A tiny limestone stretch of an island, Anguilla boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with mile after mile of bright white sands, lapped by a gentle electric-blue sea and lined by laid-back beach bars. Although small, the island offers a great range of excellent hotels — from simple, low-key spots to indulgent luxury resorts. Our pick of the best places to stay in Anguilla includes some fantastic family-friendly resorts, as well as charming suggestions for intimate couples in search of tranquillity.

First colonised by the English, Anguilla has an intriguing colonial history, which is well worth exploring. Take a tour of Wallblake House, reputedly the island's oldest surviving structure, and marvel at the treasures of the Heritage Collection Museum, curated by local historian Colville Petty.

Today, the island boasts a thriving modern fishing and lobster-catching industry, and an excellent collection of bars and eateries showcasing the the freshly-caught flavours of the sea. Foodies will find plenty of dishes to sample and savour, both within the island’s resorts, in swish restaurants and in the small, local beach bars so emblematic of the Caribbean. Kick back on pristine sands, hire a bike to cycle along palm-fringed paths and take in the cultural and historic sites — or to explore still more breath-taking beaches.

There’s a whole world under the water’s surface, too. Try snorkelling, hone your diving skills, or hop in a glass-bottomed boat for a family trip out to the reef. There’s also kayaking, sailing, water-skiing, wake-boarding and windsurfing for active travellers to enjoy. If you’re around for a little longer, the nearby island of Saint Martin — one-third Dutch and two-thirds French — makes for an appealing day out, accessed by regular 30-minute ferries from Anguilla’s western side.

Anguilla is the perfect island for travellers eager to unwind in tropical bliss, and many of the best places to stay in Anguilla are on the beach — ensuring that you can soak up those spectacular panoramas to your heart’s content.

The Best Places to Stay in Anguilla

For Barefoot Luxury

• Malliouhana is a gorgeous Cap d'Antibes-inspired hotel set in 25 acres of gardens and featuring classically-styled interiors with four-poster beds, nautical stripes and generous balconies. A sophisticated choice for hip, well-heeled couples or families, who will be well-catered for with the children's areas, tennis courts, gym, spa and world-class cuisine.
• Belmond Cap Juluca promises a sleek, Morroccan-style beach resort for couples and families seeking the ultimate luxury escape. Highlights include an extensive array of watersports, an indulgent spa, four eateries, and swish guestrooms and villas, some of which offer private pools. A very special stay.
• Zemi Beach House is a smaller beach resort on the quieter side of Anguilla. Focusing on natural materials and earthy tones, this collection of spacious suites and villas has a chic, airy feel, allowing the striking views and sense of serenity to take centre stage. The restaurant specialises in freshly caught seafood, there are cracking cocktails, a spa and lots of activities for guests of all ages. A secluded, exclusive choice.
• The Viceroy is a grand, five-star spot ideal for families looking to kick back in style. Book a villa for your own private pool, and enjoy extensive watersports facilities, tennis coaching, yoga, impressive views and excellent West Indian cuisine. Little ones will adore spotting turtles from the glass bottomed boat, as well as the top-notch kids' programme. Interiors are very chic, with a creamy palette and lots of driftwood. Sensational.

For an intimate hideaway

• Quintessence Hotel is a luxurious tropical mansion offering just nine rooms, with spellbinding views over Long Bay. Pick this place for its private, intimate atmosphere, acclaimed restaurant and chic spa. One for romantic foodies.

For Families

• Meads Bay Beach Villas is a great pick for families eager to unwind in their own private villa on one of Anguilla's best beaches. Villas come with private pools, fully-equipped kitchens (which the hotel will happily stock for you in advance) and stacks of space to relax. An excellent family holiday spot.
• CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is a Greek-style beach hotel with whitewashed walls, bright pops of colour and heaps for guests of all ages to see and do. Think tennis courts, a spa, gym, and water sports. The standout addition is the resort's picturesque 18-hole golf course. Perfect for families and golfers.
• The Frangipani Beach Club is a laid-back hotel offering complimentary watersports facilities, a beachside swimming pool and spacious, traditionally-decorated rooms with flexible options for families and groups of all ages. Right on lovely Meads Bay, this is a fun pick for active families.
• The Reef by CuisinArt is a chic, contemporary beachfront resort with crisp white-on-white interiors and classic Caribbean touches, including wicker accents. Stay here for a modern, minimalist feel, lots of activities and the free transfers to the sister property's excellent golf course. Large suites are good for families. Very laid-back and beachy.

For Great Value

• Shoal Bay Villas are a small group of well-priced villas with their own kitchens and direct access to a lovely white-sand beach. There are shared gardens, a gym and a pool, as well as easy access to some great local restaurants. A relaxed, self-catering choice.
• Carimar Beach Club's collection of charming, one and two-bedroom beachfront villas are a very reasonably-priced option for couples or families looking for some extra independence. Set right on the beach, the 24 villa-suites have generously-proportioned kitchens, living areas and sea-facing balconies. Make the most of the onsite tennis courts, equipment for hire, and the nearby 18-hole golf course. A popular pick!
• Anacaona is tucked within verdant gardens, just five minutes from the beach. Simple, comfortable rooms feature tiled floors, bright artwork, pops of colourful textiles and ocean views. There are two pools, an onsite restaurant and a spa, too. Great value.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• There are very few direct flights to Anguilla Airport. One of the easiest ways to get to the island is to fly to nearby Sint Maarten, and take a 30-minute ferry from the island's French side (Saint Martin) across to Anguilla, before travelling to your hotel by car. The ferry runs multiple times a day, but is weather-dependent.
• Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car. There's lots to see on Anguilla, and having your own transport makes it much easier to get around!
• Most travellers visit Anguilla between January and May, when the weather is at its best -- humid and around 28°C. Be prepared for showers if you visit during the rainy hurricane season (June to November). To beat the crowds and make the most of great deals, time your trip for May or June, before the rains begin to fall in earnest.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Saint Martin.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Anguilla