Anguilla has been a tourist destination for many years and sometimes we wonder – does Anguilla still have those intangible qualities that make it an attractive destination? We will get an insight through the eyes of visitors Jill and Parkey Brandon of what, in their opinion, makes Anguilla a destination of choice.
In answer to the question of why Anguilla, a comparison was made with a couple of other destinations – Grand Cayman and Nevis. Many years ago Grand Cayman had it all: sea, sand (lots of it), friendly people, a laid back pace of life, and business with a personal touch and native charm. Eventually, that was eroded and Grand Cayman became over commercialized to the point where it lost its authenticity. Little pubs and local shops gave way to chain stores and restaurants. Then came the high rises. There are hotels up to 7 stories tall. As for the cruise ships, whereas in the 70s there was only 1 per week, now it can be up to 7 per day. This causes congestion – ‘you can’t even go down town’. Now it feels and looks like Florida.
This couple missed the old charm of Grand Cayman back then. On their retirement, the challenge was to find an island with something similar to offer.
Nevis was a good contender, but it was recommended that they also check out Anguilla (the unknown). Nevis almost won but for the people. Anguillians were so open and friendly. There was not the sense of ‘you’ and ‘us’ – the interaction was greater. The greeter at the Blowing Point Ferry actually remembered them from a previous visit. Imagine that.
So what made Anguilla stand out? Anguilla is charming and attractive. There are no cruise ships. No casinos. No high rises. Anguilla is British protected. The beaches are great. The individualized restaurants allow for creativity. The food is great and the people come and talk with you about how they got started – you can hear their story. ‘It is like an escape – like going back in time – discovering that little bit of heaven that no one knows about. The minute you get here you decompress.’ In the words of Jill’s guest: “We found our tranquilla, in a villa, in Anguilla” (Cory Gatliff 2015).
Apart from the charm of the island and its friendly people, there was something else that attracted the attention of these two sport lovers. It was the availability of tennis and golf. Jill, an avid tennis player of many years, was delighted to discover the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) under the management of Mitch Lake. She has identified with the dreams and goals of the ATA – the development of the youth of Anguilla as well the tourism product. As a result she is committed to helping to put together the 1st Annual Anguilla Tennis Ladies Cup. There will be participating teams from the US as well as a local team from Anguilla. This will help raise awareness of Anguilla as a destination for tennis lovers and promote the goals of the ATA at the same time.
Mr Brandon was introduced to the Anguilla Golf Association (AGA) under the leadership of Mr Noel Egan. He is quite impressed with the fact that there is local involvement in the game, and that the Association is planning to get scholarships going. Anguilla has welcomed them and given them a chance to get involved in a positive cause: the development of the local people through sport and tourism.
Having discovered the beauty and tranquility of Anguilla they are anxious to advise the planning board: not to let Anguilla be overbuilt. Hold true to what is Anguillian. You are one of the few not spoilt by chain restaurants and high rises. Don’t sell out.
The Brandons have paid Anguilla the ultimate compliment by purchasing a permanent holiday location: the Villa Bramasole, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the hills of neighbouring St Martin. By definition, brama means to yearn for, and sole means the sun. So they have found the villa in the sun which they yearned for – a home away from home where they can come and enjoy Anguilla at will.
