CaribbeanTravel.com Directory - (Page 1) ANGUILLA a small wonder WITH BIG CHOICES O n Anguilla, star watching could mean an evening stroll along a deserted beach — or it could mean dining at one of the island’s gourmet eateries, eyes peeled for the likes of John Malkovich, Mariah Carey and Robin Williams. The tiny island of Anguilla, roughly 16 miles by three miles, is big on laid-back luxury and privacy, with intimate worldclass resorts, full-service villas, gourmet restaurants and opulent spas. The island has more moderately priced dining and accommodations options as well. Local regulations have kept casinos, fast-food chains and mega-resorts at bay, but there is now golf, horseback riding and a dolphin experience. Despite the island’s growing tourism profile, development remains limited and low-key. This helps Anguilla maintain the welcoming friendliness and pristine beaches that put it on the tourism map in the first place. BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND DIVING DELIGHTS Anguilla’s famed natural beauty lies in its 30-plus stunningly white-sand beaches with their fringe of sea grape trees and brilliant turquoise waters. Long white-sand strands beckon along Rendezvous Bay and Mead’s Bay as well as on many nearby uninhabited islets. The snorkeling is excellent, especially just off rock-framed cove beaches such as Limestone Bay, worth the long drive down a dirt road; Little Bay, accessible only by boat; and two-mile-long Shoal Bay East. Seven marine parks protect the island’s undersea treasures, which include the wreck of an 18th-century Spanish galleon complete with cannons. Anguilla also has a healthy double reef system with a wide variety of corals and several intentionally sunk ships to explore. Local operators offer shore, wreck, mini-wall, night and heritage dives. Snorkelers also enjoy offshore sites such as Prickly Pear and Dog Island. Anguilla’s highest point, Crocus Hill, rises only 213 feet above sea level. This flat terrain makes for great bicycling. The salt flats are ideal ANGUILLA GEOGRAPHY: Anguilla, the most northerly of the Leeward Islands, is flat and consists of coral limestone formation about 16 miles long by 3 miles at its widest point. Crocus Hill, its highest point, is 213 feet above sea level. The island is 35 square miles. LANGUAGE: English. POPULATION: 13,638 (estimate for 2005). CLIMATE: Average Winter/Summer temperature: 80ºF. Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30. TIME: EST +1. GMT -4. 1
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