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Anguilla - The Best Kept Secret in the Caribbean No More.
It wasn't so long ago that no one ever heard of Anguilla. "Where?" everyone asked me when I mentioned it. "I've never heard of that" was always the response. Ah Anguilla. She's growing and changing and with new development all over the island Anguilla isn't a sleepy little island anymore. Luckily she still manages to hold onto her small island charms.
I first discovered Anguilla in 1994. I was looking for a quiet Caribbean island with beaches and not much else. I checked a Fodor's Caribbean book out of my local library in 1993. I read about every island and narrowed it down to three, Saba, Montserrat, and Anguilla. Then, after more investigation I narrowed it down to Anguilla.
Boy did I find the beaches that I was looking for. 33 brilliant white sand beaches ring Anguilla's 16x3 mile landscape. But I found much more. I also found wonderful locals. Anguillians I met were friendly and proud of their island and seemed to take pride in my enjoyment of it.
My first visit was ten days in Paradise. We stayed at Skiffle's Villas on South Hill. We had a jeep and a map and an endless sense of adventure. Every day was a new dirt road leading down to a new beach. I was smitten.
Little did I know then, as I sat sniffling at Wallblake Airport because I didn't want to leave, that it was the beginning of a love affair that would still be going strong after fifteen years.
We headed back to Anguilla and the Cuisinart in June 2009. Please take a look at our new Anguilla 2009 photos.
Before you go please sign my Guest Book.
A Truly Unique and Loving Souvenir From Anguilla
On a visit to Anguilla in June of 2002 I adopted a little kitten. I had planned an animal rescue as I had to have one of my cats put to sleep and I knew that the Anguilla Animal Rescue Fund was always looking for loving homes for their rescue animals. I took a collapsible animal carrier with me just in case I got lucky. Well, I met a little black kitten with gorgeous green eyes, who I named Hana. I named her Hana after the island of Anguilla. The indigenous people of Anguilla were Amerindian, also called Arawak. These people called Anguilla "Malliouhana". (Columbus gave it the name Anguilla, which is Spanish for eel). So, I named my little Anguilla girl Hana in honor of her birthplace.
You can read about my adoption of Hana on the Anguilla Animal Rescue Fund website. I later sent them some updated photo's of Hana and my Mom's cat Norman they posted on their website. To this day they remain the best of friends.
How to Capture an Anguilla Sunrise
I wish that you could see this picture in real size. You can see it here on Bob Green's Anguilla News website dated May 27, 2002. I was very proud to see it on his site. I took this picture in November of 2001. It's a picture of a sunrise on Anguilla taken from Shoal Bay West. It was the day I was leaving. I'd been out late the night before having a few drinks with a friend at the lovely Sonesta Resort (which was where the new golf course is) and I have to admit to having a bit of a hangover. When I woke up the room was blazing red. I rolled over and pulled the pillow over my head and tried to ignore it. Luckily, a few moments later I thought that I'd better get up and see what was going on. This is what was going on... a magnificent sunrise. Anguilla Sunrise Videos
Sunrise is the most beautiful time on Anguilla.
Anguilla Sunset Videos
As night closes in the sun performs it's magic over the water.
Accommodations on Anguilla
I have stayed in a variety of places located all over the island. Allamanda Beach Club, Cove Castles, Cuisinart, Ocean Breeze, Paradise Cove, Royal Palms Apartments, 18 Degrees North, and in 1994, my first visit , I stayed at Skiffles Villas on South Hill.The beauty of the island is that you can pay a little or pay a lot for your accommodations and your meals. No matter what "end" of the island you stay on, the east or the west, it's easy to get around the island. It's a small enough island that you can become intimately familiar with it quickly.
Cuisinart Resort & Spa Anguilla
Visit this lens to view a slideshow of Cuisinart
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Cuisinart Resort & Spa Anguilla
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There is no more perfect place to stay on Anguilla. First class service and amenities. Large spacious beach front rooms. Two restaurants, one an AAA 4 Diamond restaurant. A full service spa and wellness center. Luxury shopping at on site shops Boutiq...
Anguilla Resorts, Villa Rentals, Condos
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Anguilla Villas
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Anguilla is a small sliver of an island, only 16x3 miles. Her name, Anguilla, is said to have been given to her by Christopher Columbus. As he sailed by taking note of her long and flat topography he named her Anguilla, which is Spanish for "eel...
Anguilla Restaurants
While there are some resorts, such as the Cuisinart, Cove Castles, Cap Juluca and Malliouhana that offer meal plans you really should consider taking advantage of the many wonderful restaurants on the island. Plan to eat out at a different one each night.
If you don't have a rental car and don't want to drive after dark have your hotel arrange a taxi for you.
If you are planning to eat out on Anguilla make sure that you make reservations, even during low-season. There are two reasons, number one is that it's the "polite" thing to do. Number two is that restaurants staff and plan menus according to the number of guests they expect.
Also, don't expect to find the full menu available during low-season in some of the smaller restaurants. Be flexible!
Here are some of my favorites. I have included links so you can check out their menu's online.
- Blanchard's
- This restaurant deserves a visit and I'd recommend it for a splurge. This is a romantic restaurant and is the perfect beachfront location to view a beautiful Anguilla sunset. The food here is fantastic and the service fabulous.
- Cafe Mediterraneo at Cuisinart
- After this last visit I must add Cafe Mediterraneo to my list of favorites. Large portions, friendly service. The restaurant chef takes full advantage of the ultra-fresh hydroponic produce grown in the resorts own greenhouses making spectacular vegetable dishes and salads. A lovely poolside location at the Cuisinart doesn't hurt either!
- Cove Castles Restaurant
- I was lucky enough to stay at Cove Castles many years ago. The staff and service at Cove Castles remains unparalleled, and the restaurant without a doubt the best I've experienced on the island. If you want to have one memorable meal, this is the place.
- Cuisinart Lobster BBQ Tuesday Night
- Don't miss this BBQ. All you can eat grilled lobster, chicken, steak, ribs, pasta (prepared to your request), salads, vegetables, breads and more desserts than you can imagine. Well worth the $95 each. Made even more fun with the music of The Happy Hits.
- Gwen's Reggae Grill
- Gwen's has live music on Sunday's. Gwen offers hamburgers, cheeseburgers, grilled fish sandwiches, snapper, crayfish and lobster, all served with tasty rice and salad. Oh, and of course she'll keep the rum punch flowing!
- Hibernia
- On the east coast of the island with wonderful views overlooking Little Harbor. Asian and French influences mix delightfully with local Anguilla fish and lobster. The owners are as colorful as the food.
- Olivers Seaside Grill
- Along with a fabulous menu (try the Poached Fillet of Snapper) Olivers is the place to watch the sunset. Located on Long Bay.
- Santorini
- This fine dining restaurant is located at the Cuisinart Resort. The food was flavorful and beautifully presented. The service was outstanding. It's easy to understand why they received an AAA Four Diamond Award.
- Scilly Cay
- Scilly Cay sits on it's own island in Island Harbor. All you have to do is walk onto the dock, wave, and someone will be there within a few minutes to pick you up. Scilly Cay is known for it's grilled lobster and crayfish and it's famed marinade. Be warned - it's expensive - with a capital "E". A lobster lunch for two, with drinks, will set you back $200. Scilly Cay has live music on Sunday and Wednesday. It's a popular day trip. Be aware it can get crowded with excursions from Cap Juluca, Malliouhana and Cuisinart. This means it can take a while for your meal to be ready. It's best to make a reservation. Watch those rum punches-they're killers!
Visit here for the Scilly Cay Anguilla marinade recipe. - Smitty's
- On the beach: Smitty's Island Harbor. I remember the first time I went to Smitty's. It was June 1994. It was much different then it is now. It had a stage and a dance floor area. Unfortunately Hurricane Luis destroyed Smitty's building in 1995, but it didn't destroy Smitty's spirit. He is the ultimate host on Anguilla. He has the best grilled crayfish on the island and serves a killer rum punch. Don't miss Smitty's.
- Smokey's at The Cove
- Smokey's also has live music on Saturdays. Try the curried goat or the stewed pork, my favorites. My husband says it's the best hamburger on Anguilla. Smokey's now has an outdoor deck and free chairs and umbrella with lunch.
- Tasty's Restaurant
- Tasty's Restaurant is both a local and tourist favorite. Hard to miss as it's located on the Main Road in South Hill.
- Trattoria Tramonto
- Fine Italian dining on the shore of Shoal Bay West. Nobody goes just once. Try the homemade lobster ravioli in truffle cream sauce. Don't eat pasta anywhere else!
More Anguilla Restaurants
On the beach:Johnno's on Sandy Ground has always been a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. Johnno's jumps on Friday's with live music. Jazz plays on Sundays from noon till 4. Johnno's offers seafood such as grilled lobster, snapper and kingfish, steak and chicken. Try the stewed conch.
Mango's Located beachfront on Barnes Bay, Mango's (and Mango Dave) has always been one of the hottest debated restaurants on Anguilla. Here's our review of Mango's - excellent food but very small side portions- brusk wait staff - uncomfortable seating - exorbitantly priced drinks ($16 pina colada).
Palm Grove on Junk's Hole. Another place we first visited in 1994. We spend most of the day talking with Nat and watching the guys play dominoes. We enjoyed the deserted beach. We watched Nat's side-kick catch the fish that Nat then grilled it up for us. It was fantastic.
The Old Caribe This restaurant is located at the Anguilla Great House on Rendezvous Bay. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have recently opened a beach bar. They have a wonderful club sandwich and very good drinks. It's an inexpensive lunch, don't expect gourmet here. Do yourself a favor and visit the Anguilla Great House and rent a chair and spend the day under the shady palms and enjoy the best beach on Anguilla.
Not on the beach but still worth a visit:
English Rose in The Valley. Located on the main road. It has American and island dishes. Large portions at great prices.
Gee Wees Bakery South Hill Shopping Plaza. Great cakes, pies and baked goods. They always have a tasty and reasonably priced lunch. Carry out or enjoy one of their tables.
Le Bon Pain Bakery in Island Harbor. It's worth waking up early for the croissants, and you'll want to get there before they sell out.
The Last Flight Restaurant in the airport. My favorite spot for goat curry. I would always get to the airport early so I'd have plenty of time to enjoy lunch at The Last Flight. And, it may be one of the only air conditioned sit-down restaurants on the island!
Fish Sandwich with "Fireworks" at Gwen's
Anguilla Photos June 2009
Listen to Anguilla Radio Live
Nothing puts you in the island mood quite like the music...
- Heart Beat Radio 107.5
- Heart Beat Radio 107.5 says it offers an "admirable mix of music, news, information and interaction."
- KooL FM 103.3
- KooL FM calls themselves "The People's Radio"
Kool Sounds - Kool People - Kool Vibes
The Anguillian Newspaper
- Anguilla's Local Newspaper
- An online link to The Anguillian, the local newspaper.
Anguilla Weather Forecast
- Anguilla 7 Day Forecast
- Anguilla weather forecast on concierge.com
- Anguilla Rainbow
- A lot of people get concerned when they see rain forecast for Anguilla. Generally storms on Anguilla blow over quickly leaving lovely rainbows in their wake.
TripAdvisor Anguilla Travel Forum
- Tourist Forum - TripAdvisor
- Get info on Anguilla here from fellow travelers who have first hand knowledge of the island.
Golf on Anguilla
These courses are sure to become premier all inclusive Caribbean golf vacation spots.
It seems that Anguilla is destined to become "the" spot for Caribbean golf. Both the Temenos Golf Club of Anguilla and the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club of Anguilla will be offering all inclusive Caribbean golf vacation packages that will delight any golfer.-
Temenos-Golf-Club-Anguilla
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PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AS OF JANUARY 2009 THE TEMENOS GOLF COURSE IS CLOSED. The course may be re-opening in November-December 2009. Article from The Anguillian Newspaper dated 8/14/2009 "Mr. Banks also spoke about the Flag/Temenos project. He said...
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Fairmont Anguilla & Jack Nicklaus Golf Club of Anguilla
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PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS PROJECT IS INDEFINITELY ON HOLD The Fairmont has now announced it plans to build a Fairmont Residences on Anguilla in conjunction with the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club of Anguilla. This new resort will be in the Forest Bay are...
Anguilla Moonsplash Festival
There are lots of different things to love about Anguilla. I love Anguilla best when I feel like I have the whole island to myself.Others like to visit when festivals and carnivals are going on. The whole island is jumping with thousands of people celebrating.
One of the most popular Anguilla festivals is the Moonsplash Festival hosted Anguilla's favorite son, Bankie Banx.
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Anguilla-Moonsplash Music Festival
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One of the most beautiful beaches on all of Anguilla has to be Rendezvous Bay. A perfect 2 mile long crescent of brilliant white sand lapped by crystal clear Caribbean water. As you walk along the beach, past the Cuisinart Resort you'll notice a smal...
Shoal Bay East Anguilla
There are two Shoal Bay's on Anguilla. Shoal Bay East and Shoal Bay West. They are very different beaches. With very different accommodations and personalities.
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Shoal Bay Anguilla
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There are 33 brilliant white sand beaches on Anguilla, and you'll find that each one has it's own personality. The biggest beach on Anguilla is Shoal Bay East. It's the most well known and written about. It's got a large number of great beach bars, r...
Vote for your favorite Anguilla beach!
Visit the Anguilla Travel Group lens and tell us what beach is best!
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It's All About The Beaches Headquarters
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Anguilla is a very special destination. Not everyone who visits there will fall under her charms, but those who do fall long and hard. Although we all have a special affection for the same place we see it in different ways. We each have a favorite...
Getting Around on Anguilla
Rent a car on Anguilla and enjoy exploring!
One year I put 468 miles on a jeep in seven days. (I'll bet the folks at Avis are still scratching their heads about that one!) I drove down every dirt road I could find, some of them twice. I spent my days between Shoal Bay East and Rendezvous Bay and Elise Bay and Dropsey Bay, and exploring Blackgarden Bay and Windward Point.
From years of experience I would DEFINITELY suggest a Jeep or similar type of vehicle which allows for ample clearance If you plan to explore off paved roads.
Shopping on Anguilla
Anguilla and St. Marten are only about 20 minutes apart by ferry, but they're worlds apart when it comes to shopping. Anguilla is not known for being a shopping-mecca, but those who visit don't seem disappointed at all. You'll find more then enough souvenirs in the small shops that are located all around the island.For authentic and affordable Anguilla souvenirs visit the Anguilla Arts and Crafts Shop at the Brooks & Sons Complex in The Valley. It's full of pottery, wood crafts, crocheted works, paintings and much more. The Anguilla Drug Store in The Valley has a large selection of souvenirs and t-shirts. Bartlett's on South Hill is a store full of great Anguilla artwork, soaps, jewelry, Christmas tree ornaments, bags, clothing and more. Something Special located on the West End carries local crafts, books, jewelry and gift items. Caribbean Silk Screen on South Hill has a great selection of t-shirts, shorts and beach coverups. For a selection of hip beachware, clothing, t shirts, hats, and shoes make sure you check out Irie Life on Back Street in South Hill.
High end jewelry shopping recently arrived on Anguilla when Diamonds International opened in the Tomac Plaza on George Hill. Another spot for high end jewelry shopping is Capri in the Cuisinart resort.
Anguilla is home to many fine and talented artists. You can find their work displayed in many of the art galleries over the island. Check out Cheddie Richardson's sculpted works in mahogany, walnut and driftwood at Cheddie's Carving Studioon the west end. The Deonish Gallery is also on the West end. Lynne Bernbaum Art Studio is located on George Hill. Savannah Gallery is located in The Valley.
Shopping next door on St. Maarten
I'd visited Anguilla five times before I could bring myself to leave the island to shop on St. Maarten. I must admit that I enjoyed the visit and got some incredible jewelry buys. We had lunch in Marigot, which is where the ferry lands. It's the French side of St. Martin. We took a taxi ride to the Dutch side to Phillipsburg, where all the shopping action is.Anguilla has a public ferry that is easy to find, and has a convenient schedule. The first ferry departs (Blowing Point Ferry Port) Anguilla at 7:30AM, with boats departing each port between 30 - 40 minute intervals. The price is $12.00 US per person one way.
How to get to Anguilla
Take a Plane or a Boat to Anguilla
There is more than one way to travel to Anguilla. I always chose what I thought was the quickest way.My favorite way was always to fly directly into Wallblake Airport on Anguilla. All I had to do was grab my bag, go through customs, get a taxi and I would be headed to the beach! I'd take American Airlines from BWI at 7A. I'd arrive around 11:15 on San Juan and have a short lay-over. The plane would leave San Juan around 2:15. I'd be on Anguilla around 3:15 or so. I could be on the beach by 4:00P.
Unfortunately, the best laid made plans of mice and men are subject to revised airline schedules.
In December of 2004 the Wallblake Airport was enlarged and the runway lengthened. This meant that American could fly bigger planes onto the island. At this time some of the mid-afternoon flights were canceled, leaving only flights to Anguilla from San Juan leaving at 8P. Way too long of a lay over.
On our visit in June 2007 we flew American Airlines from BWI to Miami then Miami to Juliana Airport on St. Maarten. We took FunTime Boat Charters to Anguilla. They met us at the airport, drove us three minutes to the dock and took care of all the paperwork. It took about 30-35 minutes to arrive on Anguilla. We also used them to return to St. Maarten. You will need to contact them at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a spot on the boat.
On our visit in June 2009 we flew Delta out of BWI to Atlanta, then Atlanta to Juliana Airport. The flight took a bit longer but we liked Atlanta airport much better than Miami airport. Again FunTime Boat Charters met us at the airport. There is now a mandatory stop at the police station on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The boat crew takes your passports for examination. You wait on the boat. It takes about 10 minutes. We were whisked to Blowing Point where we were met by a representative of the Cuisinart. We were put in a taxi and on our way.
Some folks who land on St. Maarten take a taxi from the airport (which is on the Dutch side) to Marigot (which is on the French side) and then take the public ferry to Anguilla. From Marigot the ride is 20-25 minutes.
Whether you choose a private charter boat or the public ferry you will be taken to Blowing Point to go through customs on Anguilla. Taxi's are waiting there to take you to your accommodation. Taxi rates are set by the government and are posted.
Anguilla Travel Group
- Anguilla Travel Group
- Join the Anguilla Travel Group on Squidoo!
Books about Anguilla from Amazon
For other Anguilla "stuff" click on see more results
Fodor's In Focus St. Maarten, St. Barths & Anguilla, 1st Edition
Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 11/12/2009) 
Frommer's Portable St. Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla & St. Barts
Amazon Price: $9.35 (as of 11/12/2009)
Anguilla: Tranquil Isle of the Caribbean (Macmillan Caribbean Guides)
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 11/12/2009)
Links to discount or FREE vacations!
- Bahama Cruise Vacation
- Cruise to the Bahamas for as little as $59 per person!
- FREE Caribbean Holiday for UK Only
- For our friends in the UK an opportunity for a FREE Caribbean Holiday!
It truly is all about the beaches....
Sign our Anguilla Guestbook!
ann wrote
Love your site..I am heading back soon for my 2nd trip. My friends Mark and Robin turned me on to the island..it's all their fault. Follow my www.anguillabliss.com
Posted May 26, 2009
CT Yankee R/S Fan wrote
wife, daughter(9) and I are headed for AXA for the 4th time in 01/09. I don't think we will ever go to another island. We first visited in 2004 and we are surprised at the development so I can imagine the changes you have seen. Your sight is great!!!! We are in the anticipation mode and usually I just find a lot of sites with recycled info so this is awesome. When we leave Anguilla, like you, there is no shortage of tears. The place is like a different world.
Thanks
Posted December 11, 2008
GHouse wrote...
Hi!! Just come to see your nice lens. I did my travel lens too. It's about my hotel in hua hin Thailand. Hua Hin is a charming town of clean white sandy beach. If you come to Thailand, please visit us.
Posted November 23, 2008
mountie wrote
Thank you for this web site. it is impossible to find info about anguilla. awesome island!!! i love the west side fo the island..
Posted August 14, 2008
docwoman wrote...
Hiya Kathy! You have some great lenses, and I LOVED reading about Hana! Thank you for visiting me!
Posted April 29, 2008
Olivia wrote
Great page. The island looks lovely. Especially like the idea that you rescued a kitten.
Posted January 28, 2008
Jeff Z wrote
I Love your site! There is no place on earth like Anguilla. Great information, Great pictures, thanks for letting me daydream for a while. *It was also nice to see Rex once again, the day we played with him is the day we left our camera in the room. June 2008, we will be returning for our 3rd time.
Posted January 02, 2008
This is a great lens. I appreciate all the useful info.Build Niche eBay Affiliate Stores That Make You Money
Posted October 24, 2007
by cathyb5701
Hi. I discovered Anguilla in 1994 when she was a sleepy and unknown little island. Unfortunately now she's rapidly growing and changing. She's been di...
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