Our Anguilla Short List: What to Know About the Laid-Back Caribbean Island

ANGUILLA 101

• Anguilla opened its first international airport in December 2025, a direct result of the AI boom and the country’s highly covetable web address (.ai), which has earned the island $80 million and counting. It offers a limited number of flights, so the majority of visitors fly into Saint Maarten and take a quick 25-minute boat ride. • The most popular time to visit is in the winter and spring, while summer offers a more peaceful experience. • Organizing a boat day is a must to experience the island’s hidden swim spots and beaches as well as reefs and caves for snorkeling.

WHERE TO STAY

Lacure Villas

A family-owned villa rental and experiences company, Lacure operates a collection of beachfront properties on the island, each offering the space and privacy of a private home with a level of service that rivals any five-star resort, including a personal concierge, private chef, boat trips, and in-villa spa treatments. What sets it apart is how deliberately local it all feels: rather than a luxury bubble, Lacure creates experiences that connect guests to the island and the people who actually live there, from the beach shacks locals frequent to the fresh herbal tea the chef grows at home. It's the difference between visiting Anguilla and truly experiencing it. We like Lacure best for groups or a family, but it would make an equally-special stay for a couple looking for complete privacy.

Belmond Cap Juluca · Anguilla

Belmond Cap Juluca

An iconic Caribbean hotel, Belmond Cap Juluca first opened in the 1980s and has been drawing sophisticated travelers seeking privacy and relaxation ever since. Set on Maundays Bay with white sand and postcard-blue water, the property offers 68 rooms and 45 suites, a Guerlain spa, pickleball, tennis, and four restaurants including Cip's by Cipriani and the beloved Pimms. It’s the grand dame of the island. If you can't stay, at least come for a spa treatment or dinner at Pimms.

EDITORS’ PICKS

Prickly Pear | Bar + Restaurant · Anguilla

Prickly Pear Island

Organizing a boat trip to Prickly Pear Island is a must when visiting Anguilla. It’s a restaurant and bar that’s located on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. It’s a local institution that serves delicious, fresh seafood, must-order ribs, and a palm-oil-green rum punch (don’t knock it til you try it, and you should definitely try it).

Maundays Bay · Anguilla

Maundays Bay

This stunning bay has a soft, white sand beach and crystal clear water. Belmond Cap Juluca is set right on the beach, but non-guests can access the beach by boat, too. One of the true pinch-me moments here is jumping into the turquoise water.

Anguilla Arch · Anguilla

Anguilla Arch

Set against a coastline of rugged, raw cliffs, this natural landmark has been shaped by the ocean and wind to create a perfect arch above clear, calm water. You can swim and snorkel under and around it.

Little Bay · Anguilla

Little Bay

A small bay with crystal clear water, great snorkeling, and a popular cliff jump. The climb up the rock is the hardest part of the jump (not for the faint hearted or soft-footed).

Meads Bay Beach · Anguilla

Meads Bay

This long stretch of fine, white-sand beach has clear, calm turquoise water. There are a few beach shacks and hotels but it’s still quiet and peaceful. The cove is a popular spot for snorkeling.

Blanchards Beach Shack · Anguilla

Blanchards Beach Shack

This famous beach shack is the place for rum punches and fresh Caribbean food. Sit underneath the pastel blue and green umbrellas and tables on the sand and enjoy one (or more) of their famous rum punches.

Sunshine Shack · Anguilla

Sunshine Shack

Another beachside shack with no walls and a ceiling covered in flags, license plates, and stickers from all over the world. Order a plate of barbeque and fresh fish and enjoy it on the beach chairs.

Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve · Anguilla

Dune Preserve

This open-air bar has treehouse beach vibes and attracts a local crowd with its strong drinks and setting right on the dunes. Go on Sunday for live music and to watch the sunset.