Anguilla is entering winter 2022/23 with increased airlift, new attractions and accommodations. Travelers can relax, rejuvenate, explore and reconnect with friends, family and loved ones this winter.
American Airlines has expanded its service from Miami to Anguilla for the festive season between December 18 and January 8, 2023. The island will see 11 flights a week operating between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA).
Anguilla is also easily accessible with Tradewind Aviation, on private or scheduled flights to from the San Juan International Airport (SJU) into Anguilla (AXA). The service operates between December 17, 2022 and April 10, 2023. Tradewind’s private charter service is available year-round, departing from a preferred origin point such as San Juan, the U.S.V.I. or Antigua. Regular travelers to Anguilla can also enjoy savings and simplified pricing via the Goodspeed Card program.
For those arriving by sea, the new Blowing Point Ferry Terminal is nearing completion, and slated to open early in the New Year. The new terminal will offer enhanced facilities for inbound and outbound travel for those arriving via private or public ferry from neighboring St. Martin or St. Barth.
Accommodation options on the island include Quinn at Quintessence Hotel. The three new suites, located above Long Bay Beach, are housed in a separate building adjacent to the boutique hotel. Guests can enjoy access to all of the same amenities, besides a secluded beach and an infinity pool, full-service spa, French-Caribbean fine dining and a wine cellar.
Guests can also stay at the five-bedroom luxury villa, Alkera, overlooking the white sands of Shoal Bay East; Cé Blue Luxury Villas, a gated community of eight villas of five bedrooms with views overlooking Crocus Bay; the Santosha Villa Estate comprising the main house, three guest houses and one private apartment for a total of nine bedrooms; and Long Bay’s trio of seaside villas, Sand, Sea and Sky, which can be rented individually or combined.
New dining options this winter include Sandbar at Sandy Ground, under new ownership of island restaurateurs Carrie and Jerry Bogar who already own the Veya restaurant. Local restaurateur Dale Carty extended his original restaurant to encompass a new outside bar and dining area known as Tasty’s POV (Point of View), while the newly renovated Ocean Echo added a deck to offer even more opportunities to admire Meads Bay from the table. In addition, The Mill House, a café bar and bistro in the West End, opened this summer; Vincy on the Beach, helmed by chef Vincia “Vincy” Hughes, also opened on Sandy Ground beach in summer near the beach bar Johnno’s. Lastly, the newly opened Savi Beach offers a Japanese-inspired menu and is located near the Four Seasons/Barnes Bay end of Meads Bay.
Besides water sports, hiking and Moke tours, one of the best ways to experience Anguilla is with a local guide. Quest Experiences, established in 2020 by two young locals, offers a range of activities and experiences.
Guests can try their hand at salt-picking or take a tour of the 100-year-old Mango Garden, located in the village of Chalvilles. They can also challenge friends and family to 18 holes of mini golf at Anchor Miniature Golf, Island Harbour.
The island’s national trust has an ongoing program of conservation and heritage tours ranging from trips to Sombrero Island, turtle patrols and walking tours. Voluntourism opportunities are also available.
The program of festivals for 2023 includes the “Moonsplash Reggae Festival” at the Dune Preserve (March 10-12); Easter weekend’s “Festival Del Mar” in Island Harbour (April 8-9); the “Anguilla Culinary Experience,” that convenes chefs from Anguilla and around the world (May 3-6); and the “Anguilla Summer Festival,” which will close out the season in July/August.
For more information, visit www.ivisitanguilla.com.
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