Anguilla is known for its breathtaking beaches, luxury resorts, and a blissful sense of escape. But beyond the postcard-perfect scenery, this Caribbean gem is also an exceptional destination for business travelers. It offers the perfect blend of work and leisure, with upscale accommodations, seamless business resources, and a vibrant culinary and networking scene—all wrapped in an atmosphere of laid-back sophistication.
If you’re planning a work trip to Anguilla, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or productivity. This guide will walk you through everything you need to make your business trip to Anguilla smooth, successful, and, yes, incredibly enjoyable. From where to stay and work to the best places to wine and dine your clients, consider this your go-to handbook for business in paradise.
Getting to Anguilla
Before diving into where to stay, eat, and work, let’s start with the basics: How to get to Anguilla. Since the island doesn’t have a large international airport, most travelers fly into Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten and take a quick ferry or a short local flight to Anguilla. If you’re flying private (lucky you!), Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport welcomes private charters. Either way, you’ll soon find yourself in paradise, ready to mix business with pleasure.
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
Although Anguilla is a small island, having your own transportation makes business travel much easier. Renting a car is the most convenient option, especially if you have a busy schedule filled with meetings across different parts of the island. Just keep in mind that driving is on the left side of the road!
Taxis are available, but they can be pricey, particularly if you’re traveling frequently. If you want a stress-free experience, consider hiring a private driver for the duration of your stay. It’s a great way to focus on business without worrying about navigation.
Cultural Considerations & Business Etiquette in Anguilla
Anguilla has a relaxed, friendly culture, but when it comes to business, it’s important to follow the local etiquette. Business hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a break for lunch, and then resume from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
While the island is known for its casual vibe, business attire should still be smart-casual. A lightweight suit or a collared shirt with dress pants is appropriate for meetings. And while things may run on island time, it’s always best to be punctual for professional engagements.
La Vue Boutique Inn – The Business Traveler’s Haven
Finding the right accommodations can make or break your trip. You need a place that offers comfort, convenience, and all the amenities necessary for a productive stay. That’s where La Vue Inn comes in. Just minutes from Sandy Ground Beach, this charming boutique hotel provides easy access to business hubs, restaurants, and entertainment spots.
Unlike cramped hotel rooms, La Vue offers spacious suites complete with kitchenettes perfect for those planning a longer stay. The hotel also features high-speed Wi-Fi, a business center, and quiet spaces ideal for getting work done. And let’s be honest, waking up to an ocean view can make even the busiest workdays feel a little less stressful.
If you’re looking for an extended stay, La Vue’s affordability and personalized service make it an excellent choice for business travelers who want comfort without breaking the bank.
Business Resources & Temporary Office Spaces in Anguilla
If you need a quiet space to work or a professional setting for meetings, there are a few great options available. The Anguilla Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a fantastic resource for business travelers, offering guidance and even access to meeting rooms in some cases. Many major hotels also feature business centers, so if you’re staying at a larger resort, be sure to check out their facilities.
If you prefer a more relaxed work setting, several cafés around the island provide reliable Wi-Fi. The Village Bakehouse is a charming spot where you can enjoy a strong cup of coffee while catching up on emails, while Coffee O’ Clock offers a welcoming atmosphere for informal meetings or solo work sessions.
Combining Business with Pleasure
One of the best things about a business trip to Anguilla is that you don’t have to be stuck in boardrooms or business centers all day. The island offers plenty of opportunities to blend work with relaxation, allowing you to be productive while still enjoying everything this Caribbean paradise has to offer.
Start your morning with a refreshing walk along Rendezvous Bay before tackling your emails. There’s no better way to clear your head before a busy day of meetings. If you prefer something a little more active, consider a sunrise yoga session on the beach or a quick swim in the crystal-clear waters before heading to your work commitments.
For those with a flexible schedule, consider taking an extended lunch at one of Anguilla’s beachfront restaurants. Many business discussions happen outside of office walls, and what better place to talk strategy than over fresh seafood and ocean views at places like Straw Hat or Blanchards Beach Shack? The laid-back yet professional atmosphere makes it easy to have productive conversations while still enjoying the island’s charm.
After a day of meetings and networking, reward yourself (and maybe even your colleagues or clients) with a sunset sail. Companies like Traditional Sailing offer private charters where you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea. It’s an excellent way to unwind and foster stronger business relationships in a relaxed, unforgettable setting.
If you’re a golf enthusiast, consider a round at Aurora Resort and Golf Club, an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed course with stunning ocean views. Whether you’re entertaining a client or just taking a well-deserved break, golfing in Anguilla is a great way to mix leisure with business in an upscale environment.
For a more immersive cultural experience, take an afternoon to explore Anguilla’s heritage sites, such as the Wallblake House or the island’s many art galleries. These outings provide a deeper appreciation of the local culture and can even serve as an excellent conversation starter with business associates who are new to the island.
No trip to Anguilla is complete without indulging in the island’s vibrant nightlife. After a productive day, head to one of Anguilla’s live music venues, such as Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve, where you can enjoy reggae tunes in a relaxed beachside setting. It’s an ideal place to let loose, enjoy a drink, and make meaningful connections with fellow business travelers and locals alike.
Ultimately, a business trip to Anguilla doesn’t have to be all work and no play. With a little planning, you can take advantage of everything the island has to offer, balancing productivity with relaxation in a way that makes your trip both successful and enjoyable.
Where to Dine: Best Restaurants for Business Meetings
Anguilla’s dining scene is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re closing a deal over dinner, entertaining a client, or having a power lunch with colleagues, the island offers a variety of fantastic options that cater to business travelers.
If you’re aiming to impress, Veya Restaurant is a top-tier choice. This elegant venue is often described as “a treehouse for grown-ups,” offering an intimate ambiance surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The menu is a fusion of Caribbean flavors with international influences, featuring dishes like Moroccan-spiced shrimp and plantain-crusted snapper. With its sophisticated atmosphere and impeccable service, Veya is ideal for sealing deals over a fine meal.
Another must-visit is Blanchards Restaurant, one of the most well-known dining establishments in Anguilla. The upscale yet inviting setting, combined with a diverse menu featuring seafood, steak, and vegetarian options, makes it a versatile choice for business meetings. Whether you’re enjoying their famous coconut shrimp or a glass of wine from their impressive selection, Blanchards ensures a memorable dining experience.
For a more laid-back yet refined setting, Straw Hat Restaurant is a beachfront gem perfect for business conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. Located at the Frangipani Beach Resort, it offers incredible views of Meads Bay and a menu full of fresh seafood and international dishes. The ambiance is both professional and serene, making it a great choice for a client meeting where you want to strike the perfect balance between business and pleasure.
If you’re looking for a quiet but upscale dining experience, Mango’s Seaside Grill is another fantastic option. This waterfront restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a seafood-centric menu featuring dishes like grilled mahi-mahi and Anguillian crayfish. It’s an excellent spot for entertaining clients who appreciate high-quality cuisine in a relaxed yet elegant setting.
If a casual yet stylish lunch spot is what you need, Tasty’s P.O.V is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its warm hospitality and authentic Caribbean flavors, it’s a great place to experience traditional Anguillian cuisine while discussing business in a relaxed setting. Their seafood pasta and grilled snapper are always crowd-pleasers.
For those hosting a larger business dinner or company event, Jacala Beach Restaurant offers a sophisticated beachfront setting with exceptional French-inspired cuisine. The serene, elegant environment is perfect for high-profile meetings or team celebrations.
No matter which dining experience you choose, Anguilla’s restaurants provide the ideal settings for professional gatherings, whether you need a quiet space for negotiations or a lively atmosphere to celebrate a successful business venture.
Best Bars & Lounges for Networking & Entertaining Clients
Business isn’t just about meetings, it’s about building relationships, and what better way to do that than over a drink in a stylish setting? Anguilla boasts a variety of bars and lounges that provide the perfect ambiance for networking and client entertainment.
Sunset Lounge at Four Seasons Resort is the epitome of sophistication. Known for its stunning ocean views and expertly crafted cocktails, it’s the perfect place to impress clients. The sleek, open-air lounge serves an extensive selection of fine wines, signature cocktails, and premium rums, making it an ideal setting for sealing deals while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
If you prefer a more laid-back, Caribbean-style atmosphere, Elvis’ Beach Bar is a fantastic choice. Located right on the sand in Sandy Ground, this bar is famous for its rum punches and welcoming vibe. It’s a great place to unwind after a long workday and chat with clients in a casual, stress-free environment. With reggae music playing in the background and a cool sea breeze in the air, business conversations here tend to feel a little less like work and a little more like fun.
For a more exclusive, intimate experience, Bar Soleil at Malliouhana provides an upscale yet relaxed environment. With stunning panoramic views and a refined drink menu featuring artisanal cocktails, fine wines, and Caribbean-inspired concoctions, it’s an excellent choice for high-level business discussions or celebrating a successful deal.
If your clients enjoy cigars and a sophisticated atmosphere, Rhum Room, Zemi Beach House in Shoal Bay offers a total rum-tasting experience. The variation in the spelling of the word rum harkens to the bar’s select offering of French rums, which complement their stable of Spanish and English spirits. if you’d like to impress your next clients, treat them to this royal experience.
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, Anguilla offers the perfect mix of casual beach bars and elegant lounges to suit every business occasion. Whether you’re raising a glass to a successful partnership or just enjoying good company, the island’s bar scene provides the ideal backdrop.
Final Thoughts
A business trip to Anguilla doesn’t have to be all work and no play. With the right accommodations, access to business resources, and incredible dining and entertainment options, you can have a productive and enjoyable experience.
La Vue Boutique Inn provides the perfect home base, combining business-friendly amenities with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re in Anguilla for a quick conference or an extended work trip, you’ll find everything you need to balance work and leisure effortlessly.
So, pack your laptop, but don’t forget your swimsuit, because in Anguilla, business and paradise go hand in hand!
