The British Overseas Territory of Anguilla (pronounced ‘yuck-ah-lee-lah’) is an ideal Caribbean getaway. The island’s pristine beaches, sparkling ocean and glistening white sands have earned it the title of “Caribbean’s best” several times in recent years and its laidback vibe has endeared it to tourists worldwide.
It’s the perfect place to relax, recharge and unwind after a long day on the water. The island’s natural beauty is complemented by its warm, welcoming inhabitants and vibrant culture.
Anguilla has a tropical climate, moderated by the northeast trade winds. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year, ranging from 27degC (80degF) in December to 30degC (86degF) in July. Rainfall is erratic, with the driest months occurring in February and March. Anguilla’s arid soil is not suitable for agriculture, and its economy is largely based on tourism and fishing.
Away from the beach, you can enjoy Anguilla’s thriving arts scene and its many historic plantation houses. You can also explore the island’s limestone caves or stroll through its bustling capital, The Valley.
There are few other islands that can boast such a rich and diverse cultural heritage as Anguilla. This is partly due to the country’s unique fusion of Caribbean and European influences.
Despite these influences, Anguilla has managed to retain its peaceful and friendly way of life, which is exemplified by its strong focus on faith, family and friendliness. In fact, Anguilla is renowned for its exceptional hospitality and the kindness of its people, which has helped make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.
Anguilla is a tax haven, with no capital gains, estate, profit or other forms of direct taxation. This has helped the country to maintain its low crime rate and high vaccination rates.
The Anguillian people are a cheerful and amiable group of individuals who are proud of their peaceful and unique way of living. They are largely descendants of slaves transported to the West Indies from Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries.
A major pillar of Anguilla’s unique culture is its emphasis on music and dancing, which is practiced in all its forms, including reggae, calypso and soca. There are a number of top-notch musical venues on the island, such as Dune Preserve in Rendezvous Bay where you can watch live performances by some of the island’s most famous artists.
Another great way to experience Anguilla’s musical diversity is to attend a local event or festival. Some of the highlights include the annual Moonsplash festival, which attracts world-class musicians to Anguilla for a week of reggae and other island music. Other events of interest on Anguilla include the National Day Parade and the upcoming ‘Royal Anguilla Yacht Races’, which are held on July 1 each year.
In addition to its thriving arts and culture, Anguilla has a burgeoning culinary scene. The island has a wide range of restaurants offering everything from traditional Anguillian cuisine to Mexican and Italian fare.
Anguilla’s residents enjoy an extremely high standard of living, with the average household income reaching $33,000 a year. Most residents earn their livelihoods through tourism and fishing, and the government provides generous subsidies to support small businesses.