6 Best Hotels in Anguilla

This horseshoe of bougainvillea-draped Mediterranean-style buildings on beautiful Meads Bay has the look of a Sun Belt condo. Although only two buildings—No. 1 and No. 6—stand at the water's edge, all have balconies or patios with ocean views. Bright, white, one- and two-bedroom apartments are individually owned and reflect their owners' tastes, but are well appointed, fully equipped, and carefully maintained, with king-size beds, and the gardens are lovely. The kitchens have all been renovated as well. The cordial staff, supreme beachfront location, and fine restaurants within walking distance make this a good choice if you really don't want to rent a car.

These gorgeous one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas right on Meads Bay have a cult following, so it can be hard to book them, but if you score a stay here, you'll understand why. Easy access to some of the island's best dining is a plus, and so are the modern and well-equipped kitchens and baths and the great indoor and outdoor spaces, complete with private pools. The website can have special rates, especially in the summer months when packages are offered. Villa 1 is right on the beach, while Villas 3 and 4 are in the back but still just a stroll away from the beach through the tropical landscape.

Located 500 yards away from Cove Beach, this simple complex of huge, reasonably priced studios and a few larger suites has two whirlpools, a large pool, and tranquil tropical gardens where you can pluck fresh guavas for breakfast. The spotless units are appointed with somewhat generic white rattan and natural wicker furniture; gleaming white-tile floors; large kitchens; and flat-screen TVs, bed linens, and soft furnishings. Second-floor units have high-beam ceilings. Maid service and private cooks are available, and the on-site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Very reasonable seven-night packages include a car. Try for a top-floor unit.

Despite the name, these aren't cottages but large, fully equipped, and relatively affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments (and studios) in a small complex set in a lush garden at the far end of glorious Shoal Bay Beach East. There are two restaurants: one on a breezy verandah and the other on the beach. Guests gather on seemingly mislocated Adirondack-style chairs for sundowner cocktails. While the staff is helpful and accommodating, they aren't anticipating your every need, so it's best to stay here if you value privacy over active service. There are laundry facilities. Units vary in view and accessibility, so discuss your preferences when reserving.

In this old-style property on Shoal Bay's incredible 2-mile (3-km) beach, studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments all have balconies over the water. A few of the units are relatively new, all are kept up, and second-floor units have amazing views, but the ones on the first floor are right on the beach. If you don't care about being in the fanciest of hotels, then the barefoot, casual ambience and gentle prices (including some specials for longer stays) might be for you. It's great for families with small kids and heaven for sunset lovers. There's a minispa on property, a decent-size swimming pool, and the fitness center is small but can do the trick for a treadmill or bike workout. There's a great scuba center next door and good snorkeling in the reef just offshore. It's walking distance to a ton of local restaurants, and the front desk is happy to help with recommendations and reservations. Check the website for special promotions.

This complex of studios and one- to three-bedroom oceanfront condos is right on Meads Bay Beach, with some of the island's best restaurants a sandy stroll away. Although the building is clunky-looking from the outside, units are spacious and have a variety of bedroom configurations, and all have wonderful views, full kitchens, and washers and dryers. Units are individually owned, so decor varies. Especially during slower seasons, it's a terrific value. There's a nice pool, and the grounds are well kept. Try for a beachfront unit on the second or third floor of the newer building.