Anguilla is the kind of place where you can take a deep breath and start breathing like you haven’t in ages. You won’t find beaches overrun with mega resorts on this unhurried island in the Eastern Caribbean, but you will find serene stretches of soft white sand, gentle turquoise waters, and a handful of world-class Anguilla resorts that cater to kids and families. It’s a perfect Caribbean vacation destination for families who’ve grown tired of life on the hamster wheel.
Whether you want to lounge on the beautiful beach or go snorkeling, kayaking, or windsurfing, there’s always something to keep you busy. And when all that fresh air, sunshine, and beach time stir up your appetite, you’ll find both traditional Caribbean cuisine as well as delicious French, African, and Spanish fusion dishes. From beach shacks to fine dining, there’s no shortage of options.
The best Anguilla resorts for families
With gorgeous ocean views, uncrowded beaches, and plenty of kid-approved amenities, Anguilla’s top family resorts can complete with the best all-inclusive family resorts anywhere in the world. Here are the best Anguilla resorts to consider when you’re bringing the kids to paradise.
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1. Zemi Beach House
Shoal Bay Village, Anguilla
The gorgeous Zemi Beach House is situated on six acres of beachfront in Anguilla’s Shoal Bay Village area. There are five restaurants and lounges, a family pool overlooking the ocean, and an adults-only outdoor pool to keep everyone busy. And this Anguilla beach resort’s spa is the only one on the island with a hammam.
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It won’t take long for your kids to find fun at this family resort. Children ages four to 12 can head to the kids club for endless activities ranging from face painting and beach Olympics to scavenger hunts and movie nights. (Which means a free date night for parents—private dinner on the beach, maybe?) When you’re all ready to come together as a family, there are kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear to enjoy.
At the end of each day, you’ll relish in the comfort of a two-bedroom suite with an ocean view. Reflect on the memorable moments while lounging on your terrace and perhaps take a quick dip in your own private pool. Suites have soaking bathtubs, living and dining rooms, and full kitchens.
2. Malliouhana
West End Village, Anguilla
Location is everything, and the oceanfront Malliouhana has it in spades. This Anguilla resort sits at the top of bluff that rolls down to white sand and the bluest of blue waters, an effect that’s made even more dramatic by its cascading infinity pool that seems to drop off into the sea. The two-bedroom oceanfront suites are perfect for families: You’ll get a separate living salon, private covered patio, and an outdoor terrace with ocean views.
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Malliouhana’s Mini-Explorers Program for kids five to 12 is loaded with nifty options like ocean exploration, where children can kayak from Meads Bay beach to Turtle Cove while exploring the shoreline’s diverse animal life, and a remote-control sailboat race in the resort’s two-tier infinity pool, inspired by Anguilla’s world-famous sailboat regattas. There’s cool stuff for parents, too, including the opportunity to navigate Meads Bay at night on a see-through paddle board. And the whole family can set out on cruiser bicycles to tour the island together.
The Spa at Malliouhana is recognized as one of the world’s best hotel spas. Treat yourself to an Island Drift immersion body wrap with a blend of rum, lemongrass, and sweet sugar cane. Malliouhana has bragging rights for having the island’s first fine-dining restaurant (called Celeste) as well. You can expect great food in the restaurant or delivered straight to your room.
3. Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club
Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla
Right along the water in Rendezvous Bay, Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club is the Anguilla family resort for foodies. Expect locally grown, caught, and raised ingredients and a menu loaded with international flair. Best yet, you’ll find family-friendly restaurants as well as the island’s only steakhouse.
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Speaking of family fun, the resort’s kid-friendly amenities include a water park, biking, an introduction to tennis and pickleball, bonfires with s’mores, and an activity center with an 18-hole miniature golf course, teen center, and kids club. Guided hikes and cave tours are also available.
Golf is serious business here too; the resort’s ocean-view golf course has been remastered by Greg Norman Golf Course Design. Stay in a three- or five-bedroom villa, or go all-in with a private 6,300-square-foot estate home that comes with a butler and private pool.
4. Carimar Beach Club
West End Village, Anguilla
Carimar Beach Club offers an intimate setting with just 24 one- and two-bedroom villa-style apartments. But the main attraction is the beach itself. Here you can stroll along the soft shores of Meads Bay beach or swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard to your heart’s content in the clear blue water. The sunset yoga class is a great way to end your day. The concierge can also connect you with sailing cruises, diving trips, kite surfing, and more.
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This Anguilla beach resort’s apartments have full kitchens and a patio or balcony. It doesn’t have a restaurant, but that gives you a reason to enjoy good eats like Blanchards Beach Shack, Leon’s Beach Bar and Grill, and (for five-star dining within walking distance on the beach) Blanchards Restaurant. A nearby supermarket makes it easy for those nights when you decide to cook.
5. Frangipani Beach Resort
West End Village, Anguilla
You don’t have to worry about crowds at Frangipani Beach Resort in West End Village. With just 19 rooms and suites, you and your family can feel like you own the place. Consider a two-bedroom suite with bedrooms adjoined through a common foyer and en-suite bathrooms for each. They’re mosaic-tiled and have a hydro-massage cave shower. A full kitchen, living space, and balcony or terrace complete the picture.
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Paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie Cats, tubing, and wakeboarding will keep the kids busy, and you can keep up your workout routine at the fitness center or tennis courts. If golf is your game, there’s an 18-hole championship course nearby. And when you’re ready to relax, the Plumeria Balinese Spa awaits.
Come mealtime, you’ll have at the award-winning Straw Hat Restaurant on your doorstep. Tickle your tastebuds with dishes like the seared honey rosemary pork chop with garlic braised greens, Caribbean sweet potato, green apple jam, and spicy fried onion with red wine reduction.
6. Turtle’s Nest Beach Resort
West End Village, Anguilla
At Turtle’s Nest Beach Resort, you get resort amenities and all the perks of a vacation home. There are 21 condos at this Meads Bay beachfront property, and you’ll feel at home with a full kitchen, washer, and dryer.
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Take to the water for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, or swim in this Anguilla beach resort’s pool. A supermarket, restaurants, and bars are all within walking distance. The concierge can also hook you up with a rental car, babysitting, or whatever else you may need.
