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Meads Bay
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Meads Bay, Anguilla pairs a sheltered west-coast beach with sunset dining, water activities, villas and easy access to the island’s wider heritage.

Meads Bay occupies a broad stretch of Anguilla’s west coast, where pale sand, calm turquoise water and low scrub-covered hills create one of the island’s most recognisable coastal settings. The beach curves gently along a sheltered bay and is backed by hotels, villas, restaurants and beach bars, yet the landscape remains open enough for long walks and quiet stretches between developed areas. Sunsets are particularly important to the character of the coast, with the low western horizon often glowing over the water towards St Martin and neighbouring islands.
Read more about Meads Bay
The bay is part of Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the northern Leeward Islands, and should be understood as a coastal resort area rather than a separate town or administrative district. Meads Bay is close to West End and Long Bay, while the island’s capital, The Valley, lies farther east. Blowing Point, the principal ferry gateway from St Martin, is also outside Meads Bay and requires a short road transfer. Because Anguilla is compact, visitors can combine a stay here with excursions to other beaches, historic sites and local communities, although roads and distances are slower than a map may suggest.
Meads Bay’s appeal is centred on the beach rather than a dense collection of monuments. The shallow, generally sheltered water is suitable for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxed beach time, while the western orientation makes the shore a natural place for sunset. Nearby coastal areas offer a different rhythm: West End has a more low-key residential and villa character, and Maundays Bay to the south is associated with a polished resort landscape. Inland, dry woodland, limestone terrain and irregular scrub reflect Anguilla’s semi-arid climate, with little shade away from developed properties.
Dining is an important part of the Meads Bay experience. Restaurants range from informal waterfront venues and hotel dining rooms to more elaborate establishments serving seafood, grilled meats, Caribbean flavours and international dishes. Anguillan cooking draws on the island’s fishing heritage, with locally familiar ingredients including lobster when in season, snapper, conch and goat, alongside rice, peas and johnny cakes. Evenings are generally relaxed: sunset drinks, dinner, live music and small beach gatherings are more characteristic than a large nightclub scene.
A visit is best planned as a balance between staying close to the bay and exploring Anguilla more widely. The island’s beaches differ in exposure, sand, facilities and sea conditions, while historic traces of salt production, seafaring, plantation agriculture and village life give context beyond the resort coast. Meads Bay works particularly well for travellers seeking an easy base for swimming, dining and sunsets, provided they remember that services, roads and some activities follow island rhythms rather than metropolitan schedules.

When is the best time to visit Meads Bay?

Best: January–March · 28–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2850
February (best)2840
March (best)2940
April2950
May3060
June3170
July3180
August3190
September31100
October3090
November2980
December2970

Getting to and around Meads Bay

How to get there

Meads Bay has no international airport or ferry terminal. Most international visitors arrive at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport near The Valley, outside Meads Bay, or travel by ferry from Marigot or the airport ferry area on French Saint Martin to Blowing Point, outside the bay. Private boat transfers may also be arranged, but entry requirements and availability vary. From either airport or ferry gateway, a pre-booked taxi or accommodation transfer is the simplest approach; allow extra time for immigration, baggage and island roads.

Transportation

Taxis and hire cars are the practical ways to move around Meads Bay and the rest of Anguilla. Driving is on the left, and roads are generally usable but can be narrow, uneven or poorly lit away from the main resort areas. There is no extensive urban bus network designed for sightseeing, while cycling and walking are pleasant for short local journeys but less suitable for reaching distant beaches in the heat. Confirm taxi fares before departure and arrange return transport from remote beaches or restaurants.

Top city travel guides in Meads Bay

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Destinations in Meads Bay

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Meads Bay

Meads Bay’s main attraction is its long west-facing beach, whose relatively sheltered water supports swimming, paddleboarding and relaxed shoreline walks when conditions are favourable. The bay is backed by resorts, villas, restaurants and beach services, so visitors can combine time beside the sea with dining and sunset viewing without travelling far. Its western position also provides broad horizons towards St Martin, particularly at the end of the day. Beyond the sand, the appeal lies in using Meads Bay as a base for Anguilla’s wider coastal and cultural landscape. Nearby West End and Long Bay provide alternative beach settings, while other parts of the island offer quieter coves, salt ponds, fishing communities and historic sites. Snorkelling, sailing, boat excursions and other water activities are available through local operators, although conditions and schedules vary. The dry interior has low limestone terrain, scrub and small roads rather than dramatic mountains or dense rainforest. Visitors interested in history can explore Anguilla’s archaeological and colonial-era heritage elsewhere on the island, including museums and surviving structures, while nature-focused travellers may prefer shoreline observation and excursions on the surrounding waters. Meads Bay itself is best understood as a beach, dining and watersports destination rather than a concentrated museum or monument district.

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Best landmarks in Meads Bay

Meads Bay Beach is the defining physical landmark of the area, a broad arc of pale sand on Anguilla’s western coast whose open maritime outlook and sunset views distinguish it from more enclosed beaches elsewhere on the island. The bay’s curving shoreline, clear shallows and low, dry vegetation form a recognisable coastal scene, even though much of the surrounding architecture is modern resort development. The western horizon towards St Martin adds geographic context and explains the bay’s popularity for evening viewing. The nearby coastline around West End and Long Bay provides related but different visual landmarks, with low headlands, sandy coves and stretches of quieter development. Inland, Meads Bay has no monumental castle, cathedral or historic civic core; its significance is environmental and contemporary, rooted in the transformation of an Anguillan working coastline into an international hospitality centre. For architectural and historical landmarks, visitors need to travel beyond the bay to other parts of Anguilla, where churches, museums and surviving vernacular buildings provide a broader sense of the territory’s past. These should be treated as excursions rather than assumed to be within Meads Bay itself.

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Best restaurants in Meads Bay

Dining around Meads Bay ranges from informal beachside service to hotel restaurants and more polished evening establishments, giving the area one of Anguilla’s strongest concentrations of visitor-oriented food. Menus commonly combine Caribbean techniques with international cooking, featuring fish, lobster when seasonally available, conch, shrimp, grilled meats and fresh salads. Local staples such as johnny cakes, rice and peas, plantain and goat may appear alongside familiar continental dishes. Anguillan food is shaped by fishing, small-scale farming and connections with neighbouring Caribbean islands, rather than by a single dish associated only with Meads Bay. Casual lunches suit the beach, while sunset dinners are a central part of the bay’s evening rhythm. Restaurants elsewhere on Anguilla can offer a more local village or roadside atmosphere, so a hire car or taxi makes culinary exploration practical. Reservations are sensible at popular venues during the high season, and visitors should check whether a service charge is included before tipping. Farmers’ produce, seafood availability and opening patterns can change with weather, season and supply.

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Best bars in Meads Bay

Meads Bay’s evening scene is centred on sunset drinks, relaxed beach bars, hotel lounges and restaurants rather than a large club district. The west-facing shore provides a natural setting for early-evening cocktails, local rum drinks, beer and live music, while some venues continue with DJs or bands later at night. Larger resorts may have the most structured entertainment, but the overall pace remains social and unhurried. Anguilla’s nightlife is spread across the island, with additional bars, restaurants and occasional music events in other communities rather than concentrated in one permanent entertainment quarter. Visitors should check current arrangements locally because performances, late-night service and seasonal events can change. Taxis are useful after dinner, particularly when staying in a villa or travelling between Meads Bay and other parts of the island. Evening culture does not depend solely on drinking: seafood dinners, conversation, music and watching the sunset are equally characteristic ways to spend the night.

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Best nightclubs in Meads Bay

Meads Bay’s evening scene is centred on sunset drinks, relaxed beach bars, hotel lounges and restaurants rather than a large club district. The west-facing shore provides a natural setting for early-evening cocktails, local rum drinks, beer and live music, while some venues continue with DJs or bands later at night. Larger resorts may have the most structured entertainment, but the overall pace remains social and unhurried. Anguilla’s nightlife is spread across the island, with additional bars, restaurants and occasional music events in other communities rather than concentrated in one permanent entertainment quarter. Visitors should check current arrangements locally because performances, late-night service and seasonal events can change. Taxis are useful after dinner, particularly when staying in a villa or travelling between Meads Bay and other parts of the island. Evening culture does not depend solely on drinking: seafood dinners, conversation, music and watching the sunset are equally characteristic ways to spend the night.

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Best shops in Meads Bay

Shopping in Meads Bay is mainly connected with resort life: small boutiques, hotel retail areas, beachwear, jewellery, art and practical holiday goods rather than a large high-street or shopping-centre scene. Visitors may find locally made crafts, paintings, photography, island-themed gifts and food or drink products, although stock and individual shop arrangements can change. The most useful regional purchases often include Anguillan artwork, handmade items and packaged Caribbean products, provided they are bought from legitimate sellers and can legally be taken home. For a broader selection of groceries, services and everyday shopping, travel towards The Valley, Anguilla’s main commercial centre, outside Meads Bay. Markets and small shops elsewhere on the island can provide a more local experience, but they may operate on limited or changing schedules. Keep receipts for higher-value purchases, pack fragile crafts carefully and avoid buying shells, coral or other protected natural material. Bargaining is not generally expected in established shops, while prices in resort areas may reflect imported goods, limited island supply and seasonal demand.

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Meads Bay essentials

Currency and Payment
Anguilla uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, or XCD, as its official currency. United States dollars are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and visitor services, although change may be given in Eastern Caribbean dollars and exchange rates can vary by business. Cards and contactless payments are common in established accommodation and restaurants, but small vendors, taxis and modest shops may prefer cash. Carry a reserve of cash, particularly when travelling beyond Meads Bay or during temporary network or power interruptions.
Safety
Meads Bay is a busy visitor area, but normal precautions remain sensible: secure valuables, avoid leaving belongings unattended on the beach and use reputable taxis or accommodation-arranged transport. Sun exposure, dehydration and heat are more immediate concerns for many visitors than serious crime. Swim with regard to weather and sea conditions, use care on wet rocks and avoid walking unfamiliar roads after dark. Hurricane and tropical-storm conditions can affect travel during the Atlantic season, so follow local instructions and accommodation advice.
Emergency Situations
For an emergency in Anguilla, call 911 for police, fire or ambulance assistance. State that you are in or near Meads Bay and provide the name of your hotel, villa or the nearest clearly identifiable road access. For incidents at sea, contact local emergency services or alert your boat operator, hotel and coastguard-related personnel immediately. Keep travel insurance details and your accommodation contact information accessible, as response arrangements on a small island may differ from those in a major city.
Do's and Don'ts
Do dress appropriately away from the beach, speak courteously to residents and staff, and ask before photographing people or private property. Do follow flags, local advice and posted guidance when swimming or using water equipment. Do not remove shells, coral or other natural material, and do not leave rubbish on the shore. Beachwear belongs on the beach rather than in shops or administrative buildings. Tipping is customary for good service, but the amount should reflect the service and any service charge already shown.
Local Tips
Meads Bay is convenient for sunset and dinner, but a wider Anguilla itinerary is worthwhile because beaches on different coasts can feel markedly different in wind and sea conditions. Ask locally about swimming conditions before entering the water, and check whether restaurants require reservations during the busiest months. The island’s compact size can be misleading when roads, heat and multiple stops are considered, so group nearby beaches and heritage sites rather than attempting to cross the island repeatedly.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHello[Heh-loh]
GoodbyeGoodbye[Good-bye]
YesYes[Yes]
NoNo[No]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[Pleez/Yo're welcome]
Thank youThank you[Thank you]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[Ex-kyoos me/Saw-ree]
How are you?How are you?[How are you?]
Fine. And you?Fine. And you?[Fine. And you?]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[Do you speak English?]
I don't understandI don't understand[I don't understand]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please[I'd like to see the menu, pleez]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[I don't eat meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please[I would like to pay, pleez]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Go away![Go away!]
Call the Police!Call the Police![Call the Police!]
Call a doctor!Call a doctor![Call a doctor!]
I'm lostI'm lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI'm ill[I'm ill]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...[I'd like to buy...]
I'm just lookingI'm just looking[I'm just looking]
How much is it?How much is it?[How much is it?]
That's too expensiveThat's too expensive[That's too ex-pen-sive]
Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?[Can you lower the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[Half past (10)]
MorningMorning[Morn-ing]
AfternoonAfternoon[Af-ter-noon]
EveningEvening[Eve-ning]
YesterdayYesterday[Yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[To-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[To-mor-row]
11[One]
22[Two]
33[Three]
44[Four]
55[Five]
66[Six]
77[Seven]
88[Eight]
99[Nine]
1010[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[Where's a/the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[Can you show me (on the map)?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[When's the next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[A ticket (to ....)]

History of Meads Bay

Indigenous Settlement before European Colonisation

Anguilla was occupied long before European arrival by Indigenous peoples who used the island’s coastal waters, ponds and fertile pockets of land. Archaeological evidence across Anguilla records communities associated with the wider Caribbean world, including pottery, tools and shell remains. Meads Bay itself is part of a coastline shaped by this long relationship with fishing, shellfish gathering and movement between settlements. Much of the visible landscape has changed through development, but the island’s pre-colonial heritage remains an important foundation for understanding Anguilla.

English Settlement and the Plantation Economy

English settlers established a permanent presence in Anguilla during the seventeenth century, linking the island to Britain’s expanding Caribbean network. The dry climate made large-scale plantation agriculture difficult, so Anguilla developed differently from wetter islands with extensive sugar estates. Small farms, livestock keeping, fishing and coastal trade became more important. Across the island, including the area around today’s resort coast, this pattern created a dispersed rural society rather than a heavily urbanised plantation landscape.

Salt, Fishing and Maritime Trade

For centuries Anguilla’s economy relied on activities suited to its shallow coastal waters and limited rainfall. Salt was collected from natural ponds, while fishing, boat building and seafaring supported local households and trade with neighbouring islands. Coastal bays served as working landscapes rather than purely recreational spaces. Meads Bay is now associated with hotels and restaurants, but its setting belongs to the same maritime environment that shaped Anguilla’s communities, food traditions and links with St Martin, St Kitts and other eastern Caribbean islands.

Nineteenth-Century Hardship and Migration

Limited rainfall, thin soils and recurring hurricanes made life on Anguilla difficult during the nineteenth century. Agriculture remained modest, and many Anguillans sought work or established family connections on larger neighbouring islands. Migration became a defining part of the island’s history and helped create a wide Anguillan diaspora. The persistence of small-scale farming, fishing and mutual community networks was significant because it allowed local society to endure despite restricted economic opportunities and recurring environmental pressures.

The 1967 Revolution and Anguillan Self-Government

In 1967, Anguillans resisted incorporation into the associated state of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, beginning the events commonly known as the Anguillan Revolution. The movement reflected strong local concerns about political representation and the island’s distinct identity. British troops arrived later that year, and Anguilla ultimately remained separate from Saint Kitts and Nevis. The episode is central to modern Anguillan identity and helps explain the territory’s present constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom.

Tourism and the Transformation of the West Coast

Tourism expanded significantly during the later twentieth century as visitors were drawn to Anguilla’s beaches, sailing waters and small-island atmosphere. Meads Bay became one of the principal locations for upscale hotels, villas, restaurants and watersports, transforming a previously quiet coastal landscape into an international resort area. Development has brought employment and infrastructure while also making questions of shoreline management, water use, access and environmental conservation important to the future of the bay.

Meads Bay in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Meads Bay, Anguilla

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