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B M & T ••• March/April 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 42 AREA GUIDES A N G U I L L A WHY NOT? ….HOLD YOUR BEACH FRONT MEETING IN PURE TRANQUILITY BY: DON LITTLETON Quiet beaches, calm blue waters and blessed tropical breezes — it's no wonder that Anguilla is often described as "tranquility wrapped in blue" with an open invitation to come bask in the experience! And while it is a relaxing environment, it is also one where you can create your own unique adventure. Something is always happening on this small, secluded island. Anguilla is the most northern island in the Leeward Island chain, less than 10 miles north of St. Martin and 200 miles east of Puerto Rico, two of the island's major gateways. Envied for its pure, pristine white sands and wrapped in brilliant turquoise waters, Anguilla boasts well over 33 of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Beach access is public, and beaches are uncrowded. Equal parts business and pleasure, Anguilla is a destination where you can provide an elite experience to your group. This is a small island with a big reputation perfect for small high-level board and strategic meet- ings and high-end groups. Offering this island the most meet- ing space overall, Viceroy Anguilla is situated along more than 3,200 ft. of exclusive Caribbean beachfront, and atop a high coral point separating crys- talline Barnes Bay and Meads Bay. If your client wants to involve golf into the conference itinerary, Paradise Cove just might fit your needs. Set in a lush tropical garden, only 500 yards from the beach, this resort has Anguilla's 18-hole championship golf course at its back door, and two of Anguilla's favorite beaches at it's front. Home to bright beach bars, blinding white sands, electric turquoise seas, umbrella and beach chair vendors, snorkeling at the coral reef, scuba div- ing and glass bottom boat tours, Shoal Bay provides conference atten- dees yet another option to spending some of that leisure time after a long day of meetings. While many of Anguilla's beaches have been men- tioned among the world's best time and time again, none so much as Shoal Bay — "The world's best beach." For those looking to delve into some of the island's rich history and culture Anguilla is home to many interesting places and historic events. Crocus Hill, the highest point on Anguilla at 213 ft. above sea level, crowns the beautiful turquoise bay and offers spectacular sunset views as well as a bit of his- tory. Crocus Bay is the site of the first military invasion in 1745 in which French soldiers landed on the beach and were fought off by the English settlers in less than 15 min- utes. The only standing "Plantation House" on Anguilla, The Wallblake House, is situated on the Western edge of The Valley next to Anguilla's Catholic Church. Located across from The Old Cotton Gin, this part of the city's capital houses some of Anguilla's more colorful and interest- ing architecture. A valid passport (with at least six months before expiration) and return and onward tickets are required for all visitors to Anguilla. Green card hold- ers must have a valid green card and valid passport from their country of origin. Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport is easily accessible by air, through the main gateways Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/Martin, Antigua and St. Kitts. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Viceroy Anguilla 166 Paradise Cove Resort 29 Anacaona Boutique Hotel 27 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Viceroy Anguilla total exhibit space 1,500 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Anguilla Tourist Board (800) 553-4939 www.ivisitanguilla.com Sandy Point, Anguilla Photo Credit: Anguilla Tourist Board •Pg_38-50.qxp__BMT_pg86-162 5/20/14 5:49 PM Page 42