Why Honeymoon at Meads Bay
Meads Bay has the feel of a private beach without actually being private. Like every beach in Anguilla, it is public, but the lack of roads along the shore and the spacing of the resorts keep it peaceful. The water is generally calm enough for long swims, paddleboarding and floating on your back for an hour.
The practical appeal is just as strong. Several of the island's most celebrated resorts and restaurants sit right on the bay, so you can walk to dinner along the sand. That matters on an island where taxis add up and nobody wants to drive after a bottle of wine.
Sunsets are a ritual here. The bay faces northwest, so the sun drops into open sea and, on clear evenings, you may catch the green flash. Couples gather at beach bars or on their terraces each evening to watch it go.
When to Go
December through April is prime time. Days are sunny and dry, with temperatures in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit and steady breezes. It is also peak season, with high rates and minimum stays at holiday time, so reserve early for the best rooms.
May and June are excellent for honeymooners. The weather is still lovely, the water is warm and calm and rates drop. July and early August stay pleasant. Anguilla's summer festival brings boat races and parties to the island.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the greatest risk from August through October. Some resorts and restaurants on Meads Bay close for several weeks in September and October. In winter, northern swells can occasionally make the water rougher than usual, though Meads Bay is generally among the calmer beaches on the island. If you plan a late-summer trip, check opening dates and buy travel insurance.
Where to Stay
Meads Bay is lined with some of Anguilla's most sought-after places to stay. Malliouhana, now part of Auberge Resorts, sits on a bluff at the eastern end with wide views over two beaches and a long history as one of the island's grand hotels. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla straddles the western headland, with rooms facing either Meads Bay or Barnes Bay and a large infinity pool.
In the middle of the beach, Frangipani Beach Resort is a smaller, Mediterranean-style property with suites directly on the sand. Boutique resorts and private villas fill in the rest. Many have kitchens, which helps balance costs.
When choosing, think about the vibe you want. Large resorts offer spas, multiple restaurants and polished service. Smaller hotels and villas feel more private. Ask about beach service, shade and whether rooms face the water. Book early for December through April.
Romantic Things to Do
Start with the simplest pleasure: walk the full length of Meads Bay at sunrise or sunset, when the beach is nearly empty and the light turns gold.
Take a boat day to the Prickly Pear Cays, a pair of small islands with clear water for snorkeling and a beach restaurant famous for grilled lobster. Visit Little Bay by boat, where cliffs frame a tiny beach and the snorkeling is excellent. Spend a day at Shoal Bay East for a change of scene.
In the evening, head to Sandy Ground for live music at a beach bar or a boat ride to Sandy Island. Spend a night at the Dune Preserve on Rendezvous Bay, a driftwood bar run by local musician Bankie Banx. Book a couples treatment at a resort spa. On a quiet afternoon, rent a paddleboard and glide along the calm water of Meads Bay itself.
Getting There and Around
Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) is about 15 minutes from Meads Bay by car. American Eagle has flown nonstop from Miami. BermudAir has added seasonal winter flights from the Northeast.
Most visitors fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten, which has nonstops from many US cities. From there, private boat transfers run to Blowing Point in about 25 to 30 minutes. A taxi to Meads Bay then takes roughly 15 minutes more. Many resorts can arrange the full transfer.
At Meads Bay itself, you can walk along the beach to several restaurants and resorts. For the rest of the island, rent a car or use taxis. Driving is on the left. A temporary local permit is required and is usually arranged through the rental company. Taxis charge fixed rates. Ask your hotel to call one for evening outings.
Food and Drink
Eating well is one of the main reasons to stay at Meads Bay. Several of the island's top restaurants sit on or just off the beach, many with tables on decks overlooking the sand. Menus showcase local spiny lobster, crayfish, snapper and mahi-mahi, often with Caribbean spices and French technique.
Balance the splurges with casual meals. Anguilla's roadside barbecue stands serve ribs, chicken and grilled crayfish at a fraction of resort prices. Beach bars elsewhere on the island are ideal for lunch with your feet in the sand.
Drinks are part of the ritual. Try a rum punch at sunset, a cold Caribbean beer at a beach shack and a bottle from one of the island's impressive wine cellars. Pigeon peas and rice is the local signature side dish. Reserve dinners ahead in high season. Check whether your bill already includes a service charge before tipping.
Honeymoon Tips
- Book a private boat transfer from St. Maarten to avoid waiting for the public ferry.
- Mention your honeymoon when booking. Resorts here often add champagne or a dinner on the beach.
- Reserve restaurants early, especially for Christmas through April.
- Rent a car for at least a few days to explore other beaches.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and light layers for breezy evenings.
- Check whether your resort closes in September or October before booking a late-summer trip.
- Bring a mix of US dollars and cards. Cards are widely accepted, but small stands may prefer cash.
Above all, keep the schedule loose. Meads Bay rewards slow mornings, long swims and evenings that end whenever the stars come out.