Anguilla

The Caribbean is abuzz with tourists, ports packed with cruise ships, beaches coated with glistening baking bodies and wharfs beset with souvenir stalls and busy bars. There is one place in this bright holiday Mecca though, where tranquillity reigns supreme and unspoilt beaches spill down from discreet exclusive resorts to the crystal clear sea. This is the island of Anguilla, situated in the British West Indies about 150 miles (241km) east of Puerto Rico, and nine miles (14km) north of St Martin.

Anguilla, a British overseas territory, is a tiny, flat sliver of an island with scrubby vegetation, 16 miles (25km) long and three miles (5km) across at its widest point. The main island is surrounded by a collection of low islets and coral cays, all administered from The Valley, the capital of Anguilla.

This small landmass boasts 33 amazing beaches that many rate as the best in the world and most certainly in the Caribbean. Each is special in its own way, from Shoal Bay East with its mile of soft sand and wild Windward Bay to serene Little Harbor or secluded Captain's Bay, reached only by a narrow gravel track. The beaches, together with a set of stylish villas, resort hotels and delicious cuisine served up in a disproportionately large number of top class restaurants, have made Anguilla a favourite hideaway for celebrities, particularly movie stars, as witnessed by the private jets often parked on the airport runway.

Far from the madding crowd, Anguilla is the perfect retreat for an indulgent, exclusive getaway for the discerning traveller, dedicated to the simple pleasures of basking in the sun, taking sunset strolls, sailing and snorkelling. It is also a popular venue for weddings and honeymoons, and is fast becoming recognised as a useful tax-free haven.

Climate

The island experiences average temperatures of around 80°F (27°C), with the Trade Winds providing a constant warm breeze. With no high mountains to block the sun's rays and in the absence of the type of vegetation that attracts rain clouds, Anguilla is a sun-worshipper's paradise. The average rainfall per year measures 35 inches (889mm), much of it arriving in short cloud bursts. Hurricane season extends from June to November.

Money

The East Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the official currency of Anguilla, although US dollars are widely accepted, with prices on menus etc. generally quoted in American dollars. The East Caribbean dollar is fixed to the US dollar at US$1 = EC$2.68. There are several ATMs throughout the island and one at the airport. Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted at most establishments.

Passport Visa

All visitors require a return or onward ticket, all documents needed for next destination and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate, is required.
• UK nationals (regardless of endorsement on passport) do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A passport is required.
• Canadian nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, is required.
• Australian nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A passport is required.
• South African nationals do require a valid passport with visa for Anguilla, unless holding a valid visa for the United Kingdom.
• Irish nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A passport is required.
• New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A passport is required.

Health

Travellers over a year old arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for all travellers as well as polio and tetanus vaccinations. It is advisable to get a hepatitis B vaccination if travellers will have intimate contact with the locals, especially if staying for over 6 months. Mains water on Anguilla is chlorinated, but bottled water is available and recommended for visitors. All food on the island is safe to eat. There are three private medical clinics and a small hospital, which can deal with minor emergencies, but serious cases are transferred to neighbouring islands or the USA mainland. Adequate medical insurance is therefore strongly advised.

Embassy Consulates

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Anguilla): +1 246 227 4000.
• Government House, The Valley, Anguilla: +264 497 2621.
• Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Anguilla): +1 246 429 3550.
• Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Anguilla): +1 868 628 0695.