The Anguilla Guide
Experiences in Anguilla
The Island
Anguilla is just 16 miles long, known for its clear blue water, beautiful beaches, incredible dining, and a sense of safety that allows you to fully relax. Voted one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, it's a place where you can explore freely and feel at ease from the moment you arrive.
Every beach on the island is public, which means you can spend your days wherever you choose — from the shores of Four Seasons to Cap Juluca and Meads Bay — without ever needing to be a guest. It's common to find stretches of beach that feel quiet and uncrowded, even in the most sought-after areas.
The people of Anguilla are part of what makes the island so special — welcoming, kind, and always willing to help. Whether you're navigating the island or discovering somewhere new, you're never far from someone who will point you in the right direction.
This guide is a collection of places we love, from well-known favorites to smaller local spots. Use it as a starting point, or take your time and discover your own rhythm — Anguilla has a way of helping you truly unplug.
Travel Note
Google Maps works well across the island. We recommend an international phone plan for easy navigation during your stay.
Beaches
- Crocus Bay — one of the best spots on the island for snorkeling
- Island Harbour — a more local feel, where you'll often spot sea turtles and see fishermen bringing in the day's catch
- Little Bay — a secluded cove, best reached by boat or a more adventurous climb
- Maundays Bay — home to Cap Juluca, with soft white sand and some of the most beautiful water on the island
- Meads Bay — typically calm, walkable, and lined with some of the island's best restaurants
- Rendezvous Bay — long, quiet, with great beachfront restaurants and frequent starfish sightings
- Sandy Ground — the island's most lively beach, with restaurants, music, and a more social atmosphere
- Shoal Bay East — consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean, known for its bright turquoise water and excellent snorkeling
- Shoal Bay West — quiet and often nearly empty, with beautiful views of St. Martin
Dining
- Ben's Pit Stop — a hidden gem on the East End serving delicious French-inspired cuisine in a relaxed island setting
- Blanchards Beach Shack, Meads Bay — casual, affordable, and perfect for lunch by the water
- The Cap Shack, Maundays Bay — a relaxed beachfront spot for lunch at Cap Juluca
- C Level at Aurora — our favorite beachfront restaurant on Rendezvous Bay known for its Thursday night Lobster Beach BBQ, with live music, great food, and a fun, lively atmosphere right on the sand
- Coconos — a cash-only, affordable, local favorite for lunch close to the villa
- da'Vida, Crocus Bay — another favorite with a beautiful setting for breakfast or lunch by the water with delicious Indian cuisine
- E's Oven — a rare indoor dining experience on the island, offering elevated Caribbean cuisine in a warm, local setting. Perfect for a rainy night or when you want a break from beachfront dining, with thoughtfully prepared dishes like seafood pasta, grilled snapper, and coconut-crusted grouper
- Gwen's, Shoal Bay East — laid-back beach spot with great sides and live music on Sundays
- Jacala, Meads Bay — a well-loved beachfront restaurant known for its refined French-Caribbean cuisine and intimate setting
- Jelly's BBQ — known for some of the best barbecue ribs on the island
- Karaya — a beautiful Shoal Bay West restaurant where Mediterranean flavors meet Caribbean charm in a relaxed beachfront setting
- Leon's at Malliouhana — a Sunday night favorite with sushi, pizza, and live music
- Lime Keel — a small, local favorite, cash-only spot with a simple menu featuring pasta, lobster, crayfish, and chicken
- Mangos — casual beachfront dining overlooking Barnes Bay with fresh local seafood
- Mirabelle's — a go-to for sushi and Asian-inspired dishes
- Nick's Pizza — an easy, affordable, yummy local spot for brick oven pizza, just a few minutes from the Villa
- Ocean Echo — relaxed beachfront dining with panoramic Caribbean views, fresh seafood, best Rum Punch on the island, and a spectacular setting for lunch or sunset dinner
- Picante — a great spot for Mexican food and a fun change of pace
- Pimms at Cap Juluca — a more elevated dining experience in a beautiful setting
- Route 86 — a unique Caribbean-Japanese fusion restaurant serving fresh sushi, inventive island flavors, and handcrafted cocktails along the main road
- SandBar — a relaxed beachfront spot in Sandy Ground serving flavorful tapas-style small plates, craft cocktails, and live music in a fun island atmosphere
- Sharky's — a lively atmosphere, local seafood, with live music on weekends
- Straw Hat, Meads Bay — a longtime island favorite offering beachfront dining with a diverse menu and beautiful sunset views
- Tasty's POV — a favorite for dinner with a great menu and live music on select nights
- The Tipsy Turtle — great for classic fish and chips
- Veya — an award-winning treehouse restaurant featuring creative global cuisine in a beautiful tropical setting
- Village Bakehouse — our favorite breakfast spot, sandwiches, pastries, and more
- Yvez Coffee — a charming café on North Hill Road serving specialty coffee, freshly baked pastries, artisan breads, and light breakfast favorites
- Zack Shwarma — a favorite for Lebanese-style wraps, bowls, generous portions at affordable prices
Experiences Around the Island
- The Arch — a natural rock formation with sweeping ocean views, worth the short stop (cash entry required)
- ATV rentals — a fun way to explore different parts of the island and discover quieter beaches
- Boat day or private charter — one of the best ways to explore Anguilla, with stops at nearby cays and hidden beaches
- Glass-bottom kayaking, Crocus Bay — a unique way to experience the water while staying close to shore
- Goat Cave — a fun, off-the-beaten-path spot to explore for something a little different (sneakers recommended)
- Mini motor boat rentals — a unique way to explore the coastline, where you can drive your own small boat and see the island from the water
- Moke rentals — one of the most fun ways to get around the island, with open-air driving, beach hopping, and the freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offshore fishing — available through local charters for those wanting a more active day on the water
- Prickly Pear Cays — a favorite for snorkeling and crystal-clear water, best reached by boat for a full day on the water
- Sandy Island — a small island off Sandy Ground with clear water, great snorkeling, and a lively beach lunch scene
- Scilly Cay — a tiny offshore island you reach by boat, known for its laid-back atmosphere, open-air dining, barbecue, and strong cocktails. A simple, unforgettable experience
- Scooter or moped rentals — a simple option for exploring shorter distances and quick beach stops
- Snorkeling & scuba diving — some of the clearest water in the Caribbean, with easy snorkeling right off the beach or guided dives available through local operators
- Spa Day at Cap Juluca — a serene, full-service spa experience with massages, facials, and access to the pool, sauna, cold plunge, and relaxation areas. Ideal for a slower, more indulgent day on the island
- Sunset sail — one of the most memorable experiences on the island, sailing along the coastline as the sun sets with drinks, music, and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere on the water
Groceries & Shopping
- Anguilla Sands & Salts — locally made sea salts and small-batch items that feel very "Anguilla" (perfect for gifts)
- Ashley & Sons — multiple locations across the island for quick stops and pantry staples
- Best Buy Supermarket (East End & West End) — the largest and most convenient options, with the widest selection on the island
- Irie Life — one of our go-to spots for quality Anguilla t-shirts, hats, and easy gifts to take home
- Limin' Boutique — a great stop for unique, locally inspired pieces and elevated souvenirs
- Local Chinese markets — smaller neighborhood markets located throughout the island for quick essentials (including one just minutes from the villa on Jeremiah Gumbs Highway)
- Megastore — the island's closest thing to a one-stop shop for housewares, beach gear, floats, and everyday essentials (East End)
- Proctor's Supermarket — a local favorite and one of our personal go-tos, especially for produce
- The Sunshine Shop — a small local stop for easy Anguilla souvenirs, gifts, and island-inspired tees
- Tropical Distributors — the best place to stock up on wine, spirits, and a wider liquor selection
Explore More
Stay in Anguilla
Experience It from Villa Bénie
Villa Bénie is now accepting reservations. Reach out to check availability and secure your dates.