Travel Guides: All Countries / Caribbean / Anguilla
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| | | Uncrowded luxury |  | Why go on holiday to Anguilla?
The most northerly of the British Leeward islands, Anguilla is the place to go for a luxury Caribbean beach holiday without any of the crowds. Relatively late to tourism, its main attractions are the fine sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
The sleepy island's coral-encrusted fringes are also popular with divers and neighbouring St Martin is close enough for a day trip.
How much does it cost?
Seven nights at the luxury Cap Jaluca cost £1,825, including flights and transfers, based on two people sharing. There are plenty of five-star resort hotels to choose from.
Return flights costs from around £650 per person.
When should I go?
If you want to avoid the rainy season (August to November) and the hurricane season (June to October), Anguilla is best visited in the winter when prices are highest. In the summer months (June to August) the weather is wetter and hotter, and the costs are lower.
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| | | Sun, sea, sand — and birds | | What should I do when I'm there?
The only town on the island, The Valley, offers little to hold the attention of holidaymakers but the quaint working fishing village of Island Harbour is worth a visit with its picturesque old wooden fishing boats and languid ambience.
Otherwise the island's primary pastime is relaxing and sunbathing on the superb beaches.
Which are the best beaches on the island?
The mile-long sweep of fine white sand on the northern coast at Meads Bay is excellent for swimming and strolling.
Head two kilometres west from The Valley and you'll find Anguilla's only attempt at a "resort", Sandy Ground, with its pristine beach and string of shore-side bars and restaurants.
The beach which usually wins the awards however is Shoals Bay East on the extreme north-east of the island. It's broad, long, virtually untouched and perfect for swimming, snorkelling and simply soaking up the beauty of the turquoise waters.
Rendezvous Bay and Crocus Bay are also worth unfurling your towel on.
Are there any smaller islands to explore?
Anguilla is framed by a scattering of beautiful islands; some great for diving. some great for super-exclusive sunbathing.
Snorkelers should take a boat from Sandy Ground to Prickly Pear Cay to see the caverns, ledges, barracudas and nurse sharks.
Boats also stop at the tiny circle of sand — walkable in less than 10 minutes — of Sandy Island which is surrounded by waving finger corals, sea fans and small tropical fish.
Slightly larger are Scilly Island with its own top-notch restaurant and Scrub Island with its grazing goat population.
Is there anything else to see except sandy beaches?
There is one archaeological site of note near Shoal Bay East, a place of pilgrimage for Amerindians called The Fountain, but apart from that the selection of festivals is most likely to divert you from your sunbed.
Following the Anguillian Cultural Festival in February is March's annual Moonsplash reggae festival in Rendezvous Bay. The year's biggest event though is the vibrant Carnival, held on the weekend before the first Monday in August where you'll see dancing, costumed parades and music.
Will I see much wildlife?
Although most are migratory, in all about 80 species of birds are found on Anguilla. Two colourful year-round residents are the black and yellow bananaquits and the green Antillean crested hummingbird. The island's numerous salt ponds attract egrets, herons, stilts, yellowlegs and white-cheeked pintail ducks. Anguilla's national bird is the turtle dove.
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| | | Music and the food of love | | Where's good for nightlife?
For a tiny island there's quite a few options, most of them musical. You'll find classical pianists and guitarists, saxophone players, reggae, steel drum and calypso bands all over the island, but particularly in Sandy Ground.
Pumphouse, the barefoot beach bar, gets busy at weekends while the crowds gravitate to Shoals Bay East on Wednesdays.
What's the food like?
With its generous sprinkling of five-star resorts, it's little surprise that Anguilla is known as the cuisine capital of the Caribbean. There's a huge choice of dining options with something to suit everyone from Caribbean to French, Mediterranean to Continental, Creole to Italian and American to Indo-Chinese.
The fresh seafood is delicious so don't leave without sampling the exquisite locally caught lobster and its smaller, sweeter cousin, the crayfish.
What should I buy?
You'll find branded fashion goods at many of the hotels but check out the smaller boutiques for a selection of locally made handicrafts including shells, embroidery and crochet created by island artisans.
What is there for children to do?
Kids will love Dolphin Fantaseas in Meads Bay where they can swim with dolphins or exploring the Gavannah Caves in Katouche Bay, reached through a miniature rainforest.
Tourist office
Anguilla Tourist Board, Unit 8A Oakwood House, 414-422 Hackney Road, London E2 7SY. Tel 020 7729 8003.
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| | Fact File : Anguilla |
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| | | Anguilla | | Did you know?
The total coastline of Anguilla is only 61km.
Language
English.
Visas
UK citizens require passports and a return ticket when entering Anguilla but not a visa. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival into Anguilla.
Getting there
There are no direct flights to Anguilla's Wallblake Airport but several airlines — including British Airways, Air France and United Airlines — fly via Antigua, St Martin, or San Juan in Puerto Rico.
Flying time from London
With connections most flights take between nine and 11 hours.
Getting around
Anguilla is small, but there's no bus service on the island, making it difficult to get around without renting a vehicle. There are car rental companies near the airport. Visitors intending to drive need to buy an inexpensive temporary Anguillian driver's licence, which is issued on the spot by car rental companies. Bikes and scooters are another option as the island is so small.
Currency
East Caribbean Dollar. Generally hotels, car rental agents and restaurants list prices in US dollars, while grocers and local shops mark prices in EC$. However, you can readily use either currency.
Costs
Litre of petrol 41p; pint of beer £3.20; moderate restaurant meal from £5.60 - £11.20 per person, meal in a hotel from £12 per person; 24-exposure film £3.40; short taxi ride £3-£5.
Weather
The average annual temperature is 81°F (27°C), with the hottest weather coming during hurricane season from June to October. The rainy season is from August to November.
Time difference
Four hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 1264.
Voltage
110V, 60Hz.
Opening hours
The post office is open from 8am to 3.30pm. Most shops open at 8am and close at 5pm.
Health — before you go
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas and polio and tetanus vaccinations are recommended.. Mains water is normally chlorinated, and while relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. It's advisable to drink bottled water. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Hepatitis A and B, diphtheria and dengue fever occur.
Health — when you are there
Primary health services can be obtained from the five district health clinics, where registered nurses provide care for minor emergencies. Family doctors hold clinics twice weekly. Secondary health care can be found at the 36-bed hospital located in The Valley. Minor emergency treatment is usually free for UK citizens with proof of UK residence. Health insurance is recommended as costs for other categories of treatment are high.
Warnings
Bring plenty of repellent as the mosquitos can be particularly virulent and take care when driving as some of the surfaces are severely pot-holed. Crime is relatively low . Like all Caribbean countries, Anguilla can be affected by hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.
Emergency
Dialling 911 will connect you to the emergency police, fire and ambulance services. If you need help from a British consulate member contact the Governor at Government House, Anguilla, tel1 264 497 2621/2.
Customs
Honking a car horn is considered to be a friendly greeting not a reprimand. Locals are unfailingly friendly and helpful.
Pets
Plan ahead. At least six months prior to your arrival on the island contact the Agricultural Department at 264 497 2615 or the island veterinarian at 264 497 4600. Only certain pets are allowed on Anguilla. Check with your hotel, villa, or guesthouse and ask if pets are permitted prior to your departure.
Tipping
A 15% service charge is added to most restaurant bills, and no further tipping is necessary. An 8% government tax and a 10% service charge is added to hotel bills.
Tourist office
Anguilla Tourist Board, Unit 8A, Oakwood House, 414-422 Hackney Road, London E2 7SY. Tel 020 7729 8003.
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