Luxury holidays in Anguilla

Made up of 33 seemingly untouched beaches, this British West Indies isle was practically made for disconnecting from your otherwise plugged-in world. Nature is the star attraction here, and the best way to experience this tropical paradise is with a horseback ride along the beach, on the links at a Greg Norman signature-design golf course or exploring the island by bike. And, of course, from a sailboat (sailing is Anguilla's national sport) or kayak in the surrounding turquoise sea.

When to go

Like most of its Caribbean brethren, Anguilla has a tropical climate whose temperatures vary little throughout the year, hovering between 27 and 30ºC. Hurricane season is between September and November, when the island also gets the most rain. From December into April, the weather is at its driest and most temperate, though May to August is only marginally more humid.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Clayton J Lloyd International Airport (AXA; formerly known as Anguilla Wallblake Airport) is the closest airport to the resort on the island. Several airlines, including British Airways (www.britishairways.com) offer connecting flights to AXA through Antigua from London Gatwick. Another option is to fly into neighbouring St Martin’s International Airport (SXM), where flights are available on British Airways from both London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, connecting through various points (Miami, New York, Barbados, Antigua). You’ll then transfer by boat or air shuttle to Anguilla.

  • Boats

    If you fly into St Martin, you have a few options for the 8km – a 30 to 40-minute boat ride – to Blowing Point Ferry Port in Anguilla. Hop aboard either the ferry from St Martin for £9 per adult (£5 per child), or the smaller shared sea shuttle service for £52 per person. A private ferry shuttle will run you approximately £247 for up to four passengers and £25 per additional passenger (children under two are free, and 2 to 12 are half fare). Once in Anguilla, have your passports and forms ready to make your way through customs.

  • Automobiles

    Clayton J Lloyd International Airport is a little over three kilometres outside the valley. If you want to explore the small island independently, a car is useful, as taxis are rather expensive. Major car hire firms have contracted with local companies.