Anguilla Holiday
Anguilla is a little-known Caribbean paradise whose perfect beaches and clear waters won't stay undiscovered forever.
Anguilla is one island which has grown old gracefully. Discovered over 4,000 years ago, it is still as stunning as when early explorers first reached its shores.
Covered in a carpet of emerald rainforest, Aguilla, a small island in the Eastern Caribbean, meshes ancient culture with perfect sun-sea-and-sand holiday territory. First discovered by the Amerindian people from South America who banked up on its shores in search of fresh new land, Anguilla remains a mysterious green paradise.
Powdery white beaches, excellent diving, a plethora of fine restaurants and friendly locals all make Anguilla the perfect destination for honeymooners, beach bunnies and intrepid explorer types who want a firsthand taste of the Caribbean. Easy to overlook in favour of more well known neighbouring islands such as St Kitts, Anguilla nestles quietly between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean in the British West Indies.
From ancient Amerindian settlements to European settlements and its recent 1967 revolution, Anguilla has a rich tapestry of history which has been kept alive through stories and preservation of its historical artefacts.
Colonised by English settlers from Saint Kitts around 1650, Anguilla was ruled by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Numerous attempts at separation failed. Eventually in 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; an arrangement which was formally recognised in 1980 when Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.
Anguillan culture is kept alive by festivals and other events throughout the year. If you happen to be in The Valley, Anguilla's capital, during the summer months don't miss the Summer Festival. Beginning in August, it kicks off with J'Ouvert Mornin', a dancing celebration at daybreak to celebrate Anguilla's emancipation. The early morning jam kicks off a fortnight of dancing, competitions, fairs, costumes and parades in which the whole island takes part.
However, life on Anguilla is not normally as frenetic as during the summer festival. Hot, lazy days are spent by the beach and in cafes while balmy nights are spent chilling in bars and doing a bit of sightseeing in between sunbathing and swimming in Anguilla's cool, blue waters.
The Prickly Pear Cays is a popular diving spot and has lots of pretty caverns to explore. Just watch out for the nurse sharks and barracudas!
Anguillan life centres around the sea and its wonderful beaches, so its no surprise that seafood is always on the menu at Anguillan restaurants.
The island regularly wins Caribbean cooking competitions and has more gourmet restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the world, so if food is your thing whilst on holiday you'll be spoilt for choice here!
Food is expensive, but it is so fresh and delicious, you won't mind handing over a few more east Caribbean dollars than you planned, even if your holiday is on a budget.
And that's the beauty of Anguilla. It forces even the most active of folk to sit back, relax and just enjoy doing nothing. Its main attractions for holiday makers are its beaches, friendly people, and food. So while it may not suit hardcore culture vultures, it is one of the best places in the world to take a real holiday.
