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B M & T ••• March/April 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 46 ANGUILLA…WHERE GROUPS CAN MEET ON THE BEACH WITH A PROFESSIONAL FEEL SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Anguilla is a warm and welcoming island destination tucked away in the northern Caribbean. Embraced by unri- valed white beaches and breathtaking turquoise seas, Anguilla is casual and easy, a unique blend of high style and low- key elegance, and the best of the good life set to a slow and casual island tempo. Anguilla is an experience that captivates visitors and creates friendships and mem- ories that last a lifetime. Submerged in decades of rich history and teeming with exciting local culture, the family friendly island of Anguilla is proud to recommence its wildly popular premier Summer Prix Fixe & Beyond offerings. Crafted as Anguilla's answer to the "all–inclusive," the island-wide sav- ings will offer visitors access to unique three-course menus at the island's finest restaurants, as well as incomparable sav- ings at select resorts, hotels and villas. A relaxed state of mind often provides room for innovative solutions. If you are looking for a meeting space where your team can work hard, rejuvenate and think clearly, look no further than Anguilla. This beautiful destination can provide you and your business team with an elite environment that is equal parts business and pleasure. Spacious luxury villas, ded- icated meeting spaces, an 18-hole cham- pionship golf course, state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, business support services, private chefs, catering and a place to relax at the end of your sessions; Anguilla is perfect for small high-level board and strategic meetings, high-end groups and top tier incentive programs. Anguilla's venues can accommodate from 20-100 persons in a variety of con- figurations. Hotels and resorts offer meeting services and provide concierge assistance. The Anguillian population is largely of African descent, their roots dating back to the mid-1600s when distant ancestors were brought over by British colonists to work on the plantations there. Today, there is little evidence of Anguilla's legacy of slavery and plantation living. The Heritage Collection Museum houses artifacts that showcase both the harsh conditions and the ingenious and inventive ways in which the people of Anguilla coped and created tools for sur- vival by engendering a unique way of life that they called "the jollification". The Wallblake House, and the Warden's Place in The Valley are the only plantation houses that remain intact, and are available for guided tours. There is even less evidence of the time of slavery, although Miss Margerie's House, located across the road from the Warden's Place in The Old Valley, has the former slave quarters attached to it. What is left is a culture of independence, pride and resilience born out of the love, loyalty and conviction of a people determined to sur- vive with little help from the outside. The only standing "Plantation House" on Anguilla, The Wallblake House, is situ- ated on the Western edge of The Valley next to Anguilla's Catholic Church. Located across from The Old Cotton Gin, this part of the capital houses some of Anguilla's more colorful and interesting architecture. A valid passport (with at least six months before expiration) and return or onward tickets are required for all visitors to Anguilla. Green card holders 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. AREA GUIDES A N G U I L L A • • • 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 Beaxh Couple enjoying one of Anguilla island many beaches Photo Credit: Danilo Forcellini Photo Credit: Anguilla Tourist Board