The Caribbean’s most stunning coastline, the island of Anguilla, is a place to relax and unwind. This British Overseas Territory is renowned for its white sand beaches, pristine lagoons and offshore reefs. But, there’s so much more to discover, including historic plantation houses, art galleries and upscale restaurants. From scuba diving and snorkelling to horseback riding along the beach, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Anguilla’s small size has contributed to the creation of a close-knit society. Anguillians are renowned for their habit of greeting people they don’t know, either verbally or by at least raising their hand to acknowledge them. The island’s evocative landscape has also inspired an abundance of cultural traditions.
Sailboat racing is an important part of Anguillan life and the summer carnival in August is a spectacle with competitions, parades, music and costumes that last for a fortnight. The island is home to a diverse population, many of whom are descendants of African slaves. While English is the official language, Anguillans also speak Spanish and Creole. The majority of the people are Christian, with most being Anglican and Methodist. Roman Catholics and Jews make up smaller minorities.
A steady increase in tourism has bolstered the island’s economy, which is heavily dependent on offshore banking and the service industry. But Anguilla is more than just a financial hub, with an abundant supply of natural resources, scenic beauty and hospitable people.
The capital city of The Valley is the hub of Anguilla’s cultural and gastronomic scenes. Here, you’ll find a variety of restaurants offering food from all over the world with some featuring local cuisines like the famous Anguillan crayfish (grilled with sweet potato puree and rum-glazed banana). You can’t leave The Valley without a stop at Veya Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant that has earned a reputation as one of the best in Anguilla.
Visitors to Anguilla will be captivated by the breathtaking vistas and dazzling turquoise waters. But it’s the evocative landscape of Anguilla that really makes this island a photographer’s paradise. The Arch on the east end of the island, for example, offers spectacular ocean-view vistas that are sure to impress even the most experienced photographers.
The island has been a popular destination for travellers since the 17th century when it was first colonised by English settlers from Saint Kitts and Nevis. After a 1967 rebellion and brief period as an independent republic, Anguilla was reincorporated into a parliamentary representative democratic dependency in 1980. The current chief minister is Victor Banks, who took office in 2015. Anguilla is a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar as its currency. Taxes are low – there’s no income or business tax and the government imposes no property or capital gains taxes. With its beautiful beaches, pristine landscape and friendly people, Anguilla is an ideal Caribbean escape. So why not book your next vacation to Anguilla today? You won’t regret it.