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The
Caribbean Islands - AnguillaAlthough the island's main attraction is its glorious beaches--followed by its world-class resorts and exquisite cuisine--there are other sites to explore beyond Anguilla's coast.
The Valley, Anguilla's capital and business center, is located in the middle of the island. It serves as a center of government for the British Crown Colony.
On its outskirts, visitors will find the Wallblake House, one of Anguilla's historic buildings. The sturdy wood-and-stone structure is a fine example of 18th-century colonial architecture. Sun-bleached pink shutters and a white picket fence add to its charm. The estate house was once the residence of sugarcane planter Valentine (Val) Blake; the "v" was pronounced like a "w," and thus the name evolved into Wallblake. It currently serves as a rectory and can be viewed only from the outside.
A
few steps from the Wallblake House sits St. Gerard's
Catholic Church, one of Anguilla's most intriguing buildings.
Built in 1966, the house of worship has a unique architectural
style. Its intricate stone front is a mosaic of large
rocks and smaller round stones in neutral tones. Even
the cross and bell tower are built of stone. The interior
features a stonework wall with stained-glass insets
and a rock altar.
Anguilla's
strong religious community is evident in its large number
of churches. The Bethel Methodist Church, overlooking
Sandy Ground, is another interesting building. It was
built in 1878; its masonry construction is accented
by a white star above the entrance. From the churchyard,
there's a panoramic view of Sandy Ground with its beach
and salt ponds.
Another historic building is
the Warden's Place in The Valley. The current structure,
with its original stone walls, was built by slaves in
the late 1700s for a Dutch family from St. Maarten.
Cotton and sugarcane were cultivated on the estate,
which stretched down to Crocus Bay. Over the years,
the house changed hands several times. At one point
it was leased to the British government and used as
a residence for such officials as the magistrate and
chief of police--hence its current name.
Today,
the restored building is furnished with antiques and
serves as a restaurant. Its 200-year-old rock oven is
still used to prepare food. Across the street from the
historic landmark sits a simple yellow wooden house
with a red roof. It too was part of the original plantation,
serving as slaves' quarters. The best way to experience
Anguilla is to drive across the island, passing through
its quaint villages and stopping at its perfect beaches.
The island has several salt ponds, particularly on the
west end, where tourists can do some serious bird watching.
The migration period from May through September is an
excellent time to see a variety of species.
Gourmet restaurants in hotels are expensive and you would not want to eat in a hotel all the time when there are so many excellent places to eat on the island for all palates and all budgets, from elegant to beach barbecue.
Here are many more than we have room for here:
Ripples,
Sandy Ground, T3380. Award-winning chef, try his lobster
fritters, varied menu including vegetarian, open daily
1830-2300.
Leduc’s, Barne’s Bay, near Coccoloba,
T6393. In an old Anguillian house, French cuisine, lunch
and dinner, 3-course prix-fixe 1830-1930.
Blanchard’s,
Meads Bay, run by Bob and Melinda Blanchard, elegant
wine list and fine dining with Oriental influences.
Roy’s Place, Crocus Bay, beach front, T2470. Draught
beer, fresh seafood, happy hour 1700-1900, Sunday brunch
of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, open 1200-1400,
1800-2100, closed Monday.
Ship’s
Galley, Sandy Ground, T2040. Breakfast, lunch and dinner,
West Indian cooking, closed Wednesday.
Arlo’s Place,
South Hill, T6810. Italian American, homemade pasta,
open 1900-2200, closed Sunday.
Warden’s Place,
with 100-year-old rock oven, Euro-Caribbean style, chef
Leonard ‘Smoke’ Sharplis prepares 5 or 7 course menus,
open Tuesday-Saturday dinner only, pastry shop open
daily.
Beaches:
Anguilla is a beach lover's dream come true. Thirty-three
uncrowded stretches of pure white sand invite visitors
to spend the days sunbathing, splashing in soothing
blue waters, or simply standing on the shore, savoring
the salt air and the gentle trade winds with waves lapping
at their feet.
On the west end of the island
there are prime beaches and sophisticated resorts. Several
beachfront properties are recognized architectural gems,
ranging in style from Mediterranean to modern. Meads
Bay, one of the widest beaches on the island, is a long
strand of sparkling sand ideal for sunseekers and swimmers.
At the end of the day, it's a great place for a relaxing
stroll. Located on the north side of the west end, Meads
Bay is home to several of the island's luxury resorts.
Near the tip of the west end lies West Shoal Bay. It
is a secluded picture-postcard beach that provides a
peaceful spot for beachcombing or snorkeling.
Rendezvous Bay is the beach for hikers, as well as for
sun worshipers who just like a lot of space. Long, wide
and tranquil, the sugar-white beach stretches on and
on, eventually joining Merrywing, Cove and Maundays
bays. Starting at Rendezvous Bay's east end, visitors
can walk the sands and gaze across the Caribbean Sea
to the green mountains of St. Martin.
In order
to reach Merrywing and Cove bays, tourists will have
to cross a few short rocky points. The two beaches are
both good spots for snorkeling. Maundays Bay features
one of Anguilla's most exquisite beaches, washed by
incredibly blue waters.
On the northeast end
of the island lies Shoal Bay East, which has been recognized
by the media as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
The popular stretch is divided into upper and lower
sections, and its waters are a designated marine park.
A reef runs the length of the beach, offering snorkelers
of all levels of experience an unspoiled area for viewing
sea life. Visitors can rent snorkeling equipment, float
mats and lounge chairs. Snacks are available at beach
bars, restaurants and an ice-cream stand.
Sandy
Ground's Road Bay is one of the more active beaches
on the island. The curved beach is flanked by cliffs
on each end. Fishing, racing and charter boats, as well
as visiting yachts, anchor there. Road Bay is also a
jumping-off point for day-trippers heading to Prickly
Pear Cays and Sandy Island. Beachfront restaurants provide
the perfect venue for sunset watching.
Scilly
Cay, a two-minute boat ride from Island Harbour on the
northeast end of Anguilla, is a lovely daytime getaway.
Reefs extend from both sides of the little island, providing
excellent snorkeling opportunities. Its mini-beach,
enhanced with a conch-shell seawall, is perfect for
sunning and swimming. The island's restaurant serves
fish, lobster and chicken, and on Sundays features live
music by a local string band.
For the more
adventurous beachgoer, Anguilla has many hidden coves
that have spectacular rock formations and intriguing
plant life. Little Bay is a splendid example; it's so
sheltered and sequestered that it can be reached only
by boat.
Side Trip:
Since Anguilla is only a 15-minute ferry ride from
St. Maarten/St. Martin, visitors can easily hop over
to the bustling island for a piece of the action. Numerous
bars, restaurants, stores and casinos provide a sharp
contrast to the peacefulness of Anguilla. There
is now a smooth Anguillian Rum, a blend from other islands
matured in oak barrels designed to be drunk on the rocks
rather than in a punch. Visit the rum tasting room at
PYRAT Rums’ factory on Sandy Ground road, open Monday-Friday
0800-1700, T5003.
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