Anguilla named Caribbean’s leading culinary and luxury island destination

Anguilla has captured two regional honours at the 2026 World Travel Awards – Caribbean’s Leading Culinary Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination.

The awards were presented at the Caribbean and the Americas Gala Ceremony at Princess Grand Jamaica in Green Island, Jamaica, on Sunday, 11 October.

Tourism director Jameel Rochester, who represented the island at the ceremony, said: “These awards belong to the people who give Anguilla its character and make every visit memorable.

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“From our chefs and restaurateurs to our resort teams, villa operators and small businesses, this recognition reflects the care, creativity and pride they bring to their work.

“To be recognised for both our culinary experiences and luxury offerings is a powerful endorsement of what visitors can enjoy in Anguilla.”

This is the third consecutive year that Anguilla has won the award for the Caribbean’s Leading Culinary Destination, after receiving the accolade in both 2024 and 2025.

It recognises Anguilla’s varied dining scene, from local favourites to fine dining, reflecting the island’s food culture, fresh seafood and international influences.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination award recognises Anguilla’s beaches, resorts and villas, and the personalised hospitality that shapes its approach to luxury tourism.

“Anguilla’s luxury is a natural expression of our people’s warmth and hospitality, the island’s distinctive character and the personal attention given to every visitor,” Rochester said in a press release.

“It is found in the personal welcome, the exceptional cuisine and the relaxed elegance that allows visitors to enjoy the island at their own pace.”

Andy (left) and Omar Connor (second left) of Andy’s Auto Rentals accepted the award for Anguilla’s Leading Car Rental Company 2026. (World Travel Awards/2026)

Winners in the national categories included Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, which took three titles for leading beach resort, luxury hotel villa and wedding resort.

Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club was named leading resort, Frangipani Beach Resort won leading boutique hotel and Zemi Beach House took leading family resort.

Other winners were Cap Juluca’s Jonquil Suite for leading hotel suite, Andy’s Auto Rentals for leading car rental company and Calypso Charters Anguilla for leading tour operator.

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, recognises excellence across the global travel and tourism industry.

Winners are determined through online voting by travel industry professionals and the public, with votes from industry professionals carrying double weight.

Anguilla was nominated for eight awards including Caribbean’s Leading Beach, Dive and Nature Destination, Caribbean’s Leading Destination, Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board and Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination.

Three properties also received regional nominations including Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club, Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels and Resorts and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.

Anguilla previously won the awards for Caribbean’s Leading Culinary Destination 2025, Caribbean’s Leading Culinary Destination 2024, World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2014 and Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination 2014.

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