October’s rapidly darkening days and plunging temperatures make this the time of year when Londoners begin to dream of being somewhere else.
But where to go? The unspoilt Caribbean island of Anguilla is an ideal place to bask in tropical sunshine. It’s only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, yet boasts no fewer than 33 gloriously uncrowded public beaches, plenty of luxury hotels and resorts, and a landscape that’s custom-made for adventure.
With daytime temperatures of more than 28oC, there’s every incentive for the visitor to enjoy a wide range of activities including kayaking, horse riding, quad-biking, hiking and boating. If that sounds too energetic, you could look out for some of the local wildlife – the velvety free-tailed bat, the red-footed tortoise, green iguanas and Cuban tree frogs.
Or why not just chill with the locals and enjoy their typically warm Caribbean hospitality? It’s tempting… the bars are situated in the most serene places where you can take in the best scenes and enjoy the cool island breeze.
Anguillan food and restaurants are world-renowned, making the island a popular destination for famous chefs. Visitors can sample both local and international cuisines from roadside barbecues, small restaurants and large dining establishments. Seafood, as you’d expect, is a speciality.
The island has a vibrant night life offering plenty of choice when it comes to music, dancing and cocktails. In addition to soca, the island is known for reggae, jazz and country music.
Anguilla is a self-governing British overseas territory, covering 35 square miles, with a population of just under 16,000. It’s known for its ecologically important coral reefs and includes several uninhabited islets. There are no direct flights from the UK to Anguilla, but you can travel via St Martin (a regular ferry service takes 20 minutes) or Antigua.
Find out more at Discover Anguilla.
