Where can I stay on Anguilla within walking distance of restaurants and bars? If you want to have a few cocktails and don’t want to worry about driving on the left, or if you just like to walk the beach to and from dinner, a hotel within walking distance of food and drink is ideal. On Anguilla, we love to stay on Meads Bay because it is a beautiful stretch of beach sprinkled with some of our favorite bars and restaurants on the island. Let’s take a walk down Meads Bay with this map to guide us to the best spots on the island.
Meads Bay is approximately one and one-half miles of beautiful white sand beach located on the west end of Anguilla. Facing northwest, you won’t see the sun rise, but you’re positioned nicely for some beautiful sunsets.
Meads Bay is anchored by two hotels, the Four Seasons to the west, and Malliouhana to the east. Let’s start out from the Four Seasons, and work our way along the beach to the east.
Four Seasons Anguilla
When we first came to Anguilla, this spot, formerly the Cocolobo Beach Resort, was essentially a blank canvas upon which the Viceroy Anguilla would be constructed. In 2016, Four Seasons took over management of the property. Situated on an elevated point between Barnes Bay and Meads Bay, the Four Seasons Anguilla is the perfect spot for taking in the sunset with a cool drink at the Sunset Lounge. Dining options at the Four Seasons include Salt, Bamboo Bar and Grill, and Half Shell Beach Bar.
Waves
Opening in 2018, Waves beach bar and restaurant is the perfect place to spend the day, relaxing under an umbrella and enjoying the beach at Meads Bay.
Ocean Echo
Diners have enjoyed this lunch/dinner spot since 2013. Don’t miss its signature cocktail, The Rumzie! Ocean Echo is also a great place to hear local music on Anguilla.
Frangipani Beach Resort / Straw Hat
Straw Hat has been a favorite restaurant of ours since it was back in Forest Bay. The restaurant moved to its current location at Frangipani Beach Resort in 2008. We stayed at Frangipani in 2020, and we plan to return again. Read more about out stay at this amazing resort here…
Meads Bay Beach Villas / Epicurean Cafe & Boutique
We stayed at Meads Bay Beach Villas in 2009. The property is just four villas staggered back from the beach. The villas have private plunge pools and are a great choice for families. At the back of the property, you’ll find the Epicurean Cafe & Boutique where you can pick up a nice gift to take home. Or pick one of its special drinks for refreshment as you walk along the beach.
Turtle’s Nest
Turtle’s Nest is true to its name. When we stayed next door at Meads Bay Beach Villas in 2009, the caretaker invited our kids over to see a nest of turtles on the property. Although we have never stayed there, it’s a favorite of visitors for its great location and reasonable rates.
Tranquility Beach Resort / Limin’ Boutique
Tranquility Beach Resort is a new development of three buildings nested backward on the property. The property was just opening when we visited in January of 2020. Limin’ Boutique, our favorite gift shop on the island, had just moved into the third building, closest to the road, and the new shop looked fabulous. Limin’ is a required stop on any trip to Anguilla to pick up gifts for our friends back home and to pick up a few things for ourselves.
Jacala
Jacala opened in 2010, but we did not discover it until our 2019 trip. Since then, we’ve visited twice on each trip. This is one of our top picks for restaurants on the island, and that says a lot when you’re visiting an island known for great food. Check out our full review here…
Blanchards / Blanchards Beach Shack
Blanchards Restaurant first came on my radar when I read A Trip to the Beach, the story of how the Blanchards started their restaurant on the island. In 2011, they opened Blanchards Beach Shack, a casual spot just next door on Meads Bay. Both restaurants are run by Melinda and Bob Blanchard whose remarkable efforts have helped support the island during the hurricanes and the COVID-19 closures. For more on both restaurants, read our reviews here…
Carimar
Carimar has been a favorite of visitors for years because of its great location on Meads Bay and its reasonable rates.
Malliouhana / Leon’s
Malliouhana Resort anchors the east end of Meads Bay, an Auberge collection property since 2014. Malliouhana’s beach bar was reinvented as Leon’s in 2019, offering lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Other dining options at Malliouhana include Celeste and Bar Soleil.
There’s no doubt that Meads Bay is a great spot to stay, within walking distance of some of the best restaurants and bars on the island and with a long stretch of sandy beach to enjoy. If you’re not a fan of driving, or just want to have a variety of dining options nearby, Meads Bay is the place to be.