8 Life Lessons For This Moment

Perhaps you’re reading this because you’ve never heard of Anguilla. Or perhaps you have and are interested in finding out more. Whatever your reason I am sure these bite-sized Anguilla titbits will surprise you. 

Recently I spent 3 days in Anguilla, the world’s leading luxury island destination (as voted by the World Travel Awards). Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the Eastern Caribbean, a 20-minute ferry ride north from Sint Maarten, immediately east of Puerto Rico.

Lined with miles of white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, it’s easy to see how it’s laid back vibe and hypnotic sapphire blue sea beckons holiday makers from all corners of the globe.  

So let’s get better acquainted and discover 21 things you may not have known about Anguilla.

Sandy Island in Anguilla

1. Anguilla is only 26km long (16 miles) and 5 km wide (3 miles).

2. Anguilla is a popular tax haven, since there is no capital gains, estate, profit or other forms of direct taxation. 

3. More than 90% of the residents are descendants of slaves transported from Western Africa. They are a friendly and cheerful people.

4. They eat a lot of seafood, but goat is the most popular meat. 

5. Anguilla enjoys an average annual temperature of 27°C (80°F).

6. They accept US dollars, but the official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar which is pegged to the US dollar at US$1=EC$2.68.

7. It’s crazy expensive. Supermarket items are priced highly since the majority are imported. Restaurants can be quite pricey and accommodation costs can be steep.

8. They have super luxurious accommodation. While snorkelling I spotted a beautiful cliff-top property. My guide reported it is a vacation rental priced at around US$10,000 to US$35,000 per week.

9. While super luxe hotels are easy to find, you can also pick up budget-friendly accommodation. Budget ranges start around US$100 - $150 per night for a couple. 

10. For US$10 round trip (on a boat shuttle named “Happiness”) you can get to Sandy Island, a small cay off of Anguilla – secluded paradise within paradise. 

The only building on Sandy Island

11. They have a Heritage Trail, where you can visit beautiful old churches and interesting historic features of the island. 

12. The food is amazing – see my favourite places to eat.

13. You can snorkel any time. Anguilla is renowned for its spectacular and ecologically significant coral reefs and beaches. We spent one morning snorkelling, and while it might not have been as impressive as the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, but there were plenty of colourful tropical fish and beautiful cave systems in the cliffs. 

14. You can get there by charter plane – but why fly when you can ride the waves?

15. You can get there by ferry from Sint Maarten. In just 20 minutes you will be stepping onto Anguilla’s sandy shores.

16. There are goats. Lots of them. As the locals’ primary meat source, you will find goats all over the island.

17. Stray (or ultra free range) chickens abound – like most of Central America.

18. The locals all know each other.  With a population of approximately 13,500 (2006 estimate) it seemed everywhere we went our guide was greeting a friend or neighbour.

19. There is no cinema. Maybe that’s not important to some people, but I love movies. If you want to watch the latest blockbuster, you’ll have to head to Sint Maarten. Not far, but a whole other country.

20. Most locals shop online or visit Puerto Rico. The local post office has a US address to make “domestic” delivery easy. But there are not many retail shops on the island so most of the locals head offshore. The lack of sprawling retail landscape also adds to the rustic charm.

21. There are no real streets or letterboxes. Post is delivered to the post office for you to collect. 

BONUS: You’ll need more than 3 days. To truly enjoy the island, relax and soak it in, plan at least a week or more. 

Anguilla’s relaxed pace and remote island vibe allows visitors to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It truly is a Caribbean sanctuary for the soul. If this list has piqued your interest, go ahead and check out my 5 worst things you can do in Anguilla.

Powdery smooth white sand. Crystal turquoise waters. Swaying palm trees. How could there be anything wrong with this island? What could possibly inspire me to write a post about bad things in nirvana? You will see. 

View from highest point on Anguilla

My good friend Micki (from The Barefoot Nomad) and I first met in the Caribbean. Who would have thought 3 years later we would “ditch” our families, fly nearly 30 hours and return to the Caribbean?

When I received an invitation to discover the tropical paradise of Anguilla after several cold months in Canada, not even the long flight could deter me from a few days in the tropical sun.

Could a 30-hour journey via Kelowna, Vancouver, Phoenix, Charlotte and St Maarten really be worth it for 3 days in Anguilla?

Turns out it was. 

Our arrival into Sint Maarten via the famous so-low-you-can-almost-touch-the-plane Maho Beach was spectacular, but not as much fun as the 20-minute ferry ride to Anguilla. 

Maho Beach, Sint Maarten

After 3 days on this dreamlike paradise I discovered 5 things that I knew I had to warn you about to make sure you had the best possible time in Anguilla. 

Do not go to Anguilla and make these 5 mistakes:

1. Miss Sandy Island

My favourite moment of the trip. And not one to miss. We spent the morning snorkelling around the edges of Anguilla on a small charter boat before pulling onto Sandy Island. 

The aquamarine sea gently lapped on the white sand, warmly beckoning. It was an easy decision to jump off the boat and explore this small island.

Sandy Island is a tiny cay 2.9 miles northwest of the main island of Anguilla. You can catch a short boat “shuttle” from the small pier at Sandy Ground Beach. 

“Happiness” costs US$10 per person round trip.

Unlike most isolated islands I have visited, Sandy Island has been only one that provided fresh, delicious food. There is just one restaurant on the island, where food is prepared fresh and hot for you to enjoy.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a tropical paradise without a cocktail in hand, relaxing in a hammock on the beach. 

2. Forget Your Sunglasses

You may have noticed on my Snapchat feed plenty of squinty-eyed photos and videos. After getting used to the -6°C (21°F) temperatures in Canada and being awake before sunrise, it didn’t even click to bring sunglasses with me.

The island is fairly small and shopping options are limited. So finding sunglasses was near impossible. Most locals do their shopping in Puerto Rico or online.

So for 3 days I squinted at the rays and cursed my forgetfulness.

The only time it rained was a quick 5-minute downpour and then we were back to sunshine. 

3. Spend Every Day On The Beach

It’s tempting to spend most of your time at the beach in Anguilla. After all, this is the Caribbean. The waters are warm, calm and tantalisingly translucent. The soft sand is a dazzling white and the temperature is always perfect.

However Anguilla has more to offer than just the beach. From its 17th century churches to a smallheritage museum, the culture buff will find something to see.

Or perhaps history is not your thing, but pools are. Skip the beach and make a b-line to one of the luxury hotels for a day at the pool. For a small fee you can experience an indulgent day at theViceroy’s infinity pool, sipping cocktails and soaking up the sea views.

Infinity pool at Viceroy

4. Skimp Money On A Hotel

As you can imagine Anguilla is home to an array of upmarket hotels, so choosing one is going to be tough. In my experience if you are spending your vacation on a luxury island like Anguilla, go all out and stay in a luxury hotel, such as the Viceroy or CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa.

The island has it’s own classification for budget accommodation, where a budget-friendly option will set you back about US$150 per night. My first few nights were spent at Anguilla Great House Beach Resort, which has an amazing location, directly on the beach, but the rooms could have used a renovation. If you are looking for more of a rustic, modest room then this is your choice. 

Pool at Anguilla Great House Beach Resort

I also spent a night at Anacaona Boutique Resort. This one is not on the beach, but does have access to two beautiful pools. Beware the resident roosters though, as a light sleeper, they kept me awake most the night.

View from my room at Anacaona Boutique Hotel

Based on my accommodation experience on Anguilla, I’d suggest you don’t skimp on your accommodation. Enjoy every minute of your well-deserved vacation! 

5. Be On A Diet

Anguilla is not the place to be on a diet. This is one of the worst things you can do on a Caribbean island getaway. The food is excellent, which was far removed from my time in Ambergris Caye, Belize. In Anguilla the typical Caribbean cuisine staples are beans, rice and plenty of fresh seafood. And on that note…

Here are my 5 favourite places to eat in Anguilla:

1. Sandy Island Restaurant

You can’t get any better than eating on your own private island. This island is a short speedboat shuttle from the main island of Anguilla. The food is fresh and surprisingly good. It is all prepared on the island and not carted over from the mainland. My chicken and salad plate was delicious. It could have been the spellbinding views, it could have been really good food, but honestly, how can a meal be bad when you are eating on your own mini-island in the Caribbean? 

2. Veya

The place to be in the evening. When we arrived there was live music, dramatic décor and friendly staff. But most importantly, impeccable food from a New Yorker. 

3. Straw Hat

Maybe it’s just me, but I love a restaurant with a difference and the Straw Hat really goes all out with its themed name. Straw-hat lights, bread served in a straw hat and an even an opportunity to walk out with your own straw hat. Situated right on the ocean this place serves delicious food in a fun, vibrant atmosphere. 

Bread served in a straw hat

4. Smokey’s

Another restaurant situated right on the beach and the perfect place for lunch. Grab a table on the sand, dig your toes in and enjoy the views. Perfect for families as the kids will be so engrossed with playing in the waves or building sandcastles you can enjoy your cocktail in peace. My jerk chicken wrap was spicy, but don’t miss the fish bite appetiser!

5. Mango’s

Fine dining on the beach. You won’t get your feet in the sand, so it’s the best opportunity to dress up and head out with someone special or friends. While it wasn’t the best steak in my life, it was still a solid contender. 

As with most Caribbean islands, you have to be prepared to spend a pretty penny to enjoy these dining experiences. The food is not cheap, but it is fresh and you can always save money on attractions. After all, whittling away your days swimming in the alluring warm waters of the Caribbean is totally free. 

The Bottom Line

When my biggest complaints involve sunglasses, choosing a pool or beach and dodging my diet, it’s hard to taint the solid reputation Anguilla has earned as an upmarket relaxing Caribbean getaway. Next time I’ll be ready – and might even bring an extra pair of sunglasses just to be safe.