Dining out and live music
Anguilla is a food lover’s paradise and the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, boasting over 100 restaurants that range from beachside shacks to elegant 5-star establishments. One of our personal favorites is Jacala on Meads Bay Beach. Try the whole red snapper. Fine dining Blanchards and its casual cousin Blanchards Beach Shack are tops for us also. Another must-visit is Tasty’s, headed by our close friend Chef Dale Carty. Anguilla-born and classically-trained in France, Dale’s Marinated Conch Salad and Coconut Crusted Fish are local favorites. He runs an outdoor BBQ spot Tasty’s POV too. A trip to Anguilla isn’t complete without at least one meal at Sharky’s run by owner Chef Lowell Hodge. For a truly special dining experience, try Veya. Owned by our good friends Chef Carrie and Jerry Bogar, Veya offers a fusion of exotic flavors that they call “Cuisine of the Sun”. Or enjoy delicious small plates and craft cocktails at their Sandy Ground bistro Sandbar. For great tacos and even better margaritas head over to Picante.
Dining in Anguilla is about more than just food; it’s an experience of our island’s culture and hospitality. That’s one of the reasons we and our friends started the annual epicurean festival, Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE). Held each May, ACE is four days of chefs’ dinners, tastings, parties, barbeques and cooking competitions that celebrate Anguilla’s rich heritage and exceptional food.
Food in Anguilla is almost always paired with live music. We love following our favorite artists around the island, chilling at Dune Preserve or inviting musicians to perform at Villa Alegria.
On land and on the ocean
With 33 stunning beaches, you can enjoy everything from sunbathing to water sports like paddle boarding, kite-surfing, and banana boating. For underwater explorers, Anguilla is home to seven marine parks, making it a fantastic destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Neil is an avid diver, and will always book a dive with Dougie of Special D Diving in Sandy Ground.
Boating, sailing, and fishing, with numerous local charter companies are available. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore.
Wendy loves to paddleboard, kayak and bike the island, and Neil is a member of the nearby Aurora Golf Club. Whatever your interests, Anguilla has something to offer.
Leave your stress at home
As an Anguilla insider, we can tell you that the island is a haven for wellness and relaxation. After a day of sun-soaked adventure, there’s nothing quite like a soothing massage or spa treatment right here at Villa Alegria. But if you’re looking to venture out, Anguilla has a wealth of world-class spas.