The Anguillans have held onto that laid-back attitude the West Indies are famed for. While lacking in the spectacular volcanic mountains and lush greenery of its neighbours, it more than makes up for it with a selection of drop-dead stretches of sand. Anguillian life is supremely relaxed – from five-star resorts to simple beach shacks playing live music and serving delicious fresh seafood, it is very easy to fall into the pace of the locals and wonder why anyone would want to leave.
The tranquility is offset by the annual Moonsplash Reggae Festival, which attracts such luminaries as Jimmy Buffet, Third World and Rita Marley. However, do check the weather report before embarking on a sailing trip or you may be blown away in a different way – Anguilla gets its share of hurricanes.