All visitors must have an onward or return ticket. For U.S. and Canadian citizens, the preferred form of ID is a passport, even if it has expired within the past 5 years. In place of a passport, a photo ID with an original birth certificate is required (play it safe and bring a passport anyway). Citizens from the United Kingdom or other countries must have a valid passport.

Anguilla is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round, which means it's usually 1 hour ahead of the U.S. east coast -- except during daylight savings time, when the clocks are the same.

Take a look around the local bars and hotels as they provide a range of entertainment. The front desk at your hotel will be able to tell you which nights certain bars and nightclubs are popular. Be sure to ask about the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre, made up of the best singers in the Anguillan Choral Circle performing song and dance skits depicting Anguillan and Caribbean culture. Well worth it. There are a number of good bands too, among them Bankie Banks and his reggae band 'New Generations' or Sleepy and the All-Stars, to name a few.

The hottest months in Anguilla are July to October; the coolest, December to February. The mean monthly temperature is about 80°F (27°C).
 

Always have sunblock at the ready, as even on overcast days as you can easily become badly sunburnt and spoil your holiday. Try to get a sunblock that is water resistant as it is tedious to continually keep reapplying suntan creme every time you get out of the water. For those travelling on boats the need for sunblock is especially great; you've got very little shade and the consistent breezes may well make you feel that your skin is not burning. Pack a decent sized hat - preferably one that protects the back of you neck as well as your face. If going on a boat, make sure you have one that fits tightly around your head, or one with a chinstrap otherwise it will end up in the water. Avoid the intense mid-day sun if you can; this is when you are most likely to get sunburnt. Remember, build your tan slowly as a nasty bout of sunburn will put you out of action for a few days.

Despite being out of the way, Anguilla has been inhabited, in some shape or form, for tens of thousands of years. Archaeologists recently discovered remains of the largest rodent known to have walked the earth - it was reckoned at about 3 feet (1 metre) high and weighing up to 350 pounds (160 kilos) and became extinct from Anguilla about 20,000 years ago. More recently the island was inhabited from about 2000 BC by the Arawak Indians who had gradually moved up through the Caribbean island chain from South America in their dugout canoes. 42 Amerindian archaeological sites of interest have been uncovered in Anguilla revealing many artifacts attesting to their presence and the richness of their culture. Many examples can now be seen at the National Trust Museum.

The English colonised the island in about 1650 but were themselves wiped out by the Caribs, a warrior people from South America, in 1656. The power struggle between the English and the French in the Caribbean dominated Anguilla's history for the next 150 years and severely disrupted their basic cash crop economy. Anguillans experienced many hardships trying to eke out a living during political wrangling between these two powers.

The British Empire set up a new administrative framework for their territories in the region in 1824. In short, Anguilla was to be administered over by St. Kitts and lacked any real autonomy. Anguillans resented this as they felt those in St. Kitts were unaware and uninterested in the needs of Anguillans. These seeds of discontent were to come to a head some 145 years later.

The Emancipation Act of 1833 resulted in the end of slavery in Anguilla in 1838. Most of the white plantation owners returned to England and sold their land to former slaves. Anguilla developed into a society of independent peasants who settled all over the island to use any available fertile land. Living conditions were very hard indeed and over the next 70 years many Anguillans emigrated in order to find work in the sugar cane fields of surrounding islands. They refused, despite their poverty, to leave the island en masse and as a result Anguilla evolved as a separate and distinct society - deeply proud, resolute and industrious. Anguilla's vital trade links to the rest of the Caribbean were maintained by boat; Anguillans became very skilful boat-builders and have a particular design style recognised throughout the Caribbean. They often built wooden trading vessels weighing up to 150 tons. These boat-building skills are still present today and Anguilla still takes custom orders for boats from surrounding islands.

Throughout the first half 20th Century Anguilla found that, despite all the political upheaval in the British West Indies, they could not shake the admininistrative noose that had collared them under the hand of St. Kitts in 1824. Despite numerous entreaties to the British government from as far back as 1872 for direct administration from Britain, Anguilla's calls went unheeded. Anguilla did not fit the political tide, and was dealt with quite inappropriately by Britain. Tensions mounted between Anguilla and St. Kitts in the late 1950's and throughout the 1960's, helped along by the highly destructive nature of the threats made by the eccentric Chief Minister of St. Kitts, Robert Bradshaw.

Union with St. Kitts had done nothing for Anguilla's infrastructure; up to 1967 there were no paved roads, no industries, no electricity, no pipe-borne water, no telephones and no proper port facilities. Anguilla decided that it must sever any constitutional links with St. Kitts and even resorted to invading St. Kitts in 1967 to show they meant business. They disarmed and sent all the St. Kitts policemen stationed in Anguilla back home. The British finally intervened in 1969 and sent 400 soldiers from the Paratroop Regiment to restore order to a population that, rather oddly, welcomed them when they arrived. This event was later dubbed the 'Bay of Piglets'. Anguilla made sure that the political and administrative solution adopted had their interests, for once, at heart. It took until 1980 before Anguilla got what it felt it needed in order to have a reasonable chance of development: On 19th December 1980 Anguilla finally became a separate British Dependent Territory and ended a long and difficult chapter in its history.

Anguilla now has a Westminster-style system of government with a Governor, an Executive Council and a House of Assembly and enjoys peace and ever increasing prosperity.

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Anguilla, British West Indies - the island that is 'tranquility, wrapped in blue' - chosen by visionaries as the destination of choice for luxurious, five-star resorts; and by all visitors for the pervasive quality found in each level of accommodations. The northernmost of the British Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean, 8km (5 miles) north of St. Maarten, Anguilla is only 26km (16 miles) long, with 91 sq. km (35 sq. miles) in land area. The little island has a population of approximately 9,000 people. Most are of African descent, though many are European, predominantly Irish. The locals work primarily in the tourist industry or fish for lobster.

Once part of the federation with St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla gained its independence in 1980 and has since been a self-governing British possession. In 1996, however, London issued a policy statement that locals have viewed as a move to push them toward independence. Many Anguillians believe that Britain has now reduced its global ambitions and wants to relinquish colonies that have become too expensive to maintain. Many islanders fear going it alone as a nation. They know, however, that to retain Britain's protection, they would also have to abide by British laws -- including its liberal position on gay rights. For the most part, islanders remain archly conservative and often homophobic.

With the opening of some super-deluxe (and super-expensive) hotels in the 1990s, Anguilla has become one of the Caribbean's most chic destinations, rivaling even St. Barts. Recently more moderately priced hotels have opened, too. Except for a handful of large-scale hotels, operations on Anguilla tend to be small and informal, as Anguilla has tried to control development and conserve natural beauty and resources.

Why Anguilla?  Body, mind and spirit.

For Your Body

Gentle seas to swim, astoundingly beautiful beaches for relaxation, reflection, contemplation - and beach games, jogs and picnics. The pinnacle of gastronomic delights including over 70 dining experiences presented by a cadre of world renowned international and award-winning local chefs, and enlivened by drop-by, roadside barbecues and beachside bistros and grills. Resorts and independent spas offering the latest in spa and wellness facilities, services and treatments. Unhurried, uncomplicated and easy to explore Anguilla invites bike tours and hiking excursions; and provides you with a myriad of activity choices.

For Your Mind

Unhurried, uncomplicated time to concentrate your thinking on nothing more than choosing which pleasurable activity you will select to round out your day of beach and sea pleasures. A visual pleasure or knowledge and intellect pleasure? Art galleries featuring original oils, pastels and watercolors; fine wood and metal sculptures; driftwood tables, mantle pieces. Museums with exciting artifacts detailing this small island's history from its beginning to the present. Choosing the evening's dining pleasure based simply on your mood - a romantic, candlelit dinner? A convivial pub? A beachside bistro? No lines. No hassles.

For Your Spirit

Visitors to Anguilla are met by caring, friendly and welcoming Anguillians, and quickly embraced as friends. Innkeepers, whether of five-star luxury resorts or our smaller hotels, apartment hotels, villa and condo beach clubs, value their guests and strive to ensure that vacationers here return to their homes and careers fully rested and restored, in body, mind and spirit. It is this very nurturing and graciousness that has set Anguilla apart from many other vacation destinations, in the Caribbean and around the world. It is one of the common answers, in varying words, that you'll receive when asking of our past visitors -- "Why Anguilla?" The people.

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The best beaches are on the west end of the island, site of the most expensive hotels. Rendezvous Bay is the island's most famous, a long curving ribbon of pale gold sand that stretches along the bay for 4km (2 1/2 miles). It's calmer, warmer, and shallower than Shoal Bay, which is on the Atlantic side. With an alfresco beach bar, it attracts all kinds, from families to romantic couples.

Our favorite is 3km (2-mile) Shoal Bay in the northeast, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. With silver-white, powder-soft sands, it also boasts some of Anguilla's best coral gardens, home to hundreds of tiny iridescent fish, making it great for snorkeling. Umbrellas, beach chairs, and other equipment are available here so you can enjoy the backdrop of coconut palms and seagrape trees. This beach is often called "Shoal Bay East" to distinguish it from "Shoal Bay West" . The waters are usually luminous, transparent, and brilliant blue. At noon the sands are blindingly white, but at sunrise and sunset they turn a pink to rival any beach in Bermuda. You'll hear music from the terraces of the Hard Broke Café and Uncle Ernie's. The Upper Shoal Bar serves first-rate tropical drinks, and souvenir shops hawk T-shirts and suntan lotion on the beach. For a little more tranquillity, you can also take the trail walk from Old Ta to little-known Katouche Beach, which offers perfect snorkeling and is also a prime site for a beach picnic under shade trees.

Shoal Bay West, next to Maunday's Bay, has pristine white sands opening onto the southwest coast. You'll find deluxe accommodations, including CoveCastles, on these shores.

Adjoining Shoal Bay West, and site of Cap Juluca, is 1.6km (1-mile) -long, white-sand Maunday's Bay Beach, justifiably one of the island's most popular shorelines, with good snorkeling and swimming. Though the waters are luminescent and usually calm, sometimes the wind blows enough to attract windsurfers and sailboats. On a clear day you can see St. Martin across the way.             

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There's always a choice of activities on Anguilla… daytime or nighttime. Lazy beach days to rejuvenate your body and lift your spirit. Or art gallery and museum tours, boating to an offshore cay for a secluded picnic, or a long stroll on an uncrowded beach. Each day of your visit can bring a different watersport adventure, or the single adventure of beach chair, umbrella, book and tired toes in refreshing, pristine waters. The choice is yours to make each day.

The same holds true for evening pastimes. Sip a traditional Caribbean libation while gazing at a magnificent sunset. Dance to the romantic and sensual sounds of Caribbean music. Drop by a convivial nightspot and meet new friends. Or simply enjoy the view from your room, suite, apartment or villa. Each night brings a new choice.

BEACHES

First and foremost, of course, are the 33 magnificent, powder soft white sand beaches that ring this small island. So many splendid beaches and such a small island! Beachgoers here are assured of peace and serenity - even when visitors fill every room on the island. No crowds, no hassling; just you, your lounge chair or beach blanket, and the breathtaking beauty of Anguilla's beaches and the turquoise waters that gently meet soft white sands. Beaches for every pleasure - strolling, jogging, sunbathing, shelling, beach games, sandcastles, book reading, boat watching, birdwatching. Beaches for romance, rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and meditation.

Twelve miles of absolutely stunning white sand and coral beaches bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean grace Anguilla's coastline. Powdery-white sands surrounded by brilliant turquoise seas have earned this island a reputation for having the best beaches in the world - pristine, soft, silky, powdery and uncrowded. While all of Anguilla's beaches are distinct from one another, all are equally inviting. Clear calm waters ranging in color from aquamarine to royal blue lap gently at the shoreline. Each cove, bay and stretch of sand is marked by unique characteristics such as varied rock formations and picturesque tropical blooms. Committed to achieving environmental sustainability, Anguilla is protecting its natural beauty and resources by caring for its beaches, dunes, reefs, shorelines and coastal waters. Constant but tender trade wind breezes, coupled with an average monthly temperature of 80 degrees and low humidity, keep the beaches comfortable year-round.

Calm, gentle currents and long crescent shapes make swimming and strolling Anguilla's beaches both safe and enjoyable. Many of the island's inviting and varied resorts and hotels are situated directly on one of the island's 33 beaches, which means you can place your toes in the water first thing in the morning and be lulled to sleep by soothing waves at night.

Each of Anguilla's 33 beaches are open to the public - visitors can take their pick of all 33, or stay with their favorite during their time on the island. Beach-hopping is a favored pastime of our visitors who relish sampling long ribbons of quiet and serene white sands, picturesque coves, beaches ringing harbour waters dotted with colorful fishing boats, beaches where bistros and the sounds of live music fill the air, beaches overlooked by one of the many fine dining establishments where a beach stroller can come out of the sun for haute cuisine.

Snorkling

Snorkels and fins are available at most hotels, dive shops, on most charters and at some beaches where either beach operators or casual, beachfront restaurants are located.

Cruising & Sailing

Cruising and sailing to many of Anguilla's offshore cays or secluded beaches can be a great way to experience some of the island's most pristine spots. Picnics on board or ashore, sunset cocktail cruises, secluded snorkeling trips and excursions to sand cay restaurants are just some of the fun itineraries available.

Fishing

Wahoo, Marlin, Tuna, Swordfish, Yellow fin and Black fin Tuna are just some of the game fish found off the shores of Anguilla.

Parasailing & Paddleboats

Anguilla Watersports located on Shoal Bay, offers a class act parasailing excursion to visitors. Rides at 400 and 600 feet above Shoal Bay are available. Also for rent are paddleboats, windsurfers and sailboats.

Windsurfing, Sunfishing, Catamaran Sailing & Water Skiing

These activities can be arranged through individual accommodations, hotel concierges or front desk personnel.
 

Horseback Riding

Visitors can ride horseback along white, sandy beaches and scenic trails, and even 'take a dip' with their horse. Fees run about $35 per one hour, $50 for two hours. Private rides are approximately $60 for up to two hours. After 4:00 pm, fees rise slightly. English and Western saddles are available

El Rancho del Blues	264-497-6164
Cliffside Riding Centre	264-497-3667

Biking

Biking is an excellent way to see the island. Flat terrain, easily explored side roads and one main road make exploring easy. Bikes are available at many hotels, or can be rented for approximately $10 per day. Mopeds are also available at about $20 per day.

Hiking

Hiking is great way acquaint yourself with Anguilla's interior. Hikes to natural and historical points of interest are available; maps are available through the Anguilla Tourist Board and many of the properties. Escorted hikes are reasonable and easily arranged.

Birdwatching

Relative to Anguilla's size, the number of species found here is remarkable - 120. Most live in or around the many salt ponds. "A Field Guide to Anguilla's Wetlands," published by the Anguilla National Trust, includes maps, pictures of bird species you may see, botanical notes of the flora, directions to find the many ponds, and room for you to make field notes and record your bird sightings. Copies are available from the Trust for $15 each.
264-497-5297

Tennis
Day and night tennis as well as tennis lessons are available on the island. There are well over a dozen hotels with tennis courts, many with night play available. Island guests staying at properties without courts can easily arrange play through the tennis hotels' concierges.

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Anguilla is touted for its lack of commercial tourism and this has given shopping in Anguilla a particular charm. No crowded pavements or hot, bustling high streets or over-zealous vendors. There are a number of shopping outlets in Anguilla including chic beachwear shops, fashion boutiques located in The Valley and within some of the resorts.

There are also the art galleries where you will be able to see a range of pottery, paintings and sculptures using a variety of surfaces, materials and styles often depicting the interface between life, light and nature in Anguilla. They do make for a very special souvenir.For those who are looking to do some duty free shopping, the French/Dutch island of St.Martin/St. Maarten lies a mere 15 minutes from Blowing Point ferryport. Over there you will find huge array of the latest electronic items, clothing, leather goods and accessories at truly excellent prices. There are also a number of interesting places to visit. On the french side of St. Martin, particularly at Marigot where you get off the ferry, you will find bistros and sophisticated french cafe culture along the edge of the marina. Just the ticket after a productive day out the shops.

Anguilla Rums Ltd. (K7): High quality delicious aged rums carefully selected & blended in Anguilla.
Free tasting

Capri & Blu Boutique at Cuisinart (H15): Find the best shopping on Anguilla! Two unique boutiques. Capri carries treasures by David Yurman and Alexis Bittar. Boutique Blu has trendy island wear by Tommy Bahama.

Tel: 1 264 498 2000

The Galleria (F11): Everything needed for the home, villa or resort -including high quality rattan, water hyacinth and exotic wood furniture and a wide variety of decorative items.

Cell: 1 264 235 2767
Tel/Fax: 1 264 497 5950

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Bistro Phil

Perched on a cliff 15m (50 ft.) above the sea, this restaurant is a showcase for the talents of French-born Philippe Kim, the owner and chef, who draws a stylish crowd of diners to his restaurant. Many of them request a table on the terrace with its view of the sea. Kim is a master at flavoring, and he cooks with zest and spice, importing excellent ingredients into Anguilla. He also makes the best pizza on island, and sometimes guests order a small one at the start of their meal. Our favorite is the savory pie made with lobster, calamari, and shrimp. You can also order such continental appetizers as delectable slices of Parma ham with melon, or sautéed shrimp salad in a garlic and lemon buttery sauce. It's impossible to resist the fresh Anguilla lobster that appears in the fettuccine, served in a sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and crayfish. His pan-seared tuna steak arrives in a warm vinaigrette with a selection of fresh vegetables, and he takes the old-fashioned veal Parmigiana recipe and jives up its flavor with a marinara sauce, sprinkling it for a finish with fresh Parmesan cheese. His tiramisu flavored with orange zest is the island's finest.

Blanchards

Bob and Melinda Blanchard are the masterminds behind this elegantly casual, intenselyfashionable restaurant on a garden-swathed pavilion beside the sea, next to the Hotel Malliouhana's beach. The cuisine is among the most creative and interesting on the island, and Blanchards has attracted a sprinkling of celebs (say hi to Robert de Niro or Janet Jackson if you see them).

Behind tall teal shutters (which can be opened to the sea breezes), you'll enjoy sophisticated food with a Caribbean flair, enhanced with spices from Spain, Asia, California, and the American Southwest. Dishes change according to the inspiration of chef Melinda but are likely to include such delights as grilled fresh tuna with a Japanese marinade or the sublime Anguilla lobster. A spicy Jamaican style shrimp might be your treat for the evening, or any number of other dishes that appear daily. For a real island dessert, opt for the cracked coconut with coconut ice cream accompanied by a rum custard sauce in a chocolate-crusted shell.

Trattoria Tramont

One of the island's best, this breeze-swept restaurant lies between Blue Waters beachapartments and CoveCastles. The chef, Valter Belli, hails from Emilia Romanga in central Italy. The tables lie near the water with distant views of St. Martin, the neighboring island. The "sundowners" here are the best on island, including a peachy Bellini as good as that served at Harry's Bar in Venice. Other champagne drinks are mixed with fruits like mango, passion fruit, or guava. The chef takes special care with his appetizers, including a zuppa di pesce (fish soup with porcini mushrooms) and spicy hot penne with a garlic, tomato, and red-pepper sauce. All the ingredients are superb and treated with care, including a delectable red snapper with a caper-laced fresh tomato sauce or, our favorite and the house specialty, lobster-filled ravioli in a truffle cream sauce. "It's of the Gods," we heard a diner at the next table say.

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For each destination we have chosen to profile an establishment which epitomizes the best hotel offered on the island. This featured property has been chosen based on a combination of : exceptional location, unusual architecture, superb amenities, outstanding accommodations and above-average service. We use a rating system in each category and the hotel with the most points gets to be our featured hotel for that destination. We proudly present....


            Cap Juluca    

Overview

Accommodations are available to suit every budget and need. If you're looking for a quiet and secluded hideaway, a fun family atmosphere or an elegant resort, it's all here. Many hotels offer beach access or views of the ocean, and activities and restaurants on-site or nearby. Browse the following listings to find exactly what you're looking for.