Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean Sea. This small country, with a total area of 36 square miles, has some of the most incredible stretches of pristine sand in the Caribbean. Its 33 beaches dot the coast, which is 16 miles long and 3 miles wide (at its widest). Sunshine, pure white sand and turquoise blue water (hovering around 70 degrees) are the hallmarks of this beautiful location and are found in every property on this list – but that’s the only similarity. Beach resorts range from affordable to luxurious and all are just steps away from the glorious sea.
This magnificent coral landmass is part of the Leeward Range approximately 7 miles north of St. Maarten and is considered one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets. You can land at Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten and reach Anguilla by ferry in around 30 minutes or by a short hopper flight in 10 minutes. You can also fly direct from Miami on American Airlines to Clayton J. Lloyd Airport.
The following properties, in no particular order, are some of the best in Anguilla for incredible stays on this breathtaking island.
Note: I was a guest of the Anguilla Tourism Board during my stay. I have visited every property on this list and all opinions are my own.
1. Frangipani Beach Resort
Frangipani Beach Resort invites you to experience “Barefoot Luxury” on Meads Bay. The 24-room resort emphasizes sustainability and offers many unique amenities such as the award-winning restaurant, Straw Hat, right on the property. The rooms are gorgeous and all face the ocean, including a 5,000 square foot four-bedroom beachfront villa that you can rent out with family or friends.
On-site facilities include a gym, tennis court, boutique, spa, beachfront water sports and exclusive beach excursions on their private boat. You can relax in the infinity pool facing the ocean or relax under a palapa at the beach. Every Wednesday, the resort hosts a cocktail reception for all guests with delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine and cocktails, including the most delicious rum punch.
This property enjoys a 60% return rate, and during the holidays, that number increases to 85%. I can understand why Frangipani is always booked because once you stay here you feel like part of the family.
2. Carimar Beach Club
Carimar Beach Club is also on Meads Bay and is also very laid back. This all-villa property has a 36-year history and is “dedicated to creating a personalized vacation experience for guests.” It started in October 1984 as a birthday present for author Francine Jacobs. She wanted a special place to visit on her beloved island.
In December 1985, it became the first condominium residence in Anguilla with 24 spacious villas and a resort for owners and visitors. It is consistently well rated, offers great value and is dedicated to sustainability to preserve the beauty of Anguilla.
The elegant lobby of the Quintessence Hotel Relais & Châteaux in Anguilla
Jeanine Consoli
3. Quintessence Hotel Relais & Chateaux
Quintessence is nestled on a hill above Long Bay Beach. This five-star luxury property is elegant and gives the impression of staying in a private hotel. Celebrity chef Dominique Thevenet offers an extraordinary Caribbean and French fusion dining experience at Julian’s restaurant with 2,000 bottles of wine selected from cellars around the world.
Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, Aidan Spa, outdoor yoga pavilion, infinity pool, billiards room, tennis court, curated boutique, and 24-hour butler service. And of course, the pristine white sands and impossibly blue waters of Long Bay. There are 9 amazing suites and brand new “Q” villas on the property with the same amazing deals at a lower price.
An incredible collection of Haitian and local art adorns this exceptional property.
4. Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection
Malliouhana is emblematic. Located between Meads Bay and Turtle Cove Beach, it opened 30 years ago and put Anguilla on the map as a luxury getaway. Under new ownership (Auberge Resorts), Malliouhana’s updated and luxurious beachfront accommodations “set the standard for modern island glamour.” The two-tier freshwater infinity pool overlooks the Caribbean Sea and offers poolside dining and drinks.
The beaches offer sugar-white sand and crystal clear water and you can enjoy free kayaks, paddle boards and Hobie Cats or organized boat cruises. One of my favorite options is a rum tasting with a house rummelier. There are three dining spots in Malliouhana – Celeste for classic fare, Bar Soleil for amazing sunsets, and Leon’s in Meads Bay with toes in the Caribbean sand. Families will appreciate the kids club for the ultimate relaxing vacation.
The open-air lobby of the Manoah Boutique Hotel in Anguilla
Anguilla Tourism Board
5. The Manoah Boutique Hotel
The Manoah has that perfect location on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Shoal Bay East. The sand is flawless, the waves are gentle, and the water sparkles in the glorious Anguilla sun. The Manoah has a gorgeous pool with a beachfront bar and restaurant just steps from the sand. Resort facilities include a spa, fitness center, sauna and steam room. The rooms are designed to offer modern luxury with oversized floor plans and stunning ocean views.
The restaurant serves world-class cuisine that is a mix of Caribbean and international and two beach bars to enjoy a rum punch while watching the sunset cap off the perfect day in Anguilla. The Presidential Penthouse features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, fully equipped kitchen, laundry room and a balcony overlooking the beautiful 2.5 mile long stretch of sand.
A private villa with pool at Belmond Cap Julaca in Anguilla
Anguilla Tourism Board
6. Belmond Juluca Cap
Cap Juluca is an enchanting Moroccan-inspired luxury property on Maundays Bay. Beachfront accommodations include 64 rooms (some with private pools), 44 suites, four restaurants, and a cocktail bar. Cip’s by Cipriani is one of the most romantic restaurants on the island and is a nod to their sister hotel, Cipriani in Venice, Italy. Once you arrive, you will enjoy the Arawak Spa, an infinity pool, and activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, tennis, and golf.
Your room includes two lounge chairs with an oversized umbrella, complimentary chilled towels, water and sherbet all day. You can book a fishing experience with Shawn Romney or sail to Prickly Pear, a cay with beautiful reefs to explore with resident swimming sea turtles. Here at Maundays Bay, the crescent of sand is calm and sheltered; it is the ideal place for water skiing or windsurfing. You can learn how with Cap Jaluca’s on-site instructors.
Sunrise over Aurora Anguilla Resort on Rendezvous Bay
Anguilla Tourism Board
7. Aurora Anguilla Resort
Aurora Anguilla Resort is located on beautiful Rendezvous Bay. This resort is huge (178 rooms) and located on over 300 acres. There are seven restaurants, a spa, and the ultimate golf experience on the island’s one and only golf course. The Greg Norman-designed course is undergoing a renovation and rebirth that will challenge even the most seasoned golfer. The resort was once the Cuisinart Resort and under new ownership, it’s getting new amenities like a huge water park that includes a lazy river and private charter flights to Anguilla for groups of four to 35 people.
If you choose to fly to St. Maarten, Aurora has a sea shuttle to get you to and from the neighboring island. Wellness activities include guided hikes, bikes, tennis and pickle ball, outdoor movie nights, s’mores on the beach, and guided cave tours with Anguilla National Trust & Katouche Tours.
Sunset over Barnes Bay at the Four Seasons in Anguilla
Anguilla Tourism Board
8. Four Seasons Resort And Residences Anguilla
The Four Seasons is nestled on Meads Bay, but also faces Barnes Bay Beach – both stunning vistas. There are 16 different types of accommodations ranging from rooms and suites to stand-alone villas, townhouses, a three-bedroom ocean-view penthouse, and three different residences with fully equipped kitchens and private pools.
The on-site spa offers treatments at various locations within the resort or in your private room. A fitness center is available along with three outdoor pools, a marine center for water sports equipment, and a sports pavilion offering rock climbing, tennis, and basketball.
For those looking to create, you can organize different courses including a cooking class or a painting class accompanied by a rum punch. Other services include boating and sailing, paddle boards, tennis and kitesurfing lessons. And if you’re traveling with kids, the kids’ club offers a variety of amenities for toddlers through teens. It is an ideal place to get married.
A 300-year-old Thai rice barn, now a spa at Zemi Beach House in Anguilla
Anguilla Tourism Board
9. Zemi Beach House
Zemi Beach House offers an intimate getaway on 6 acres of lush grounds. The hammam, or Turkish bath, on the property is a huge draw and is the only one in Anguilla. The 300-year-old Thai rice barn has been reimagined into an award-winning spa where holistic treatments put the “ahhh” in Anguilla.
With 76 one- to three-bedroom guest rooms and suites with private balconies, your room could overlook the ocean or the property’s lush garden. The retail shop offers handmade ceramic bowls, carvings and local rum, as well as iconic Zemi Beach House apparel. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day for workouts on Precor equipment. The Sensation is a private home with the most relaxing amenities, 24 hour room service and, of course, its unparalleled location on Shoal Bay East.
Pro tip: While the restaurants are fabulous at each property, be sure to check out the amazing beach bar restaurants like Gwen’s Reggae Bar and Grill on Shoal Bay or Blanchard’s Beach Shack on Meads Bay for an authentic BBQ. caribbean.
