Ah, Anguilla, you have my heart! After a whirlwind four-day trip to this lovely island in the Caribbean, I’m officially a fan. The trip couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve been going through some major life changes the past few months and what I really needed was a couple days in the sunshine, surrounded by great people, encouraging words and endless possibilities of how to spend each moment.
Whether you’re in need of a girls getaway or just hoping to escape city life for a few days, Anguilla doesn’t disappoint. Scroll below for tips on where to stay, where to eat + drink plus a few of my favorite scenic viewpoints. Magic awaits!
Girls Getaway Guide to Anguilla
Magic in Anguilla
Where to Stay
When it comes to where to stay in Anguilla, it’s all about your priorities. For some, they’re happy to stay in a less “hip” area if it means that they’ll save some money on accommodation. For others, it’s all about location.
Our group stayed at The Reef by CuisinArt, which is considered one of Anguilla’s most high-end boutique luxury properties. That said, we were there during off-season and the rates drop considerably during this time.
There were so many aspects of The Reef that I really loved—ocean views, open-air dining and spacious suites to name a few—but my favorite perk was the pool. There were even larger-than-life floats at the ready, making this a very ‘gram’-worthy spot.
Of course, there are other properties around the island, so it’s up to you where to stay. The Anguilla Tourist Board is a good resource if you’re on the fence between two or more hotels.
What to See
Where do I even start?! I was pleasantly surprised by how much there is to see and do on the lovely island of Anguilla. From bar hopping in Sandy Ground, to beach picnics and seafood feasts, there’s no shortage of adventures.
By far my favorite activity in Anguilla (or any island for that matter!) was a sunset sail on The Tradition. This is a perfect activity for you and your girlfriends because the boat caters to small groups. Our charter had about ten people and it really made for a unique and intimate experience.
The evening kicks off with a Champagne cocktail toast, followed by delicious wines and beer. After sunset, Laurie and Deb set up a delicious spread of local foods. Honestly, this might have been the best meal I had in Anguilla, and I left completely stuffed.
Besides my fabulous “I’m the king of the world” moment (see below), I loved when Laurie sailed us close to the caves where we could spot local wildlife. When the sun went down, he pointed out different constellations in the sky. I casually mentioned that I was a scorpio and he must have remembered because a few minutes later, he pointed out my star sign.
All in all, this was probably one of the most magical experiences I’ve had, and we all know I love to find magic in everyday life.
Best Beaches
Here are a couple of my favorite beaches:
Sandy Ground: I already mentioned this, but there are lots of bars and restaurants here, as well as transport to Sandy Island.
Meads Bay: One of Anguilla’s widest and more expansive beaches. There are several accommodations options here, so is a good option if you prefer to stay in one specific area.
Rendezvous Bay: My top pick! I spent an entire afternoon here, sipping fruity cocktails, getting some sun and cooling off in the sparkling sea. Plus, you have Sint Maarten as a backdrop
Where to Eat + Drink
Calling all foodies! I had some really yummy seafood in Anguilla, and you will, too. I’m going to highlight a few of my favorite spots below.
Blanchard’s: Located right on the beach and ranked among the Caribbean’s best restaurants, Blanchard’s is a great spot to take in the sea breeze while indulging in French-inspired cuisine. For a more casual atmosphere, try their shack next door.
Julian’s: As part of Quintessence Hotel, expect nothing less than perfection at this culinary hotspot. Their outdoor tables are shaded and located right by their pool, which touts quite the coastal view!
Sandy Island: For seafood that tastes out of this world, hop on the boat to Sandy Island where you can splurge on freshly caught crayfish, lobster, grouper, snapper and more. Plus, you have an entire island to yourself. Who could ask for more?
Veya’s: This Caribbean restaurant is a sight to see! The decor reminded me of something I might see in Morocco, and is effortlessly romantic. Toast to a great trip with a glass of sparkling wine or try one of their crafty cocktails.
How to Get to Anguilla
Ok, ready to start planning your trip to Anguilla? Unlike some Caribbean islands, Anguilla is fairly easy to get to. For me, I took a direct flight from JFK to St. Maarten and from there, I hopped on a boat for a 15-minute journey to Anguilla. Alternatively, you can take a local charter if you prefer to arrive by air and not by sea.
In terms of getting around on the island, I highly recommend renting a car. The roads in Anguilla are pretty well paved and parking is never tough, as this was the low season. Plus, if you’re staying at a resort, having a car allows you to venture outside and not pay a ton in taxi fares.
If driving isn’t in the cars for you, then I’d suggest choosing accommodation where many things are within walking distance. For example, the Sandy Ground area has lots of bars and restaurants located right on the beach.
What was the best place you traveled to with your girlfriends?
This post is in collaboration with the Anguilla Tourist Board. All opinions are my own.
Be sure to visit the Anguilla page on WBTW as well.
Megan Eileen McDonough is writer, blogger and social media specialist based in New York City. She also runs Bohemian Trails, a lifestyle blog designed for the savvy and stylish traveler. Bohemian Trails aims to feature must-see places around the world, covering everything from revamped neighborhoods and vibrant street art to innovative tech hubs and everything in between. Her cultural escapades have taken her to Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Megan is also a freelance writer and social media specialist based in New York City. She contributes to various online and print publications in the travel and fashion industries and is an international correspondent for both Jetsetter and Northstar Travel Media.
