Anguilla Travel Guide

Anguilla OVERVIEW

A speck of a Caribbean island, 33 ribbons of white powder sand, hectoliters of water ranging from aquamarine to cobalt blue, a pinch of multiculturalism and 365 days of sunshine. That ain't no travel agent's blatant slogan but a well-proved recipe for a heavenly treat enjoyed in by far one of the most secluded spots in the area, with places that even lifelong inhabitants have difficulty locating and days that drift into a lazy blur. No nightclubs, no casinos, no trinket sellers extorting exorbitant prices from naive holidaymakers. Just palms, soothing reggae beats, the irresistible allure of smoky barbecues and the humming of waves.

Sure it's no budget holiday and much as they are genuinely hospitable, the Anguillians will rip you off on a regular basis, be it a private villa or a top-notch hotel, a big-name restaurant or an inconspicuous beachside bar. You don't think paradise comes without a price, do ya? The good news is, however, that Anguilla is both an outdoor catwalk to flash your Gucci swimsuit and a place to hunt down a bargain. Just check out the Fountain Beach Hotel, a rose pink gem where rooms are going for a song and the owner never spurns a chit chat. You will also find places where the locals drop in for a bottle of Carib and a bit of what they call "liming" (hanging out) that doesn't leave you in the cold whatsoever. It just takes a dive into the island's indigenous vibe.

They say plenty of nothing goes on here but it's enough to visit the island when the Summer Festival kicks off to choke on a most vibrant display of culture, with a fortnight of dancing, spectacular parades, flamboyant costumes, competitions, and, certainly, boat racing. Such is the island of Anguilla- charmingly tranquil and idle, but lavishly seasoned with the invigorating local flavor. So if you work up an appetite after a day's pampering in a secluded cove, ask about Smitty, as important to Anguillians as Bonaparte to the French, and when you're sitting over a steamy plate of his grilled specialties, you'll sure find substance to what we're talking about.