Lose the crowds and find an island paradise steeped in culture, beauty, and endless shades of blue this resort season. Anguilla may sound exotic (pronounced similarly to vanilla) yet it is just a short flight to this island in the sun that feels worlds away.
History shows the ancient tribe of Arawak Indians founded the Leeward Island of Anguilla around 2000 BC. They believed that in these beautiful blue waters creation came to be when the sun and moon escaped from an island cave. The original name the Arawaks called Anguilla was Malliouhana which means 'arrow-headed sea serpent' symbolizing the eel-like shape of the island.
Anguilla is situated a mere 20 minute boat ride from the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. Though you can fly into Anguilla, there are many more flight options going in and out of Saint Martin's Princess Juliana International Airport.
Why Anguilla? On this 16-mile long, unspoiled and not overly developed island, there are 33 beautiful white sand beaches. It is also quiet, very quiet, even in high season, also known as resort season, running December-April. This more secluded tropical paradise offers peace of mind as you sink your toes into the pillow soft sand, or take a swim among colorful schools of fish with waves gently lapping against your skin.
Malliouhana isn't just the Arawak name of the island, it is also the name of Anguilla's premier resort located on Meads Bay. Enter the towering open air lobby at Malliouhana and you enter into a technicolor dream. Aquamarine and shades of yellow follow you throughout the hotel which impresses with its impeccably stylish and colorful design. Perhaps the most impressive design element is the mirrored mosaic tile floor spanning throughout the open air lobby and ocean view balcony. With only 63 rooms on Meads Bay and spacious grounds, the resort is one you can easily disappear to your own private sandy beach or secluded ocean cove. Palm lined pathways lead you to your room or villa. A state of the art gym and decadent spa with services cultivated around locally sourced ingredients is also found on the property. Malliouhana.com.
SNORKELING
Snorkeling abounds in Anguilla. Who doesn't want to dive into those crystal clear, thousands of shades of blue? At Malliouhana you can reserve a snorkel and head out to explore straight from resort's beach at Meads Bay. However, Shoals Bay is the top destination for snorkeling. Enjoy spotting swarms of fish, stingrays, and even sea turtles.
VISITING A NEARBY CAY
Visiting Sandy Island or Prickly Pear, one of Anguilla's off-shore cays, will be the highlight of your trip. As you approach the tiny cay the hues of blues contrast against the white sands of the cay. Enjoy a lunch of freshly caught spiny lobster or crayfish at one of the small restaurants located on each cay. You may also catch kite surfers on Sandy Island. Dream Yacht Charter offers year round excursions from Anguilla to nearby cays dreamyachtcharter.com.
MOKE RIDE
This brightly colored iconic modes of European transportation are available for rent through More Anguilla, and they create the perfect way to day trip around the island - beach hopping and exploring local eateries.
LIVE MUSIC
Bankie Banx is a music legend in Caribbean, and a visit to Anguilla means a visit to his music venue Dune Preserve on Rendezvous Bay. Dune Preserve offers live music every day of the week, and on weekends Bankie Banx takes the mic himself. This establishment has even been named the World's Best Beach Bar by CNN.
PETROGLYPHS
Carved stalagmites and hundred of petroglyphs line Big Spring and Fountain Cave. A visit to one of these underground tourist attractions is a captivating way to learn more about the Arawak Indians and other indigenous tribes that called the Caribbean home.
CULINARY SCENE
Perhaps one of my favorite things about Anguilla is the food. Freshly caught seafood of spiny lobster, crayfish, and every kind of fish you can think of abound at all beachside and local restaurants. Another island delicacy for the adventurous foodie - goat. Accompanying most dishes are rice, beans, and plantains. Blanchard's is a favorite. Also try Sharky's, Da'Vida, Straw Hat, Leon's, or for a more formal setting, Celeste at Malliouhana.
Also try roadside barbecue which may leave you feeling a little nostalgic for home. These local, no-frills stops serve up chicken and ribs, rice and peas, and Johnny cakes. Inexpensive and a true taste of local flavor.
A short flight from Atlanta and you can be in this island paradise in a matter of hours. The quick boat excursion from Saint Martin to Anguilla makes it feel even more exotic and remote, like you are on the other side of the world away from the noise of day-to-day life.
Why Anguilla? On this 16-mile long, unspoiled and not overly developed island, there are 33 beautiful white sand beaches. It is also quiet, very quiet, even in high season also known as resort season running December-April.
Visiting Sandy Island or Prickly Pear, one of Anguilla's off-shore cays, will be the highlight of your trip.
