anguilla is a jewel of the Caribbean that effortlessly blends natural beauty, luxury, and a laid-back vibe. With its enchanting beaches, heartwarming locals, and elegant resorts, it’s a destination that leaves an indelible impression and beckons you back, time and time again.

Accommodations in Anguilla cater to an array of preferences and budgets, shattering the myth that this Caribbean gem is exclusively a destination for the extravagantly affluent. Whether you seek the simplicity of a no-frills retreat or the sumptuousness of a high-end resort, you'll find a place here that feels like your own paradise.

For those searching for an escape from the hustle and bustle of large resorts, the Anacaona Boutique Hotel, tucked away next to Mead's Bay, offers an intimate haven. This modestly elegant resort provides guests with a tranquil retreat where the beauty of nature is the highlight, not the fancy trappings often associated with island resorts.

Yet, Anguilla hasn't forgotten its well-heeled and celebrity visitors who have been gracing its shores for decades. The island's pricier "legacy resorts" offer a blend of luxury, seclusion, and exemplary services, making them a favored choice for those seeking an upscale vacation experience.

Alternatively, a villa's privacy, convenience, and luxury might be more appealing to those looking for a home-away-from-home feel or a space to host family and friends. Anguilla has more than 300 villas, each with its unique character and amenities, ensuring a perfect match for every visitor. These villas provide ultimate comfort and luxury, from sea-facing hideaways to hilltop estates.

A trip to Sandy Island is a quintessential Anguilla experience that encapsulates the island's sun-soaked allure. With 33 outstanding white sand shores decorating the island, beach activities are an inevitable part of any visit to Anguilla. You can seek seclusion in the cozy cove at Little Bay, reachable only by boat or a daring climb down a rope ladder. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of Shoal Bay and Meads Bay, vibrant yet never overcrowded.

Venturing to Anguilla's offshore islands is an excellent way to spend a day, and among them, Sandy Island and Scilly Cay hold a unique charm. You can embark on a joyous boat ride from Sandy Ground aboard a vessel named "Happiness" to Sandy Island. Here, the sun, sea, and delicious local crayfish—a lobster-like delicacy—await to provide you with an unforgettable beach day.

Just a short five-minute boat ride away from the dock at Island Harbour, Scilly Cay serves up bountiful, albeit pricey, seafood platters under beach palapas. The real star here, however, is the famous rum punch, renowned for transporting sippers to an island state of mind and surprisingly affordable, providing a rare Anguillian bargain.

As the sun sets, Anguilla's nightlife stirs to life. Thursday nights at The Pumphouse in Sandy Ground are filled with the rhythm of live bands. A few steps away, Elvis’ Beach Bar invites you for another round of their delightful rum punch. After a night of fun and music, you can meander back to your accommodation, the memories of the day echoing in the ocean breeze. A trip to Sandy Island is not merely a visit to another beach but a journey into what makes Anguilla truly magical.

With a thriving culinary scene of more than 50 restaurants, Anguilla invites you to indulge in an array of flavorsome delights that will keep you satiated throughout your stay. Despite the risk of returning home with a few extra pounds, the island's gastronomy offers such an irresistible culinary journey that every calorie is well worth it.

Begin your evening with a round of refreshing cocktails at the Viceroy Resort’s Sunset Lounge. Here, an international DJ curates a vibrant soundtrack for an elegant crowd, setting the stage for culinary adventures.

When it comes to local eats, you have a variety of options. On Thursday nights, the Anacaona Hotel offers a buffet accompanied by a folkloric show, providing a feast for your palate and your eyes. Tasty’s, helmed by Anguillian chef Dale Carty, serves up tantalizing dishes made from the freshest seafood, such as spicy conch ceviche accompanied by fried plantain, allowing you to taste the bounty of the sea in every bite.

For those craving innovative fusion cuisine, Hibernia at Island Harbour stands out with its unique amalgamation of Indonesian, Caribbean, and French flavors, melded together to create mouthwatering dishes that delight the senses.

Of course, no visit to Anguilla would be complete without indulging in beachfront dining. Among the favorites is Straw Hat on breathtaking Mead’s Bay, Smokey’s at The Cove with its delicious barbecue offerings, and Sandbar in Sandy Ground, where speedy service delivers amazing tapas from the kitchen in no time at all.

Whether you're a food connoisseur or a casual diner, Anguilla's rich and diverse cuisine offers a feast of flavors you won't soon forget.

Despite its petite size, Anguilla boasts various shopping experiences and opportunities to capture lasting memories through signature souvenirs. The island caters to diverse tastes and budgets, presenting an impressive array of unique finds beyond traditional keepsakes.

For the luxury-seekers, the boutique at the Viceroy Resort is a trove of upscale treasures. Here, you can shop for designer beach and evening wear, and even their signature customized James Perse T-shirts, perfect for injecting some Anguillian style into your wardrobe.

Meanwhile, Irie Life boutique in South Hill is the go-to spot for the island's trendiest tees. Shunning the conventional boxy crew necks, this store showcases a collection of fashion-forward tops in various on-trend colors and styles that will keep your look fresh and hip.

ZaZaa, with its trio of stores located at Anacaona Hotel, South Hill, and Shoal Bay, is a must-visit for those seeking an eclectic assortment of beachwear and jewelry. Each piece is carefully sourced from around the world, ensuring a diverse selection.

For locally produced crafts and unique mementos, stop by Seaspray Boutique in South Hill. Keep an eye out for the whimsical "rasta head" bottle openers, which not only make inexpensive and useful souvenirs but also bring a slice of local charm into your home.

For those who enjoy a bit of late-night shopping, Bijoux Boutique in Sandy Ground stays open until 10 pm. This shop houses an impressive array of silver jewelry, allowing you to bring home a piece of Anguilla's artistic flair.

Language:

A British-influenced English.

Currency:

Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar is official, but the USD is widely accepted.

Electricity:

110 volt outlets, no adapter is required for American electronics.

Passport/Immigration:

All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport when traveling to and from Anguilla.

Drinking Water:

Unless you’re at a resort that explicitly tells you that it supplies its own desalinated or chlorinated water, stick to bottled water.

Time Zone:

Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT -4 hours)

Peak Season:

Mid-December – mid-April

Anguilla is also home to the International Arts Festival at the end of July. Artists come from all over the world to show off their work and discuss the art world. For the art enthusiast, this can be a magical time to be on the island. You'll get an opportunity to peruse the works of up-and-coming artists. Plus, you'll get a glimpse into the Caribbean art world. If you're the cultural maven who'll appreciate time up close and personal with art, check out this festival.

Many consider the beach at Shoal Bay the most beautiful on the island and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A stretch of powdery, white sand spans the distance between coconut trees and turquoise water. The wide beach and gentle water make this a perfect family destination. There are also restaurants nearby that offer places to park. This means you won't have to walk far, and amenities are nearby. Adding to the perfection is a coral reef that is relatively close to the shore. Bring your snorkel gear, and explore an underwater ecosystem in the crystal clear surf. However you spend your time at Shoal Bay, you'll spend it on one of the most remarkable beaches in the world.

Anguilla celebrates its own Carnival, which starts on the first Monday of August and continues for 10 days. These are 10 days of arts and craft shows, bands playing all hours of the day, local cuisine, and brilliantly colored parades. The boat races during Carnival are a thing of adrenaline-fueled beauty. Anguilla's Carnival is not as large as other islands', and this suits many people better. You get all the Carnival experiences without dealing with an overwhelmingly large celebration. Get the full Carnival experience, and visit Anguilla's trademark boat racing during this exciting, annual celebration.

While you’re at Carnival, make sure to be there for the boat races. Sailing is the national sport of Anguilla, and the locals take it very seriously, and Carnival makes everything bigger. So the boat races are even more important. There are multiple opportunities to see races throughout the 10 days of Carnival, and you should definitely take advantage of them. The boats are built on the island, and they are things of beauty and efficiency. Painted in bright colors, they aren't built with decks, so the sailors use different materials to keep the boats stable. As the boats near the finish line, sailors will start throwing that material overboard to gain more speed. The spectators get really into the races, and their enthusiasm is contagious. You don't even have to pick a boat to cheer for to get swept up in the excitement.

In addition to the BET sponsored Jazz festival, Anguilla hosts another, lesser-recognized festival: Moonsplash. This reggae festival is put on in late February or early March, for the three days around the full moon. While it may not draw the same big names, the festival has seen some celebrities and popular musicians make appearances. The whole festival is driven by the energy and star power of local celebrity Bankie Banx. It is a valuable event and venue for veteran and emerging reggae acts alike. Hosted at Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve on the beach of Rendezvous Bay, this reggae institution is going strong after more than 20 years.

There are no direct flights from the US to Anguilla, so you will stop at one of the larger airports, such as San Juan, Puerto Rico or St. Maarten/St.Martin. From there, you will fly into Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd Airport. Or, you may travel by ferry boat service or water taxi from St. Maarten. Should you fly into Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, know that it is small, with one small terminal and no jet ways. Simply regard to the signs, or ask one of the friendly gate agents. The way out won’t be hard to find.

A valid passport (with at least 6 months before expiration) and a return or onward tickets are required for all visitors to Anguilla. You’ll also need to complete an ICAO Embarkation/Disembarkation Card.

There are taxis and shuttles outside the airport, which is on the outskirts of The Valley, Anguilla’s capital. The airport is in the middle of the island, about 8 miles from the east and west ends.

Outside, there’s a taxi stand where clients join a short queue and a dispatcher asks the guest which resort they will be visiting. The next available taxi will take the client to the resort. There will be a cost notification or an indication of the cost to be charged.