Culture & Lifestyle

Culture & Lifestyle

Among in-the-know travelers, Anguilla's relaxed culture and lifestyle are often considered the Caribbean's best-kept secrets.

Unlike many Caribbean islands, Anguilla's status as a sophisticated yet unspoiled destination can be traced to the island's restrictive policies on growth and tourism. When the Anguillian government officially began pursuing development, its goal was quality rather than quantity, and the unique character of Anguilla and its friendly people remained.

Void of discos, casinos, duty-free shops and cruise liners, Anguilla offers discerning globetrotters a true escape, free of worldly distractions.

The island is home to a festive variety of local events, a unique history and culture and an Anguillian lifestyle complemented by numerous benefits.

Local Events

Anguilla's attractions and annual events add to the charm and allure of home ownership on the island. Ready to feel like a true "belonger" (the local term for a native Anguillian)? Spend a few seasons sharing in the local holidays and visiting the island's best-loved landmarks.

Landmarks

• Wallblake House, the Island's oldest and only surviving plantation house
• Webster Park, host of first-class cricket matches, domino tournaments and sporting events, welcomes visitors

Holidays

Holiday celebrations and daily routines-including the Summer Festival emancipation celebration, and events in honor of the British Queen's Birthday-reveal the warm and authentic local culture that help make Anguilla the jewel of the British West Indies and a favorite Caribbean travel destination.

Upcoming Events

March
25-28	MoonSplash Annual Music Festival Full moon weekend festival showcasing Caribbean and international talent at the Dune Preserve, Rendezvous Bay Beach
April
2	Good Friday Annual public holiday
3-4	Festival Del Mar Easter weekend culinary competitions, deep sea fishing tournament, boat races and games
5	Easter Monday Boat Racing at Sandy Ground Day rallies, sports meets, family gatherings and picnics
May
7-9	Anguilla Sailing Association Annual Yacht Regatta Competitive and demonstration races over the three-day weekend benefiting the Anguilla Youth Sailing Club
24	Whit Monday Annual public holiday
31	Anguilla Day Commemorating the Anguillian revolution on May 30, 1967
June
15	Celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Parade at Ronald Webster Park
July
4	John T. Memorial Cycling Race Regional cycling event featuring cyclists from Anguilla and neighboring islands
18	National Bank of Anguilla Peter Perkins Memorial Boat Race A celebration of unity and friendly rivalry among the Anguillian villages
29	Anguilla Summer Festival 2010 Begins Colorful expressions of Anguillian culture through dance, song, parades, pageants and boat racing

August
1	Heineken Boat Race at Sandy Ground
2	August Monday Celebrations Jouvert Morning dawn-till-noon street dance festival from the Valley to Sandy Ground Boat Race
5	August Thursday Celebrations Boat Race Miss Anguilla Pageant at Landsome Bowl Cultural Center
6	Parade of Troupes Costume parade, dancing and musical performances around The Valley
November
11-14	Tranquility Jazz Festival A top Caribbean jazz event featuring international and local musical talent
29	Optimist Race Against AIDS Fundraiser Marathons and walking events on the eve of World AIDS Day
December
11-18	Festival de Noel Activities and celebrations, including an annual tree lighting ceremony in The Valley
12	Omega Car Show Annual car rally showcasing high performance and rim-decorated sport cars from Anguilla and neighboring islands
17	National Heroes & Heroines Day Annual celebration of Anguilla's separation from St. Kitts

 

History & Events

With its enviable seclusion still intact, Anguilla is arguably the most charming island in the British West Indies.

Located on the most northerly of the British West Indies' Queen's Leeward Isles, just five miles from St. Maarten and 20 miles from St. Barths, Anguilla is close enough for easy access, yet secluded enough to make it one of the world's most exclusive island destinations.

Just sixteen miles long and three miles across at its widest point, the island is a British Overseas Territory and boasts 33 white sandy beaches and transparent turquoise waters.

Its topography of copious reefs, white coral rock and stunning coastline entices visitors from around the world. The unspoiled reefs make Anguilla a mecca for snorkeling and diving; its history as a British territory and spice island foster the exploration of numerous underwater wreck sites.

In the early 1980s the local government exercised a considerable amount of foresight and set regulations limiting development to boutique hotels and resorts. Nearly 30 years later, Anguilla continues to flourish as an inconspicuous retreat.

The Art of the Getaway

Whether you want to brave the high seas, explore the island on a leisurely stroll, or laze around with a good book, Anguilla offers what you're after.

Boating

The national sport of Anguilla, boat racing is the island's number one pastime and an intrinsic part of the island's social and economic fabric.

Each local racing boat has a storied history and a faithful following at regattas throughout the year, including such national holiday as Carnival.

For Viceroy residents and guests, the resort offers a fleet of Hobie catamarans and Sunfish sailboats, and can charter yachts, speedboats and other craft upon request.

Golf

Anguilla is home to Temenos, a gorgeous 18-hole championship golf course designed by the Shark himself, Greg Norman. Tee times are available for Viceroy guests and residents.

Scuba Diving

Unspoiled reefs make Anguilla a veritable mecca for snorkeling and diving. And the island's history as a British territory and spice trading post foster the exploration of numerous underwater wreck sites.

From wreck dives to coral formations, novice and experienced diver alike can explore such off-coast sites as Prickly Pear, the wreck of M.V. "Sarah," Sandy Island and Dog Island.

Snorkeling

Anguilla is a bastion of snorkeling fun, perfect for those who don't want to strap on the scuba gear.

Where can't you snorkel on Anguilla? Every day brings a new favorite spot to discover the island's brilliant sea life-including the quiet waters of Meads Bay, Prickly Pear and Barnes Bay beside Viceroy.

And right on the resort grounds, the Viceroy Anguilla Sea Centre offers owners and guests complete water sports equipment and instruction.

Biking, Riding and Birding

Anguilla's mostly flat topography and quiet roads are ideal for bicycling; the Viceroy Anguilla fitness center can equip guests with bikes, route maps, and cycling accessories, as well as guides. The island is also home to several stables offering horseback riding along beaches and trails. Or select a quiet diversion like bird watching by the salt ponds or watching a local cricket match.