Let us start by saying that Anguilla is NOT the cheapest island in the Caribbean. After all, it is a luxury island where the rich and famous come to escape the tourist-heavy scene and the bothersome fans. The exclusive and high-standard reputation that precedes Anguilla can deter some other potential travelers who are not as wealthy as Madonna and LeBron (who have both made recent vacations here). With the global gaze on our island increasing, of course more people want to come here! But because they think they can’t afford that trip to the famous Anguilla, they hesitate to book their flight. Here’s our Insider’s Guide and Cheat Code for Vacationing in Anguilla.
We’re sure that guests who have visited and stayed on the island before, though they absolutely loved it, wished they had a friend on the island to show them around so they could experience the island from a local perspective. Well, we have some great news for them (if any of those beautiful people are reading this) and for anyone who wants to visit for the first time: You have just come across your new island bestie! We will be handing you your exclusive behind-the-scenes “local Anguilla” access. We’ll let you in on how you can vacation in Anguilla for best rates and experience and tell you about some places where you can get the most out of your money.
Below, we will take you to some of the freshest food and drink spots that won’t wreck your budget and also give you a few essential tips about the island and moving around while here to help you have a seamless travel experience and stay on the island. By the time we are halfway through, you’ll be packing your suitcases at lightning speed to get here—so, let’s go!
TIP #1: The Best Time to Travel on a Budget to Anguilla Is During August
One of the first and most important things you need to consider when planning a trip to any vacation destination is finding out the best time to go there. Most islands and the properties on them would NOT share this information with the public, and especially incoming guests.
Hence, our first tip is top-secret, backstage pass information, that almost feels illegal to share (but it’s not).
August is the time when costs for rental properties decrease, as it is the ending of the tourism season and the beginning of the hurricane season in the islands.
Because most places that close during the off-season are not closed yet, and the island’s tourist population decreases significantly, it is less hassle to secure reservations such as dinner and excursions. This is also the time that we have our carnival season, when we celebrate our love for the island with lots of real Anguillan food, drinks, music, events and colorful costume parades. The month of August is recommended for visitors who desire to save some money on bookings and enjoy the local culture.
TIP #2: Book Your Stay at CéBlue Luxury Villas, The Fountain, or La Vue Boutique Inn.
Any of these properties are highly recommended for guests who seek quality lodging and exceptional service at an affordable rate.
- CéBlue Luxury Villas is well known for its exceptional service and its amazing views overlooking the ocean, where you can enjoy the most breathtaking sunsets. This luxury villa is fully stocked with opulent amenities and superior services, including private chef and personal concierge.
- La Vue Boutique Inn is affordable, yet tastefully designed with modern rooms that overflow with personality, making you feel right at home. La Vue is also ideal for business meetings and working remotely, as it has a super spacious, comfortable and well-equipped Conference Room! You can experience the classic island setting and indulge in hospitality without compromise at La Vue Boutique Inn.
- The Fountain feels like an oasis. It almost doesn’t match its surroundings, in the most delightful way. The Fountain is located on one of the most spectacular beaches of the island, Shoal Bay, but is nestled away behind gorgeous greenery in a cool and tranquil escape. Your stay here will be without a doubt a delightful one.
When you’ve selected one of the above, you’ve already saved at least $1000 in comparison to the other pricey locations. You’re welcome in advance!
TIP #3: Book with Our Vacation Experts to Save Money
Many people think they get the best deals if they book everything on their own, but the lie detector determines “That is a lie!” Before you even get to the island, our third tip is to let our team assist you with booking everything from accommodation to tours and activities. Please, please, please, if you have not visited the island before, this will help tremendously for three reasons: We have direct contact with the local companies, can provide you with the most cost-effective options for transportation, and our service and assistance is FREE!
TIP #4: Travel with Some Cash
If you land in St. Maarten when coming into Anguilla, you will be required to pay immigration taxes in person at the ports, not included in the cost of the trip. If coming by boat, the porter works for tips, so some cash would be wise and convenient.
TIP #5: Book a Rental vs. Taxi Service
Simply put, it is more economical to rent a vehicle for your stay here. Though we drive on the left side of the road, it is quite easy to get around the island. The roads are wide and are all connected to one main road. Anguillans are super friendly too, so in the highly unlikely event that you “get lost,” you can literally ask any local and they would gladly point you in your desired direction.
Once you have arrived and had a seamless travel experience to our island and to your location, for the cheapest option possible, you are off to an excellent start to an unforgettable vacation!
TIP #5: Eat Where Locals Eat!
Now, if you don’t like to eat local, and you don’t like epic food joints, this section is not for you! We’re about to let you in on some of the underrated restaurants, hot spots where locals hang, and activities you can indulge in that we enjoy doing as residents of this gem island. We’re not saying that the locals don’t dine at our fine restaurants, because they are exquisite, and the meals are immaculate! However, that is not the norm for majority of the local population. Below, we’ve created a list for you of some places that would give you an exclusively Anguillan type of experience.
The Strip
The Strip is located smack in the center of the island, in the capital, The Valley.
This is a short stretch of “hole in the wall” kind of bars and restaurants on both sides of the road. They have a melting pot of culture here. Along with the vibrant music played on speakers, you will find, barbeque on the grill, food from different islands, pizza, authentic Anguilla meals and even Indian food!
Sharpys and Good Korma are two hidden gems amongst the pool of restaurants here.
Sharpy’s has the authentic Anguillan meals daily! Serving the national dish of rice and peas and fried fish almost always. Almost all their delicious meals; Grilled Mahi Mahi, Fried Jacks, Sauteed Shrimp, Stewed Chicken and so much more are under $20.00.
Now, Good Korma is one of the very few Indian restaurants on the island. This is one of our favorites because of their drinks, though. They have the best bartender on the island! When you go here, you must ask for Joash to make you your favorite drink. We guarantee it will be the best you’ve had. And because this place is not very often visited by tourists, it is ideal if you want to escape the usual tourist-heavy scene. You will feel right at home and have fun here for sure!
BBQ
Jelly BBQ, Ken BBQ, B&D’s, and DBBQ Hut are all excellent options for some savory grilled meats and veggies served with any side of your choice that’s available done the island way, on the outside cast iron grills. These spots are ideal for an on-the-go quick stop to fill up when you’re exploring the island.
Coffee
Calling all the coffee lovers! Coffee O’Clock has an array of barista quality coffees, hot beverages, and yummy breakfast items for under $10 for every item. Though there are bakeries that are cheaper, where you grab and go, and breakfast places that are more expensive, where you can sit and dine, Coffee O’Clock offers the best of both worlds. It’s a cozy café where you can sit, relax, enjoy a good book and some great coffee.
Pizza
Both Corner Bar and J&J’s pizza places are owned and operated by local families. They are the locals’ favorite pizza spots and have the islanders divided because of their distinctive tastes. Corner Bar serves the savory for those who prefer the more Americanized pizza, and J&J’s serve the to the other half, a flat pizza with a sweeter dough, unique to this island. Try them both!
Fruity Web
In contrast to the BBQ meals and pizzas, Fruity Web is a healthy alternative on the island. This little shack off the beaten path is easy to miss as you drive past it tucked away on the side of a main road. Fruity web is ideal for the health conscious who want to enjoy our culture while eating clean! They serve vegan or “ital” meals, refreshing fruit and vegetable smoothies and a wide array of tropical fresh produce. Be sure to sit under one of their little umbrellas in the shade as you take a respite from the sun.
Mirabelle’s Rooftop
If you want a little excitement and want to experience night life, this indoor/outdoor rooftop bar, night club & restaurant in the heart of Anguilla is the place to go! With an extensive sushi offering, international tapas & fun cocktail options, Mirabelle’s is a must visit. Mirabelle’s is owned and named after a very proud Anguillan and is a spot popular with locals for ‘fast casual’ dining, drinking, and partying.
Beach Restaurants
Tropical Sunset & Chriss Conch Shack are both perfect for that toes-in-the-sand experience the rich, famous, budget watchers and locals all anticipate! At Tropical Sunset, you’ll find fresh fabulous fried fish! That is all we have to say, because it’s a tongue twister if you say it too fast!
Conch Shack is actually one of our favorite spots to go on off days for some juicy conch patties that are only sold here! We get more than one every time because we love them so much. Sitting on two stunning beaches, Shoal Bay and Sandy Ground, respectively, the views, the service, the prices, and the experience are outstanding.
Zack Shwarma
Zack Shwarma serves all Lebanese cuisine at reasonable prices. It is a dine-in and take-out spot that is open past 12am. They serve large portions for lower prices, about 50 – 70% cheaper than restaurant meals. We would suggest ordering ahead of time, as they get very busy, especially being one of the very few places that are open after hours on the island.
South Valley Community Street Festival
If you took our first tip and booked to travel here during carnival time, you will be privileged to enjoy this fully immersive experience. The plethora of booths with unlimited types of food and cultural items on display and for sale will have you giddy with excitement, because there’s so many things to see! Some of the food booths even offer you free samples. So, you may most likely end up leaving there having spent way less and eaten way more than you could in a week (Ok, we’re, exaggerating, maybe enough for two days) on the island. It’s a wonderful time to experience the local food, culture, and mingle with the people of the island.
TIP #6: Make Use of the Local Food Delivery Services
If you are not a driver and are too far away from food to walk, instead of calling a taxi, you can call or WhatsApp to order at Changes Bar and Restaurant and a few other restaurants.
TIP #7: Do What the Locals Do!
Beach, beach and more beach! When it comes to the beaches of Anguilla, there’s no denying the allure. The stunning white sand between your toes, the gentle crash of sapphire waves, and the warmth of the sun. It’s a sensory experience like no other and one you should not skip. If you don’t do anything else during your stay here, let visiting the beaches be one thing you do! It’s free, free, free, and you will create remarkable memories that you can and will cherish for a lifetime.
TIP #8: Avoid the Crowds by Heading to Scenic Spots Early in the Day
Those who do will be rewarded with the sight of the clear skies and blue-green waters of the island. This is the optimum time to bask in the warm rays of the sun and savour the views undisturbed. Perfect for capturing photos too, as the lighting is not too harsh.
TIP #9: Shop Local for Souvenirs and Keepsakes
Sea Spray Tropical Gift Shop, Sand & Salts, and Glo Rum all provide more than products. They each offer unforgettable experiences that you will enjoy, such as local rum sampling (Glo Rum), margarita and tequila sampling (Sand & Salts), and even smoothies and rum punches (Sea Spray). Be sure to visit these spots before you leave!
TIP #10: Make Friends with the Locals!
And now, our final, most simple, and maybe most important tip during your stay in Anguilla is to make friends with the locals! This is actually something that won’t be very hard to do, because we are some of the friendliest people you will ever come across—no exaggeration this time. We challenge you to strike up a conversation and mingle with the people of the island; this will amplify the impact of your experience. After all, we live here, we know the place and enjoy living here and will share that with you.
We hope you enjoyed our vacationing in Anguilla guide. With that being said, we hope to see you soon. All of us at Fountain Anguilla, and the entire population of Anguilla, are eager to welcome you to our shores!
