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group of people cheersing a beer in Anguilla at Elvis' Beach Bar on Sandy Ground

ULTIMATE ANGUILLA TRAVEL BLOG & GUIDE (2024)

Are you seeking a Caribbean escape? In this Anguilla travel guide, we'll uncover the island's hidden treasures, provide insider tips, and showcase three of Anguilla's premier resorts.

JUMP TO...

Zemi Beach House pool in Anguilla

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS OR ZEMI BEACH HOUSE RESORTS

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS OR ZEMI BEACH HOUSE RESORTS

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS OR ZEMI BEACH HOUSE RESORTS

OUR TOP SUGGESTED WAYS TO BOOK

FOUR SEASON ANGUILLA OR

ZEMI BEACH HOUSE


  1. Click HERE to get points for a FREE stay (or FREE flight) plus get other travel rewards & credits (**this is how we get the best bang for our buck on our hotels & flights, 99% of the time**)
  2. WE CAN BOOK your vacation! Click HERE for Zemi Beach House or HERE for Four Seaso

OUR TOP SUGGESTED WAYS TO BOOK

FOUR SEASON ANGUILLA OR

ZEMI BEACH HOUSE


  1. Click HERE to get points for a FREE stay (or FREE flight) plus get other travel rewards & credits (**this is how we get the best bang for our buck on our hotels & flights, 99% of the time**)
  2. WE CAN BOOK your vacation! Click HERE for Zemi Beach House or HERE for Four Seasons Anguilla & fill out the Q&A. You will always have direct access to us during your travels. 
  3. Check HERE or HERE to check rates & book yourself.


man and woman standing on Meads Bay in Anguilla

ANGUILLA VACATION TRAVEL BLOG & TIPS

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS OR ZEMI BEACH HOUSE RESORTS

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS OR ZEMI BEACH HOUSE RESORTS

  • Anguilla Travel Tips: 8 Travel Tips You NEED To Know 
  • Anguilla Travel Tips VIDEO
  • Anguilla Packing List


THINGS TO DO IN ANGUILLA:

  • Book An Ocean Adventure
  • More Anguilla Things To Do



WHERE TO STAY IN ANGUILLA:

  • Staying At The Zemi Beach House 
  • Staying At The Four Seasons Anguilla
  • Touring The Belmond Cap Juluca


red on air recording studio sign

ANGUILLA YOUTUBE VIDEOS

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS OR ZEMI BEACH HOUSE RESORTS

ANGUILLA YOUTUBE VIDEOS

If you truly want to be part of our adventures and get a real, first-hand experience, check out our YouTube videos in ALL of Anguilla!

WATCH NOW

TOP THINGS TO DO IN ANGUILLA

As you can tell from the Viator links above (also check Orbitz HERE), there are quite a few things to do in Anguilla despite only being 35 square miles in size! And if you didn't know, it sits less than 11 miles from the island of St Maarten & can be easily accessed by ferry if you want to do a little Island hopping!


But let's chat about our vacation to Anguilla! In true orderly fashion, Nate & I (along with our siblings) decided to rent a car and explore Anguilla instead of depending on someone else to show us around. If you have been following our travels via our YouTube channel, you may have already seen some of these locations in 2019, when we first discovered Anguilla! 


Once again, we were reminded just how beautiful & safe Anguilla is, along with experiencing quite a bit of change over the past few years. Some good and some bad, but we will get into that below as we tell you about some of our favorite places & things to do in Anguilla!


1. Explore Sandy Ground - Sandy Ground is known for its long, beautiful beach, surrounded by massive hills, with smooth waters, a working port, a variety of restaurants and bars, nightlife, and of course, our FAVORITE PART.... the incredible picture-worthy Shipwrecks (pictured above). 


A few noteworthy things to know about Sandy Ground:

  • Quick access to Sandy Island - If you look far enough out to the ocean, you will see the tiny Sandy Island. There are a few boats in the bay area that will be happy to take you to Sandy Island. And if you're not sure what Sandy Island is... in a nutshell, it's essentially a sand bar with a tiny shack that serves lunch and drinks out in the middle of the ocean! I suggest making a reservation or contacting the Sandy Island crew before you start your day. Click HERE for their website & contact details. Don't worry; if you are at Sandy Ground, & decide you want to experience Sandy Island at the last minute, they will be happy to have you, as long as there is no private event. 
  • Calm waters & a gentle slope - One of our favorite parts about Sandy Ground is how calm the water is & the slow, steady slope of the sand into the ocean. I would say this is one of 2 spots (Little Bay is the 2nd) where you will find the water to be the calmest, especially when the wind blows above 8 mph. 
  • Home To MULTIPLE boats - Sandy Ground is where most of the locals & visitors will be leaving their boats.... meaning... if you are going to swim, please be aware of your surroundings and watch for boats and anchors in the sand. Also, you can find multiple tour boats (fishing, snorkeling, sailing, etc.), and you can typically get their contact information pretty easily. This is also where 100's of boats will gather for ANY boat race & especially during Carnival.



  • A handful of beachfront restaurants & little shops - There are a handful of restaurants & shops sitting on the beach front & the two that we visited and loved were Elvis' Beach Bar & Criss Conch Shack. Elvis' is typically open in the late morning, & Criss' is only open for dinner. If you are a sports enthusiast, Elvis' Beach Bar is your best bet to find the sports game you want on a big-screen projector! And the Conch at Criss' is seriously delicious & cooked to perfection!  
  • Home to a few shipwrecks (pictured above) - At the opposite end of all the restaurants and shops, you will find 2 or 3 shipwrecks in Sandy Ground's corner. Although they are incredibly picturesque, PLEASE be careful when you walk over by them! There are multiple sharp metal pieces of ship, buried in the sand, and they are easy to step on, especially if you are barefoot! 


Man and woman standing in front of a ship wreck on Sandy Ground in Anguilla

Sandy Ground Shipwrecks - one of our FAVORITE places to snap pictures!

woman posing in the ocean in Anguilla at Little Bay

2. Day Trip To Little Bay - Little Bay is one of those hidden gems that are only accessible by either water vessel or by 'activating' the adventurer in yourself & doing a little cliff climbing hike! Trust me when I say this is a MUST-SEE! This is simply because of how secluded it is! Talk about feeling like you have a private oasis all to yourself, surrounded by massive limestone walls, beautiful soft white sand, & some of the smoothest waters on the island!


A few noteworthy things to know about Little Bay:

  • How do you get to Little Bay - There are two specific ways to get to Little Bay: by water vessel or by hiking in and climbing down the cliffside: 

  1. Suppose you want to experience Little Bay as we did & do a self-guided tour. In that case, there is a small parking area for your car (enter this latitude & longitude precisely as shown in Google Maps): 18.2281995, -63.0678290 & once you are parked near the small fence, you should see a small hiking trail down the side of the hill. You will follow that to where you see the small cove & be on the lookout for a rope that will help guide you down the cliff side. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take a pair of close-toed shoes that you don't mind getting wet, especially if you plan to jump off the rock! I have these water shoes that have a nice sole & dry quickly.
  2. If you prefer to avoid the cliffside & hike, there are multiple tour boats/charters that you can catch. These charters can be as luxurious as you would like ($$$$) or a little simpler & much friendlier on the pocketbook ($$). For instance, you can catch a sailboat, hop on board a private speed boat or yacht, find Calvin under the big Tamarind Tree on Crocus Bay near Da'Vida, or adventure by  Kayaks from Crocus Bay (also nearest Da'Vida)

  • Do a little cliff diving - There is a larger rock that sits just below this Villa property (yes, you can rent the villa!) that is known for cliff diving. In the first 20 seconds of this 1-minute clip, you can see exactly what I'm talking about if you want to see our experience! A word of advice... to climb the rock, you have to be able to hoist yourself up with a rope (it's secure) & you will be essentially climbing up a coral-like rock & it's incredibly sharp! I wore these shoes to climb up the rock, but Nate & our siblings decided to go barefoot. It's roughly 20 feet up, and when you get to the top of the rock & are ready to jump, try to jump as far as possible. It is deep enough, but if you are taller, I suggest jumping and tucking! It's deep enough to step right off, but I don't like to take any chances.... just JUMP & TUCK... and remember to empty your pockets BEFORE you jump!
  • Little Bay has nothing else - meaning no food, no drinks, no bathrooms, no chairs, & one tiny tiny shade tree. So make sure you are prepared 
  • Take a backpack - We easily spent 6-7 hours at Little Bay & after doing this, here is a list of items that we brought & wish we would have brought (ps, we used this drybag backpack 40L):

  1. Snorkel Mask & flippers (make sure you burn the inside of the lens of your goggles & wash with dish soap; this will help with fogging)
  2. Towel or thin blanket to lay on or to use for shade cover
  3. Hat
  4. Sunglasses
  5. Sandwich/snack items
  6. Portable Charger
  7. Water/Gatorade (at least 2-3 per person, depending upon how long you are staying)
  8. Water Shoes/tennys to climb
  9. Deodorant
  10. SPF long-sleeve shirt (Nate's preference & my women's preference)
  11. Hairbrush/comb (long hair & saltwater = nasty tangles)
  12. Ocean-friendly SPF (I have a sun allergy & this is the one lotion that doesn't irritate my skin & is ocean-friendly)
  13. Ziplock Baggy with wet, clean washcloth (this was amazing to use on our faces after swimming for hours in the saltwater!)

  • The sea life is not as dense as it used to be - just like any location in the ocean that becomes a popular area sadly, the coral dies off, and the sea critters disappear as well. Yes, you will see sea life as you snorkel, but unfortunately, it isn't as good as it used to be.


As I said before, Little Bay is very secluded, and most likely, you will have the entire beach to yourself. But do keep in mind, if you go snorkeling, be aware of your surroundings & watch for the incoming boat traffic. They very rarely pull up to the beach and tend to anchor closer to the rock where you would jump off. So, snorkel with caution and keep an eye out for incoming boats. 


3. Explore The Famous Anguilla Arch - The Anguilla Arch is a natural limestone arch located on the western tip of Anguilla. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Anguilla and is known for its stunning beauty and its dramatic location. Although the water seems calm in our picture, this is not typical & when the wind is above ten mph, this water is quite rough and can be a dangerous area to swim & snorkel due to the amount of sharp limestone & coral rocks just under the ocean's surface.


A few noteworthy things to know about the Anguilla Arch:

  • How to get to the Anguilla Arch - Once again, just like Little Bay, there are 2 specific ways to get to the Anguilla Arch; by water vessel or by car. And if you want to swim under the Arch, once again, you will have to activate that 'adventure' side of your brain & body! If you are driving and only want to view the Arch, type in these exact coordinates into Google Maps (exactly as they are listed): 18.1691773, -63.1629921   But... if you are driving and want to snorkel under the Arch like we did, the easiest way to get down to the water is NOT at the same spot. If you type these exact coordinates into Google Maps: 18.1701788, -63.1626863 these will take you about 2 more seconds away & you will find a concrete staircase leading you to multiple areas of getting into the water. The only 'con', you have a little bit of swimming to do before you reach the Arch.
  • Just like Little Bay, there is nothing surrounding the Arch except some homes (see this VRBO rental right next to the Arch)- meaning no food, no drinks, no bathrooms, no chairs, no shade & some shrubs. So, make sure you are prepared! 
  • Take a backpack - We easily spent 4-5 hours at the Arch & would suggest the same items that we took to Little Bay (above)
  • The sea life is not as dense as it used to be - just like any location in the ocean that becomes a popular area sadly the coral dies off, and the sea critters disappear as well. Yes, you will see sea life as you snorkel, but unfortunately, it isn't as good as it used to be.
  • The ocean can be very rough - If you are planning on visiting the Anguilla Arch and doing a little snorkeling, be sure to check the weather! Any wind over 10 mph will stir up the water and make it crazy choppy. Also, there is nothing 'blocking' the island's West side, and it gets hit the hardest with the wind, whereas if you were on the southeastern part of the island, it is 'blocked' by Anguilla's sister island, Saint Maarten.

4 people swimming under the famous Arch in Anguilla

Swimming under the famous Anguilla Arch

man and woman sitting on chairs shaped like a face at the Four Seasons Anguilla

 4. Explore the larger resorts & their restaurants/amenities - Don't be afraid to explore the resorts on the island, especially the larger resorts. Most of the larger resorts have excellent restaurants and bars open to the public, & not to mention you can get access to their Spa & onsite shops. These larger resorts typically have a guard & and a gate at the front entrance. They will let you in if you tell them you are headed to one of the restaurants or lounges. We suggest checking out these resorts:

  • Four Seasons Anguilla - If you didn't know, Four Seasons Anguilla was where Nate & I stayed on our first visit to Anguilla (watch our resort tour here). We suggest checking out the Sunset Lounge for a cocktail & dinner, along with some live entertainment (typically on a nightly basis). Also, check out the Half Shell Beach Bar & the Bamboo Bar & Grill for a late lunch or early dinner. You can also book an appointment with their incredible Spa team!
  • Belmond Cap Juluca - Also, on our first visit to Anguilla, Nate & I got an entire resort tour of the Belmond Cap Juluca as well (watch our resort tour here) & WOWZA! We suggest checking out the Cap Shack for a late lunch or early dinner & Uchu for lunch or dinner & also expect some live entertainment. 
  • Zemi Beach House - On our most recent stay, we decided to change it up a bit & we stayed here over the week of July 4th (click here for a quick snapshot). Every Wednesday, they have a MASSIVE all-you-can-eat cookout & it was delicious! Along with this unique all-you-can-eat meal, they also are home to two very distinct amenities that you will NOT be able to find on the rest of the island, a Rhum Room & a Thai House Spa.
  • Aurora Anguilla - I'll be honest, we have not explored Aurora Anguilla, but they do seem to have the one thing on the island that no other resort has... a Golf Course! Here is the direct link if you want to make a request for a tee time while on vacation in Anguilla (do this well in advance!).

5. Explore Anguilla's 33 Hidden Gem Beaches  - Despite only being 35 square miles, Anguilla is a Caribbean island paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. With 33 beaches to choose from, there is something for everyone in Anguilla. 


 Here is a guide to 4 of our favorite beaches to visit in Anguilla:

  •  Shoal Bay (East): This two-mile-long stretch of white sand beach is one of the most popular on the island, and for good reason. The water is calm with that clear turquoise color, and the beach is lined with palm trees, restaurants, and a few well-known resorts. Two significant resorts you will find on Shoal Bay are the Zemi Beach House (watch our full room & resort review HERE) & Shoal Bay Villas. Two of our favorite restaurants are Olas Tacos & Madearimans.


  •  Meads Bay: This crescent-shaped beach is another popular spot, known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters. Meads Bay is also home to a number of luxury resorts, making it a great place to stay and enjoy the island's best amenities. Two significant resorts you will find on Meads Bay are Four Seasons (watch our full room & resort review HERE) & Malliouhana. Two of our favorite restaurants are Blanchards Restaurant & Beach Shack, and Straw Hat.


  •  Little Bay: As I had mentioned above, this secluded beach cove is known for its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, dramatic rock formations & cliff diving. Little Bay is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. There is nothing but a tiny beach here, no services, nor toilets!


  • Sandy Ground: As you know from above, this popular beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful calm ocean & beach, plus a vibrant nightlife, & a few very picturesque shipwrecks. Sandy Ground Beach is also a popular spot for water sports, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. This Villa captures the best views of Sandy Ground, if you are looking for a place to stay!


woman swimming at Little Bay in Anguilla

Swimming at Little Bay (hidden gem)

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Anguilla TRAVEL TIPS: 8 TRAVEL TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW

map of Anguilla and Saint Martin Ferry guide

MUST KNOW TIPS WHEN TRAVELING TO ANGUILLA

1. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO ANGUILLA? This is one of the SAFEST tropical islands we have ever traveled to (day & night). But we know it's always best to double-check! If traveling from the USA, check the travel information HERE to ensure no warnings on the Anguilla Travel Advisory website. Since we are on the subject of safety, if you're looking for travel insurance, we always use Travel Insurance Masters. Click HERE to get a quick free quote (you should see my name - Ashley Broders - in the top left corner)



2. HOW DO YOU GET TO ANGUILLA? There are two primary ways to get to Anguilla: you can either fly directly into Anguilla or fly to Sint Maarten (SXM) & catch a water vessel over to Anguilla. 

  • Getting To Anguilla From Sint Maarten/Saint Martin - Most visitors choose to fly into Sint Maarten (SXM) & then either catch a ferry, a privately chartered boat (request a transfer) or a private air charter to Anguilla. There are multiple private companies that you can get a transfer from, but the majority of visitors use the Sint Maarten Public Ferry, which can be found across from the Princess Juliana Airport (SXM). Keep in mind that there are 2 ferry terminals, & if you are flying into SXM, the fastest & easiest terminal will be the Sint Maarten Ferry Terminal (Dutch side). The second ferry terminal is about 10 minutes from SXM, known as the Marigot Ferry Terminal in Saint Martin (French side). Here are five essential details that you should know: 

  1. You will go through 2 sets of customs & immigration before you reach your final destination in Anguilla. So be sure to have your passports readily available & on hand upon your arrival to Sint Maarten (we use this small over-the-shoulder travel bag for passports, travel docs, & phones)
  2. Expect to pay 2 sets of departure tax & terminal/security fees on top of your 'crossing fee' - the first is when you depart Sint Maarten to get to Anguilla & the second is when you leave Anguilla to return to Sint Maarten. Make sure to have cash on hand, just in case they aren't accepting cards. Your main 'crossing fee' can range from $30-$75 per person & your additional 'fees' can range from $15-$30 per person
  3. The waters can be VERY rough, so if you don't have your 'sealegs', be sure to take some Dramamine at least 30 minutes before you board your boat. 
  4. Ferry's typically depart every 30-45 minutes (starting at 9 am) & the ferry ride from Sint Maarten to Anguilla (& vice versa) can take about 25-35 minutes to cross the ocean. Click here for the Sint Maarten departure times (nearest SXM), here for the Saint Martin Marigot departure times, & here for the Anguilla Blowing Point Terminal departure times. Try to book in advance if possible, but don't panic if you can't book early. Just be sure to arrive at the terminals as early as possible to ensure a ride in a timely manner.
  5. Remember that you will be lugging around your luggage the entire time, so try to be mindful of how many bags you carry around with you. We typically stick to 1 backpack per person (considered a 'personal item') & 1 carry-on-sized bag per person. If you need more 'space', consider using these compression packing cubes to help with creating more room in your bag.


  • Flying Direct To Anguilla - We have traveled to Anguilla (both of our trips) by flying direct to Anguilla (AXA). In my opinion this is the fastest way, but it can also be a bit risky because there aren't as many flight directly to Anguilla & it may cost a little more. Also, getting thru security and immigration only takes about 10 minutes (huge bonus)! The airport is very small, and can only receive certain sized planes at the moment, which is why the majority of visitors fly into St Maarten (SXM). Be warned, if you fly into AXA direct from Miami, American Airlines consistently has issues, such as THIS one when we flew direct. Also a side note: if you are flying out of AXA, be sure to eat before you get to the airport. There is a small cafe, but nothing else once you get thru security in preperation for your flight home. 



3. WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN ANGUILLA? The currency in Anguilla is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). However, US dollars are also widely accepted. I suggest downloading the US Dollar to East Caribbean Dollar app to your phone, and then you can have an exact conversion. Also, be sure to carry cash on you, not just a card. Major stores & resorts will have a credit card machine, but if you go to these smaller restaurants & shops, most only take cash. Also, the GAS STATIONS ONLY ACCEPT CASH! So if you plan to rent a car, make sure you have cash to get fuel!



4. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO ANGUILLA? I go over these specific details in THIS short video, but here is a few things I think are worth mentioning:

  • Renting a car in Anguilla (we suggest renting for at least 2 or 3 days)- If your are renting a car in Anguilla (check rates here), here are a few things to know: (1) You will have to purchase a temporary drivers license, 3 days for $15 or 3 months for $25. Essentially, whomever you rent the car from, they will do this paperwork with you. (2) You can either pre-book a car or wait until you arrive at your hotel & evaluate how many days you want a car for. Your hotel can call a rental company & the rental company will bring the car to you & pick it up after you are finished. (3) Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road in Anguilla. If you are not used to this, at first it will take a minute to get used to, but after that, it's pretty easy. (4) Most of the roads are dirt, besides the one main road that circles around the island. Also, very few of the roads have road signs/names. So if you are looking for a specific restaurant down on one of Anguilla's 33 beaches, it will most likely be down a dirt road that looks like a dead end, but just keep going, you will find it! (5) Anguilla has 6 gas stations & the one we went to ONLY TOOK CASH! So, be sure to have cash on hand just in case they don't accept card.
  • Anguilla has 2 taxes that total to an amount of 28%. So, just as a heads up, be aware of the additional tax that you will be paying for nearly everything that you purchase. We may sound like lushes after I say this, but it was MUCH cheaper to purchase our alcohol from the grocery store. And if you are considering doing the same, we suggest going to Albert's Marketplace & Wholesale for your bulk items & alcholic beverages. And if you are wanting a MUCH larger grocery selection, check out Best Buy West, which is closest to Four Seasons Anguilla.
  • Before you travel back home, you will pay a $28 departure tax (per person)



5. DOWNLOAD THESE APPS before leaving home (unless you have an unlocked phone or a  an International plan)

  • Airalo - One of the best apps to utilize if you need mobile data for your cell phone, if your personal phone carrier does not offer coverage! No need to find a physical sim card in a new country, it's all in the app! Click HERE to get 15% OFF if you are a NEW user or click HERE to get 10% OFF if you have used Airalo in the past!
  • US Dollar to East Caribbean Dollar - This is an exchange rate calculator for the Anguilla currency (and other Caribbean countries)
  • Maps.me or download Google maps for an offline map - download before leaving your home! While exploring Anguilla, this was a HUGE HELP! There is one main paved road that circles the island with all the other connecting roads that are primarily dirt & have NO NAMES on them! So, having a gps or map of some sort is a HUGE help, especially if you are trying to find a certain restaurant along the beach, which is down a road with no name.
  • Netflix - download whatever series/movie you are watching to your phone while connected to strong wifi & watch without an internet connection... great for the plane ride!
  • Your Airlines app - For instance, we flew with American Airlines (we are not fans because of THIS incident) & downloaded their app. This will allow you to get checked in, see your gate & flight details, and your boarding pass, and it should send you updates for delays & cancelations. 



6. WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT ANGUILLA? This is a bit of a loaded question, but in my honest opinion, we suggest going during the 'low/end season' for Anguilla. We personally enjoy traveling to Anguilla between the last week of June to the end of July. Let me try to break it down a bit more, because traveling to Anguilla isn't like traveling to the United States, where everything is open all year around and where the 'seasons' make a HUGE difference:

  • Anguilla's dry season (also known to be the 'high' season & MUCH higher rates) is from December to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and clear, with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity is also low, making it a comfortable time to be outdoors. But again, keep in mind that rates will be inflated during this time of year. Check rates yourself here to get an idea.
  • Anguilla's wet season is from May to October, and the humidity is heightened a bit more, with average temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, I would say the likelihood of it raining on a consistent 'daily' basis is VERY rare unless of course, there is a nearby hurricane. Hurricane season typicallly can start as early as June to November, but again, this is VERY rare for Anguilla to get hit with a hurricane & the weather tends to offer sunny skies with the occasional rain here and there. Not to mention, rates will be lower during this time of year. With this being said, I think it's important to know that a majority of the smaller business & restaurants typically only open Thursdays - Sundays during this time of year. So make sure you are staying over a Thursday - Sunday, to experience that true local feel.


Basically, if you are looking for the best weather and the least amount of rain, then the best time to visit Anguilla is during the dry season, from December to April. However, if you are on a budget, then you may want to consider visiting during the wet season, from May to November. The prices for flights and accommodation are lower during this time, and the island is still beautiful, even if it rains a little bit more. 



7. PRINT OFF ALL YOUR TRAVEL INFORMATION & TAKE IT WITH YOU! Let's be honest... all your travel details will be on your phone & most of the time, this is how you will gain access to them, but trust me when I say... PAPER COPIES ARE A HUGE HELP, and here's WHY I suggest you print ALL your travel documents to take with you:

  • Just in case your phone dies... you will not always conveniently be sitting next to a charging port... especially is you are waiting at the Anguilla airport, which I don't recall seeing ANY chargers in the one tiny waiting area. Do what we do... make sure your portable charger is nearby!
  • No access to the internet/wifi... and I'm primarily talking about while walking in/out of customs, on the airplane, or in transit to/from your resort. Plus, don't try to depend on the wifi at the Anguilla airport, just take my word for it!
  • If your resort/hotel can't find your reservation or they want proof... we have been lucky so far and have never had to deal with this, but I have heard horror stories. If you have your printed documentation & you need to show them proof of payment & the confirmation numbers, you are better off with the paper document!
  • When filling out any airline documentation or going thru immigration... having quick access to your destination information is vital.... and most of the time, this is when your phone is dead, lol

QUICK TIP: Take screenshots of your travel details as well! This has ALWAYS served us well for obvious reasons, especially when we need the travel details fast!

QUICK TIP #2: We use THIS small over-the-should bag specifically for our documents, passports & phones



8. PACK A FEW SNACK ITEMS & A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE FOR YOUR FLIGHT... 

I don't know about you, but as soon as we step foot into the airport, we see all the snacks & beverages, then end up paying double for a Snickers bar, Pringles & water 🤦‍♀️ and then do it AGAIN while ON THE FLIGHT 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ Don't be like us 😂

QUICK TIP: Most airlines allow you to have a free personal item (purse/backpack) & after flying a bazillion times, I found there are specific items that will come in handy to have immediate access to vs being in your carry-on luggage up above your head. These items are:

  • Cell phone
  • Pen (black or blue) 
  • Portable charger, charging cord & cube
  • Headphones with a 'regular' old school jack (not wireless) to listen to the TVs on the plane (if your plane offers it)... they might sell you crummy headphones if you didn't bring any, & if you are not sitting in first class
  • Light sweater - the plane gets very cool during transit
  • Snacks 
  • Laptop/tablet (make sure it's fully charged!)
  • Book or other paperback entertainment
  • Sanitizer or wipes for your tray


ANGUILLA Packing List

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

Trust us, the higher coverage, the better... especially in Anguilla!! 

Sun Bum has the BEST smell, does NOT give you that 'burning' sensation, is water-resistant up to 80 minutes, and most importantly, OCEAN & REEF FRIENDLY! Before leaving Anguilla, we noticed a deeper tan with the higher SPF coverage vs the lower!


ps... if you stay at Zemi Beach House, they supply Sun Bum spf at each pool!

2 PAIRS OF SUNGLASSES

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

I'm not sure if it's just a me thing, but somehow, something ALWAYS happens to the ONE pair of sunglasses that I bring... and then I end up buying a pair that I don't like that much... tell me I'm not the only one this happens too?! I LOVE these bright ones from Knockaround & the best part... THEY WON'T BREAK THE BANK!


Don't let your accessories make your vacation to Anguilla, a negative one!!

GOPRO - WATERPROOF CAMERA

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

GOPRO - WATERPROOF CAMERA

If you DON'T have a waterproof camera on your Grenada vacation... we need to have a serious talk! The GoPro 11 is our MAIN camera for everything, even our YouTube videos. Giving you 4K videos, amazing photos, incredible stabilization, & it's super compact! Check out our Anguilla video series HERE, and you will understand!

SNORKEL GEAR

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

GOPRO - WATERPROOF CAMERA

Call me a germaphobe, but the idea of utilizing a snorkel set from the resort or a tour, that multiple other people have used... nah, I'm good! This one can get tight enough for my small head and larger enough for our son's (bigger) head & of course these water fins are the perfect size for your carry-on! 

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

When you get to Anguilla, exploring can be fun, but be sure to take your 'small' essentials with you in a small backpack of some sort! And if you are going ANYWHERE there will be water, take a dry bag backpack (small) or dry-pack backpack (large) instead! There is nothing worse than wanting to take your cell phone, other electronics, & a pair of clothes & try to keep them dry in a wet environment!!



SPF CHAPSTICK

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

Do  NOT leave home without this! Yes, Anguilla will have chapstick, but IT WILL COST DOUBLE! The sun gets hot and since most of the time you will be either in the sun or salty ocean, you will want to keep your lips from getting fried and dried out! Once again Sun Bum SPF 30 is one of our favorites!

SPF/UPF SHIRTS

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

We each brought 5 of these guys on our recent Anguilla trip! Living in Florida, we are out on the ocean & beach as much as possible and because of that, we now incorporate these SPF/UPF shirts on every vacation and beach trip that we go on. Here are Nate & Blake's SPF preference (men's), and my SPF preference (women's).

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

I know this sounds odd, but these were the BEST random items we brought with us to Anguilla. We are those people who like to get in a 'last ocean swim' before we catch our plane home... of course, this leaves us with soaking wet bathing suits! So we bring a few empty Ziploc baggies for those last-minute wet items & then throughout the week, we throw all our dirty clothes into a garbage sack. That way, we know what is dirty & what is clean, and we only have to do 9 loads of laundry vs 10!


You might also bring one or two regular-sized plastic grocery bags to put your sandy shoes inside! You are welcome!!

PORTABLE (SOLAR) CHARGER

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

WHAT WE PACKED TO ANGUILLA

 I can't tell you how often this portable charger has been a HUGE lifesaver, mainly because we are NOT always conveniently sitting next to an electrical outlet. 


'I want to stay inside for an hour to charge my phone while on vacation in Anguilla'... 

SAID NO ONE EVER! 

WHAT WE PACKED TO ANGUILLA

ANGUILLA PACKING LIST CONT.

WHAT WE PACKED TO ANGUILLA

Now that we have been to both the Four Seasons Anguilla & Zemi Beach House, these are a few suggested items for you to take/consider (this is based on 8 days of travel & in a carry-on only, no checked bags). If you need to 'make' space, consider using these compression packing cubes to help with creating more room in your bag.


  • Your travel outfit - comfort is key, and remember... the fewer things in your pocket & easy slip-on shoes (ALWAYS wear socks) helps get you thru security MUCH faster! 
  • 3 dressy outfits - Onsite, at both resorts, there were a couple restaurants in which they said you needed to be 'formally dressed.' But honestly, we noticed people wearing nice jeans & khaki shorts as well. I think overall, they didn't want you to wear swimsuits or sweats!
  • Swimsuits - I took six swimsuits for 8 days, & Nate took 6 pairs of swim trunks. Be sure to wash these off after you swim in the ocean! They will smell sour if you don't!
  • 1-2 Swimsuit coverups - Be sure to have these when you go to the beach or poolside, especially if you are wanting to sit at the bartop. You must be covered, otherwise, there are beach & pool attendants that will bring you drinks and food if deisred. As an added bonus for ladies, sometimes you can double these as a 'dressy' outfit (you're welcome)

ANGUILLA PACKING LIST CONT.

ANGUILLA PACKING LIST CONT.

ANGUILLA PACKING LIST CONT.

  • 2 pairs of socks per day - sounds like too many, BUT we worked out every day. Not to mention, after being in flip flops/sandals all day & walking on sand, slipping into a pair of socks at the end of the day makes your feet happy... trust me!
  • 2 pairs of underwear per day - once again, we worked out every day, so the extra per day was necessary
  • Workout clothes - depending on how sweaty you get or if you even plan to work out, this can vary. We took 1 outfit per day that we planned on working out. 
  • 4 pairs of 'regular' shorts - MOST of the time, during the day, you will be in your swimsuit & cover-up (just food for thought). Nate brought 3 pairs but was also primarily in swim trunks the entire trip.
  • 5 regular t-shirts - We explored nearly everyday, so having a comfy t-shirt was nice to change into after we had gotten out of the water. 


LAST ANGUILLA PACKING LIST

ANGUILLA PACKING LIST CONT.

ANGUILLA PACKING LIST CONT.

  • Shoes - We each brought one pair of flip flops/sandals, one pair of sneakers, & heels for me (lol... not Nate), & converse. If you are going OUTSIDE the resort, be sure to pack a pair of tennis shoes or water shoes that you don't mind getting wet or dirty (I prefer these). You especially want tennis shoes if you are trying to hike down to Little Bay & do some rock jumping!
  • OTC drugs/supplies -  Be sure to bring EVERYTHING you usually use. Otherwise, you WILL be paying DOUBLE or get an off-brand item that doesn't work 'like normal'. Anguilla does have little shops, and a few larger grocery stores (we suggesst Albert's Marketplace & wholesale or the Best Buy West). Both resorts had an onsight boutique with your basic necessities, but if you are looking for something specific try either the grocery stores or the medical clinic.



STAYING AT zemi beach house in anguilla

THE ZEMI BEACH HOUSE IN A SNAPSHOT

Zemi Beach House can be found on Shoal Bay East & if you didn't know, this is a Hilton Hotel & part of the LXR Collection Hotels. We stayed for a total of 7 nights/ 8 days, and if we were to stay again, we think 5 or 6 nights would have been plenty of time to visit & explore Anguilla. Click HERE for us to get you a free quote!


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT (click HERE to see the resort map):

  •  Hilton owned property (make sure to set up your free rewards account prior to arrival so you can get points towards a future stay with HIlton) 
  • 4 miles (10 minutes) from the International Airport (AXA) 
  • 8 miles (20 minutes) from Blowing Point Ferry Terminal (if coming from SXM) 
  • Located on Shoal Bay (East) 
  • Nearby walkable restaurants via the beach (we ate at Tropical Sunset, Olas, & Madearimans and really enjoyed them all) 
  • Excellent breakfast buffet available daily at 20 Knots (our room included the breakfast, but I am not sure this is included on a regular basis or not) 
  • 2 full restaurants - 20 Knots & Stone 
  • Rhum Room - Rum tasting & cigar lounge/room (only one on the Island) 
  • Outdoor Bar & Lounge (covered)- Bohio 
  • 2 pools - one located on the beach (family-friendly), 2nd located in the middle of the resort, and is more of a quieter adult area. The 2nd pool has a lap pool attached as part of the infinity pool. 
  • SunBum Sunscreen can be found (free of charge) at both pools, along with bottled water (free of charge)
  • All beach chairs & cabanas are first come, first serve (free of charge) & there are always beach and pool attendants to assist with any chairs/cabanas and will get everything set up for you. You can also order beverages and food with them as well. We never had issues with getting a chair, but we also went during 'off-season', so this may be different depending on the time of year you visit 
  • Full service Spa (Thai-style experience) with a juice bar and hammam. See the menu here
  • Small gym with basic necessities to get in a quick workout with towels & water supplied (free weights, yoga mats, ellipticals, arm & leg machines, one bike & 3 treadmills (the treadmills were all having issues and 'skipping' when we tried using them, so be cautious) 
  • Paddleboards, canoes, & snorkel gear are available free of charge (first come, first serve) 
  • Outdoor Tennis Court (across from Spa) 
  • Small onsite gift shop 
  • Child care (right next to the gift shop) 
  • Free parking is available if you rent a car 
  • Customer service was EXCELLENT! We felt this way the entire island as we drove around and explored. The Anguillans are some of the kindest people and treat you like family! 
  • Every room comes with: a blow dryer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, lotion, mini fridge (beverages inside cost $$), bottled water (always free), espresso coffee maker & tea (always free), Zemi beach bag (can keep for free), Zemi flip flops (can keep for free), iron, iron board, & small safe ...(no microwave with exception to the penthouse rooms), & last but not least, warm cookies & bottled water delivered every night. 


2 things that are note worthy & I feel could be an easy 'fix' if addressed: 

  • Water in rooms (shower & tub) was cool to lukewarm majority of our stay. If you let the water run for about 10 minutes, it did heat up
  • All 3 Treadmills in the gym need to be fixed or replaced



Click HERE for us to get you a free quote (or scroll down)

view from the penthouse room at Zemi Beach House in Anguilla

View from the Penthouse Room

YOUR TRAVEL IS OUR PASSION

With travel being our passion, we understand how important it is to you when you are ready to spend your hard-earned vacation money! And we pride ourselves on giving you the same time & effort as if we were planning a vacation for ourselves.  

 

We know time is of the essence and want to ensure we utilize it to its fullest potential when we book your next vacation. The process of researching and putting together a customized, bespoke proposal that matches your travel desires, takes time. On average, we spend 15 hours working on a trip from initial discussion through your arrival back home.    


When you are ready, go ahead & fill out the Zemi Beach House OR Four Seasons Anguilla travel request forms below, 

& we will get started on designing your next amazing vacation.  


My team & I look forward to working with you!   

-Ashley from the Adventure Encounters

(AE Travelers)

BOOK WITH US TODAY & RECEIVE A SPECIAL GIFT THAT GIVES YOU A TRUE CASH SAVINGS OF $200 OFF YOUR NEXT HOTEL BOOKING!


USE PROMO CODE: ZEMIBEACH200

ZEMI BEACH HOUSE travel request form

STAYING AT FOUR SEASONS ANGUILLA

THE FOUR SEASONS ANGUILLA IN A SNAPSHOT

Four Seasons Anguilla can be found on both Meads Bay Beach & Barnes Bay Beach. We stayed for a total of 5 nights/ 6 days. Click HERE for us to get you a free quote for your next stay & click HERE to watch our full room & resort tour!


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT (click HERE to see the resort map):

  • 7.5 miles (17 minutes) from the International Airport (AXA) 
  • 5 miles (11 minutes) from Blowing Point Ferry Terminal (if coming from SXM) 
  • Located between Meads Bay Beach & Barnes Bay Beach
  • Nearby walkable restaurants via the beach (we ate at Straw Hat & Blanchards and really enjoyed them both) 
  • Excellent breakfast buffet available daily at Salt (we found booking prior to arrival was a little better in pricing per person vs booking on site) 
  • 2 full restaurants - Salt & Bamboo Bar & Grill  
  • 2 outdoor bar and lounges (covered)- Sunset Lounge (try the Donkey Kick for a drink if you like spicy) & Half Shell Beach Bar (located on Barnes Bay Beach during lunch hours)
  • Every Monday, they had an outdoor Caribbean BBQ out on Meads Bay Beach at 6:30pm
  • 3 pools - one located on the Meads Bay Beach, 2nd located in the middle of the resort, and the 3rd is directly in front of Sunset Lounge, where we felt more of an 'adults only' vibe. 
  • Sunscreen can be found (free of charge) at all 3 pools, along with water
  • All beach chairs are first come, first serve (free of charge) & there are always beach and pool attendants to assist with any chairs/cabanas and will get everything set up for you. You can also order beverages and food with them as well. We never had issues with getting a chair, but we also went during 'off-season', so this may be different depending on the time of year you visit. Cabanas came at a premium cost, but you did get liqour & a butler included with the price
  • Full-service Spa 
  • Small gym with basic necessities to get in a quick workout with towels & water supplied (free weights, yoga mats, ellipticals, arm & leg machines, one bike & 3 treadmills (the treadmills were all having issues and 'skipping' when we tried using them, so be cautious) 
  • 3 Tennis Courts, Volleyball court/green area, Basketball court & a rock climbing area (all outdoors and not covered)
  • Paddleboards, hobby cats, kayaks, snorkel gear & bicycles are available (first come, first serve & free of charge) 
  • Small onsite gift shop/boutique
  • Child care services & other planned activities for kids as well
  • Free parking is available if you rent a car 
  • Customer service was EXCELLENT! We felt this way the entire island as we drove around and explored. The Anguillans are some of the kindest people and treat you like family! 
  • Every room comes with: a blow dryer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, lotion, mini fridge (beverages inside cost $$), bottled water (always free), espresso coffee maker & tea (always free), iron, iron board, & small safe **they do have a PlayStation/Xbox available on request**


The resort was absolutely stunning & beautifully built. Be warned, it is a HUGE resort & depending on where your room is on-site, it can be a bit of a walk to the different areas. It was VERY easy to miss the stairs to Half Shell Beach Bar, so be sure to ask the staff or take a walk/golf cart ride around the resort to check things out. 


Click HERE for us to get you a free quote for your next stay (or scroll down)

two stone face shaped shairs sitting on a balcony overloooking the ocean at Four Season Anguilla

View From One Of Four Seasons Cliffside Decks

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FOUR SEASONS RESORT REQUEST FORM

JOIN US IN ANGUILLA

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