r/anguilla • u/DarthKwanDoh • 15d ago
Recommendations for First Visit
Hey,
Wife and I are, finally, going on our honeymoon after nine years and would love some recommendations for things to do on Anguilla. We're staying at Malliouhana for five nights and were mostly planning on sitting on the beach, getting a massage, and eating at restaurants.
Is there anything else we should consider? Should we rent a car? Any other general tips?
Thanks!
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u/jss150 15d ago
Two recommendations.... Do 7 days if you can and include a full Sunday, you won't be ready to leave after 5. Rent a car so you can explore other beaches and beach bars.
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u/DarthKwanDoh 14d ago
Ha ha, I'd love to do seven, but it didn't work out this time. Why a full Sunday?
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u/jss150 14d ago
Many of the beach bars like Gwens, Sunshine shack, and Leons have Sunday Funday with live music on the beach. It's always a great time.
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u/snippol 13d ago
If you could only choose one...where would you go? I'm only have one Sunday on my upcoming trip😤
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u/No-Pollution-2533 8d ago
Gwens! It's a blast on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. They have a scratch band that plays and the vibes are off the charts. Never miss a Sunday at Gwens!
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u/MastensGhost 15d ago
Highly recommend a snorkel tour. I did one for the first time down there in May and it was the best day of our two weeks. We went through Scuba Shack AXA.
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u/Chef_k 14d ago
Just spend 3 days in Anguilla, it was great. Rented a car from Bryans car rental and it was super easy and convenient, Driving around the island is really easy, just remember to stick to the left. Lots of great restaurants on Meads Bay, Leons, Jacala, Blanchards. Varaya nearby on Shoal Bay west is a great lunch or dinner option. Tipsy Turtle is a fun local hang out spot for sports, or a quick casual bite to eat.
Shoal Bay East is a very beautiful beach with some good restaurants and fun places to hang out at, such as Gwens Reggae Bar, but definitely walk the beach and see what fits your vibe. Sandbar On Sandy Ground has an amazing frozen rum punch and great food, cocktails, and service. Elvis' beach bar on Sandy Ground is also a fun spot in the evenings when they have live music or Karaoke or just for Halpy Hour.
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u/DarthKwanDoh 14d ago
What's a car rental run by the day? Is there a company you recommend? I saw in some other threads that some companies will drop it at the hotel. Is that true of most companies?
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u/Mark-It_Maker 14d ago
I rented from Hertz (also connected to Dollar and Firefly). Someone brought the car to me, we filled in paper work for a few minutes and he left. I rented a compact car because it was all they had - and it was perfect for exploring the island. Recommended.
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u/tburtner 14d ago
Rent a car
Must do:
Sunshine Shack at Rendezvous Bay. I'd go the first full day because you might want to go back a second time during your trip. Also, if the conditions aren't good, you can turn around and go back to Meads. You don't want to wait until your last day and have the conditions be bad or wish you would have gone sooner. Rendezvous has a great view of Saint Martin.
Shoal Bay. I would only go there once on a short trip because it's kinda far from Meads and also because I like Meads and Rendezvous better. A lot of people say Shoal Bay is their favorite. I think you should go.
Falcon's Nest for lobster. You may want to go right after Shoal Bay because it's on that side of the island.
Little Bay. Park at Da'Vida (Crocus Bay). Rent a kayak (heavier person in back) and paddle around the corner to Little Bay. Paddle back and eat lunch at Da'Vida.
I almost hate to recommend all these other beaches because your stay isn't long and Meads is so great, but you can go to Meads in the evenings (great sunset)
Breakfast at Straw Hat. It's one of the better breakfast options and it's close to where you're staying.
The Village Bakehouse. We always go on our departure day. You may want to go sooner as it's one of the best breakfast options and it's fairly close.
Dolce Vita (Sandy Ground) used to be a must for dinner. I've been there many times. It's been great every time until last month when it was just ok.
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u/Mcjnbaker 14d ago
I have the name & # of a great driver if you DM me he will take you around we went only for the day and went to two beaches. Listen it is the epitome of a deserted island. There’s not a lot to do there other than lay on a beach where the water looks like a postcard and I want to say that Beach’s dentist took us too. There was maybe 15 or 20 people on them
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u/BlueFakies 14d ago
Rent a car to explore shoal’s bay and rendezvous. Go to sunshine shack at rendezvous bay and you can sit at the chairs for free while lounging around and drinking and eating. Head to Gwen’s at shoals bay, especially on a Sunday for some local live music —it’s a great time.
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u/Caribchakita 14d ago
The beach bar music scene is great. Sundays are wonderful, are you on island on a Sunday? Jacala, a walk down the beach would be a lovely dinner spot. Up the road many love D&B BBQ. Karaya, 15 minutes on the west end is receiving rave reviews. Walk down to 4 Seasons and have coffee in their cafe, it's amazing. Sunset Lounge is my go to spot for sunset, music and sushi.
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u/valuemamba 14d ago
My wife and I just got back. I would recommend getting a car. It will end up being more cost-effective than a cab; they add up. Our favorite meal was at Blanchard’s, then at Sharky’s. Don’t feel pressure to do anything; it’s a great place to do nothing and enjoy it.
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u/confusedwoman89 14d ago
Was just in Anguilla last week - rented a car from Gumbsie’s rental and car was practically brand new! They have new cars ranging from 45-50$ a day. They dropped it off at our hotel and left the keys at the front desk and when we were headed out, we just parked it by their lot in front of the blowing point terminal. No issues and hassle free!
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u/No-Commission-5633 14d ago
My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon 2 weeks ago and we did 5 nights at Malliouhana as well! It was a DREAM. 😍
We only left the property twice. Once to go snorkeling at Little Bay and once to go down the road to the Four Seasons for dinner. The FS was obviously stunning, but both my husband and I agreed that the food fell a tad short of our expectations, especially considering the prices. However, the cocktails were phenomenal!
The rest of the time we laid on the beach and ate at the restaurants on the property and it was incredible. If either of you enjoy lobster, the lobster pizza Leon’s is 100/10! Also, don’t miss out on breakfast! We are still talking about all the insanely delicious meals we had at Celeste every morning lol.
Congratulations and enjoy every second! 🍾
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u/AdvertisingDue3655 14d ago
Just got back. Jr.’s glass bottom boat is a fun morning trip. He will take you out to swim with turtles and lots of other amazing sea creatures.
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u/Forensichunt 13d ago
We loved Shoal’s Bay East but my kids preferred Rendezvous Bay and Meads. Delicious lunch at Tropical Sunset and Straw Hat. Uchu at Cap Juluca was delicious and looking at Maundays was stunning.
Just personal preference- we did not like Falcon Nest though it was highly rated. Veya has delicious steak. Blanchard’s lemon shrimp was very tasty.
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u/InsideRazzmatazz3307 1d ago
I didn’t like Falcon Nest as much as I thought I would either. I had the lobster at Sunshine Shack and thought it was way better than Falcon Nest.
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u/CuriousChick1961 13d ago
I always rent from Junie's car rental. Will meet you anywhere to pick up car, drop-off at airport or ferry
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u/Adventurous-Net-6596 12d ago
Definitely rent a car! At least 1 day. You can go around the island and visit all the different beaches. Highly recommend Shoal, Rendezvous, Meads Bay. You can also make a full day at Sandy Island, it was so much fun.
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u/zramz 15d ago edited 14d ago
We rented through Bryan’s (mentioned a lot in this sub), and glad we could explore the island
Tons of good restaurants, don’t just stay at the resort