Caribbean Hot Spot: Anguilla
I was so excited and fortunate to go back to my absolute happy place, Anguilla. This Caribbean island is my favorite island due to its laid back authenticity and local charm. This was the first time back with my family since the devastating hurricane that hit just a few years ago, and I have to say although there are clearly remnants of the storm surrounding the homes and town, the island itself was just as charming as ever. I put together a list of my favorite restaurants, bars, and beaches below as there is absolutely NO shopping on the island (this is actually a good thing I think!) I hope I have the chance to go back soon!
Where To Eat:
Lunch – there are two incredible BBQ places both on the beach! I personally think they have the best BBQ I’ve ever tasted.
Smokey’s at the Cove - On weekends, chicken barbecue, complete with Carib lagers and live music
Sunshine Shack - Best rack of ribs and a BCC (Banana Coola Collada on the island or ever for that matter) locally referred to as "Garvey's", is co-owned and operated by a man who brightens everyone's day with his smile. Garvey is welcoming and sweet-talking. He is chipper, he even sings while he works!
Blandchard’s Beach Shack – Anguilla’s version of Shake Shack and it does not disappoint.
Dinner – My top three favorites below
Straw Hat Restaurant - Famous for its grilled Anguillan crayfish drizzled with ginger vinaigrette
Blanchards – Famous for their lemon chicken and cracked coconut I could not recommend this restaurant enough! Blanchards Restaurant has been hailed as one of the best restaurants in the Caribbean with innovative cuisine by Chef Melinda Blanchard.
Picante – I know it sounds silly to go to a Mexican restaurant in the Caribbean, but this has solely become my favorite Mexican restaurant worldwide. Owners Chloe and Theron Loizos first visited Anguilla they were in their early twenties and had no idea that they would one day be the owners of the most popular restaurants on the island.
What To Do:
Dune Preserve (for drinking and dancing)- Using pieces of shipwrecked racing boats and washed-up driftwood, owner Bankie Banx and his best friend, Bullett, built the Dune Preserve in 1994. Four hurricanes later, the landscape has changed, but the spirit of the bar is still going strong, and it's been the site of live performances by Jimmy Buffett and Kevin Bacon.
Sandy Island (for an adventure day) - Take a boat out for the day and go to Sandy Island for snorkeling and lunch! It’s a little island like nothing I have ever seen before. If you are lucky your captain might even bring you to the famous rock that you can jump off of. It makes for such a great story.
Day trip to Saint Barts or Saint Marten (for shopping and people watching) – Only a 10 min plane ride away to both islands you can visit for a day and come back by dinner time. If you feel the need to shop and explore the French culture those are the two best places to go!
Where To Stay:
CuisinArt Resort – My family and I have stayed here 10 times! We absolutely love the beach and the set up, however the hotel could really use a little renovation. I heard a rumor that the hotel was just bought, so I’m excited to see what they do with the magical spot next.
Malliouhana - One of the most elegant hotels I have ever laid eyes on. After the complete renovation the vibes became more 60s meets the Beverly Hills Hotel. If my family were more into being by the pool than the beach we would definitely stay here!
Rent a villa - If you are going with a larger group of friends I would stay at a villa. The options are endless on the island, and there are surprisingly a lot of affordable houses if you don’t go during the peak holiday season!
X kt