Rendezvous Bay stretches for nearly two miles along Anguilla’s southwestern coast, forming a wide crescent of powder-white sand and calm, shimmering Caribbean water. It’s the kind of beach where mornings begin slowly: soft light, gentle waves, and endless room to stroll. From the shoreline you can see across to the sweeping hills ofnearby Saint Martin, a reminder that even in this serene setting you’re at the heart of the Caribbean.
This long sweep of sand is home to both luxury and simplicity. On one end sits Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, a sprawling enclave with beachfront suites and villas, golf, spa facilities, and multiple restaurants. On the other end, you’ll find Sunshine Shack, a rustic beach bar where ribs, chicken, and fish sizzle on the grill while soca music drifts across the sand. In between are smaller inns and stretches of beach where you’ll often have the view nearly to yourself.
As the day goes on, Rendezvous Bay reveals its most magical feature: the transition from day to evening. The sky stretches wide and unobstructed, turning shades of pink and gold as the sun sinks low. People gather at resort terraces and beach shacks alike, drink in hand, while the waves roll gently onto shore. It’s not a party beach — instead it’s a place where the rhythm slows, and where nature provides the entertainment.
Swim, Sand & Space to Roam
The bay is wide, the sand soft and fine, and the water typically calm thanks to the bay’s orientation. It’s a beach designed for long swims and longer walks. Even with a major resort anchoring one end, the sheer length of Rendezvous Bay means it rarely feels crowded. The gentle entry makes it easy for wading, and the soft seabed invites you to float for hours.
Where to Stay
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is the landmark property here, with rooms, suites, and villas directly along the sand. Guests have access to loungers, beachside dining, spa treatments, and a championship golf course just behind the shoreline. The resort’s design blends contemporary Caribbean style with privacy, making it the go-to choice for those who want luxury without losing a sense of place.
For those seeking something simpler, Anguilla Great House sits right along the beach as well, with colorful cottages, a pool, and an old-school Caribbean charm. Between the luxury of Aurora and the laid-back atmosphere of the Great House, travelers have options that match both budget and mood.
Eats, Drinks & Local Flavor
Few beach bars capture Anguilla’s spirit better than SunShine Shack. Run by Garvey Lake, it’s a place where the food is grilled fresh, the rum punch is strong, and the music keeps the vibe light and welcoming. Ribs, chicken, lobster, and whole fish are staples here, served under a simple open-air roof with sand beneath your feet.
Aurora, by contrast, offers multiple restaurants that range from beachside grills to elegant dining rooms. The resort sources produce from its own hydroponic farm, adding a fresh element to its menus. Guests can dine on Caribbean-inspired dishes one night, Mediterranean flavors the next, and casual beachfront fare in between.
Sunset & Evening
Rendezvous Bay is one of the best places on the island for sunsets. With no high rises and nothing to block the horizon, the sky becomes a theater each evening. Most nights, the scene is tranquil: resort terraces set out tables, Sunshine Shack keeps its grills hot until late, and couples wander along the water’s edge as the colors deepen. It’s romantic and low-key, the kind of atmosphere where conversations linger and time slows.
Practical Tips
Access is straightforward, with parking available and public entry points at several spots along the bay. While resort areas maintain their own lounge setups, much of the sand is open for strolling. Weekends can be busier with day-trippers, but the beach’s size ensures it rarely feels full. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent if you plan to stay through dusk.
Why Rendezvous Bay Stands Out
Anguilla is blessed with many beaches, but Rendezvous Bay combines scale, comfort, and character in a way few others do. It has the facilities of a world-class resort, the flavor of a beloved local beach bar, and the beauty of a shoreline that seems to stretch forever. It’s big enough to feel grand, yet intimate enough to feel personal.
Should You Go?
If your idea of paradise is a beach where you can spend the whole day without ever wanting to leave, Rendezvous Bay is it. It offers calm seas for swimming, space for wandering, food that ranges from simple barbecue to fine dining, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. This is Anguilla at its most soulful — understated, beautiful, and unforgettable.
It’s always been one your favorite beaches in the entire Caribbean. If you go, it will be one of yours, too.
Guy Britton
2025-09-21 15:26:00