This Island Was Named the No. 1 Holiday Destination in the Caribbean—With 33 White-sand Beaches, Turquoise Water, and Incredible Dining
Anguilla topped Virtuoso’s Caribbean holiday travel ranking and placed third globally, thanks to its white-sand beaches, upscale accommodations, and laid-back island atmosphere.
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White-sand beaches, waterfront restaurants, and warm Caribbean weather have long made Anguilla a popular choice for travelers seeking an escape from cold temperatures. However, new holiday data from luxury travel network Virtuoso reveals it's the most popular Caribbean destination, specifically for the most wonderful time of the year.
The findings, shared with Travel + Leisure by Anguilla's Tourism Board , show that in addition to ranking No. 1 in the Caribbean for its holiday travel period of Dec. 15 through Jan. 7, the island ranked third globally on Virtuoso's Top 10 List for the festive season behind the U.S. and Mexico. Notably, Anguilla placed above Turks and Caicos, St. Barts, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands.
The island's West End, known for its luxury resorts and private villas, also placed eighth separately among individual destinations worldwide.
With 33 beaches, including Shoal Bay East, with its long stretch of white sand and turquoise water, Anguilla offers many ways to enjoy its oceanfront vibes. At Meads Bay, beachside restaurants serve fresh seafood steps from the sand, while Rendezvous Bay offers views across the water to neighboring St. Martin. Maundays Bay, on the West End, is another favorite for its calm, clear water. Visitors can also take a boat to Sandy Island, a tiny offshore cay with a beach bar, or spend an afternoon snorkeling in the clear waters around Little Bay, a secluded cove accessible by boat.
The island is also known for its food and music. At Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay, visitors can order grilled lobster and spend the afternoon on the beach, while the restaurant Blanchards serves Caribbean-inspired dishes such as hand-sliced plantain chips and jerk chicken. Nat's Palm Grove on Savannah Bay is also a laid-back beach shack known for johnnycakes (fried bread) and grilled crayfish.
Travelers can find live music at Dune Preserve, the beachfront bar owned by Anguillian reggae musician Bankie Banx.
In 2025, Anguilla topped World Population Review's list of the safest Caribbean destinations, with the website citing low levels of violent and petty crime.
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