A view from Anguilla’s Cove Bay beach looking toward St. Martin
Situated about one mile east of St. Martin in the northeastern portion of the Caribbean, Anguilla is a tiny and pristine eel-shaped island (anguilla meaning eel in Italian) in the British West Indies. Though it’s a scant 35 square miles , don’t let its size fool you. Anguilla manages to pack a pretty big punch, offering all your heart desires in spite of its small stature, while at the same time exuding quaint humility and charm.
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation removed from the more popular tourist destinations, a five-hour journey from New York will take you to this unique island, known for its 33 white-sand beaches and beautiful coral reefs, as well as its five-star dining and variety of leisure activities.
Our travel writer, Karen Berliner, reflects on her holiday haven where she basked in Anguilla’s serene atmosphere, enjoyed its lively culture and had some of the most exceptional dining experiences that we’re lucky enough she shared with us:
My plane touches down in St. Martin. The Caribbean sun wastes no time. It flirts shamelessly with me, planting petal soft kisses on my back. Next, I board a ferry, Anguilla bound.
To get there is simple. A direct flight to St. Martin followed by a ferry or sea shuttle for example, from Blowing Point on the French side of St. Martin departing every 45 minutes, or another quick flight with a fully appointed chartered boat waiting to zip you away just minutes from the airport.
Your choice.
Immediately after you arrive, step right onto the beach and feel the warm, sugar-white sand crunching up between your toes. Allow your eyes to drink in the shock of fluorescent turquoise seas and the dreamy low mounds of land in the horizon.
Picture a fresh faced and unspoiled super star with no paparazzi for miles.
That’s Anguilla.
Naturally endowed with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, complete with magnificent sunrises, counterpart sunsets and an occasionally perfect rainbow, all set within a backdrop of scenic shoreline peppered with opulent resorts and outstanding gourmet dining spots; it’s no wonder that Modern Bride readers named Anguilla one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Its romantic ambiance and its authentic Caribbean vibe have more and more couples choosing here to begin their lives together.
Looking for privacy?
The seclusion on this Island is unmatched as it features an endless supply of intimate and secret spots for couples including tranquil coves, picturesque landscapes, tropical gardens complete with fragrant flora, flowering shrubs and trees with vibrant splashes of perfumed Bougainvillea, Oleander and Indian Lilac and beyond. If inspired by history, historic landmarks stand proudly about the Island. Follow the Anguilla Heritage Trail with permanent markers identifying 10 historical sites and directional signs guiding you every step of the way.
Hear the rhythmic Caribbean steel drums bands play at night. Bask in its warm and sparkly sunshine by day and by night its golden lamé moonlight.
Getting hungry?
Anguilla is a prime dining destination recognized as the best of the best in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific. Hosting some of the most renowned chefs in the world; these culinary artists use the freshest in local produce and catch of the day fish in creating delightful cuisine. From beach shacks to bistros to 5-star luxury, most plunked right on the edge of the ocean, close enough to pitch a rock into the water, there are many to choose from. Whether it’s lazy afternoons on the beach or evening dining at its elegant best, the relaxing lapping rhythms of the water makes every dining experience sublime.
Mango’s Seaside Grill
Appointed with easy does it white slotted ceilings aqua tile, a chill bar with a lounge area for sipping while waiting, simple white tables and a pretty lattice alcove, this space is an open patio offering the best view on the water. Slow ceiling fans mimic the tropical breeze and jazz music plays in the background; casting the perfect setting in which to sit back, relax and indulge. And oh, the food. Fresh and tasty with an extensive wine list for perfect pairings as well as a collection of house specialty cocktails. Here Chef David Coburn works his magic by offering such tasty choices as his famous Barnes Bay Lobster Cake on a bed of lettuce with tomato tartar sauce or their house specialty; Grilled Anguillian Lobster; simply grilled and served with lemon herb butter. Finish your meal with Mango’s Coconut Cheesecake. Theirs is by far the creamiest around.
Tasty’s,
This adorable little aqua and lavender restaurant is owned and presided over by Chef Dale Carty. His dishes are creative and simply prepared with specialties such as his Marinated Conch Salad or his signature Pumpkin Soup with a light sprinkling of cinnamon satisfy all of your cravings.
da’Vida!
Nestled on a secluded stretch of vanilla white sandy beach at Crocus Bay this tropical cove on the eastern coast of the island offers an internationally acclaimed beachside restaurant but it doesn’t start nor stop there. Here you can spend from morning till night enjoying everything from their food to their spa facilities. For casual lunch fare, their Bayside Grill at da’Vida offers delicious starters such as the Tropical Seafood Chowder with lobster, shrimp, snapper and coconut cream or the Crayfish Tails with squash fritters, Jasmine rice, baby bok choy, lemon soy and roasted bell peppers. Finish your meal with their Warm Molten Lava Cake. Afterwards, pull up a canopied daybed, walk the sandy beach, relax and be pampered. From their celebrated chef serving up inventive dishes to their world-class facilities and beautiful beaches, da’Vida truly is a celebration of the finest life has to offer. Tapas is offered at night so feel free to stay and stay some more. They are proud to have won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2012.
The Straw Hat
Located at the Frangipani Beach Resort on Meads Bay, the chef offers his eclectic tastes to the menu. Sample such delightful choices such as the Goat Cheese in Phyllo or the signature Straw Hat Spring Rolls; local seafood, lobster, crayfish and seaweed salad with ponzu dipping sauce. The Jerk Braised Pork Belly; spice marinated and braised pork, sautéed chorizo and macaroni pie should not be missed.
Breakfast and lunch served here as well.
Good Night Anguilla- Gladys’ Top 2 Lodging Picks
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa
Located on Anguilla’s Rendezvous Bay with Greek inspired white stucco and sky-blue domes, the CuisinArt welcomes all with a thirst quenching Island concoction upon check in and a luscious bowl of their very own hydroponically grown cherry tomatoes upon entering your suite. With its stunning location, fabulous cuisine(yes, they are owned by the famous CuisinArt cookware company so expect to be thrilled and spoiled), their 27,000 square-foot world-class Venus Spa and 18-hole Greg Norman championship golf course, everything you need is here, making it a true destination within a destination. After a day in the sun, retreat to your luxurious accommodations and soak in your marble bath or sip a coconut drink (from fruit right on the grounds) on your sea facing balcony. Stunning villas provide the utmost in beachfront living, with private pools just steps from the sand. Dine at their highly acclaimed Le Bistro at Santorini or the more casual Café Mediteraneo, the beach bar and grill right on the water, or the Exclusive Chefs table including wine pairings from their award-winning wine cellar. For authentic Japanese cuisine, Tokyo Bay offers a varietal menu served in a panoramic setting.
The beautiful Anguilla CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa.
Cap Juluca
Situated on the crescent shaped beach of Maundays Bay, this premier resort offers 15 Greco-Moorish style beachfront villas wrapped around a mile of pristine white sand, each with an ocean view and just steps from the sparkling blue water. Accommodations feature private terraces and oversized bathrooms with soaker tubs, with six of the villas having luxurious private pools. After a day of relaxation or perhaps some fun water sports, enjoy stunning views of the bay and spectacular sunsets while sipping your favorite cocktails on the Sunset Terrace in the Main House. Every morning, have their complimentary coffee or afternoon tea and scones with lemon curd under the dome or cocktails in the evenings while dancing to Caribbean music played by local talent every Friday evening. Get a bite to eat each morning at the complimentary continental breakfast served daily at Blue restaurant located right on the beach. Work out at their Wellness Center offering a fully equipped gym and spa to be enjoyed in your room or on the beach. Sign up for a boat excursion or a fishing trip. Enjoy a rejuvenating in room spa treatment, where you are pampered from head to toe in the privacy of your own quiet paradise complete with aromatherapy. Have you ever ridden horseback in the ocean surf? Cap Juluca offers this memorable experience. For a special meal, dine at their signature restaurant Pimms, where their culinary team delivers a tantalizing menu of fine European cuisine making for an award-winning dining experience. Après or prior, visit Spice; their adjoining lounge and tapas bar featuring live local entertainment, dancing, small plates and mixology master cocktails.
At the end of a long day spent together, retire to your villa, open your patio doors and enjoy the delicious pleasure of being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves rolling hypnotically onto the powdery shoreline. In the morning, delight at the roosters first crows mingling with the sounds of the waterfront. Magical.
- Karen Holly Berliner