Northern star

Idyllic beaches are the key draw – but the most northerly of the Leeward Islands has so much to offer from luxury spas to some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean.

Anguilla often makes those ‘Best beaches in the world’ lists – and anyone who’s been there will rave about the turquoise waters and sugar white sands.

The island is fairly dry and flat, just 16 miles long by three miles wide, but the gorgeous coast makes up for its lack of a dramatic interior.

Over the years, Anguilla has established itself as a top destination for luxury – there are incredible hotels (Cap Jaluca is a favourites among those in the know) and the villas are second to none (try Altamer Resort for state-of-the-art chic beachlife) but there’s plenty for those on a budget, too.

November saw the opening of the island’s first 18-hole championship golf course, the Temenos Golf Club, part of the St Regis Resort, which will open in 2008.

This island paradise is a dream for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. The water is crystal clear, there are plenty of easy and interesting dive sites to explore and if you fancy venturing further afield, you can take a diving trip to nearby islets such as Prickly Pear Caves and Sandy Islands. 

Sun worshippers looking to chill on a perfect beach are truly spoilt for choice. Sandy Ground and Shoal Bay East both have gorgeous, azure-blue waters, while Meads Bay, Shoal Bay West and Crocus Bay all warrant a visit.

Anguilla’s the ideal choice for anyone who wants to really unwind – it’s very safe, so families can leave their fast-paced, stressful lives at home. Tourism is fairly low-key here and there are only 12,000 inhabitants; major hotels and tourist facilities were only developed in the 1980s. Although Anguilla has become one of the hotspots in the Eastern Caribbean, it remains unspoilt. It’s still pretty much a British colony, despite the English attempt to link it with some of the nearby islands in recent years. Even so, the culture is a blend of British and African influences.

Those who want to sample Caribbean nightlife won’t be disappointed as there are plenty going on and visitors are always welcome.

Anguilla is situated 200 miles east of Puerto Rico in the north-east corner of the Caribbean, just five miles from its nearest neighbour, St Martin. Being so tiny, you could pretty much walk round the whole place, should you wish.

Although the terrain is dry, birds love it – there are around 120 species found on the island, with the common black and yellow bananaquits and the green-crested hummingbird seen on the island year-round. The various salt ponds around Anguilla attract herons, egrets, yellowlegs and white-cheeked pintail ducks, so bring your binoculars if you’re a keen birdwatcher.

Music and party lovers should come during the Moonsplash annual music festival in March, Carnival in late July or the Tranquillity Jazz Festival in November.