Anguilla is a small island nation in the Caribbean Sea, a few miles north of Saint Martin.
Map of Anguilla
Villages
- Blowing Point
- Island Harbour
- Sandy Ground
- West End Village
Other destinations
- Meads Bay
- Rendezvous Bay
- Sandy Hill Bay
- Scrub Island
History
Anguilla was colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, and administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single UK dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a separate UK dependency.
Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, and lobster fishing.
It is the lovely and friendly Anguillan people, the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, and the many fabulous restaurants that make Anguilla so special and unique.
Travel
By plane
American Eagle provides non-stop, 72 seat aircraft, service to and from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once in San Juan, one may connect using American Airlines and other carriers to 35 destinations in the United States, Europe, and the rest of the Caribbean. Liat provides once daily service to St. Thomas, and onwards to other destinations in the Caribbean.
It may be easier to access Anguilla via St. Maarten, which can be reached non-stop from many eastern U.S. cities, as well as European cities. From there, Winair operates flights which take about 8 minutes to reach Anguilla from St.Maarten.
By boat
Many visitors prefer to charter boats privately from the pier near Princess Julianna Airport in St. Maarten to Anguilla. Or one can take a taxi from the airport to the port of Marigot in St. Maarten where the ferry runs regularly to Anguilla.
Getting around
- Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Speeds are low, but the island is small. There are also a few round-abouts throughout the island. Keep left and GIVE WAY TO THE RIGHT!
Taxi service is unmetered, with set rates. Taxi drivers offer island tours lasting several hours. Fares must be paid in cash.
- The ferry from Blowing Point to Marigot, St. Maarten runs all day on the half hour. The last ferry departs Anguilla at 6:15pm and the final ferry departs St. Maarten at 7:00pm. Connections and charters are available to other islands.
- Cars, bikes, and mopeds can all be rented. Rental cars are available from several different agencies. Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, Island Car Rentals and other local agencies.
Talk
English is the official language, spoken everywhere.
Buy
The East Caribbean dollar was fixed in 1976 at an exchange rate of 2.7 per U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere but change will be in East Caribbean currency. Credit cards are taken at hotels and restaurants (not everywhere will accept Amex. Mastercard/Visa preferred). Stores will have all prices listed in East Caribbean dollars.
Eat
- Cotė Mer Owner Michel serves fabulous food in a charming atmosphere. A stone's throw from the Villa. One of our favorites! 498-2683
- Oliver's On the beach with the Sunset Bar above. Very good food. Don't miss the stingray! And be sure to have dessert in the charming downstairs bar. Also a favorite! 497-8780
- Koal Keel An old Plantation House in The Valley. Excellent food. Try the tandoori lobster! And don't miss the wine cellar. 497-2930
- Madeariman Reef On Shoal Bay Beach. Great for lunch or a casual pizza or pasta dinner. 497-3833
- Uncle Ernie's On Shoal Bay beach; inexpensive local BBQ; great setting and service. 497-3907
- English Rose Local spot for inexpensive burgers at lunch. In the Valley. 497-5353
- Smitty's In Island Harbor. Local Color. 497-4300
- Scilly Cay In Island Harbor; pronounced Silly Key; take a boat or swim out to this tiny island off the island. Fixed Price. Chicken, lobster, ribs, and rum punch that packs a punch. No electricity. Wonderful place to spend an afternoon. 497-5123
- Roy's Above Crocus Bay; started by a British expat and his wife. Great bargain lunches on Fridays. Very well known for their fish and chips. 497-2470
- The Pumphouse Nightlife in Sandy Ground next to the old salt flats. 497-5154
- Johnno's An Anguillan landmark, run by John (Johnno) on Sandy Ground beach. It is an open air bar, restaurant and at night a dance club on the beach, often with live local bands. 497-2728
- Zara's Shoal Bay - Listen to the Chef, Shamash, sing love songs in his kitchen while you watch him prepare your feast. 497-3229
- Sandy Island Sandy Ground, 476-6534 (Simone) for reservations.. A tiny offshore island where you're guaranteed a GREAT time! (Be brave and try the rum punch!!)
- Michel Rostang at the Malliouhana Incredible view and great food. Conde Nast traveler rated this restaurant 100 out of 100. 497-6111
- Hibernia Unique food, gracious hosts and a wonderful time always. A very short drive from the Villa! 497-4290
- Blanchard's One of the island's first gourmet resaurants. We haven't tried it lately. 487-6100
- Mango's Directly on the beach, with wonderful seafood. 497-6479
- Straw Hat One of our favorites! On the water with views of St. Maarten. Don't miss the crayfish or the summer salad here! 497-8300
- Altamer Delicious lobsters big as orbiting moons, great service. 498-4040
- The Overlook Formerly Cyril's Ovelook of Montauk/NY fame but now in the trusty hands of Deon. Fabulous seafood and great gazpacho soup! 497-4488
- Veya New and innovative. Delicious food, homemade breads, and excellent wine list. 498-8392
- Gwen's Reggae Grill On Shoal Bay Beach. Live Music on Sunday. Burgers; Crayfish, ribs, chicken, fish, and fries. 497-2120
- Serenity Hotel Restaurant On Shoal Bay Beach. Owner Kenneth Rogers serves excellent conch fritters, fresh fish, seasonal lobster or crayfish, and wonderful shrimp scampi on pasta. This was our home away from home while building the Villa and Kenneth is a great host! 497-3328
- Santorini at Cuisinart Gourmet Mediterranean. Chef's demonstrations. 498-2000
- George's, Pimm's, and Kemia at Cap Juluca George's does a wonderful Friday night barbeque and buffet on the beach with live music under the stars. Pimm's offers fine dining in a lovely setting and Kemia's is a Tapas Bar. 497-6666
- Le Bon Pain Do not miss the fabulous pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffees from this delectable bakery! Walking distance form the Villa! Call before you go--not open every day. 497-4090
Links
Official Anguilla Tourism Site