Travel manual

Discover Anguilla in the Caribbean: an oasis for families with children

Paradisiacal beaches, aquatic adventures, scenic trails, vibrant culture, and luxurious spas on an island enchant all ages

By Diego Paiva

Step away from the hustle and bustle and discover the inviting, intriguing, and truly special region of Anguilla. Known as one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, this location is ideal for families. With its 33 white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and high-level cuisine led by renowned chefs, Anguilla is the perfect place to create special moments with children. The true spirit of Anguilla lies in its people. Proud, welcoming, and warm, the local inhabitants make Anguilla a truly special destination for all ages.

Spectacular sunrises and impressive sunsets are just part of the place’s charm. When leaving the beach, you’ll find a variety of exciting adventures for the whole family. Explore the calm sea in a transparent kayak, enjoy Anguilla’s authentic music festivals, stroll along deserted beaches on horseback, or play a round of golf overlooking the brilliant Caribbean Sea.

In Anguilla, you’ll find a wide range of comfortable and accessible accommodations, perfect for families. The region has some of the Caribbean’s most sophisticated lodgings, providing luxury and leisure for all tastes. From five-star resorts to stunning villas and the welcoming Charming Escapes Collection, there are ideal options for families of all sizes.

Aquatic fun

With crystal-clear and calm waters, Anguilla’s beaches are a safe place for little ones to have fun. Visit Rendezvous Bay beach and its welcoming Dune Preserve, an outdoor kiosk among palm trees, ideal for children to explore. The picturesque Shoal Bay beach is another great option for taking incredible family photos.

The entertainment doesn’t end there. Countless diving adventures await everyone for a small and enchanting underwater excursion. The activity takes place in safe and shallow locations, where reefs and fish are visible in all their colorful splendor. For those who prefer to stay on the surface, it’s possible to take glass-bottom boat tours to admire the sea or go on short ferry trips.

Another option for aquatic fun is to try the sports offered in the region. Those looking for relaxed activities will find kayaking routes near the coast, while those wanting to exercise their body while gliding over the waters might be more interested in paddleboarding. And if you’re looking for a maximum challenge, don’t hesitate to try kitesurfing!

Anguilla’s waters are ideal for these adventures due to their clarity and tranquility. Children can safely explore the underwater world, seeing colorful fish and vibrant corals that seem straight out of a storybook. For those who prefer a calmer pace, glass-bottom boat tours offer a fascinating view of marine life, allowing the whole family to enjoy underwater beauty without getting wet.

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Land explorations

But Anguilla isn’t just beach and sea. The region also has various options on land. You’ll find some of the Caribbean’s most interesting excursions, where it’s possible to take a relaxing walk throughout the area. Since much of Anguilla is quite flat, you can enjoy pleasant walks that will leave you enchanted. For example, visit Windward Point for a trip of just over three kilometers that will take you through diverse vegetation, including native cacti, while offering stunning sea views. You can also venture on the Forest Bay to Black Garden Bay trail, 7.4 km long, perfect for bird watching and fishing.

You can explore these and other locations on your own, on foot, by bicycle, or by mokes, a type of local jeep, but there are also several guided tours available to help make the most of the outing. Children will fall in love learning more about plants and animals with a local expert and will be enchanted by the beauty of the natural world, plus it’s a great opportunity for parents to also learn interesting things alongside their children. A wonderful option for creating unforgettable memories!

For nature lovers, Anguilla presents a rich and diversified ecosystem that can be explored in various ways. Hiking and cycling trails provide a unique way to see local flora and fauna, with the possibility of spotting rare bird species and other wildlife. Experienced guides can enrich the outing, sharing their knowledge about the region’s natural history and pointing out plants and animals you might miss on your own.

Exploring local culture

With a centuries-old history, Anguilla has much to enchant children and adults. During your visit, don’t miss the musical events and festivals that liven up the summer. You’ll appreciate calypso performances, parades, and even beauty contests. Another option to learn more about local culture is the Heritage Museum, located on the eastern side of the area. The museum will take you to discover Anguilla’s long history and, despite being a small collection, you’ll find artifacts dating from the time of the Arawaks, the indigenous people, to the colonial period and beyond.

Looking for more family fun? Visit the mini-golf course, which also has an incredible ice cream shop. For those looking for a bit more adventure, go ahead and try an exciting horseback excursion. The experience will be perfect for children to connect with the animal world while enjoying the region’s landscapes.

Anguilla’s cultural scene is rich and varied, offering something for everyone. Music festivals are a fantastic way to experience local culture, with live performances showcasing regional talents in musical styles ranging from reggae to soca. Additionally, Anguilla celebrates its cultural heritage with events that highlight local art, dance, and gastronomy, providing deep insight into local traditions.

Gastronomy and relaxation

At the end of a day full of fun and excitement, gather the family to enjoy Anguilla’s fantastic gastronomic scene. Don’t forget to visit The Strip, an area in The Valley, the region’s urban center, full of food vendors and restaurants.

Anguilla’s cuisine is a delicious fusion of West Indian, African, French, and British influences. Local chefs use fresh ingredients and exotic flavors to create dishes that are true works of art. From fresh seafood to local delicacies like johnnycake and rice and peas, there’s something for every taste. For an unforgettable meal, try one of the many seaside restaurants, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while watching the sunset over the ocean.

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Breeze, sun, and tranquil waters

Breeze, sun, and tranquil waters: body, mind, and spirit are naturally well cared for in Anguilla, located in the northeastern Caribbean. The fact that Anguilla is small doesn’t mean you won’t have premium experiences, and one example is the spas present in this British overseas territory. Anguilla has managed to stay away from the hustle and bustle present in many destinations in the region, maintaining untouched nature and well-preserved refuges that only add peace, tranquility, and relaxation to visitors.

In the region, you’ll find many spas and licensed massage therapists who work independently. There are options for all tastes and budgets. Tourists can opt for on-site treatments or relax with total refinement and privacy at their hotel.

The Thai House Spa, located in the boutique hotel Zemi Beach House, offers an authentic and luxurious environment. Installed in a 300-year-old Thai house, transported from Thailand to Anguilla in the 1980s, the spa is famous for the Hammam, the famous Turkish bath, and treatments with perfumed medicinal muds.

At Sorana Spa, part of Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, the service menu was recently renovated and includes treatments that use natural elements from the region combined with refined techniques. With 7,000 square meters and 16 treatment rooms, the spa has VIP suites with outdoor showers, terraces, a medicinal water pool with hydrotherapy, and invigorating baths in mineralized salt water. A highlight is the anti-aging treatment in 24-karat gold combined with plant use, regenerating skin cells efficiently and lastingly. The spa also offers beach stone massages and treatments with passion fruit, hemp seed oil, and açaí, providing radiant skin from head to toe.

The Arawak Spa, part of Belmond Cap Juluca, was recently renovated and presents a touch of Caribbean luxury. Treatments include the exclusive Old World Salt Scrub and Tropical Spice Body Polish, available both at the spa and in guest suites.

At Four Seasons Anguilla, treatments can be performed in the comfort of guest suites or in outdoor cabanas. Highlights include the Double Rainbow Ritual, where two therapists apply techniques to the same person from head to toe, the Tranquility Blue massage for deep relaxation, and body exfoliation with Anguilla sea salt.

These spas are just a sample of the many wellness options available. Anguilla is the perfect place to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with yourself. The combination of luxurious treatments, serene environment, and welcoming hospitality ensures incomparable relaxation.

Getting to Anguilla

Traveling to Anguilla is easy and convenient. Departing from major Latin American cities, you can make quick connections in Puerto Rico (SJU) to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA), with Seaborne Airlines. Another option is to fly through Miami or Panama and arrive at St. Maarten (SXM). From there, the boat crossing is a practical and economical alternative. Public maritime transport departs ten times daily from Anguilla to Marigot, on the French side, and various private companies operate between Anguilla and the Dutch side of St. Maarten.

Anguilla is accessible in various ways, and each offers a special way of arriving at the destination. Flying to St. Maarten and taking a boat to Anguilla is a popular option, providing a picturesque crossing through the Caribbean Sea. For those who prefer direct flights, Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport in Anguilla receives flights from various cities, making the trip quick and convenient.

Once in Anguilla, local transportation options are varied and convenient. Renting a car is an excellent way to explore the region at your own pace, while taxis offer a comfortable and easy alternative for getting around. Mokes, the local jeeps, are a fun and popular option for tourists who want an outdoor driving experience.

In Anguilla, the combination of adventures, culture, wellness, and warm hospitality makes this destination an incomparable location for family vacations. With its paradisiacal beaches, a variety of aquatic and terrestrial activities, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant gastronomic scene, Anguilla is a destination that enchants and surprises all visitors. Whether exploring coral reefs, enjoying high-level spa treatments, or simply relaxing on a tranquil beach, you’ll find in Anguilla the perfect balance between fun, relaxation, and cultural discoveries.