Anguilla is a laid-back Caribbean Island and attracts families looking for a more relaxed, authentic island feel. Most people fly from the U.S. to St. Maarten and then take a short, 20-minute ferry ride over to Anguilla. The island is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise Caribbean water—perfect for snorkeling and other water sports.

Anguilla is unique in that it’s known for its independent hotels, resorts and villas—the big chains and all-inclusives found on so many other Caribbean Islands are noticeably absent here.


Plus, there are over 100 restaurants on the island, so many people stay at their resort, but dine at local area eateries, to get a true taste of Anguillan cuisine and atmosphere. Beach dining in Anguilla means freshly-caught fish, made-to-order tropical drinks (kids can enjoy the virgin varieties) and chart-topping views. The hard part is getting the family to leave.

Where to Stay: CeBlue Villas and Beach Resort:

Located on a hill overlooking Crocus Bay, CeBlue is a short 5-minute walk from the beach and offers amazing views of the famous Caribbean Sea. What makes CeBlue great for families? The resort consists of eight stand-alone villas each with five separate rooms; three rooms are located on the top level and two bedrooms are on the lower level. The rooms are not connecting, so there’s a good deal of privacy in each one. Each villa has a private pool, private kitchen and a large deck area complete with chaise lounges, umbrellas and tables.

The newly-created resort is modern in feel and blends in well to the natural surroundings.

The little touches—double vanity sinks, stone bathroom floors, views of the beach from every window—are well executed.

Each room has its own ensuite bathroom. Some come with oversize bathtubs that overlook the water and Crocus Bay, while others have rainforest showers with full views of the beach. There’s also a flat-screen TV, dresser and complimentary Wi-Fi in each room.

Each villa has an outdoor shower, media room and—a great amenity for families—a washer and dryer (which makes packing easy).

The views from the CeBlue are amazing and the relaxed-island will make families feel at home.

Local Dining in Anguilla:

da’Vida: Located right on the beach and attracting both locals and travelers, da’Vida is a short walk from CeBlue and has signing privileges with the resort. The cuisine is varied with tapas, fresh-from-the-grill favorites and a kids menu. Highlights include the grilled mahimahi, grouper, tuna and snapper. If you love seafood, get the Bayside Seafood Sampler which comes with crayfish, tuna, shrimp and scallops.  Non-fish lovers will enjoy the BBQ chicken and ribs. There are also pastas, pizzas, sandwiches and a variety or island drinks.

Straw Hat: This upscale family-friendly restaurant is located on the beach in Meads Bay. This is the place to go for a nice dinner—they take local favorites and add their own twist. Some tasty dish options include big-eye tuna flatbread, red snapper crudo, jerk-braised pork belly, and grilled local crayfish.

Family Activities in Anguilla:

Glass Bottom Boat Ride: Traveling across Shoal Bay,Junior’s Glass BottomBoat tour (run by Junior Flemming)is a great way for kids (and adults) to see a variety of underwater life including: trigger fish, parrot fish, sting rays, greenback turtles, eels and plenty of colorful coral. Children under seven are free.

Dolphin Experience:One of the most popular activities to do with the kids in Anguilla is the Dolphin Discovery. Adults and kids will get into the water with these amazing mammals and learn about their habits and environment. Then each person is able to interact one-on-one with these amazing and friendly dolphins for a memorable aquatic encounter.

Horseback riding: Another unique experience in Anguilla is riding horseback along the beautiful Cove Bay beach. The horses at Seaside Stables are beautiful and well-behaved; the relaxing ride is a great way to enjoy the beach in a completely different way. You get a different perspective (from high off the ground) as the horses walk along the white, soft sand—and you might even go for a dip in the turquoise waters. For a special treat, try the sunrise and sunset rides. 

Sandy Island: A day trip to Sandy Island is a great way to spend some quality time with the kids. The island is a short boat ride from mainland Anguilla. Once there, lunch consists of fresh lobster, crayfish, snapper, grouper, chicken, ribs and sides like rice and peas. A full-bar includes many island specialties (both with and without alcohol) keeping everyone happy. The island is a great place to snorkel, swim, lounge on the beach chairs, play beach volleyball and just relax. A perfect way to end your vacation in Anguilla.