Anguilla is known for two things: luxury resorts and beautiful sand beaches. In all, the island offers 33 gorgeous stretches of powdery white sands formed from crushed coral and washed by clear aquamarine waters. Whether it’s a walk on the shoreline, a dip in the water or some downtime in a chaise lounge, beach going simply doesn’t get any better than here. Photo: Alexander Shalamov/iStock
Maunday’s Bay

On Anguilla’s southeast coast, the resort of Cap Juluca, one the Caribbean’s most luxurious spots, wraps around Maunday’s Bay. The property appears to have the bay’s mile-long platinum white sands to itself, but you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy, as all beaches on the island are public. Simply follow the resort’s winding entrance, which is landscaped with tropical plants and flowering bougainvillea. Once at water’s edge, you can enjoy long walks without dodging crowds and easy access to calm luminescent seas. Evening strolls offer up the twinkling lights of Marigot and Grand Case with the mountains of St. Martin outlining the night skies. Photo: iStock
Shoal Bay East

This beach is the pride of the island. The scene is jaw-dropping gorgeous with snow-white silica set against electric blue water. The mile-long strand is lined with beachside eateries and bars, many serving up live music on weekends. There are water sports for the energetic crowd and beach chairs and rental umbrellas for the more sedate. Nearby coral reefs await snorkelers and glass bottom boat tours. For total stress relief, Malakh Day Spa offers beachside massages under a gazebo where flowing white drapes add just the right amount of privacy and allow the sound of the sea to lull you into a state of relaxation. Photo: Debbie Snow
Upper Shoal Bay

If the action of Shoal Bay East isn’t for you, walk or drive around the point to this more tranquil stretch of sand, which faces north into the Atlantic Ocean. Follow signs to Gwen’s Reggae Grill and you’re there – Gwen’s also provides the perfect spot for lunch, shade and hammocks. It’s easy to see why this beach earned accolades as a postcard beauty. Listed at one of the 10 best beaches in the Caribbean, it is bordered by glistening white sand brought ashore by constant wave action on the reef offshore. This stretch of ivory white, set against the clear cerulean waters, all but demands one to linger and enjoy. Photo: Thinkstock
Meads Bay

This long stretch of soft, golden sand is a perfect getaway. It is sporadically dotted with a handful of small hotels like Carimar Beach Club and Frangipanni Beach Resort and a couple of pricier high-end resorts like Malliouhana and the cool and stylish Viceroy, which sits perched on a rocky headland dividing two sections of the beach. Save for hotel guests, the mile-long crescent of soft golden sand remains quiet and untouched. The strip is also home to some of the island’s finest eateries like Straw Hat and Blanchard’s, the gourmet restaurant whose owners helped make Anguilla a household name with their book A Trip to the Beach. Photo: William Boyd/Anguilla Tourism
Little Bay

Situated between Crocus Bay and Shoal Bay, this secluded beach is one of Anguilla’s best-kept secret spots. Most people overlook the small cove that’s hidden from the road by rocky limestone bluffs covered with creeping vines. Access isn’t easy, but the journey adds to the reward when you reach a swath of sand surrounded by monolithic cliffs dotted with blooming red Turk’s head cactus. The surest method of arrival is by boat, while more adventurous travelers negotiate a cliff-side rope ladder or follow a goat path. Bring your provisions and your snorkeling gear as there is nothing there but sand, water and pelicans. Photo: iStock
Sandy Ground

This narrow stretch of golden beach sits between a large salt pond and crescent-shaped bay. Often passed over by beachgoers during the day, it’s known for weekend nightlife, with live music and dancing in the sand. The pond serves as a reserve for egrets, stilts and herons and is overlooked by two popular bars: Johnno’s and the Pumphouse. Sailors from around the world anchor in the bay, excursion boats depart from small offshore islands, and cargo boats unload containers at the freight pier. On land, the backdrop is a colorful patchwork of shops and eateries. Sandy Ground is also home to a popular hot spot, Elvis’ Beach Bar. Photo: William Boyd/Anguilla Tourism
Shoal Bay West

Tucked away behind a mangrove nature preserve, this little haven is off the radar for most. The beach itself is backed by sea grapes, with walk-through paths that unveil a curve of pink-hued sands. Most of the sun worshippers here are guests at private villas scattered along the beach. A favorite is Covecastles, an upscale resort where every villa has direct ocean views and walk-out access to the beach. Book a stay and you’ll feel like you own the beach, as it’s just a few steps from your villa terrace to the calm waters of the bay. Photo: iStock

50 Shades of Blue: Anguilla Beaches
Published on: 6/27/14 By Debbie Snow

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