Destination Spotlight: Paradise Found…..Anguilla

It’s been a very long time since I took the time to write a post.  It’s 2014.  New Year.   Suitcases packed and I’ve been on the road again to the Caribbean.  Anguilla, a small magical island in the Eastern Caribbean, has stolen my heart.  The island is tranquility wrapped in blue, and every time I travel to Anguilla, the place feeds my soul.  What makes it so special to me?

So many things, I cannot put into words.   All I can say is Anguilla is a magical place where you can just relax and “be” rather than a place where you have to “do” something to have an amazing vacation.   If you go, you will meet meet new friends and you will not return home the same.  Here’s the recap:

Where is Anguilla:        Caribbean, Latitude 28 degrees, Longitude 63 degrees

What Anguilla Is:           Chic, Hot, Very Private, Ultra Exclusive, Paradise

What Anguilla is Not:  No duty-free shopping, no chain hotels, no casinos, no cruise ships, no fast food chains

Size:                                       16 miles long, 3 miles wide (tiny)

Beaches:                              33  totally fabulous beaches

How to Get There:

Option 1:  Fly to St. Maarten (SXM).  Nonstops from Atlanta, New York, Newark and Miami (American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Jetblue, and United).   Take a 12 minute public ferry from Marigot or private charter boats from Princess Juliana Airport.

Option 2:  Fly directly to Anguilla (AXA)  Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport via Cape Air, Liat, or private jet.  Limited flights via San Juan and St. Thomas.

High Season:                  December 15 thru Mid-April.

Hotels:                               Viceroy Anguilla, Cuisinart, and Cap Juluca are top luxury resorts.  Lots of private villa options.

Golf Course:                    Cuisinart Golf Resort and Spa

Nightlife:   Elvis Beach Bar, Pumphouse, The Dune Preserve, Johnno’s, and Dad’s are all top spots  for dancing and reggae bands on Friday and Saturday nights.

What I enjoyed most about Anguilla:  

Beaches (Rendevous Bay is my personal favorite)

Sunsets (Mead’s Bay is spectacular)

Food (Fantastic roadside BBQ, Delicious grilled Seafood, and french bakeries)

Fruity drinks (The BBC – Bailey’s Banana Colada and Rum Punch are my favorites)

Spas (Viceroy Anguilla is my favorite)

Music – Sunday afternoons at Gwen’s Reggae Grill with the Scratch Band on Shoal Bay East

Eateries:  The Sunshine Shack (Rendevous Bay), Blanchard’s on the Beach (Mead’s Bay), Elvis Beach Bar (Sandy Ground), and Geraud’s

Helpful Tips:

1. Rental car is a must (taxis are outrageously expensive)
2. Driving is on the left
3. Roaming with US cellphones is expensive, texting and internet are more affordable options to stay in touch.
4. Most bars and restaurants now offer free Wifi, service can be spotty (:
5. Anguilla has a 20% government tax on hotel and restaurant charges
6. Anguilla has an additional 15% service charge added to restaurant bills, service charge = gratuity
7. Carry sufficient cash to cover ferry rides ($15 per person each way) , departure taxes ($22 per person), and gratuities
8. Be prepared with all over the counter medications, sunscreen, and toiletries you may need, these items tend to be very pricey
9. Water is a very precious commodity on Anguilla, you are encouraged to limit showers and water usage

The secret to Anguilla:       Hidden paradise….ultimate place to relax and rejuvenate.

I highly recommend Anguilla for an unforgettable vacation.   Just GO!