There are no casinos, historic forts or high-rise hotels on Anguilla, a flat arid island in the Caribbean’s Leeward island chain, and that’s the precisely why so many people are enamored by this 16-mile long island. They appreciate the simple things: miles of sugar-soft beaches, uninhabited offshore cays, family-run cafes serving spicy West Indian cuisine, and plenty of groovy reggae bars.
Wedding Requirements In order to get married on Anguilla, you must stop by the Judicial Office in The Valley to show valid identification to obtain a license. If on the island less than 15 days from the wedding date, the license costs $284. The office is open weekdays between 8:30am and 4pm and two witnesses are required. Allow 48 hours for the license to be processed.
Things to Do
Beach Ahhh, feel the sand between your toes on Anguilla’s beaches. There are 33 to choose from -- all public, though some are less accessible than others. One of the most popular is palm-studded Shoal Bay, a mile-long stretch with chairs and umbrellas for rent and plenty of mom-and-pop open-air cafes. Have a leisurely lunch of grilled crayfish and rice at local fave Elodia’s. On the western coast is Mead’s Bay, a wide, curved beach with a gentle surf that attracts a lot of swimmers. Little Bay, in a small cove surrounded by steep cliffs, is a draw for snorkelers; access it by booking a private charter for a full- or half-day excursion.
Art Gallery Tour Anguilla has limited shopping options but, surprisingly, there’s a vibrant arts scene. Ask your hotel concierge for the Art Tour of Anguilla brochure listing all of the island’s galleries. One of the most established is Savannah Gallery, owned by Canadian Frank Costin, who displays Caribbean contemporary art including Haitian metal sculptures made from recycled oil drums and beaded voodoo flags in his charming gallery. You can also browse among the watercolors, oils and pastels of nature scenes, painted wooden boxes and metal sculptures in Loblolly Gallery, a co-op in historic Rose Cottage.
Rustic Bars Anguilla doesn’t have a nightlife to speak of but there are plenty of rustic bars to kick back with a few Carib beers. Most folks start out at Johnno’s, the quintessential barefoot beach bar with live music and a mixed crowd, then head across the road to the Pumphouse, a former salt mill (the old electric pump is still visible), for more dancing to reggae and calypso bands. For a truly memorable experience, make the trek to Rendevous Beach’s Dune Preserve, a ramshackle bar created from driftwood to catch a performance by Anguillian reggae star Bankie Banx (Kevin Bacon is known to play here when on-island).
Off the Beaten Path
Rum Punch and Lunch A trip to Anguilla wouldn’t be complete without lunching at Scilly Cay, a tiny coral island reached by water taxi from the dock at Island Harbour. Under a thatched roof, sip ridiculously potent rum punches and dine on Anguillian lobster and bbq chicken served while the band plays salsa and reggae—it’s only a matter of time before someone is dancing on the sand. — Jill Fergus
