Anguilla is a wonderful coral island in the Caribbean Sea with 33 dazzling white sand beaches and postcard quality aqua water. Two of the prettiest are Shoal Bay and Rendezvous Bay. This peaceful island, shaped like an eel (hence it's name), is virtually flat with lots of pretty hidden coves. Quiet as the island is, there are fabulous hotels, fun beach bars and a wide range of good restaurants ranging from down-home seaside shacks serving just caught fish to grander establishments with impressive wine lists. Two other fun lunch spots, which are are accessible only by boat, are on the tiny islets of Scilly Cay and Sandy Island. For shopping, Saint Martin is a short ferry ride away and St. Barth is close enough by boat or plane for a day trip.

Island activities include good snorkeling and diving (there are a lot of natural and artificial shipwrecks), chartered sailing, fishing trips, windsurfing, riding and swimming with dolphins. Golfers will enjoy the Greg Norman designed course at the Tenemos Golf Club. Visit the island's only surviving plantation house, Wallblake House, which was built in 1787 and has recently been thoroughly restored. The place is associated with many stories involving murder, high living and the French invasion in 1796. On the grounds are an ancient vaulted stone cistern and an outbuilding called the Bakery (which wasn't used for making bread but for baking turkeys and hams).  Don't miss the Full-Moon Lunasea Party at Elvis' Beach Bar.

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC) though US dollars are widely accepted. Fly to Anguilla's Wallblake Airport from San Juan, Puerto Rico, as well as by connection from the nearby larger island of St. Marten via plane or ferry. One can also fly to Anguilla directly on a private jet as the runaway has been extended.