Anguilla Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore on This Peaceful Caribbean Island
Authors: Karen, Wahid, & Adam Essafi.
Why Anguilla Is One of Our Favorite Caribbean Islands
We’ve visited many Caribbean islands over the years, but Anguilla continues to be one of our top picks. It blends rich local culture with peaceful, laid-back charm, and it never feels as overrun as some of the more well-known destinations.
The water here is a showstopper: crystal-clear and that iconic shade of turquoise that stretches for miles. Think Turks and Caicos-level beauty, but with even fewer crowds.
Every time we return, we leave feeling genuinely restored. It’s one of those rare places where you instantly exhale, unplug, and start dreaming about your next trip back.
Where to Stay in Anguilla: Our Favorite Luxury Hotels
We’ve stayed at a few of Anguilla’s top hotels throughout the years. Here are a few of our favorites:
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel | Maundays Bay
1 / Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel – Elegant beachfront retreat on Maundays Bay
This property is probably our favorite, and one of the most iconic resorts in Anguilla. It sits on Maundays Bay, which isn’t just one of the best beaches on the island, but also often referred to as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The architecture takes inspiration from Moorish design, with whitewashed villas and arched colonnades that beautifully blend Mediterranean and Caribbean aesthetics.
One of our favorite parts of staying here is the service: as you relax on the beach, cold towels and ice water magically appear without you even having to ask. The staff are incredibly kind — always making you feel truly seen and cared for.
What really stands out is how many guests come back year after year. The team knows their names, welcomes them like old friends, and creates this casually warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve found a second home.
Malliouhana Resort | Mead’s Bay
2 / Malliouhana – Stylish boutique hotel perched above Meads Bay
This hotel is truly one-of-a-kind with its very distinct yellow & colorful boutique design. We have sent many clients here, and they all come back with rave reviews. It is perched above Mead’s Bay, one of Anguilla’s most famous beaches, and has stunning views of the ocean especially at sunset. In our opinion, it also has the best pool on the island: a relaxing two-tiered infinity pool that seems to hang right over the sea.
Mead’s Bay
Keep in mind, the vibe here is a bit more eclectic and romantic, with a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples, design lovers, or anyone who appreciates a boutique hotel feel with lots of character. The food at the hotel is great, but its location on Mead’s Bay also makes it super easy to explore other amazing restaurants like Blanchards Beach Shack and Straw Hat, all within walking distance.
Four Seasons Resorts and Residences | Anguilla
3 / Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla – Best for families and groups who want it all
A Four Seasons rarely disappoints, and this one is no exception. We love this property for its beautifully modern design, but especially for the resort’s liveliness, something not always found at other Anguilla hotels. That’s exactly why it’s perfect for families or groups looking for a bit more activity and buzz.
There’s a great kids club for young children, and the resort always has a full calendar of events to choose from, everything from morning yoga classes to themed beach barbecues at night. You won’t be bored here, and the property itself is gorgeous, with several different pools to rotate between depending on your mood.
Also, we would be remiss not to mention the Sunset Lounge — possibly the most vibey bar in the world. It’s perched on a cliff with unbeatable sunset views, and was designed with reflective mirrors and an infinity-edge pool that amplifies the soft orange glow of golden hour in the most magical way. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, it’s absolutely worth visiting for a sunset cocktail.
ANI Anguilla | Little Bay
4 / ÀNI Villa Anguilla – Ultra-luxury villa experience for large groups
We wanted to highlight a villa option for large families or groups traveling together, and ÀNI Anguilla is truly one of a kind. This is the type of property you’d expect to see on the cover of a luxury travel magazine. Perched on dramatic cliffs above Little Bay, the views are breathtaking, and the design is equally stunning.
Honestly, staying here feels like a dream. The property has everything you could want: a fully equipped gym, a tennis court, and an amazing team of staff that’s there to cook your meals, organize your activities, and make any wish you have come true. It’s also all-inclusive, which makes everything feel seamless and easy, no need to think about logistics, just enjoy. If you’re traveling with a big group and want privacy without sacrificing luxury, ÀNI is hard to beat.
Each property has something special depending on the kind of trip you’re after, whether it’s a romantic escape or a family vacation in paradise. If you let us know what kind of trip you want, we’ll know exactly where to put you!
Little Bay | Anguilla
What We Did On This Trip: Beach Days, Sandy Island & Cliff Jumping
Like all our past trips to Anguilla, our days followed a wonderfully simple rhythm: eat, beach, & repeat.
This time around, we also took a boat out to Sandy Island, a small cay off the coast surrounded by brilliant blue water. It’s home to a barefoot beach bar that serves amazing food and drinks, with nothing but sea and sky all around you. It’s definitely an experience not to miss.
We also took a boat to , one of the best swimming spots on the island. It’s also home to some of the most fun cliff-jumping, where fun fact Lebron James went with family to cliff jump on his trip to Anguilla.
Blanchards Beach Shack
Where to Eat in Anguilla: Our Favorite Restaurants
Anguilla is known for having one of the best food scenes in the Caribbean, and we completely agree, you eat very well on this island.
On our first trip to Anguilla, we asked around for lunch spot recommendations, and almost everyone mentioned Blanchards. This spot truly deserves the hype, though, as it is a laid-back shack on the beach with amazing food. There is nothing more vacation-y than eating with your feet in the sand, and in this case, with wild chickens roaming around your feet as well! We come every time we’re on the island…multiple times (order the chocolate chip cookies for dessert!)
2 / Sharky’s
Another popular recommendation for dinner is this local gem run by Chef Lowell. He serves up elevated island cuisine in his own house’s front porch that he has transformed to accommodate his restaurant visitors. Quite plainly, the food here is incredible.
3 / Uchu
Located at the Cap Juluca Hotel, this restaurant is a must even if you’re not staying at the property. It offers a fusion of Caribbean and Peruvian flavors, all served with breathtaking views of Maundays Bay. Afterwards, go take a dip in the pool or ocean for a post-meal swim.
Honorable Mentions
Other favorites worth trying:
- Straw Hat – beachfront seafood & great breakfasts
- SALT – sophisticated Anguilla cuisine
- Savi Beach Club – stylish day-to-night beach club
- The Place – relaxed breakfast on Shoal Bay
Final Thoughts: Why Anguilla Is Always Worth the Trip
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Anguilla has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way. Our family trips here always leave us feeling relaxed, inspired, and connected, both to the island and to each other.
If you’re dreaming about a Caribbean vacation and made it to this point in the blog, we bet Anguilla just might be your new favorite too ;)
Planning Your Own Trip?
Ready to experience Anguilla for yourself? We’d love to help you plan the perfect family getaway. Reach out to us anytime for personalized recommendations and exclusive perks at various properties!