The name Anguilla was given to the island by the Spanish and means ‘eel’, in reference to the island’s eel-like shape. It is the most northerly of the British Leeward Islands, and it lies about 5 miles from the French part of St. Martin, the island itself being only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide. However, what Anguilla lacks in size, it more than makes up for in that much-sought Caribbean asset: pristine, powdery beaches. On a coast 45 miles long, there are about 30 of them, all bathed in lustrous aquamarine waters.
Anguilla offers the perfect cocktail to ‘chill-out’ and relax with its stunning beaches, blue skies and friendly people. ‘Foodies’ are well catered for with nearly 70 restaurants on the island, ranging from stylish temples of haute cuisine to classic, barefoot beachfront grills. And, if you should get bored with lazing on the beach there are numerous activities to tempt you. Many resorts and hotels are situated on the beach and offer boating, snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving equipment for adventurous types. There are also as many as 15 art galleries on the island displaying local art and trips to Anguilla’s offshore deserted islands.