Off The Grid: 5 Reasons Anguilla Is Worth Its Caribbean Cost
Photo courtesy of Zemi Beach Resort
Before arriving in Anguilla for the first time, I knew three things about the island. Its pronunciation is tricky (ann-GWIL-ah). Its remoteness can be costly. And its ultra-isolated beaches are highly favored.
After visiting it over a long weekend recently, I learned a lot more. With exception to a Maltese-like sea arch on the west side, Anguilla is topographically boring. If you come expecting dramatic landscapes, you’ll be disappointed by its flatness.
But that’s a small price to pay for what the island gets right. Having independently verified its exceptional (and crowd-free) beaches, I was also impressed by its 15,000 residents and over 100 restaurants, a special combination which is abnormally and unthinkably good.
Beaches
As I approached Anguilla “international” airport in a turbo prop plane from the east, it quickly became apparent that the island’s beaches would live up to their reputation. Just outside my window seat, I spotted a few catamarans, a grove of palm trees, one bar, and two handfuls of sunbathers not giving a damn on tiny Sandy Island.
That vibe continued over the next five days, whether walking on the marshmallow-soft sand of the south coast or swimming in the hyper-transparent teal waters of Shoal Bay East on the north coast.
People
While en route to dinner one night, my party made a wrong turn and a concerned local immediately took an interest. In a smile-inducing accent that only a Caribbean is capable of (Yah, mon!), he course corrected us before continuing on his way. We followed his directions but moments later he reappeared just to make sure we had our bearings.
I encountered the same welcoming assurance time and time again with no expectation of a tip or other ulterior motive. “It’s done because it’s who were are,” my taxi driver Accelyn Connor later informed me. “We are a polite, respectful, and crime-averse people. You can walk any part of this island night or day, and we will go out of our way to make sure you safely find yours.” That’s a fact. (PS—if you need a cab while there, call Accelyn at +1 264-235-8931. He’s a special dude.)
Food
With dozens of multi-starred restaurants and acclaimed chefs, Anguilla is the undisputed king of Caribbean dining. Find someone who disputes that fact and the burden is on them to provide evidence suggesting otherwise. All told, it’s difficult to imagine how such fine cuisine arrived here. Minus the seafood, everything is shipped in daily.