Home #WHERETONEXT Caribbean Anguilla is having a moment — no longer flying under the radar

Anguilla is having a moment — no longer flying under the radar

Once quietly overshadowed by flashier Caribbean neighbors, Anguilla has stepped confidently into the spotlight, earning top rankings from travel editors, luxury tastemakers, and seasoned island-hoppers alike. With its powder-soft white-sand beaches, impossibly clear turquoise waters, and low-key sophistication, Anguilla is now widely recognized as one of the best islands in the Caribbean — and arguably its most refined.

What sets Anguilla apart is its effortless luxury. There are no mega cruise ports or high-rise resorts here. Instead, the island champions space, privacy, and authenticity. Think intimate five-star resorts, elegant private villas, and beach bars that serve world-class food without pretension. The dining scene alone has become legendary, with Anguilla often called the culinary capital of the Caribbean, drawing chefs, food lovers, and in-the-know travelers from around the world.

It’s this combination of discretion and quality that’s attracting a new wave of high-profile visitors. Celebrities, entrepreneurs, and creatives are choosing Anguilla not to be seen, but to disappear — trading velvet ropes for barefoot beach walks and champagne sunsets at Meads Bay. In that sense, it feels like a natural evolution of Caribbean luxury.

Move over St. Barths — Anguilla is the new quiet power player in the neighborhood. Less scene, more soul. Less flash, more finesse. For travelers seeking a destination that feels exclusive without trying too hard, Anguilla isn’t just hot right now — it’s defining the future of Caribbean luxury travel.

Wondering where the best place to stay is? IYKYK, privacy is the ultimate luxury these days, which is why Quintessence stands out as a top contender for those seeking the ultimate secluded, luxury experience.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Tropical Grand Mansion,’ the nine-suite, Relais & Chateaux property, Quintessence is the only boutique luxury resort of its kind in Anguilla… rivaling its competitors with a prime spot on the secluded Long Bay beach and top-notch amenities. “Q” spares no expense when it comes to its guests – where dreamy Hästens mattresses, priced higher than a new Toyota Camry, and Frette linens elevate every night’s sleep, leaving you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and recharged throughout your stay. Aside from guaranteeing a blissful sleep, the property boasts a full-service spa; French and Caribbean-inspired fine dining with an award-winning wine cellar including the owner’s private collection.

Enter the Grand Suite: Bresil Polo. The Bresil Suite is a residence-style one-bedroom accomodation that features rich exotic woods and stunning crimson accents. Guests can enjoy the private Polo Lounge complete with conference room, media room with 72″ Smart TV and bar, and the panoramic dining terraces.