AAA Traveler - Summer 2021 (ACG) - 32

IDYLLIC ISLANDS
ANGUILLA
FRINGED BY CORAL REEFS, CRYSTALLINE WATER AND IMMACULATE STRETCHES OF PEARLY
SAND BEACHES, ANGUILLA IS THE ULTIMATE CARIBBEAN DREAM GETAWAY. THIS BRITISH
OVERSEAS TERRITORY IS TUCKED INTO THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN AND IS THE MOST
NORTHERN ISLAND IN THE LEEWARD ISLANDS IN THE LESSER ANTILLES. FAMOUS FOR ITS 33
SPECTACULAR BEACHES AND FESTIVE NIGHTLIFE, ANGUILLA LURES VISITORS WITH
UPSCALE RESORTS AND A RELAXED YET RARIFIED VIBE.
BEST BEACHES
The hypnotic beauty of Anguilla's beaches ranks them as among
the best in the world. Most are placid with warm water that ranges
between 70 and 80 degrees and candy-colored, clapboard beach
shacks dotting the shore. All of the beaches shimmer with pristine
white sand that rarely hosts crowds. With its two miles of palm
tree-lined perfection, Shoal Bay Beach is the island's most popular
beach. Enough hotels, restaurants and beach bars cover the central
area you could eat and drink your way from one end to another.
Rendezvous Bay is another stunner, with a curved expanse that
offers a glimpse of neighboring St. Martin. A stop by the Dune
Preserve is a must. Anguilla's iconic beach bar was created from
shipwrecked boats and coconut trees and is owned by its most
famous citizen, reggae star Bankie Banx. Hop a shuttle boat to glide
over to Sandy Island, a tiny sand island enveloped with water that
sparkles in three different shades of blue. With hammocks slung on
palm trees and a restaurant serving up grilled lobster and crayfish, it's
the prettiest beach for snorkeling and lounging.
OFFSHORE ADVENTURES
With only six traffic lights and measuring only 17 miles long and 3
miles wide, Anguilla supplies lots of tranquil charm. Beyond the
beaches, head to Scilly Cay, a pocket-sized coral island on the
northeastern side of Anguilla. A quick boat ride from the wharf at
Island Harbour will land you on the little slip of sand surrounded by
shallow water. You'll be treated to panoramic views and the serenity of
gently lapping waves. There's no electricity here and the only building
is the conch shell-lined restaurant that serves freshly grilled dishes and a
killer rum punch. The island is only open on Wednesday and Sunday.
For art lovers, there are a handful of art galleries to browse,
including Cheddie's Carving Studio, featuring wood, coral and stone
sculptures, and Savannah Gallery, which showcases local artists and
work by contemporary Caribbean and Central American artists.
For such a small and laid-back island, Anguilla provides a vibrant
club and restaurant scene. Check out Elvis' Beach Bar, Johnno's and
SandBar at Sandy Ground, Anguilla's beachy headquarters for drinks
and dancing. For more luxe settings, visit Sunset Lounge at the Four
Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla for Pan-Asian small plates and
live music and Rhum Room at Zemi Beach House for elegant rum
and food pairings. Drop by the open air, garden-framed elegance of
Blanchards, Anguilla's most famous restaurant.
AAA FOUR DIAMOND STAYS
Surrounded by lush gardens and the striking views of
Rendezvous Bay, CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa was one of the first
luxury resorts on Anguilla. Sparkling white buildings house the
property's 93 rooms and suites arrayed in a Mediterranean meets
Caribbean theme. A Greg Norman Signature Design 18-Hole
Championship golf course, sleek spa and gourmet Italian, Japanese
and Mediterranean restaurants round out the amenities.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla unfolds on 35
acres of palm tree-dotted paradise. The 120 rooms and suites
include marble bathrooms and dreamy ocean views. It boasts one of
the most beautiful beaches on the island, as well as a sleek
infinity-edge pool and five dining options.
Perched on a steep hill and overlooking a garden full of fragrant
bird of paradise and bougainvillea, Zemi Beach House delivers a
secluded, tropical escape. The 65 rooms and villas overlook stunning
Shoal Bay and include extensive private decks and some with plunge
pools. The 300-year old, two-story spa building imported from
Thailand features the island's only Turkish steam bath and a beach
that hosts nesting turtles makes this a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
32 VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA OFFICE CALL 877-807-8008 CLICK AAA.COM/TRAVEL
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AAA Traveler - Summer 2021 (ACG)

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