Since the mid-eighties Anguilla has garnered itself a reputation that many tropical islands would envy - unapologetically exclusive and perennially fashionable, with just the right blend of worldly sophistication and untouched natural beauty. Its resorts tend to be designed for pleasure-seekers seeking low-key but upscale retreats, all of them of course with stunning backdrops that could give Hollywood a run for its money. In fact maybe that’s why the island is so popular with the A-list celebs who continue to flock here in their droves? Or maybe it’s simply the plethora of island restaurants catering for those with gourmet tastes and low boredom thresholds - Oriental, French, Italian and Creole are just a smattering of those on offer.

And although the lush tropical splendour of St. Lucia and Grenada may be absent on this resoundingly flat island, there is more than enough eye-catching beauty to be found in its twelve-miles of beaches, iridescent turquoise waters and highly-valued collection of offshore cays.

But should the pleasures of the sea and the sand finally begin to pall, taking off by car and exploring its sleepy villages and hidden bays is always a good idea, as are the day trips by ferry to St. Martin.Whilst the exclusive boutiques and glittering casinos of this fast-paced neighbour are fascinating for a few hours, nowhere could better underline the tranquil appeal of Anguilla itself.

AS YOU REACH ANGUILLA VIA ANTIGUA, A TWOCENTRE HOLIDAY INCORPORATING BOTH ISLANDS IS ALWAYS VERY TEMPTING. THERE ARE REGULAR FLIGHTS TO ANTIGUA FROM GATWICK WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS AND VIRGIN ATLANTIC, ASWELL AS A WEEKLY ONE FROM MANCHESTER WITH BMI. A BRIEF SHARED CHARTER, LIAT OR WINAIR FLIGHT WILL CONNECT THE TWO.