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Anguilla beaches... Flawless Anguilla beaches... The first thing that made us fall in love with Anguilla, kept us coming back, and inspired this very website.
Since our first "Anguilla love," we have discovered even more to love about Anguilla. From the warm-natured and kind people, to the five-star dining, to the culture and heritage, Anguilla is about more than just beaches. But its beaches are impossible to beat!
This walking guide takes you from east to west, highlighting where to eat, stay, relax and snorkel on Anguilla's most famous beach, Shoal Bay East.
Click 'play' on the video below for a walk on Shoal Bay...
More is written about Shoal Bay than any other Anguilla beach.
Consistently it ranks as one of the top beaches in not only the Caribbean, but the entire world.
It's easy to see why! There is no other way to say it... Shoal Bay Anguilla is perfect.
Upper Shoal Bay East
Stretching nearly two miles, this spectacular sweep of powder-soft white sand and turquoise water is home to boutique hotels, beach bars, casual lunch spots and some of the island's best snorkeling and diving.
The beach is really divided into two parts: the lower half and the upper half.
Our walk begins at the peaceful eastern end of Shoal Bay. This quieter stretch is home to Serenity Cottages along with a handful of private villas tucked into the hillside.
If you're looking for solitude, this is one of the calmest and quietest corners of the beach.
Head west and before long you'll arrive at one of the most photographed spots on Shoal Bay, "The Bend".
"The Bend"
Here, the beach makes its graceful curve, opening up sweeping views in both directions. Looking east you'll see the quieter upper end of Shoal Bay, Island Harbour and even Scrub Island, while to the west the beach stretches toward its lively collection of restaurants and beach bars.
It's also my favorite place to snorkel. The water is exceptionally clear, and the reef just offshore hosts colorful tropical fish and the occasional sea turtle.
At certain times of day the glow coming from the tuquoise water on Upper Shoal Bay is almost electric-looking!
Click 'play' on the video below to see more on "The Bend"...
Walking on you'll arrive at Malakh Spa and Elodia's Beach Bar & Restaurant, a longtime Shoal Bay favorite set on a quieter stretch of sand.
Elodia's has a laid-back, toes-in-the-sand atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Shoal Bay.
Many say they have a killer rum punch! And Penelope Cruz was even photographed lazing on their beach chairs during the off-season.
Just beyond Elodia's, after a little stretch of bush and seagrape trees is Shoal Bay Villas, this hotel is reasonably priced and has a loyal following.
With spacious rentals just steps from the sand, Shoal Bay Villas has welcomed generations of repeat visitors looking for comfortable accommodations in one of the island's best locations.
A short stroll farther west brings you to the Manoah Boutique Hotel, one of Shoal Bay's premier beachfront hotels.
Manoah Boutique Hotel
The hotel offers 31 contemporary suites, from spacious oceanview rooms in the main building or beachfront suites just steps from the sand.
Also at the Manoah Boutique Hotel, is L'Etoile - a refined French-Caribbean restaurant with one of the most spectacular settings on the beach.
Breakfast at L'Etoile at Manoah Boutique Hotel
For breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails with one of the best views on Shoal Bay East, L'Etoile delivers a polished yet laid-back dining experience that feels effortlessly Anguillian.
Click here for more on the Manoah Boutique Hotel.
Ok, back to the walk!
After Manoah is Uncle Ernie's and then an alley way of sorts that is the more heavily used Shoal Bay entrance. Then Madeariman Restaurant and Beach Bar.
Lunch at Madeariman
Madeariman is one of Shoal Bay's most popular places to spend the afternoon.
With beach chairs, lively music and tables overlooking the water, Madeariman offers fresh seafood and burgers to Caribbean favorites.
It's one of our favorite spots to enjoy lunch before heading back into Shoal Bay's crystal-clear water.
The next business is Olas. They serve up a mean rum punch and excellent tacos.
Frozen Margaritas and Quesadillas at Olas
A short walk from Olas is Tropical Sunset Restaurant and Bar. Tropical Sunset sits away from the cluster of restaurants and bars that form the "heart" of Shoal Bay.
Tropical Sunset makes for a very comfortable place for a Shoal Bay lunch. They also make a great pina colada - one of the best that I've ever had! Don't forget to pair your drinks with their excellent seafood treats, too.
Tropical Sunset is worth checking out if you want a quiet beach day. They offer umbrellas and chairs to use as well.
Continue west and you will come across Gwen's Reggae Grill here.
Gwen's famous Reggae Grill was previously on the other side of the beach, today, Gwen's has moved to the beach's west side. Still serving up the same mouthwatering BBQ lunches, and with that ever-warm and friendly vibe.
Further to the west from Gwen's is the largest hotel on Shoal Bay, Zemi Beach House.
This resort has a spa, two pools, a gym and two restaurants.
Lunch at 20 Knots at Zemi Beach
We can't end this page on Shoal Bay without noting the incedible sunsets you can see here! Granted there are many, many ideal spots for sunset on the special island of Anguilla, Shoal Bay is no exception.
A perfect end an Anguilla Beach Day!
If you visit on Anguilla and aren't staying on Shoal Bay, you should make sure to plan an evening to catch a sunset there.
Sunset over on of the world's greatest beaches... Yes! Don't miss it!
No matter how many times we visit Shoal Bay, that first glimpse of its brilliant turquoise water still takes our breath away.
If you're planning an Anguilla vacation, be sure Shoal Bay is at the top of your must-see beaches list.
Experience More Anguilla Beaches Walks...
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(Luxury Hotel & Residences)
Long Bay Villas:
The Ultra-Luxury Villas
Sky, Sea & Sand
Santosha Villa Estate:
Anguilla's Most Sophisticated
Ultra-Luxury Villa
