We asked our good friend, Nori over at Anguilla Beaches to recommend her favorite beaches in Anguilla.
Since she lives there year-round, she has the best insights.
Here are her recommendations for your next Anguilla vacation.
1. Meads Bay
Set in the west end of Anguilla, Meads Bay is THE tropical dream, wrapped in the clearest of blues.
Vast waters stretch for as far as the eye can see, the sun illuminating every azure ripple. For this very reason, Meads Bay has become a destination in and of itself over the years.
Early on, only the Malliouhana hotel graced these shores. The resort set the pace forluxury in the Caribbean when it opened in the 1980s.
Since then, the secret of Meads has gotten out. Today, Four Seasons sits at the opposite end of the beach, a plethora of uber-luxury villas and a range of eateries line the middle of its shores.
It’s a favorite for celebrities. Lebron and Justin Bieber’s spot of choice is the ultra-modern Beach House Villa. Fine French restaurant, Jacala is Martha Stewart’s “favorite” in the Caribbean.
“Must do” meals at Meads Bay?
- Lunch at Leon’s! Fabulous Johnnycake burgers and sweet cocktails? Sign me up!
Where to stay at Meads Bay?
All of these accommodations offer high-value right on the beach.
- Carimar Beach Club
- Turtle’s Nest
- Bella Blu
For luxury at a competitive price, check out…
- Tranquility Beach Anguilla
2. Shoal Bay East
Shoal Bay East… those three little words conjure up the most relaxing of daydreams.
This is “the beach” that makes nearly every travel magazine’s “top 10 beaches” list. It is loved by all. One look and it’s not hard to see why.
Powdery white sand stretches for two miles, dropping off to crystal blue waters and wrapping to a spectacular point at its upper end.
Tip: Head to that point for total palm tree calm.
Back on the main stretch of beach, cold cocktails call! Shoal Bay is home to a number of laidback beach bars. Gwen’s Reggae Grill serves up a mean rum punch and tender BBQ.
Come Sunday, the Scratch Band brings the good vibes.
Rarely will you ever see a crowd in Anguilla. Sunday at Gwen’s is the exception!
“Must do” meals at Shoal Bay?
Olas Taco Bar has been making waves for their strong margaritas and steak tacos. For a tranquil setting, “conch out” at Tropical Sunset. They serve up the best conch ceviche and cracked conch. This lunch comes with an extra-bonus: Hammocks!
Where to stay at Shoal Bay?
Shoal Bay Villas’ setting right on the sand is a steal of a sandy-toed deal.
3. Rendezvous Bay
On the island’s southern Caribbean coast, Rendezvous Bay takes your breath away.
A long, steady curve of talcum-fine sand gazes out to the Caribbean Sea and majestic mountains of the neighboring island, St. Martin. The waters glimmer ever-calm.
They call to you: Let’s Rendezvous!
The beach is home to some of Anguilla’s most well-known establishments, including musician…
- Bankie Banx’s famous Dune Preserve Beach Bar (aka “The Dune”).
Hailed by CNN as #1 Beach Bar in the World, The Dune is any artist’s dream. This sprawling wooden bar has been hand-crafted with treasures from the sea. Its location is romantic: open to the beach ahead and the palm-tree-shaded sky above. For the full experience, drop in on a Sunday afternoon when Bankie Banx himself takes to the stage.
(Keep your eyes peeled: It is not uncommon to spot fellow celebrity musicians at this one of a kind spot!)
“Must do” Meals at Rendezvous?
The Sunshine Shack serves up one of the tastiest plates on the beach. Sunshine beams from the owner, Garvey Lake who cooks up slide-off-the-bone ribs, chicken and lobster BBQ.
Where to stay at Rendezvous?
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa’s beachfront suites may be the best deal on the island. Bright, spacious suites open to the vivid blue of Rendezvous.
4. Maunday’s Bay
Ahhh… Anguilla’s gem.
Maunday’s is a perfect semi-circle of sand. Protected from wind and waves, Maunday’s glistens. Its gentle waters whisper the most of calming thoughts, as you float on in a large natural pool of blue.
One of the most exclusive beaches on the island, you will find only one establishment here: Belmond Cap Juluca.
Cap Juluca was one of Anguilla’s first luxury hotels. Opened in the 1980s, Belmond assumed ownership in 2017. They have since pushed the resort’s luxury levels higher. Belmond Cap Juluca is barefoot elegance at its best.
“Must do” Meals at Maunday’s?
Don’t miss cocktails at Maunday’s Club, followed by a casual lunch at The Cap Shack. (The Mahi Mahi Banh Mi melts in your mouth!) Come nightfall, Belmond’s Pimms restaurant offers perhaps the most romantic setting on the island. Tables set for 2 sit below curved domes with a front-row view of the night sea.
5. Little Bay
Get set for adventure! True to its name, Little Bay is a tiny strip of sand, surrounded by high, dramatic cliffs that create an other-worldly feel.
How to get there?
Here’s where adventure comes in! Little Bay is only accessible by scaling the cliffside via a rope or by boat.
To go by boat, head to the neighboring beach, Crocus Bay. Calvin will be there, under the Tamarind Tree. Open every day, Calvin offers $15 round trips to Little Bay.
Pack your own drinks, picnic lunch and don’t forget your snorkel gear. Little Bay is a marine park, rich in beautiful sea life.
For an extra kick of adrenaline? Take a leap of faith off of the bay’s “rock,” made famous by no other than Lebron…!
