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:
- Rental car is a must (taxis are outrageously expensive)
- Driving is on the left
- Roaming with US cellphones is expensive, texting and internet are more affordable options to stay in touch.
- Most bars and restaurants now offer free Wifi, service can be spotty (:
- Anguilla has a 20% government tax on hotel and restaurant charges
- Anguilla has an additional 15% service charge added to restaurant bills, service charge = gratuity
- Carry sufficient cash to cover ferry rides ($15 per person each way) , departure taxes ($22 per person), and gratuities
- Be prepared with all over the counter medications, sunscreen, and toiletries you may need, these items tend to be very pricey
- 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!
Video Gallery: Spectacular Sunset from Sandy Ground, Anguilla
Source: calm.anguilla-beaches.com via Anguilla-Beaches.com on Pinterest
Featured Video: Escaping to Shoal Bay, Anguilla
Shoal Bay beach, one of Anguilla’s best beaches.
Destination Spotlight: Decoding the Secret of Anguilla
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, Johnno’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 Seafood, and french bakeries)
Spas (Viceroy Anguilla is my favorite)
Music – Sunday afternoons at Gwen’s Reggae Grill with the Scratch Band on Shoal Bay East
Helpful Tips:
- Rental car is a must (taxis are outrageously expensive)
- Driving is on the left
- Roaming with US cellphones is expensive, texting and internet are more affordable options to stay in touch.
- Anguilla has a 20% government tax on hotel and restaurant charges
- Anguilla has an additional 15% service charge added to restaurant bills, service charge = gratuity
- Carry sufficient cash to cover ferry rides ($15 per person each way) , departure taxes ($20 per person), and gratuities
- Be prepared with all over the counter medications, sunscreen, and toiletries you may need, these items tend to be very pricey
- 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.
Drink Spotlight: Myra’s Mango Bananza
Today, I will be highlighting my very favorite Caribbean drink, found only in Anguilla. Myra’s Mango Bananza is a specialty frozen drink made by Da Vida’s very own bartender Myra Richard. I was first introduced to Myra in Anguilla about 5 years ago on Shoal Bay beach, tried the drink and the rest is history. It tastes like mango, banana, and maybe a little egg nog….awesome. Here is a sampling of Myra’s special ingredients, made only as she can:
Dark Rum, Bailey’s, Banana, Mango Puree, Cream of Coconut, a hint of Nutmeg. If you even decide to visit Anguilla, please be sure to visit Da Vida’s restaurant, and try Myra’s Mango Bananza….Cheers.
the travelpreneur 