If you are looking for a place to replenish you body, relax your mind, rejuvenate your spirit and just spend a quiet day basking in the sun, then search no further than just 4 miles off the north coast of St. Martin to the island of Anguilla. Often described as the Caribbean the way it used to be, Anguilla is the northernmost of the Leeward Islands chain. At barely 35 sq. miles, this low-lying island’s interior is dry, dusty and covered in scrub which is foraged by hundreds of goats. The island’s main lure is the over 35 magnificent soft, dazzling white sand beaches and turquoise waters where you can escape in quiet seclusion. Unlike much of the Caribbean, Anguilla has taken a unique approach to tourism. Development has been restricted to small, top quality, high-end resorts, hotels and villas with relatively limited impact on the island’s scarce resources. This approach to tourism makes it a top destination for the super rich and stressed-out celebrities, as well as day trippers from nearby St. Martin ( a 20 minute ferry ride) and those on a charter Caribbean searching for a piece of paradise’s tranquility.
History
Archeological digs dating from 1500 BC have unearthed Amerindian presence in small settlements around Anguilla. Likewise, remains of Arawak villages settled around the time of Christ have also been discovered. With more than 40 sites dotted around the island, Anguilla is one of the most archeologically interesting places in the Caribbean. Although Columbus missed the island on his trips to the New World, other Spanish explorers gave the island the Spanish name for eel due to its long, thin shape. British settlers arrived in 1650 with a small group of slaves with the hope of growing sugar, tobacco and cotton. The poor soil and arid climate prevented these cash crops from ever taking off, and the slaves were freed long before the 1834 Emancipation, thus creating a society where everyone was struggling to survive. Many Anguillians made off for more prosperous islands. For those islanders that remained, they became expert boat builders, sailors and fishermen.
There is a fascinating, yet peculiar aspect of Anguilla’s history. Anyone that has ever taken a charter Caribbean there will no doubt discover by the boasting of one of the islanders that this is one of the few islands in the Caribbean that actually rebelled not to have its independence. It all began in 1825, when Britain incorporated Anguilla with St. Kitts and Nevis into one colony. The Anguillians resented the St Kitts’ government which apparently looked down on the island and did little to help them through some lengthy droughts. Throughout the years, Anguilla made several pleas to London for direct British rule, all to no avail. With little interest in maintaining Anguilla, in 1967, Britain tried to join the 3 islands permanently together as an Associated State of St. Kitts-Nevis- Anguilla. Anguillians were outraged because the St. Kitts’ administration had not helped them develop, leaving them with inadequate public and health facilities, no electricity or piped water, and high unemployment. Anguilla declared its independence and sent the 13-man St. Kitts police force adrift in a boat. In March 1969, completely overreacting to the situation, 400 British paratroopers stormed ashore to crush the Anguilla “rebellion.” They were met by the local citizens waving flags and demanding to be put back under direct British rule. To this day, the anniversary of “The Revolution” is celebrated each year and Anguilla remains one of the Britain’s few remaining Overseas Territories. Anguilla’s local government handles domestic affairs, while Britain takes cares of the civil service, police, judiciary and foreign affairs.
Exploring the Island
Anguilla is centered on its small capital, The Valley, from which roads head both east and west to the island’s many beautiful beaches. The roads are well-paved (some of the best in the Caribbean) and relatively empty except for the stray goats that frequently dart onto the payment. There is no public transportation, so the best way to get around Anguilla is by taxi or rental car. As an alternative, because of the flat roads, cycle or scooter rentals also make for an easy and enjoyable way to explore. The interior of the island is dry and covered in sparse scrubby vegetation. Half-built homes dot the landscape. When a young islander leaves school, the goal is to build a house. As money is earned, the foundation is built and then added to bit by bit. It can take up to 15 years to complete a home.
The island’s main attraction to those on a charter Caribbean is its magnificent white sandy beaches, with over 30 that are public. The beach areas are not overdeveloped, meaning you will find long stretches of uncrowded, postcard perfect shorelines. Anguilla’s small size means the coast is never far. The Caribbean side in the north is particularly good for scuba diving and snorkeling. Some north coast beaches to check out are:
- Meads Bay: The trendiest beach, attracting celebrities and the super-rich, this is a mile-long stretch of quiet and pristine on the western end of the island.
- Sandy Ground: The main port of entry for privately-owned yachts, the tiny relaxed village of Sandy Ground edges a salt pond popular with wading birds. The long-curved beach is lined with cliffs. For a small fee, boats will take you to the nearby Sandy Island, a tiny nearly deserted isle (a small beach bar sells lunch and drinks) dotted with palms where the swimming and snorkeling is great.
- Little Bay: The snorkeling is exceptional at this small, secluded beach surrounded by steep cliffs. The visibility of the reef fish that gather in the deep drop offs is beyond awesome!
- Shoal Bay East: The perfect spot for relaxing, snorkeling and swimming, this beach is reputed to be one of the best in the Caribbean. The dazzling white sand, backed by sea grapes and cocoa palms, shelves gently down to breathtaking turquoise waters. The beach is dotted with laid-back beach bars like Gwen’s Reggae Grill, where those on a charter Caribbean will be warmly welcomed to a small piece of paradise. Be sure to try Gwen’s freshly caught crayfish! At the west end of the bay, a dirt track leads to The Fountain, a Unesco World Heritage Site. A natural spring in a large underground cavern, this site was used by Amerindians to perform religious rites. Incredibly well-preserved petroglyphs have been found, including a 2,000 year old stalactite carving of Jacahu- their supreme God. Currently closed to the public, the National Trust of Anguilla is planning to develop the site into a museum.
The location of the more upscale hotels and spectacular villas, the Atlantic coast of Anguilla is a haven for windsurfers and sailors. Sheltered Rendezvous Bay is a 2-mile crescent of bright white sand. Looking over to St. Martin, it is a popular place to windsurf, collect conch shells right off the beach and watch the sunset over cocktails. At the far west end of the island, remote Shoal Bay West is another beautiful beach. Just off the sand are the pricey, spectacular modern villas that offer a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Activities
Anguilla offers a variety of outdoor activities. Wreck diving is particular popular. In the late 1980’s, several ships were deliberately sunk to develop artificial reefs which are now covered in colorful corals and reef fish. In addition, two natural reefs are composed of sponges, sea fans and corals. Anguilla has seven marine parks, all with high levels of visibility due to the relatively shallow 35-110 ft. depths. Game fishing for tuna, marlin and wahoo is also a popular pastime around Anguilla. Spiny lobsters are so plentiful that the local fishermen export them to St. Martin, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico. After a day’s catch, you can often find sacks of lobster spilled on the beach for prospective buyers.
Wooden sailboat racing is as popular as cricket on Anguilla. Brightly painted fishing boats line the beach in the pretty fishing village of Island Harbour. Although now powered by outboard motors, the fishing fleet was once under sail and the fishermen would race home from their fishing grounds 30 miles out to sea. Today, the traditional wooden boats are built and sailed for racing. During Carnival and other holidays, Anguillians come out in force to place bets on boats that race from Sandy Ground, Meads Bay, Blowing Point and Rendezvous Bay to a marker out at sea and back.
In 2005, a $250 million PGA golf course opened in the Merrywine Bay area of Anguilla. The 18-hole, 7,200 yard championship course offers all the features and amenities one would expect from this type of investment.
After a day in the sun, there are plenty of dining choices on Anguilla, ranging from roadside grills and beach bars to world-renowned gourmet restaurants. Do not be surprised to spot Hollywood celebs, but island etiquette is not to disturb them. Dinner reservations are required for most places, especially during season. Specialties include various seafood dishes, as well as local fare such as pumpkin soup, conch salad and goat stew.
Nightlife on Anguilla usually involves musical diversions either at the hotels and resorts or at the local beach bars. Be sure to check out The Dune Preserve in Rendezvous Bay. This famous beach bar was built from old boats, driftwood and other flotsam by Bankie Banx. The Anguilla native is a renowned reggae artist who often jams there. Music lovers from around the world show up yearly for his March Moonsplash – 3 days of partying to live music under the full moon.
Finally, although shopping is somewhat limited, if you must bring back a souvenir of your charter Caribbean, there are some local handicrafts unique to Anguilla. For a special souvenir, the beautifully-designed postage stamps are very collectable.
Gorgeous, dazzling white sand beaches; crystal-clear turquoise waters; great food; exclusive hotels; warm, welcoming people, and feeling of seclusion are part of the Anguilla experience. Contact www.visailing.com if you are looking for an escape from the busy world. An Anguilla charter Caribbean is the destination for total tranquility.
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