Vacation Part 1: Anguilla

I cannot tell you how much I heart Anguilla. The people are friendly, the beaches are pristine, the weather is perfect, and the restaurants are amazing. The only thing that would make it better is if there was more shopping! I think it's the best island in the Carribean (although that's a pretty uninformed opinion since I've only been to one other island!) because it is so peaceful and quiet. There is tourism, but it does not disrupt the island or infringe on its charm. Anguilla doesn't have the huge resort complexes that other islands have. Instead, it has small (and large) villas that dot the numerous beaches. Cruise ships do not dock in Anguilla as it is not a destination with a lot "to do" ... but we still love it! Here are a few of my favorite moments of the trip:

Mead's Bay - right outside the condo

Cute straw hat chandelier in The Straw Hat, one of my favorite restaurants and where we at dinner on our first night.

I'm basically obsessed with this chandelier at Cap Juluca, one of the more famous resorts on the island. I love it's laid-back Middle Eastern meets Carribean theme. We had drinks at Maunday's there one night and then came back another night for more drinks and for dancing.

The beach at Long Bay. Anguilla has many beaches and we tried to see as many as possible. I let my boyfriend handle the map and the driving, most of which was down dirt roads. Practically every beach we went to was deserted and so peaceful and beautiful. This beach, on Long Bay, is right near Oliver's, another one of my fave Anguillian restaurants (it's all about food for me!). The owner, Oliver, is a wonderful woman who recognized us from last year and immediately came up to us and hugged us when we came in! She's from Massachusetts just like me, but she came on vacation to Anguilla and decided not to leave! Oh how I wish that were my life!!

Me, on the beach. Note the long sleeves - I got a horrible sunburn on the second day and tried to cover my shoulders as much as possible afterwards.

There are so many brightly colored houses in Anguilla.

My boyfriend and I after dinner at The Barrel Stay, another great restaurant. We had so much fun and it was so wonderful to spend an entire week with him! I was bummed to leave Anguilla after the five days, but also excited to go on to St. Maarten for the rest of our trip!! Stay tuned!

P.S. If you're thinking about taking a trip to the Carribean, I whole-heartedly recommend Anguilla. You won't find the whole all-inclusive thing, but there are so many wonderful restaurants, beautiful beaches, water sports, beach bars, etc. You won't be disappointed!