Arawak Beach Club: Island Harbour's Waterfront Hideaway
A restored boutique retreat on Anguilla's most authentic fishing bay
Why Go
While the crowds cluster on Anguilla's west end, Arawak Beach Club sits quietly on the edge of Island Harbour ΓÇö a working fishing village where brightly painted boats bob offshore and the pace hasn't changed in decades. Shuttered in 2017 and lovingly revived by new owners, this small oceanfront club reopened with top-to-bottom renovated rooms, a new pool and bar, and the same front-row view of one of the Caribbean's most photogenic harbours.
The Experience
This is barefoot boutique, not big-resort polish. The handful of fully equipped units sit right on the water, each with a kitchenette, a large balcony made for sunset drinks, and sea breeze doing the work of air conditioning. Days drift between the pool, the beach bar, and watching fishermen haul in the day's catch a few steps away. Owners Judd and Mindie set a warmly personal tone ΓÇö guests routinely describe the hospitality as the reason they return. Evenings are quiet, private, and lit by the glow of Scilly Cay across the bay.
What to Try
Book a waterfront unit for the balcony views over the harbour, then make the beach bar your first stop for a rum punch at sunset. Use the kitchenette for slow breakfasts, but leave dinner to the village: hail the free boat over to Scilly Cay for grilled crayfish on its own tiny island (day visits, Wednesday and Sunday are liveliest), or walk to Falcon's Nest and Artisan Pizza nearby. Snorkelling right off Island Harbour's reef-protected bay is an easy morning ritual.
Insider Tip
Rent a car ΓÇö Island Harbour is on Anguilla's quieter east end, and having wheels turns the 'remote' location into an advantage: Shoal Bay East, one of the island's best beaches, is under ten minutes away and far less crowded if you arrive before 10am. Book direct with the property for the best rates and to request a unit closest to the water.
The Practical Stuff
Located on Arawak Road, Island Harbour, on Anguilla's northeastern coast, roughly 20ΓÇô25 minutes' drive from the Blowing Point ferry terminal and the airport. Small property ΓÇö book well ahead for winter high season (DecemberΓÇôApril). Units include kitchenettes, Wi-Fi and TVs; on-site pool and bar. Mid-range pricing by Anguilla standards, which makes it strong value for oceanfront. A rental car is strongly recommended; taxis can be arranged but are costly for repeat trips.
Pair It With
- Scilly Cay Guide — The tiny private-island beach restaurant directly across the bay ΓÇö wave from the dock for the free boat and settle in for grilled crayfish and rum punch.
- Falcon's Nest Beach Bar — A walkable Island Harbour institution for fresh-caught seafood and local atmosphere just along the shore.
- Shoal Bay East — One of the Caribbean's most celebrated beaches is a short drive away ΓÇö powder-white sand and calm turquoise water without west-end crowds.
- Artisan Pizza Napoletana — Island Harbour's beloved wood-fired pizzeria makes an easy, casual dinner night steps from the hotel.