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Vegan Dining in Anguilla

More five-star dining experiences per square mile than New York City? Yep. Seriously. And on this island, vegans are included, too. 

Here are a few must-try spots for plant-based diners. 

Blanchards

A local Meads Bay favorite is Blanchard’s. Try the Blanchard’s Beach Shack for casual feet-in-the-sand dining, and, if you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, Blanchard’s Restaurant kicks up the elegance and offers candlelight dining and an extensive wine list. Both the beach shack and formal dining offer vegan options. Try the black bean soup, veggie tacos, or a plant-based burger (complete with a chipotle lime sauce!) at the Beach Shack, or have a candle-lit meal at Blanchard’s Restaurant. Try their roasted carrot hummus and an order of the deeply flavorful vegetable curry bowl. 

Leon’s 

Strolling along the beach at Meads Bay? You can’t miss Leon’s inviting yellow umbrellas, live music, and a wide variety of vegan offerings. Start with a crisp mango and black bean salad, then satisfy your deeper cravings with Leon’s plant-based burger that is topped with delicious papaya slaw. You can also get more classic Caribbean fare like coconut rice and beans and cabbage slaw. The staff is knowledgeable about vegan dining requirements and is delighted to help you pick the tastiest plant-based options on their menu. Don’t leave Leon’s without sampling one of their famous cocktails served in a coconut! 

Sunset Lounge

Listed as one of the most beautiful bars in the world by the Four Seasons Magazine, the Sunset Lounge in Anguilla’s West End Village breaks the mold for picturesque dining. You’ll overlook the coralline point where Meads and Barnes Bay meet and lounge in its perfectly crafted ambiance—designed to spotlight your Hollywood-worthy dining company. 

Plus, with a knowledgeable and attentive staff to answer any questions and provide recommendations, you’ll find a range of choices including vegan sushi and a modern twist on tofu curry. And the cocktails! Avoid the foams, which usually have egg whites, but from sweet to smoky, you’ll find an unforgettable sip.

(Don’t forget your reservations for this hotspot.)

da’Vida Restaurant

You can spot this culinary gem from the Grand Outlook infinity pool, nestled in the Crocus Bay and overlooking the practically magical beach.

While their menu changes seasonally, they’ve served up vegan dishes including a Vietnamese salad roll (complete with local greens, papaya, and a miso vinaigrette), green curry tofu, and vegetable samosas. Prefer to do your dining with your toes in the sand? At da’Vida’s Bayside Grille, you can snag an easy portobello mushroom sandwich or veggie wrap with fries.  

Island Bowls AXA

For an on-the-go breakfast or lunch, try the local fav Island Bowls AXA for smoothies bowls. 

The signature and uber-popular Island Bowl is a combination of antioxidant-rich berries blended with mango and coconut milk, topped with homemade granola, banana slices, strawberries, blueberries, and shaved coconut. And the Mango Bowl is a must for tropical fruit connoisseurs.

Mead’s Bay Beach

With over 33 flawless beaches along the shores of Anguilla, how ever do you choose one? There seems to be a beach for every mood! When looking for a quiet, secluded spot with tranquil waters for a relaxing day, look no further than Cove Bay Beach. Or maybe you’re craving a lively beach with views of yachts, a cosmopolitan feel, and vendors for your every need? Sandy Ground Beach would be the likely choice.

But what about when you just can’t decide and all you know is that you want access to a variety of great food, beautiful views, silky smooth sand, and your choice of activities? On the western end of Anguilla lies Meads Bay and it might just check all those boxes! Meads Bay beach is beloved for its soft sand, tranquil blue waters, breathtaking views, and world-class dining options. Recent visitors have claimed that this beach isn’t nearly as crowded as more popular beaches like Shoal Bay East. There seem to be endless chairs to rent and places to eat for every palate.

A local Meads Bay favorite is Blanchard’s. Try the Blanchard’s Beach Shack for casual feet-in-the-sand dining, and if you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, Blanchard’s Restaurant kicks up the elegance and offers candlelight dining and an extensive wine list. Both the beach shack and formal dining offer vegan and vegetarian options in addition to Caribbean staples. Rent your beach chairs at the beach shack, ask them to keep the frozen rosés coming, and stay all day!

While strolling along Mead’s Bay you may also be beckoned to Leon’s by the bright yellow umbrellas, elegant lounge area, the sound of great music, and the beautiful cocktails served in coconuts. Leon’s also offers up vegan and vegetarian options alongside fresh ceviche and island favorites like blackened mahi. 

After you’ve lounged on the beach or nibbled the perfect lunch from the stellar dining options on Mead’s Bay, it’s time to seek out some aquatic adventures! There is kite surfing, wakeboarding, and water skiing for the more daring in your party, or a relaxing boat cruise and leisurely kayaking for those looking for a peaceful afternoon on the water. You can book these adventures through the Malliouhana (an Auberge resort). Kayaking, paddleboarding, and hobie cat (a small sailing catamaran) are available daily and complimentary for all guests of the Malliouhana but can be booked by beachgoers, as well. Kite surfing, water-skiing, boat cruises, wakeboarding, tubing, and banana boats are also available by private booking.

Meads Bay has so many delightful offerings, you could easily spend your entire time in Anguilla walking along its shores, sampling the cuisine, and trying out every available activity. This is a must-do for your Anguilla vacation and if you’re not lounging poolside at The Grand Outlook, you can’t go wrong with a day at Meads Bay.

The Official Caribbean Carnival

The Anguilla Summer Festival—otherwise known as the nation’s biggest holiday—is celebrated in commemoration of Caribbean slaves’ freedom. Though the island’s Emancipation day is traditionally celebrated on August 1st, the festival runs from the end of July through the first week of August. Tourists and locals alike are promised vibrant colors, upbeat outfits, and an atmosphere of total celebration.

In 1940 the festival activity was a boat race, but then evolved into a week-long Caribbean beach party. Activities include fireworks, parades, pageants, concerts, boat racing, and a whole boatload more. 

Activities

The opening night of the week-long party typically starts with firework displays. The fireworks are presented on various beaches along with music and other celebrations.

The “Round the Island” Boat Race is one of Anguilla’s largest presentations. Boat races are held on Anguilla’s most pristine beaches: Sandy Ground and Meads Bay. This event is for the competitive participants who aren’t afraid of a little splash!

Perhaps one of the most anticipated events of the festival is the Miss Anguilla Queen Pageant. The crown is awarded to women that symbolize strength and beauty, among other qualities. Contestants must be ages 18 to 25, unmarried, without children, and a resident of Anguilla. 

Other events like concerts, street dancing, and parades are also endeavors the party partakers can look forward to.

Though the festival was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, this summer, Anguilla was able to host a restricted version of the event. Next year there are plans for the festival to make its full return!

All in all, the people of the island celebrate freedom and culture in a unique way. The festival has been a tradition for decades and has no plans to let up.

Goats of Anguilla

There’s no question that the beautiful island of Anguilla is full of wildlife and animals of all kinds. While some regions are known to have deer or rodents wandering around, this destination has a different critter. One of the island haven’s most popular creatures has beards, horns, and a fuzzy coat.  

We’re talking about goats, of course! Goats practically run the island of Anguilla and have a rich history there, as well.

Once upon a time, goats indicated luxury and extravagance. The vegetation, rain forest, and climate of the island add up to the perfect environment for goats. As Anguilla’s national animal, goats are all over the island. The people of Anguilla have learned to share the space with their goatly neighbors.

Most of the nation’s goats roam free, but some of the citizens do shepherd them. There is an estimated 3,800 goats on the island. Considering that Anguilla’s total population is just over 15,000 – that’s almost a third of the human residency!

Tourists will find many goats near Scrub Island and Dog Island—close to the shore. They eat grass, hay, grain, and sometimes even tree bark. They’re usually friendly in nature but some are still considered wild animals. Though curious by nature, goats are very intelligent. They’re also inquisitive and enjoy exploring anything that they’re unfamiliar with.

Maybe it’s a peculiarity, or another reason to visit the island! Goats are the official animal of the beautiful bay. So, while you’re laying back on your hammock, or in the sand at the beach, don’t be surprised if you see this furry friend, right at your feet!

Birdwatching in Paradise

Known for beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and sunny skies, Anguilla is an island gem. Naturally, many popular activities include the natural world—like snorkeling and scuba diving—where you will run into marine and wildlife. On the beach, you may even see goats roaming around. 

But another must-watch species on the island? Birds.

Birdwatching and bird tours are also popular activities for naturists, locals, and tourists alike. The Caribbean coast has species of birds from flamingos, bridled tern, cuckoos, and more. There’s said to be over 40 different species! Where can they be found? Well, all over the island, but Cove Pond is a good start.

Cove Pond is one of the largest salt ponds in Anguilla. Here you will find plovers and lapwings generally found around rivers, shorelines, and islands. Lapwings have large, broad wings, while plovers have spurs on their wings. Both come from the same family but are a bit different in appearance and other characteristics. They are one of the most noted on the island.

Tourists will find Sooty Terns, Brown Boobies, and Brown Noddies on Dog Island. Popular for scuba diving and other water activities, Dog Island has many animals, included endangered species. Sooty Terns are true sea birds and can fly for over eight weeks straight! Brown Boobies, found around tropical oceans, are surprisingly clumsy during landing and take-off! Brown Noddies are the largest of the Noddy family.

Scrub Island is a beautiful beach full of birds. Here you’ll find Laughing Gulls. (Yes, they do laugh!). Their laughing calls are the most memorable sound along the coast. Laughing Gulls are omnivores and known to live along the coast of North America, South American, and the Caribbean.

Other popular locations like Prickly Pear Cays, Long Pond, and Sombrero, are other popular sites for birdwatching. One thing is for sure, these flying creatures are an exceptional addition to Anguilla.

Extra-Special Amenities

There’s no question that vacations are meant to be relaxing. Unplug from your inbox, sleep in, take a hammock nap, or stay in the infinity pool all day. 

At The Grand Outlook, you can’t help but be in vacation mode, but you can also keep up with your regular routine—or add some special extras to it.

GYM TIME:

The Grand Outlook offers top-notch amenities during your stay. All guests enjoy a free full membership at Styler’s Fitness Center during your visit. As one of the top gyms on the island, you’re free to get your fitness in! The gym offers yoga classes, bicycles, ellipticals, weights, and more.

YOGA:

Ready for some vinyasa? Spread out your yoga mat right on the pool deck. With local yogis like Sammi Green, who are available for private classes, you can find your flow without leaving the Grand Outlook

SPA TREATMENT:

Enjoy some spa treatments in the privacy of your Grand Outlook villa, too, thanks to local professionals and massage therapists—like you’ll find at the Malakh Day Spa—who will come directly to the villa. Or take a quick ride to their stunning beachfront location.

GOURMET COOKING:

The large kitchen is the perfect place for cooking together and making memories with your family. There are never too many cooks in our kitchen! Refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, cookware, dishes, and utensils are all provided.

You can also find gourmet private chefs on this island that boasts loads of award-winning chefs and culinary artists, including Chef Hodge of Hodges Catering Services. He’ll come straight to the villa to craft the perfect blend of a relaxing and indulgent evening! 

Keep Calm and Hammock On:

Perhaps one of our most-loved amenities is a simple one—the hammocks on each patio. Relax and swing your stress away on your hammock. Enjoy the view of the ocean waves on your personal balcony.

To Infinity and Beyond:

Relaxation is an art form that we’ve perfected here at The Grand Outlook. Perhaps one of our most popular amenities includes our calm and peaceful infinity pool. Guaranteed to be one of the best views of Anguilla.

No need to worry about a thing, because we have everything you need here at The Grand Outlook. Book your trip to paradise here.

Get to Know the Owner of the Grand Outlook

Question: Mike, we’re thrilled to be sitting down with you. Welcome to Anguilla! Tell me a little about yourself.

Answer: I’m Mike Downing, married to my beautiful, wonderful wife Denise (whom I’ve known since kindergarten). We have two boys, a 14-year-old son, Danny “Fuller,” and Patrick, who is 16. As a family, we’re on the road constantly with both of our boys who play hockey. And when I’m not with the family, I’m behind my grill. We have a little carriage house in Cleveland, an outdoor house that’s my mancave. I used to host a show called Garage Cookin’ online, and it’s known for the backdrop… filled with beer cans I’ve been collecting since 1976. I’ve had a love of all things BBQ since cooking with my dad, and traveled the south learning variations of my sauce and recipes, until perfecting my own.


Question: You’re from Cleveland, Ohio. What brought you to the Caribbean?

Answer: Traveling is in my soul. Whenever I could get away or save enough, I was always up for the adventure. All through my 20s and 30s, I traveled the world. Europe, North America, UK, Scandinavia, Africa, throughout the Caribbean and remember thinking, it’s a place I wanted to hang my hat one day.


Question: Tell us more about your career.

Answer: In my late teens, the only thing I knew how to do was build. I started small, really tough work, and have probably hung and taped millions of sheets of drywall and millions of miles of walls. I plowed snow for 25 years and in that time, got my real estate development license, using my construction knowledge, and then would lease out the buildings I built.


Question: So, how does a carpenter get into the luxury vacation rental business?

Answer: Denise and I sold a few properties and needed to do some planning for the future to generate income, and decided to invest in Anguilla.

We were looking at the Caribbean and our criteria were pretty simple—is it safe, is the weather good, are the beaches nice, what’s the potential for rentals? What’s there to do? And when we found Anguilla, the choice practically made itself. We loved the island because it’s unlike any place we’ve ever been. You feel secluded, safe, and simply peaceful. But it’s the people that really sold us, they are incredible.

And the Grand Outlook simply felt like home to us; it’s at the second-highest point on the island. Wait until you’re here! With outdoor balconies extending from every bedroom, every Anguillan sunrise and sunset can (and should!) be watched.


Question: What made you buy the house?

Answer: The previous owners of the Grand Outlook built and designed it beautifully. They did everything right—they positioned it in the right spot, all the bedrooms have an amazing view, every bedroom has a private veranda. As someone in construction, I couldn’t have done it any better. My hat is off to them and the vision that they had—in my mind it’s absolutely perfect.

The first time I sat and looked at the pool, into the ocean, I remember thinking I’ve never seen a shade of blue like this. You can’t imagine this shade of blue until you’ve been there. It’s just blue squared.


Question: Okay, so you’re headed back soon. What are you most excited about?

Answer: I’m having a Jeep shipped over, and can’t wait to explore the island. We’re going to explore every nook, to see the island… but really to check out all the food. I have a goal to eat at every restaurant!  

Take a Dive at One of These Five

Tourists from all around the world visit the island of Anguilla for its clear blue water and beaches. With over 33 beaches, they definitely don’t disappoint. Sitting on a 16-mile sea, water activities tend to be very popular. Boating, swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are just a few!

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Anguilla History

Year-round, you will find many tourists on Anguilla enjoying the clear waters, coral reefs, and sandy beaches, in addition to the island’s estimated population of 18,090. Although the general environment is laid back, it was not always easy-going living in this land of beauty.

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