Upscale Anguilla Focuses On Quality

Anguilla clearly isn’t synonymous with slumming it, with the smallish island having earned itself an upscale reputation.

Donna Banks, chairperson of the Anguilla Tourist Board, told a Wednesday Toronto gathering when it comes to the “number of luxury accommodations per capita we are number one” in the Caribbean.

“Anguilla is considered by many to be a playground for the rich and famous…Some persons want to be selfish with Anguilla and want it to remain a private hidden oasis.

“We are not keeping it a secret.”

The island is home to a number of upscale retreats, among them a Four Seasons and Cap Juluca, which is now a Belmond property.

“Our focus is quality,” Banks told the gathering.

But Banks also told her audience that Anguilla “offers a diverse range of accommodations” that means those who don’t have large travel budgets will find a suitable place to stay.

Banks also labelled her island the “culinary capital of the Caribbean. It is said you can never have a bad meal on Anguilla.”

Dining options range from fine dining to roadside barbecue.

Anguilla is focusing on several niche markets, among them romance, food, health and wellness, and adventure.

Banks praised Anguilla as an “island of natural wonders” that’s great for the likes of birdwatching.

It’s also suited for those who enjoy boating and visitors can also find festivals, history and a rich culture, she continued.

Banks added that Anguilla’s beaches have white sand and turquoise water. “Our beaches raise the standard of what beaches should be.”

Banks also said her island has fully recovered from 2017’s Hurricane Irma.

Banks said Canada is now Anguilla’s second-largest market and 2019 will see the tourist board redirect some of its budgeting to a country she says Anguilla tourism officials “have every confidence in.”

In the photo

Seen here are Banks; elected official Cardigan Connor, whose duties include tourism; and Shellya Rogers Webster, a spokeswoman for the tourist board.