Anguilla: where to stay, eat, drink and spa on the unspoiled Caribbean island

Forget Barbados and St Barts - Bonnie Rakhit, aka The Style Traveller, gives us the lowdown on the Caribbean's new affordable destination
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Bonnie Rakhit29 March 2016

The destination Hollywood A-listers didn't want you to know about. Once the exclusive holiday hotspot of Beyonce and Jay Z, Anguilla is the new affordable Caribbean destination to add to your bucket list.

For years overshadowed by it’s more popular neighbours, Barbados and St Barts, Anguilla has remained a much undiscovered, paradise island, until now. It’s truly un-spoilt and so off the beaten track, that your footsteps are likely to be the first to touch the soft, powder white sand of a morning, it’s even possible to have a whole stretch of beach to yourself in high season. It’s relative isolation has meant that prices haven’t risen in line with the rest of the Caribbean, so now is the best time to visit. Shoal Bay, the islands best kept secret, was this year voted the most beautiful beach in the world, putting Anguilla's exquisite, crystalline shores firmly on the travel radar.

The stunning dessert island destination measures only 17 miles from top to bottom and is effectively an elongated stretch of untouched beach. Divided into 33 picture perfect beaches and coves, with a delicate peppering of chic, low rise, boutique hotels, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d just landed on the location of a bounty advert.

Where to stay?

I started my Caribbean adventure at the decadent Malliouhana boutique hotel. A colonial property, oozing with romantic, retro, Hollywood glamour. Picture soft gold and white striped awnings, welcoming you into a grand columned entrance with palatial high ceilings. Situated on the edge of the rolling cliffs, enjoy views of the sea from the spectacular infinity pool, or languish in the chic, striped, pool cabanas.

The restaurant at Malliouhana

Malliouhana’s in-house chef conjures up a daily, mouth-watering menu from fresh, island ingredients, delicately presented, adorned with edible flowers.

Everything about this charismatic property is inviting you to loose yourself in a bygone era, the golden age of travel perhaps, but with immaculate service and all the touches expected of a modern, luxury hotel. Even the widescreen TVs in the bedrooms are hidden behind art deco, mirror facades, so as not to shatter the illusion. Style tip? Don't forget to pack your wide brimmed hat and cats eye glasses to fit in at the opulent poolside.

For those in search of something altogether more modern, the Miami party vibe at The Viceroy is sure to please. Expect a sleek, minimal property with clean, linear pathways and imposing, white washed architecture. The Viceroy stands proud atop the rocky shore of Meads Bay, like the villains lair from a Bond movie set. The hotel is all about relaxed glamour, so perfect for those who want to stay out of the limelight. The Viceroy’s exclusive $20,000-a-night (in high season) super villas, have catered for the likes of Michael Jordan, Shakira, Simon Cowell, Beyonce and Jay Z. But fear not, the rooms at the hotel come at a much more wallet friendly price tag.

The Style Traveller

What to do?

Away from the hotels there's plenty to keep you entertained on the island, provided you love the sun and the beach. When you’re surrounded by nothing but crystal clear waters, it’s inevitable that most of your day will be spent basking in the warm sunshine. For those who crave a little more excitement head to Anguilla Water Sports, they’ll have you Kite Surfing, jet skiing and paddle boarding in no time. The latter of which gives you a great abs workout too!

My favourite sea based activity was the chilled out sunset cruise with Tradition Sailing. Their majestic, traditional long boats take you out for a cruise around the calm Caribbean waters. Watch the sunset over the horizon, listening to chill out music, champagne cocktail in hand, (be warned this is unsuspectingly lethal, they did warn us but it tastes so innocent!) After dark the fairy lights come on and you can enjoy a fresh fish and salad supper, prepared on board by the crew.

A boat at Zemi Beach

Spa?

If you need a little bit of pampering, head to the new Zemi Beach Resort (opened Feb 2016). It’s the first hotel to be built on Anguilla in six years. The Zemi Thai House Spa is housed in the framework of an original 300-year-old Thai house, painstakingly transported piece by piece to the island. Complete with oriental gardens, yoga deck and hammam, enjoy signature treatments in a literally zen space.

Where to eat?

All this activity will no doubt leave you hungry and you’re in luck, food is a national preoccupation on Anguilla, with an unequivocal number of world class chefs as residents, the island is a hot bed of culinary talent.

By candlelight: Straw Hat

For the ultimate in desert island dining the stunning restaurants at Scilly Cay and Sandy Island specialise in freshly-caught-that-day, grilled lobster, crayfish and shrimp served with rice, peas and salad. Then take a snooze under the fading afternoon sun on your own private beach island, until the boats are ready to take you back to shore. On Saturday afternoons head to the quintessential beach shack Smokey’s at the Cove for seafood and Jazz by the beach. For romantic occasions and bare foot dining, Straw Hat Restaurant is your candle lit venue of choice.

The chicest hotspot in town at the moment is the seductive Asian-fusion restaurant, Veya. The eclectic global décor, mirrors the blend of delicate worldwide flavours fused together in the menu. After dinner on the rooftop, bamboo verandas of the main restaurant, head down to the bedouin themed bar to dance the night away.

After Dark?

For a night of partying head to Dune Preserve, an atmospheric beach bar made up of old driftwood and selvedge from the islands annual hurricanes. Owned by Anguilla’s most famous export, reggae superstar Bankie Banx, the beach bar is the place to be after dark, so order your rum cocktail and watch the sun go down. Everything’s gonna be irie!

DETAILS

Getting There? Virgin Atlantic flights fly into Antigua twice weekly. Connecting flights are available through LIAT or private charter companies.

Anguilla Tourist Board - ivisitanguilla.com/

Follow Bonnie Rakhit (TheStyleTraveller.com) on Instagram and Twitter @BonnieRakhit

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