Anguilla: The Prodigy of Nature
A Catamaran Trip To Anguilla/Prickly Pear, The Only Way To Go... The Perfect Day
Tranquility Wrapped In Blue
Business and Pleasure

Anguilla: The Prodigy of Nature

Anguilla was hardly able to stay out of the headlines in 2011, starting with the lyrics of Shakira’s single “Loca,” which fittingly describes her taking it easy — tranquila — “like I’m on a beach in Anguilla.” Next came the front cover of Condé Nast Traveler magazine and the Valentine’s special of “The Bachelor,” continuing with the less flattering news of a budgetary crisis and the distressed sale of the Temenos golf course, which was once touted as the most ambitious project in the Caribbean.

That’s Anguilla in a nutshell. Arguably the most spectacular of all islands, it was gifted by nature and circumstance the most extraordinary coastline you could ever come up with in your wildest fantasies. But until well into the second half of the 20th century, the currency of choice in the West Indies was not white-sand beaches or turquoise waters. And by that time, the state of despondency in which the island had been sunk into as a result of the negligence of its colonial master (St. Kitts, Britain, both — take your pick) was such that nothing short of a miracle could pull it back to modernity.

And that is precisely what the sheer determination of the Anguillan people has managed to bring about over the past 25 years. A miracle of tremendous magnitude, whereby the island with merely 13,000 people remains one of the quietest, safest and most secluded places in the Caribbean, while still developing an enviable infrastructure, geared primarily toward A-list tourists. To this end, the island expanded its airport in order to accommodate the great majority of private jets out there, but without making the runway long enough to service commercial jet airliners. Along the same lines, the local government worked hard in the development of a professional golf course to complement the existing facilities on the island — a project that unfortunately went belly up.

Anguilla currently finds itself at an impasse, caught between what went wrong and what could have been, which is just as well because, uncannily, the current crisis has only taken some of the glitter off, bringing the island back to a number of its precepts of old. Anguilla remains the perfect place to disconnect from the world and to enjoy the simplest pleasures of them all: lying on the beach, sharing a quiet drink and having a great meal. Cut from the same mold as St. Barths, Anguilla is not made for all-night revelers looking for a wild experience. For that, there is St. Maarten/St. Martin.

In terms of accommodations, traditionally the two best hotels on the island, the Malliouhana and the
Cap Juluca, have recently been joined by the colossal Viceroy, a design taken from the pages of Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton, which nevertheless has added a note of sophistication to the service industry on the island. Meanwhile, the seemingly imminent fusion of the CuisinArt Resort and the golf club might propel it into the elite group, although it is likely that in the coming years private villas will continue to be the most popular choice among visitors.

Daytime recreations are offered in Shoal Bay East, a spectacular and highly popular beach. From St. Maarten, look up Bluebeard Charters in Simpson Bay for beautiful day trips to Shoal Bay or to even rent a private charter. During the night, the hub of entertainment shifts to Sandy Ground, a narrow strip of sand between the sea and a disused salt pond that serves as the island’s primary harbor, home to a flurry of bars where something is always happening. Outside its beaches, the island’s main attractions are its restaurants. From the exquisitely tasteful experience of Blue at the Cap Juluca Hotel, to the classic West Indian setting of the Koal Keel or the adventurous menu of the Hibernia by Harbour Ridge, Anguilla’s culinary offerings are simply superb.

Whatever your tastes, this island lends itself to many different interpretations, from the guarded gatehouse where you can spend a few days in luxurious seclusion, to the deserted island where you can play the role of Robinson Crusoe. My advice is to go ahead and make it yours. Roads in Anguilla are exceptionally good and you will seldom find a safer place. So if you can adapt to driving on the left side, take a car and exit the well-trodden path. Discover the famous love tree at Honeymoon Beach, visit the museum by East End, take a walk down Katouche Bay and dip your feet in Long Bay — these are the places that give Anguilla its character. So, don’t leave without getting to know them!

A Catamaran Trip To Anguilla/Prickly Pear, The Only Way To Go... The Perfect Day

It's no wonder that guests clamor for a seat at the rails for their first glimpse of the spectacular waters. White sails stretch out above and sea birds dip low over the water, scouring for food. Looking at the cloudless horizon, it's hard to tell where the ocean blue begins and ends.

As the boat sails effortlessly into a quiet bay, different parties emerge—some for snorkeling the abundant reefs, others for tanning or exploring the beach. Yet others choose to claim the nets up front for relaxing. Whether faceup or facedown, you're quite wrapped in blue.

It's here, in limbo and suspended in blue, that Anguilla's latitude works its magic and brings about an unbelievable change in attitude. It is a day sans cell phones and traffic, congestion and stress. The rhythmic steel pan music and scenic beaches are an elixir—much like the rum punch and delicious food—and all are served in abundance. Locals are friendly and exude an island charm that reflects a newfound 'tude. Anguilla is renowned for pristine beaches and snorkeling, and also for its quiet Caribbean charm.

To visit Anguilla and Prickly Pear, contact Lambada at Aqua Mania at 599-544-2640 for reservations, or Bluebeard at 599-587-5935, 599-545-3893 and 1-888-587-SAIL.

Tranquility Wrapped In Blue

As Lambada rounds the tip of Anguilla and the intoxicating smell of exotic vegetation and land assails your senses, you spy in the distance a mysterious white flash amidst brilliant blue. You rise from the comfort of the nets and strain for a glimpse of what must surely be a mirage. A rum punch clutched firmly to your chest, you lean eagerly forward. And suddenly you can see her. Sandy Island ... where stunningly white, powder-soft sand meets a gentle, turquoise sea on all sides.

This has been described as "tranquility, wrapped in blue"-and you are headed there. Coral reefs raise lazy heads through the ripples of the passing boat, and you hold your breath as Lambada glides effortlessly through an impossibly narrow channel.

Coral reefs raise lazy heads through the ripples of the passing boat, and you hold your breath as Lambada glides effortlessly through an impossibly narrow channel.

You reach for snorkel gear and plunge head long into crystal clear waters. There is no noise, no pollution and the only crowds are reef fish, adding vibrant and varied hues to the surroundings.

This is what you have dreamed of ... this is paradise found.

Ask for Lambada and Sandy Island by name, Wednesdays and Fridays from Pelican Marina. Trips are made to Prickly Pear Island on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Business and Pleasure

Despite the delights Anguilla offers visitors, it's not just an idyllic getaway: this small island is also known for its top-notch financial services.

First and foremost, Anguilla offers a well-regulated environment for offshore investors to manage their assets in a zero-tax jurisdiction. Thus, international firms are in a good position to use their companies for holding assets, re-invoicing third parties or accruing tax deferments.

With strong ties to English law and a stable political environment, the island offers clients many crucial business assets, including a highly trained, specialized work force. Anguilla also offers clients a computerized registry called ACORN. This permits agents to incorporate companies on line and file all legal documents electronically.

ACORN now has more than 50 overseas agents in almost every jurisdiction. To register a company in Anguilla, you must work with an agent in your jurisdiction. To find an agent, log onto anguillafsc.com. Under the menu item "Financial Services Directory," choose "Overseas Agents." After contacting an agent and satisfying requirements, you can form your company quickly.

In addition, legislation on Anguilla has been designed to afford flexibility to financial planners. Anguilla offers three types of tax-free companies:

• International Business Company: This is mainly for asset protection and tax planning. There is no requirement to file audited accounts nor are any type of taxes levied. Public disclosure of directors and shareholders is not mandatory; this information, however, must be held at the company's local registered office.
  
  
• Companies Act Company: Also called an Anguilla Business Company, this may function as a domestic entity or as an international enterprise. Public disclosure or registration of directors and shareholders is required, but no withholding or corporate taxes are levied.
  
  
• Limited Liability Company: This carries limited disclosure requirements. Its existence may be considered perpetual or its charter may state the date on which it will be dissolved. There are no account-filing requirements or taxes levied against such businesses.