Jumby Bay Island and Anguilla are both known for being quieter, lower-key alternatives to the Caribbean’s more crowded luxury destinations — but they get there in very different ways. Jumby Bay is a single private island with one operator and no cars at all; Anguilla is a flat, open island with a handful of landmark luxury hotels and dozens of independent villas spread along its coastline. Here’s an honest look at how they compare.
The quick answer
| Jumby Bay Island, Antigua | Anguilla | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Direct international flights into Antigua (V.C. Bird Airport), then a ~10-minute private ferry crossing | Usually via St Maarten — a short flight or the public ferry from Marigot to Blowing Point (about 20–25 minutes) |
| Island model | Single private island, one operator, no cars | Open island, several independent luxury hotel brands, villas spread across the coast |
| Landscape | Hilly, tropical, palm-lined beaches | Flat coral and limestone island, long stretches of pale sand |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, self-contained, resort-run | Quiet and low-key, but with more independent restaurants and beach bars to explore |
| Best for | Total seclusion, families, guests who want everything handled on one island | Guests who want a quiet base but still want to drive between beaches and try different restaurants |
Getting there
Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport takes direct flights from the US, Canada, and the UK, and Jumby Bay Island itself is a short private ferry ride from a dedicated dock near the airport. Anguilla’s own airport, Clayton J. Lloyd International, has a runway long enough for regional jets, but most visitors still connect through St Maarten — either a short interisland flight or the public ferry from Marigot to Blowing Point, a crossing of about 20 to 25 minutes with departures roughly every 45 minutes. A handful of direct flights from the US mainland exist but are limited compared to Antigua’s international connections.
What each island is actually like
Jumby Bay Island is a single 300-acre private island with one operator running the resort, its restaurants, and its private residences. There are no cars and no other hotels — guests move around by golf cart or bicycle, and the whole experience is contained within the island itself.
Anguilla is a flat coral island with no volcanic hills, known for long, pale-sand beaches along its coastline. Its tourism board counts 33 beaches across the island. Rather than one operator, Anguilla’s luxury scene is anchored by a handful of well-known hotel brands — Four Seasons, Belmond Cap Juluca, and Malliouhana among them — alongside a large number of independent villas. It’s quieter and more low-key than a destination like St Barts, with fewer bars and less nightlife, but it’s still an open island where guests drive between beaches, restaurants, and hotels rather than staying within a single resort footprint.
Which one fits your trip
Jumby Bay Island suits guests who want the island itself to be the entire trip — no driving, no restaurant research, resort-level service built into every villa stay. Anguilla suits guests who want a similarly quiet, uncrowded feel but also want the option to explore a handful of different beaches and restaurants over the course of a week, with a rental car or driver rather than a golf cart.
Villas on each island
We currently list 20 private villas and estates on Jumby Bay Island, Antigua, and 50 on Anguilla. See the full Antigua villa collection or the Anguilla villa collection. For more on what makes Jumby Bay Island distinct, see our guide to what Jumby Bay Island is and our full Antigua travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anguilla quieter than Jumby Bay Island?
Both are quiet by Caribbean standards, but in different ways. Jumby Bay Island is entirely car-free and contained to a single private island, so there’s effectively nowhere to go beyond the resort itself. Anguilla is quieter than a busier destination like St Barts, but it’s still an open island with several hotels, restaurants, and beaches to drive between.
How do you get to Anguilla?
Most visitors fly commercial into St Maarten, then either take a short interisland flight or the public ferry from Marigot to Blowing Point, a crossing of about 20 to 25 minutes. A limited number of direct flights from the US mainland are also available.
Does Anguilla really have 33 beaches?
That figure comes from Anguilla’s own tourism board rather than an independent count, but the island is genuinely known for its long stretches of pale, coral-sand beach along its flat coastline.
How many villas does each destination have available?
We currently list 20 private villas and estates on Jumby Bay Island, Antigua, and 50 on Anguilla, spanning a range of sizes, rates, and settings on each island.
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