Anguilla is a flat, dry, sixteen-mile British Overseas Territory in the northern Caribbean whose entire reputation rests on its beaches — and, unusually, the reputation is deserved. There are no mountains, no rainforest and no cruise terminal. What there is instead is sand, a serious restaurant scene for an island this size, and a villa market that is genuinely beachfront rather than hillside-with-a-view.
The shape of the island
Anguilla runs roughly east to west and is never more than about three miles wide, so nothing is far from anything. The Valley is the capital and administrative centre rather than a resort town. The north coast holds the famous beaches — Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay, Barnes Bay — while the south coast looks across the channel to St Martin and is calmer, with Rendezvous Bay and Little Harbour.
Because the island is flat, the villas divide neatly into two kinds: on the sand, or on a low headland above it. Our where to stay in Anguilla guide covers all nineteen bays and the villas in each.
Getting there is the catch
There is no long-haul flight to Anguilla. You arrive either by a short flight into Clayton J. Lloyd International (AXA), or by flying to St Maarten and crossing by boat — which means an international border between the airport and your villa, and a ferry schedule that stops in the evening.
It is the single thing most worth planning properly, and we cover it in detail in getting to Anguilla. The short version: do not book the last connection of the day.
The beaches
Anguilla’s beaches are the reason to come, and they are not interchangeable — some are two-mile swimming beaches, some are photogenic coves with surf, and a few of the best are on uninhabited cays reached by boat. Our guide to the best beaches in Anguilla sorts them by what they are actually good for.
Eating
For an island of this size the food is remarkable, and it is one of the main reasons people return rather than trying somewhere new. The range runs from barbecue shacks and beach bars at Sandy Ground to serious restaurants at the west end, several of them walkable from the Meads Bay and Barnes Bay villas. In high season the best tables need booking ahead; our concierge handles reservations along with a private chef at the villa, which on Anguilla is a common arrangement rather than an indulgence.
The villas
We list 50 villas in our Anguilla collection, and the island punches well above its size at the top end. Six sleep 18 or more — including Kishti Villas (eleven bedrooms, sleeps 22) on Meads Bay, Altamer Estate (22) and Le Bleu (22). At the other end, Peace and Happiness sleeps four and The Cottage at Meads Bay six.
Several properties come as clusters — the Kishti villas, the Elements villas at Long Bay, the Kamique villas at Lockrum — which makes Anguilla unusually good for two or three families who want to be together without sharing a kitchen.
Practicalities
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, so a valid passport is required and immigration is cleared on arrival. The East Caribbean dollar is the official currency, though US dollars are accepted everywhere. Driving is on the left, and you will need a car — the island is small but spread out, and only a couple of areas let you walk to dinner. Our concierge arranges hire with the booking.
When to go
High season runs from mid-December to April: dry, sunny and busy, with the festive fortnight the peak. Late spring and early summer are warm and quiet with the same beaches at better value. September and October are the low season, when a number of restaurants and some villas close — worth confirming before booking those weeks.
Who Anguilla suits
Beach people, above all — if the point of the trip is walking out onto sand, few places do it better. Families, for the calm swimming water at Rendezvous Bay, Meads Bay and Shoal Bay East. Food-led travellers. Large groups, because the island has an unusual number of very large villas. It suits you less well if you want nightlife, shopping or hills to look at, or if the two-step arrival sounds like one leg too many.
If you are weighing it against its neighbour, our St Barts vs Anguilla comparison is the place to start.
Book your Anguilla villa direct
We book every villa directly — no platform fees, one point of contact, and a concierge for chefs, the ferry or flight connection, transfers, car hire and reservations. Tell us your dates, group size and whether beachfront is essential, and we will send a shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a passport for Anguilla?
Yes. Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory with its own immigration, and you clear it on arrival — including when crossing by boat from St Martin.
Is Anguilla expensive?
It sits at the upper end of the Caribbean, particularly in high season. Late spring and early summer offer the same beaches at materially better value.
What is the currency in Anguilla?
The East Caribbean dollar, though US dollars are accepted everywhere.
Do you need a car in Anguilla?
Yes in almost all cases, and remember that Anguilla drives on the left. The island is small but spread out and few villas are walking distance from a restaurant.
Is Anguilla good for families?
Very. The water at Rendezvous Bay, Meads Bay and Shoal Bay East is calm and shallow, and the island is quiet and safe.
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