We just came back from the most relaxing week in Anguilla! This was our first time to the island, and while we had a great time, I already know I need to go back. If you’re looking for a laid-back yet luxurious getaway, Anguilla should be on your list. It’s known as the quieter island of the three in close proximity: Saint Martin, St. Barts and Anguilla. A relaxing trip is exactly what we were hoping for with this trip! Here’s everything you need to know for your perfect Anguilla travel guide, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and what to pack.
The beach at Cap Juluca
How to Get To Anguilla
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Anguilla is by flying directly into the Anguilla Airport (AXA) with American Airlines. With direct flights from Miami and New York, American Airlines makes the journey stress-free and quick. Luckily for us, we typically fly American so this was a big reason I chose to visit this island! You can also fly into Saint Martin and take a short ferry over, it’s just an additional step.
With that being said, if we had stayed longer, I would’ve loved to also explore Saint Martin and St. Barts because they are SO close! You can reach them all via ferry or small plane. For this trip we chose to focus on Anguilla, but next time it’d be fun to hop around.
Lobby at Cap Juluca
View from our room at Cap Juluca
Where to Stay in Anguilla
Belmond Cap Juluca
Anguilla is home to some of the Caribbean’s best luxury resorts, and the Belmond Cap Juluca is one of the main reasons we chose it as our destination. It was just as luxurious as the pictures! While this place is pricey, you definitely get what you pay for. A few standout features of our stay:
The service was five-star. The people were super friendly, and we had our own personal concierge assigned to us who helped book us reservations and experiences.
Delicious dining options. We especially loved the Crab Shack for lunch, Cips by Cipriani for dinner, and Uchu for lunch or dinner.
The beach was unreal. We saw a few other beaches on our stay and nothing beats this one. We met so many people around the island who also say this is their favorite! The sand and water is so beautiful, and it’s private to guests only. Everyday you also get two reserved beach chairs with service and complimentary beverages like fruit teas, shots, water, etc.
The spa was luxurious. Not going to lie, the treatments are pricey, but the amenities also make taking a trip to the spa worth it. They have a stunning hot and cold plunge area, infinity pool, and sauna.
The accommodations were exceptional. Each room has views of the ocean, and ours was on the first floor which walks right out to the beach. It comes with special features like turndown service, two complimentary steamed items a day, l’Occitane toiletries, beach bag, etc. They also left us a bottle of Champagne and cake for my husband’s birthday!
Biking, walking, and a great workout facility. I’ll admit I didn’t use the workout facility, but my husband did and said it was great! They have bikes all over the property that we used quite often and I loved this feature. I got tons of exercise from walking the beach and swimming!
Sabering ritual each night. Every night in the lobby they do sabering at 6pm where you can learn how to saber a bottle! And they use real Champagne 🙂
Spacious Bedrooms
Views at breakfast
Uchu at night
Two Quick Tips:
I love booking through AMEX Travel. By doing this, we got early check in, 4pm late check out (which we used), $100 credit, and complimentary breakfast each day (this in itself made it so worth it – you dine each morning right by the water with an exceptional buffet).
There are a number of Villas at the Belmond, and we stayed in number 17. While this area of the bay was a bit windier during our stay, I think we had a better view of Saint Martin in the distance and it was so beautiful waking up to each morning! The closer you are to the lobby / main buildings, the less of that view you get.
The Spa at Cap Juluca
Hot & cold plunge at the spa
Other Resorts:
Four Seasons Resort Anguilla. We went over to the Four Seasons to enjoy their bar and restaurant one night and got a vibe for the place. It has beautiful sunset views and a great pool, but I personally preferred the Belmond. The architecture here was much more modern, whereas the Belmond is more traditional and Greco-Moorish. It was between these two when I was booking and I feel like I made the right decision for us personally! However if you stay at the Four Seasons, I don’t think you can go wrong as the service was great and the rooms also look amazing.
Malliouhana Resort. This resort was another option I saw when booking and one evening we ate at Leon’s nearby. You also get sunset views here and small private beaches which felt really nice! At a slightly cheaper price, I think this place would also be an excellent option. All three of these resorts are within 10 minutes of each other so they are all in a similar area of the island (although Anguilla itself is very small).
Views at the Sunset Lounge
Where to Eat in Anguilla
No Anguilla travel guide is complete without a list of some great Caribbean food spots. The island is known for its vibrant food scene, offering everything from fine dining to local delicacies. Here are some of the best spots to grab a bite:
Uchu: This Peruvian restaurant at our resort was amazing and is a great spot for lunch, overlooking the water! It was one of the best Tuna Poke bowls I’ve ever had.
Blanchards: This iconic restaurant has been a favorite on the island for over 25 years. The beachside location offers fresh seafood, including Caribbean lobster and grilled fish, as well as an impressive wine list.
Cips by Cipriani: Also located at the resort, this Italian-inspired restaurant was so delicious! The cocktails were also amazing.
Uchu lunch
Sunshine shack
Salt: This restaurant located at the Four Seasons was such a great experience! Inspired by Salt and caribbean cuisine on the island, everything was so flavorful and fresh.
Sharkeys: On our lsit for next time, this was highly recommended as a great local spot for dinner!
Mangos: Also on our list for next time, another local spot that is supposed to have amazing Caribbean cuisine!
Cap Shack: Located right on the beach at the Belmond, we went here a couple times for lunch because they had the best BBQ ribs!
Most places we were able to get a reservation day-of, but I don’t know if this changes during different seasons! It might be worth making reservations ahead of time.
Savi Beach Club
Leon’s on the beach
Best Places for Live Music and Day Vibes
Sunshine Shack: This is a great spot for a true local experience. They often have live music, with an outdoor grill cooking right in front of you! It’s the perfect spot for a beer and Caribbean BBQ.
Leon’s: Located on the beach, Leon’s is famous for its delicious BBQ and seafood dishes. Sunday at sunset it is the place to be! They have outdoor games, live music, and great food and drinks.
Savi Beach Club: One day we wanted to switch up the beach and went to Savi since they had a DJ and saxophone player. It’s a great chill vibe with great service and delicious drinks and sushi!
Sunset Lounge: If you’re looking for a place to enjoy live music and stunning sunset views, head to Sunset Lounge. The laid-back atmosphere paired with live performances creates the perfect vibe for an evening of relaxation.
Our Moke, pistachio 🙂
The beach at Cap Juluca
Activities to Do in Anguilla
Whether you’re after adventure or relaxation, these are must-tries for any Anguilla Travel Guide:
Rent a Moke: The easiest and most fun way to get around is by renting a moke (a small, open-air car), which gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. We booked ours with Moke Anguilla and got to drive around Pistachio, our green Moke 🙂 Drive along the picturesque beaches, stop for a swim, and discover hidden gems all over the island. We loved driving through the towns and checking out Little Bay!
Boat Excursions: Head out on the water and explore Anguilla’s surrounding cays, like Prickly Pear and Sandy Island, on a private boat tour. Enjoy snorkeling, paddle boarding, or just relaxing on a secluded beach.
Relax at the Spa: Cap Juluca’s spa is the perfect place to unwind after a day of activities. Enjoy a full-body massage, a facial, or a customized wellness experience designed to help you relax and recharge.
Water Sports: Anguilla is an excellent destination for water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. Many resorts offer equipment rentals and guided activities for those who want to try something new.
What to Pack for Anguilla
No Anguilla travel guide is complete without a little look book 😉 It’s your typical beach vacation, so don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sandals. The island overall is very relaxed and quite casual. I do recommend a pair of pants for men and dresses for women when going places like Sunset Lounge at the Four Seasons or restaurants at the Belmond. Daytime is super relaxed and beach coverups are appropriate!
Anguilla offers everything you could want in a tropical vacation – from crystal-clear beaches and exclusive resorts like Belmond Cap Juluca to a lively dining and entertainment scene. Whether you’re unwinding with a spa day, enjoying fresh seafood, or exploring the island in a moke, you’ll find that Anguilla is the perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation. Now that you’ve gone through the essential Anguilla Travel Guide, pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready for a truly unforgettable escape in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands!
Thanks for this great review. My sister was down there the same time you were staying at the Four Seasons. Was living vicariously thru the both of you. The review is very helpful!
Thanks for this great review. My sister was down there the same time you were staying at the Four Seasons. Was living vicariously thru the both of you. The review is very helpful!