Anguilla Holidays

Nestled in the Eastern Caribbean among the northern islands in the Leeward chain, Anguilla lies less than ten miles from St. Martin. Puerto Rico is its main gateway at 200 miles away. The fact that Anguilla is just off the beaten tourist tract ensures that it offers you an exclusive an authentic island getaway.

At only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide with one main road that runs through the center, this flat, low lying piece of land comprised mostly of coral and limestone can easily be traversed in less than half an hour.

The landscape is sparse with salt ponds and few trees, but it is the shimmering white sandy beaches and clear ocean that caused Anguilla to be the object of envy of neighboring islands. The 33 beaches are easily accessible and thanks to being off the beaten track, uncrowded.

Climate

The climate is typically tropical with wet and dry seasons. Temperatures fluctuate only a little between the seasonal changes, with daily averages of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

September is the wettest month of the year, and the island is also running the risk of being exposed to hurricanes between August and October. The last serious damage to the island was dealt by Hurricane Luis in 1995, but it is best to keep your eye out for any hurricane predictions before your travels.

Before Anguilla became a thriving plantation economy, it was inhabited by tribes for millennia. One tribe, the Arawaks, believed that the sun and moon resided in two caverns from which mankind also awakened. These two caves remain to this day. As the chase to discover the new world got into full swing, Anguilla was eventually colonized by the British in the 1600’s, and the now enslaved inhabitants toiled over plantations of corn and tobacco.

By the 1800’s farming became unfavourable as the soil corroded and rainfall was unpredictable. As devastating the effect this had on the economy, this was also what propelled the Aguillans forward towards independence.  Even if Anguilla was declared a statehood along with St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla made their feelings clear about this and rose up in revolt. In modern day Anguilla, their independence is proudly celebrated with parades, festivals and traditional boat races.

Culture

As you would almost come to expect, the cuisine is a mix of its rich cultural heritage, with distinct elements of Spanish, French, African and English dishes. Food fundis find the Caribbean delightful. Generally speaking, the food is substantial in hearty portions, intended to carry you throughout the day, but to cater to international guests, a selection of lighter meals are also available.

Because of their history is one of survival and strength, locals are sincerely happy to share the island and its stories with you. There is always something else to discover here, whether it is an interesting piece of the past or a beguiling cove that you can claim all to yourself for the next few hours. Guided tours really are optional here, since the island is so exploration-friendly. A helpful local will always nearby to ask for directions if you get lost, but at only 16 miles of island, you’d be hard pressed to let that happen.

Don’t be fooled by Sandy Ground’s sleepy daytime appearance. At night, this village wakes up and turns into the entertainment capital with a decent selection of beach bars and laid back restaurants. Crocus Hills plays host to a series of architectural structures for ages past, while Shoal Bay is the beach to be at with its colourful beach bars and even more vibrant coral reefs. And how can one forget about the aforementioned Amerindian Ceremonial site, where the universe and man were born. It makes for a very interesting archaeological trip, where a likeness of Jocahu, the deity of old, stands guard.

Activities

If you want to relax in style at a five star holiday resort, Anguilla has a few to choose from, along with private villas for those who are not budget conscientious. It also has its fair share of small and very affordable inns, guest houses and apartments for rent if you are looking for something less extravagant.

You can change your US Dollars for the East Caribbean one at an exchange rate of roughly EC 2.60 to USD 1. US Dollars are accepted in the main parts of the island, but it is always a good idea to exchange at least a little bit in case of emergency. Crime here is relatively low, with the exception of petty pick pockets, but there are reports of increased youth gang activity. This is mostly limited to local villages and there are no known incidents involving tourists, but be aware of possibly dangerous situations in any case. Overall, you should not encounter any trouble. This little island offers a private and tranquil getaway that is usually reserved to but a select view. It is affordable, and the value and quality of accommodation is practically unmatched this side of the Caribbean.