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B M & T ••• March/April 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 33 AREA GUIDES A N G U I L L A MEETING IN PARADISE IS A HUGE PLUS WITH MEETING PLANNERS B Y S O L O M O N J . H E R B E R T I I Tucked away in the Eastern Caribbean, 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. From the U.S. East Coast, travelers can leave in the morning and arrive mid-afternoon in time for a swim and to catch the sunset. Approximately 16 miles East End to West End and three miles at its widest point, Anguilla is flat, low-lying and com- prised of coral and limestone, covered mostly with rock, sparse scrub oak, few trees and some salt ponds. One main road runs through the center of the island, making Anguilla easy to traverse by car in less than a half an hour. 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. Why not bring your meeting to the Sea? If you want a break from the busy city scene hold your next event where sand meets the sea, giving participants a mem- orable experience with Anguilla's gor- geous Caribbean backdrop. Anguilla can provide you and your busi- ness team with an elite environment that is equal parts business and pleasure. Spacious luxury villas, dedicated meeting spaces, an 18-hole championship 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 culture, history and heritage are both ancient and new, as this island remained very much off the beaten path until the late 1980s. Now a swank and sophisticated destination, it is hard to believe that only a generation or two ago, Anguilla was a culture without conven- iences. The Anguilla Culture Tour by Anguilla Access gives visitors an overview of Anguillan life and the culture of their yes- teryear. Evidence of this destination's his- tory currently still abounds and is ingrained in the people today. From one end of Anguilla to the other, sightseers discover Anguilla's natural beauty, evidence of the island's history and cultural landmarks. The island offers points of interest that can be encoun- tered during your everyday travels, as well as hidden gems that are slightly off of the beaten path. Maps of Anguilla, avail- able at most hotels and at the Anguilla Tourist Board, highlight areas of interest — but guided tours are often the best way to experience these places. Whether history, nature, photography, art or culture peak your interest, this island has some unique offerings. Boat racing is Anguilla's national sport, and the island hosts countless regattas throughout the year. Although more of an observer's activity, any Anguilla boat race should be a "don't miss" item on your itinerary. Day cruising and sailing to many of Anguilla's offshore cays or secluded beaches can be a great way to experi- ence some of the island's most pristine places. Picnics onboard or ashore, sun- set cocktail cruises, secluded snorkeling trips and excursions to the famous outer Cays are just some of the fun filled activ- ities available. A passport valid beyond your depar- ture date and return and onward tickets are required for all visitors to Anguilla. The Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport is easily accessible by air, through the island's main gateways Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/Martin, Antigua and St. Kitts. From Puerto Rico, Anguilla is just a one- hour direct flight via Seaborne Air- lines and Tradewind. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Anguilla Tourist Board (800) 553-4939 www.ivisitanguilla.com Beautiful beach on Anguilla island, Caribbean Photo Credit: BlueOrange Studio