PRIOR to my visit to Anguilla my impressions of the island were totally influenced by the image of its hotels. I expected a chic and sophisticated island with designer shops and exclusive restaurants to complement the properties.
What I found was different, but even better. Anguilla is an escapist’s dream; it’s less cosmopolitan than I envisaged but none the worse for that.
It’s suited to people who want to relax in stylish comfort without too much glitz – perfect for those, for example, who love the best of Barbados’ west coast but want something a little quieter and more intimate.
Anguilla was more barren and drier than I had imagined, but the infrastructure is impressive with excellent roads, charming and very friendly people and an overwhelming sense of safety.
I had expected good beaches and I wasn’t disappointed. Swimmers, snorkellers and beachcombers will love the blinding white sands, crystal clear water and easy-to-reach coral reefs. I didn’t get the chance to scuba dive, but I gather it’s excellent with dive sites within a short boat ride of the shore.
It’s no place for culture vultures, but then there are so many other Caribbean islands that offer something for them.
Arriving at Cap Juluca, one of the best hotels on the island, was like stepping into an oasis – lush, green, tranquil and manicured.
The understated rooms are simply stunning, especially the junior suites with their “glass bathrooms”. It’s utterly perfect for honeymooners, low-key designer-conscious couples and even single professionals wanting a stylish escape with few distractions.
Malliouhana was altogether different, more European and similarly luxurious, but a little less design-conscious.
Gourmands will love it. The food is outstanding, the wine cellar could compete with any in the world and the service is incredibly professional. I was surprised to find a good children’s club, located right on the beach, and I’d certainly recommend Malliouhana to families with children under 12.
We ate at one of the local restaurants, CJ’s, courtesy of the tourist board. For a tiny island, the choice of food is wide and standards of cooking and service outstanding everywhere. We went to a bar with reggae playing and were made more than welcome by all the locals we met.
Clients may be put off by the need to take a connecting flight to get to Anguilla, but it’s definitely worth it and I can recommend the airline we use, Carib Aviation, which offers an excellent service.
Anguilla may be expensive, but in my view it delivers outstanding value for money. Now that I’ve visited I feel much more confident about selling it both as a single-centre escape and as part of an island-hopping holiday.
Needless to say, I can’t wait to go back. We didn’t get the chance to check out the luxury picnics on deserted beaches or the yacht trip to Prickly Pear Cays. And there are so many more restaurants to try. Maybe next timeÉ
Anguilla: Operator verdict