Outside the Resort - Anguilla
Personalized tips to explore outside the resort in Anguilla.
Anguilla can be thought of as an unopened geode. Hiding underneath the rugged, plain surface are a few gems if you visit the island with an open mind and crack open those gems with a sense of adventure. Known for its powdery white sands and unreal turquoise waters, beyond the few glossy resorts lies a more rugged, authentic island experience — one that's deeply rewarding for travelers willing to venture just a little further.
Here, the best beaches don’t come with poolside service — they come with bumpy dirt roads, no crowds, and an ocean that feels entirely yours. Whether you’re wandering down to hidden coves like Captains Bay, or pulling off the road for a spontaneous beach stop, Anguilla rewards exploration.
As you drive around the island, you’ll likely notice unfinished homes and quiet inland roads. These are signs of a small island still developing — at its own pace, without the pressure to become a copy of its flashier neighbors. It’s part of what makes Anguilla special. It may be difficult to describe the island as being half full or half empty, but it is safe, friendly, and unpolished in the best way. (Normal travel precautions should still be taken to protect your belongings and loved ones).
There are relatively few true "resorts" here. Some accommodations and hotels will have the word "resort" in their name so you can stay at a "resort" here and still get the "outside the resort" experience.
You should explore Anguilla if you . .
- Love beautiful turquoise beaches
- Want to avoid crowds
- Are willing to drive on the left side of the road
- See dirt roads as a gateway to adventure
- Are looking for unfinished homes to finish
- Eating great food in quaint establishments
- Don't mind a little ruggedness in your Caribbean vacation
- Enjoy learning more about local culture and history
What to Expect in Anguilla
Lodging
I stayed at the Hotel La Vue or the LaVue Boutique Inn and it was a quiet and clean place to stay in the central part of the island. Bonus, it also has a French restaurant on site! It a great view of Sandy Bay, with access to the beach and bay via a short walk down an unpaved road-turned-into-trail.
Food
Hotel La Vue offers great French food mixed with some local flavor. Several other local restaurants can be found scattered throughout the island. Food trucks frequent the center of town if you're up for some local street food.
Car Rental
Renting a car may require some patience and scrappiness. I rented from Hertz located near the airport, so if you arrive by ferry like I did, then you will need to catch a taxi to the car rental place. When I arrived with my reservation information in hand, the building was closed and my hope of renting a car dwindled until a local kid on his bike came by and offered to go get the employee. Some time later I finally got to rent my car. So even though the sign said Hertz, expect a localized experience and an introduction to island time.
Other islands like Anguilla in the Caribbean
Other islands in the Caribbean that offer the same type of experience on Anguilla include nearby St Martin, St Barthelemy (St Barts), and Turks and Caicos. Similar islands in physical geography include the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Grand-Terre and Marie-Galante in Guadeloupe.