Anguilla

Introducing Anguilla

Just three miles wide and sixteen miles long, this picture-perfect paradise is simply beautiful. While still pleasingly underdeveloped, Anguilla is home to luxury retreats and some of the world’s finest beaches. There are plenty of natural and manmade wonders too. Snorkel in secluded coves or examine ancient Arawak stone carvings at the Big Spring Heritage Site. There’s also Wallblake House to visit. Built in 1787, it’s the oldest surviving plantation building on the island. Or you could just soak up the laid-back Anguillan atmosphere with a rum punch as you gaze out at the famous Shoal Bay sunset.

Practical Information

Capital city
The Valley

Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar, although US dollars are widely accepted

Cuisine
Fresh seafood, such as spiny lobster and the Anguillan staple, salt cod – along with various meats cooked jerk style.

Tipping etiquette
It’s not expected and a 10% service charge is usually added to your bill. You could leave an extra 5-10% as a tip for exceptional service or unique requests. 

Saying hello
“Good morning”, “Good day”, and “Good night” are common ways to greet someone at all times of the day.

When To Go

Aside from the occasional refreshing downpour, this tropical destination boasts a sunny, warm climate all year-round. So you can swim and sunbathe in Anguilla almost whenever you choose. July to October are generally the hottest months, with gentle trade winds keeping things pleasantly cool and dry. If you’re here in early August, you can’t miss the swaying Calypso beat of the annual summer festival, featuring carnival parades and boat racing.

Top Tip from SLH

For the ultimate diving experience, take a private catamaran to Prickly Pear Cays and watch barracuda and nurse sharks swim through underwater caverns, past sunken shipwrecks.