After we left the BVI we had a 15 hour overnight voyage against the wind and currents to Anguilla. I had actually believed that once we got down here from Virginia all the hard sailing was over! At least our friends on Te Mana were out there with us and we were able to break up some of the monotony by chatting with them over VHF on the way. So, after getting beat up all night we arrived in Anguilla (pronounced Ang- gwilla) at 8am relieved and excited to be somewhere new!
Te Mana at anchor in Road Bay, Anguilla.
Our first view of Anguilla. It is pretty flat with lots of beaches.
We relaxed our first day there and got in some sleep after being up most of the night, but the next day we wanted to explore! We rented a car with Te Mana (Kirk, Heather and Russell) and set out on our journey. Our first stop was unfortunately the clinic where Kirk was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot! Luckily the health care was first rate on Anguilla and he got a foot brace, some crutches and medications and we were sent on our way!
The island is small enough that we probably drove on every single road as we traveled around. Our first stop was lunch at Shoal Bay which was billed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It was quite nice and we enjoyed our lunch and a swim in the sea. Ryan drove us around and they drive on the wrong side of the road there! Luckily there was only one near miss!
Ryan at the wheel.
Russell and Heather. Russell enjoying his coconut while we’re waiting for our lunch.
Kirk and Russell
The water here is gorgeous!
Russell is part fish and part monkey!
View of the gorgeous beach.
We agreed that this beach is prettier than the one in Anegada BVI which was previously our favorite.
Does anyone else think Ryan needs a haircut?
Kirk broke his foot but was able to make it around on crutches!
We next went and visited one of the fancy resorts on the island, the CuisinArt, which was quite nice (but as we realized later in the week a total dump compared to the Viceroy). 🙂
Right down the beach from the CuisinArt is Dune’s Preserve the home of the famous Anguillan musician Bankie Banx who according to one article we read about him is as famous for spreading his seed as his music! We were lucky that Bankie was in attendance and got our picture with him!
At the CuisinArt
View of the long pool.
Looking toward St Martin
Villas at the CuisinArt.
Dune Preserve which has a tree house vibe.
The famous Bankie Banx. He was not performing while we were there but serving up drinks (and having a few himself). 😉
Outside of the Dune Preserve.
We finished off our day exploring with an attempt to catch the sunset (fail) and a mexican dinner (win). What a nice day on a pretty sweet island.
Couldn’t quite get the sunset.
Russell showing off his acrobatics….if he wanted he could have a career in the circus!
The next day Te Mana left to head to St Martin, but not before we got this awesome photo of their boat beneath a rainbow!
Now just Ryan and I we needed to rent a car again to take Stanley to the vet to get his health certificate. All countries require a health certificate to let the dog in although I don’t understand why anyone would be traveling with a sick rabid dog…
Anyway, taking advantage of the car we drove around the island some more to see some of the places we missed the first time. We had an awesome lunch in Meads Bay. I had super fresh fish that was amazing and Ryan had a cuban sandwich that he sucked down in record time. 🙂 After that we visited the Viceroy resort which was pretty posh, but it better be for $800 a night!!! We ended up finishing our day listening to music at the Pumphouse, a local restaurant that had a fun mix of locals and tourists. Everyone we met as we went around the island were extremely friendly and nice. It really is the island of happy people.
Straw Hat restaurant in Meads Bay.
Beach at Meads Bay
Ryan slightly exasperated at having yet another picture taken.
First views of the Viceroy.
Viceroy villas.
Viceroy bar.
Lastly, here are some photos of our boat at anchor in Road Bay Anguilla. And some of the sights in Road Bay. This is a place that we would love to go back to.
