12 Best Hotels in Anguilla

Architect Myron Goldfinger's geometric symphony of floor-to-ceiling windows, cantilevered walls, and curvaceous floating staircases set on a white-sand private beach is fit for any celebrity (or CEO)—as is the price tag. Each of the two beautiful multi-bedroom villas, Antilles Pearl and Blue Diamond, must be rented in its entirety, and can be rented together for larger groups. The one-bedroom Petit Topaz is a more affordable alternative at this ultra exclusive resort, and can also be rented together with one of the larger villas. Altamer has been gorgeously redecorated and renovated by designer Linda Warren and outfitted with modern tech, like stereo systems in each room, screening rooms, and fully equipped playrooms. A private butler and full staff, including a chef, anticipate your every whim. Daily continental breakfast, laundry service, twice-daily housekeeping, and access to kayaks, a fitness facility and basketball and tennis courts make this is an ideal location for corporate or family retreats, while the large heated pool, hot tub, and direct beach access add to the serenity of it all. This resort's commitment to the the sustainability of the island is refreshing.

These traditional West Indian–style bungalows are strung along one of Anguilla's longest beaches. They're old-school Caribbean, and the low prices and interconnected rooms appeal to families and groups of friends traveling together. The rather basic rooms are simply decorated with mahogany and wicker furnishings, white linens, and ceiling fans. The restaurant serves a mix of West Indian, Italian, and Continental cuisines, and all-inclusive plans are available, as are some last-minute deals.

Strung along 179 acres of breathtaking Maundays Bay, these romantic, domed villas are a long-time Anguilla favorite, thanks to a caring staff, great sports facilities, and plenty of privacy and comfort. Public spaces and all units are decorated in a blue-and-white South Sea style: batiks, rattan, and woven woods. There's air-conditioning, Frette linens, big flat-screen TVs, and resort-wide Wi-Fi. Flexible, luxurious, multi-bedroom private villas with private beachfront infinity pools can accommodate groups or families. The romantic atmosphere makes this resort popular for honeymoons and destination weddings. Complimentary bicycles make it easier to travel from one end of this expansive resort to the next, and on-site restaurants like Pimms serving Anguillian cuisine, Cips for casual Italian, the new Peruvian restaurant Uchu, and the delightful beach bar Cap Shack take your experience here to next level. Facilities include a gallery with paintings and sculptures from local artists, a fitness center and an extensive water-sports pavilion. Spa services can be provided in the privacy of your accommodations, or at the exquisite Arawak Spa, and daily activities such as beach fitness and nature walks tempt you to leave your beach chaise. Complimentary afternoon tea is served under the dome. Second-floor rooms have the best views. Check the website for packages and promotions that may include free nights.

This horseshoe of bougainvillea-draped Mediterranean-style buildings on beautiful Meads Bay has the look of a Sun Belt condo. Although only two buildings—No. 1 and No. 6—stand at the water's edge, all have balconies or patios with ocean views. Bright, white, one- and two-bedroom apartments are individually owned and reflect their owners' tastes, but are well appointed, fully equipped, and carefully maintained, with king-size beds, and the gardens are lovely. The kitchens have all been renovated as well. The cordial staff, supreme beachfront location, and fine restaurants within walking distance make this a good choice if you really don't want to rent a car.

On a promontory over 3,200 feet of pearly sand on Barnes Bay, this showpiece wows sophisticates. For an over-the-top experience, book one of the spacious two- to five-bedroom villas, complete with private infinity pools and hot tubs, indoor-outdoor showers, electronics galore, and gourmet professional kitchens stuffed with high-end equipment, not to mention house managers who keep things running smoothly. But even standard rooms (studios and one-bedroom suites) are grand and brimming with luxuries. Their five restaurants range from beach barbecue to banquet, and snacks and cocktails in the Sunset Bar are a must. You'll find a full spa, gym, yoga center, a camplike kids' program, and tons of activities. The warm but professional management keeps everything as cool and suave as the guests. If you want a funky, toes-in-the-sand, umbrella-drink escape, look elsewhere; this place is posh. Try a package that includes breakfast.

Located on the beautiful Champagne sands of Meads Bay, this Mediterranean-style property has a welcoming and laid-back feel, and the friendly service immediately sets you at ease. There are kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and two Hobie Cats, as well as a tennis court, a small spa, and two swimming pools. The resort offers beach-hopping on their own motorized boat, the FrangiCat. Accommodations are all different, but some are small, ranging from tropically decorated rooms to three-bedroom suites, and a four-bedroom villa with its own private pool. Larger units have full kitchens and laundry facilities and are well suited for families and for longer stays. The units have modern pastel colors, nice upholstery, updated kitchens, and marble baths. Special packages and rates that include meals and excursions are often available. The on-site boutique, Petals, is stocked with great beachwear, and the on-site restaurant, Straw Hat, an island favorite, is a draw on its own. Try to get a room in the newer building, above the restaurant, for the best views of the perfect beach below.

This classic luxury hotel perched cliffside over beautiful Meads Bay beach is a fancifully modern yet relaxed beach paradise. The jungle/undersea decor of soft blues and yellow, enlivened by cheerful Haitian folk art, feels like a bohemian fantasy, but it fits the perfect beach location, and every minute is enriched by the friendly, helpful staff, the first-rate food, and the able, responsive management. There's an out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new ethos here, and healthy, farm-to-table cuisine shows the management's California roots. Twin heated infinity pools have luxe lounges, and the cocktail bar serves up tasty rum concoctions most of the day. Huge bedrooms and new bathrooms are pretty and relaxing. There is morning yoga on the pool deck, a fitness center and a spa, as well as tennis and paddleboarding for the happily active clientele. Complimentary bicycles provided to guests make exploring the massive grounds easier, but if pedaling does not fit your idea of a vacation, the bellman is always ready to take you anywhere on the grounds with one of the hotel's golf carts. Ask for one of their experience packages that range from spa and wellness to more active adventures.

These gorgeous one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas right on Meads Bay have a cult following, so it can be hard to book them, but if you score a stay here, you'll understand why. Easy access to some of the island's best dining is a plus, and so are the modern and well-equipped kitchens and baths and the great indoor and outdoor spaces, complete with private pools. The website can have special rates, especially in the summer months when packages are offered. Villa 1 is right on the beach, while Villas 3 and 4 are in the back but still just a stroll away from the beach through the tropical landscape.

Despite the name, these aren't cottages but large, fully equipped, and relatively affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments (and studios) in a small complex set in a lush garden at the far end of glorious Shoal Bay Beach East. There are two restaurants: one on a breezy verandah and the other on the beach. Guests gather on seemingly mislocated Adirondack-style chairs for sundowner cocktails. But there hasn't traditionally been much attention from staff, so stay here only if you are self-sufficient. There are laundry facilities. Units vary in view and accessibility, so discuss your preferences when reserving.

In this old-style property on Shoal Bay's incredible 2-mile (3-km) beach, studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments all have balconies over the water. A few of the units are relatively new, all are kept up, and second-floor units have amazing views, but the ones on the first floor are right on the beach. If you don't care about being in the fanciest of hotels, then the barefoot, casual ambience and gentle prices (including some specials for longer stays) might be for you. It's great for families with small kids and heaven for sunset lovers. There's a mini-spa on property, a decent-size swimming pool, and the fitness center is small but can do the trick for a treadmill or bike workout. There's a great scuba center next door and good snorkeling in the reef just offshore. Check the website for special promotions.

This complex of studios and one- to three-bedroom oceanfront condos is right on Meads Bay Beach, with some of the island's best restaurants a sandy stroll away. Although the building is clunky-looking from the outside, units are spacious and have a variety of bedroom configurations, and all have wonderful views, full kitchens, and washers and dryers. Units are individually owned, so decor varies. Especially during slower seasons, it's a terrific value. There's a nice pool, and the grounds are well kept. Try for a beachfront unit on the second or third floor of the newer building.

With two pools, two restaurants, a Rhum Room for cocktails and cigars, a tennis court, and a kids' program, there's something for everyone at this luxury resort on a gorgeous, 400-foot stretch of Shoal Bay East's white-sand beach. The serene spa, set in a Thai house, features a yoga terrace, and the Caribbean's largest hammam. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, decorated in a modern, sophisticated tropical style. Some have kitchenettes, and all have great sunset views. The Caribbean buffet at their casual beach-front restaurant on Wednesday is an absolute must, and the fine dining restaurant, Stone, has an impressive wine collection.