Top 5 Questions I am asked about Anguilla

I moved from Anguilla to the United Kingdom about seven months ago. I have found that most conversations with new people provide me with an excellent avenue to share information about Anguilla. Once people find out where I am from and once we have established that Anguilla is in the Caribbean and not in Africa, there is usually lots of interest in my tiny island home. Here are the top 5 questions I am asked?

1) Why would you leave Anguilla to come here?

This question always makes me smile especially when it is asked on a foggy, rainy or cold day! I share that I came for family reasons but that I do miss the tropical climate and year-round sunshine at home. When asked if I plan to go back to Anguilla, my answer is always a resounding yes!

2) Do the beaches really look like the pictures?

For those who know Anguilla, they ask if the beaches really look like the pictures or videos or tv-shows they have seen. I assure them that our beaches are never crowded, are breathtakingly beautiful and pictures and videos pale in comparison to walking on the powdery white sands, taking a refreshing swim in our azure waters or being mesmerized by an orange or coral-hued sunrise or sunset.

3) Are there any all inclusive hotels in Anguilla?

Many persons are interested in knowing if there are all-inclusive hotels in Anguilla. At the root of this question is wanting to know if they can afford to come to Anguilla. They often look disappointed when I initially say there are no ‘all-inclusive’ hotels in Anguilla.  I don’t downplay the cost of a vacation to Anguilla, but I assure them if they are looking for a tranquil and beautiful holiday to feed their mind, body and soul, Anguilla is a great choice. Most persons have only seen our five-star offerings in terms of hotels and villas, but I share that we do have properties which are charming escapes which are less expensive. In addition, I let them know If they want to keep cost low, they can rent a suite, apartment, villa etc. with a full kitchen and choose to travel during low season when all properties have lower prices. For example, I loved our staycation at Shoal Bay Villas. With over 100 different places to eat on island they can also enjoy many of our roadside BBQ grills, local restaurants or casual dining establishments, all great culinary delights at an affordable price.

For more information on Anguilla and places to stay and eat, visit the official website for the Anguilla Tourist Board here.

4) How do you pronounce Anguilla?

[ANG] + [GWIL] + [UH]

5) What do people do on such a small island? Anguilla must be nice for a vacation, but do you get bored living there?

I’m never bored in Anguilla. Check out my blogpost on this which I probably need to update here. Life in Anguilla is certainly slow and laid back and I love it that way. I think we manage to find a balance between going after goals and simply enjoying life.  We enjoy all the perks that living on an island provides like great beaches, awesome food and restaurants and close connections with friends and family. It is a gorgeous place to live and a safe place to raise a family. We have awesome festivals life Festival Del Mar and the Anguilla Summer Festival at different points of the year. There are clubs and regular events on the island, but we are also close to other countries like St. Maarten which has casinos, night clubs and other nightlife for persons who want to do more of that kind of stuff.  I may be biased but Anguillians just may be some of the happiest and friendliest people you will ever meet.

So, these are the questions I get most and my responses. When you travel or if you live overseas, what questions do persons ask about Anguilla? Leave a comment below.

If you are a crayfish lover, check out the recent post we wrote on Veya Restaurant here.

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