I just returned from the most magical trip to Anguilla. When I travel to a beach resort location, I like to spend a few days at the resort to refuel and recharge, but no matter where I am, I make it my business to dig in and try everything.

Anguilla is definitely a place to swim and relax, but renting a car and exploring the local island treasures is what I do and like best.  It is an interesting piece of trivia that Anguilla’s larger in square miles than St. Maarten and there are fewer people with lots to do.  It is what makes Anguilla so charming.

We were celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary, a lot of recent work accomplishments and basically having a honeymoon without being pregnant and including frozen cocktails.

We stayed at the Viceroy Anguilla, which is the most incredible, beautiful resort that you could even dream. Their beach setting is a postcard, the staff is so lovely, and I found that the people of Anguilla were the nicest I’ve met on vacation. I do think that the people make a place and these people made this place even more beautiful.

Here is a list of all my favorite stops:

1) Scilly Cay:

This is a small island that you go to for the afternoon on a Wednesday or Sunday. A small boat takes you there in a few minutes and there you will drink rum punch, dine on grilled lobster and bbq and take a beautiful swim. Order the moment you get there because food orders take an hour.

2) Sandy Island:

This an even tinier island that you take a small boat to for some more rum punch, some grilled crayfish or lobster and some more barbecue. This one is more private, mellow and less of a scene. Again, order the moment you get there because food orders take a while.

3) Blanchards:

This restaurant was one of our best, and definitely the most romantic, meals on the island and it's only open for dinner. The Caesar salad, fried calamari, lobster cakes and cracked coconut dessert stood out to me.  They also have the largest selection of rum I’ve seen to date.

4 ) Ken's:

This was hands down the best barbeque I've ever had. It consists of Ken, this man and his crew on the side of the road grilling all day on the weekends. Fancy this is not. Delicious it is.

5) Picantes:

This is a local Mexican spot that I was hesitant about, but it turned out to be delicious. Great margies, spinach artichoke dip, delicious fried calamari, yummy shrimp enchiladas and divine churros were some of my favorites.

6) Bamboo bar:

This bar is at the one of the Viceroy Anguilla pools and they make the most delicious interesting frozen cocktails. Berry, mango, pineapple—Yum!!

7) Sunset Lounge:

Located at the Viceroy Anguilla, this is the spot where you watch the sunset every day while snacking on sushi, fried plantains and your favorite cocktail. They have these big comfortable beds so we'd bring Bryn and her toys.

8) Bankie Banx's Dune Preserve Restaurant and Beach Bar:

This hideout is a dive bar that looks like it is literally in a tree house. The owner is a famous reggae singer so this is the spot for live music at night. This is the same beach where the CuisinArt hotel is and it’s another great beach walk.  Jason and I would come here in the afternoon after our beach walks for a rum punch (I'm currently formulating a Skinnygirl formula).

9) Big Joe:

This is a local trainer/spin teacher/massage therapist who I found at the Viceroy. He gave me 2 life changing massages: one deep tissue, one hot stone. Run don't walk.

10) La Dolce Vita

What we found here was a surprisingly delicious and romantic waterfront Italian restaurant. The eggplant Parmesan was as good as I'd find back at home in New York City.

Shopping:

As far as shopping, there is very little but I managed to find some great tunics in two places:

Zazaa & Blu, Capri and Solei Sundries Boutiques:

Zazaa boutique has a few locations throughout the island and the Blu, Capri and Solei Sundries boutique at the CuisinArt hotel is slightly pricier but is also more chic. These are comparable to NY prices but nowhere near the psychotic inflated prices of St. Barths boutiques where I dare not enter.

Exercise:

As far as exercise, the Viceroy is mecca. I took a beach walk every other day, I indulged in their incredible waterfront a.m. yoga classes and I even took a spin class or two. I don't believe in sitting in the gym or doing what I could do at home.

For Next Trip:

So we couldn’t get to everything we wanted, but here is a list of the must see things for next time we are in Anguilla!

1)   Hibernia:

This restaurant is supposed to be the most eclectic fine dining Asian fusion. A must go for next time.

2) Smokey’s at the Cove:

Another awesome waterfront barbeque spot.

3) Mango’s:

Just down from the Viceroy.  It’s supposed to be great.