Family Holidays in Anguilla

Anguilla is one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets, and is a serene island boasting a mixture stunning beaches and cultures. Anguilla remains one of the Caribbean’s top chic islands, with dozen of secluded bays, powdery soft white beaches and warm turquoise waters. 

Locally caught fresh fish is found on most menus in restaurants throughout Anguilla, with yellowfin tuna, grouper and red hein being the most popular. We recommend trying Anguillian lobster, renowned for being the best in the Caribbean.

Although the island has a population of only 13 500 people, there are over 100 places for you to dine at, ranging from beach shacks serving grilled crayfish, lobster, BBQ'd chikcen and burgers, local restaurants serving conch fritters, ceviche or freshly caught mahi mahi to fine dining restaurants offering beef tar tare, steaks and red snapper.

Here are a few of our favourite dining spots:-

Mango's - This delightful open-air beachfront restaurant is located on Barnes Bay and only a few minutes stroll from the Viceroy Anguilla Hotel. Classy yet casual, Mango's offers a selection of fresh seafood choices, grilled meats and homemade breads, icecreams and sorbets. We recommend the Tuna and the Mahi-Mahi.

Tasty's - For a casual lunch or dinner this is the perfect spot. Tasty's was originally opened as a cafe, but the chef/owner soon became a local star and now Tasty's is open throughout the day offering some of the best local cuisine. Housed in a typical Creole Cottage on the roadside in South Hill, expect brightly coloured walls decorated with palm trees and local scenes. One of the more affordable restaurants on the island, we recommend 'Tasty's Seafood Salad', Coconut Crusted Filet of Fish and Tasty's Shrimp, sauteed in 'yummy' coconut curry sauce.

Gwen's Reggae Grill - Some of the best places ar the simplest and most informal beachside grills and bars. Set around the corner from Shoal Bay East, Gwen's Reggae Grill is set right on the ocean edge, a brightly coloured timber restaurant offering simply grilled lobster, crayfish, red snapper plus burgers and barbequed chicken, this place is heaven on earth. Lay in one of the over-sized hammocks under the lofty palms and listen to the ocean while taking in the wonderful smell of your lobster being grilled right next to you.

Scilly Cay - More an experience and day trip than just a restaurant. Located only 2 minutes boat ride from Island Harbour on the north coast of Anguilla. Stand on the end of the dock and wave at the island and someone will come over and transfer to Scilly Cay. The island has been run by Eudoxie and his family for many years. Eudoxie is a real Caribbean character and the experience is as much about him and his dry sense of humour as it is about the mouthwatering grilled lobster and crayfish which is barbequed fresh in front of you. Enjoy a few Eudoxie Rum Punches and dance to the live music being played by a local band, or just chill out on the small beach and cool off in the crystal clear waters in the harbour. This is an absolute must on any visit to Anguilla. Scilly Cay is open 2 or 3 times a week but closed for September and October each year.

Shoal Bay East
Shoal Bay East Anguilla is the beach that every Caribbean island wishes it had. The beach features some fantastic bars nearby and is the place where the best nightlife action takes place on the island. This beach is also a place where you can simply relax and sunbathe on the three miles of curving white soft sand.

Shopping
Most serious shoppers tend to flock to the nearby island of St Martins, however Anguilla has a great arts and crafts scene where paintings, ceramics and embroidery can be found made by the local people. The island also has a number of art galleries including beautiful art by local artists.

Although Anguilla is hot all year round, (average temperature of 80.6F/ 27C) the best time to visit is between February to April with the hurricane seasons running from July to November and the rainy season from October to December.

From London to Anguilla to is 8-10 hours (including a stopover in Antigua)

English is the offical language in Anguilla.

Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

In April 2011, £1 was equivalent to EC$4.41.
 

Anguilla is -4 hours GMT time.

Anguilla is only 16 miles long and 3.1 miles wide. Most of the hotels are situated in the west end of the island. There is no public transport system however there are a number of private taxi firms (fares can be quite expensive). We receommend car hire for the duration or at least part of your stay. There are very few cars on the road, traffic jams are faw and few between and in Anguilla you drive on the left as we do in the UK. 

Western & Oriental can arrange island transfers through Malliouhana Tours and Travel as well as a number of excursions around the island.