Maundays Bay has been named the world’s second-best beach in luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The crescent-shaped beach on Anguilla’s south-west coast with its clear turquoise water and white sand came in just behind Veligandu Island Beach in the Maldives.
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, which sits on Maundays Bay, also claimed the number two spot on the publication’s list of the Caribbean’s top resorts.
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General manager Eleonore Astier-Petin said Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel and its beach are “thrilled to be recognised amongst the best of the best in the Caribbean and the world”.
Marketing and communications manager Ariel Bushay described the accolade as a “beautiful recognition of a place and a people that have always been something special”.
“We are proud to see Cap Juluca and Maundays Bay recognised among the very best; a reflection of the love, pride and hard work that so many Julucans pour into this place every day,” she told Anguilla Focus.
Malliouhana Resort on Meads Bay ranked number 20, Zemi Beach House on Shoal Bay East placed number 23 and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla on Barnes Bay came in at number 34.
In a press release, Diego Stembert, general manager of Four Seasons Resort, said: “This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of our team, who bring the beauty, warmth and spirit of Anguilla to life for every guest.
“Through genuine care, personalised service, and meaningful experiences, we strive to create lasting connections to this remarkable destination, and it’s rewarding to see that resonate with travellers from around the world.”
Meanwhile, Anguilla placed number eight among the Caribbean and Atlantic’s top islands behind Bermuda, St Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, St Barts, Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Antigua.
In a press release on 6 October, tourism minister Cardigan Connor welcomed the recognition from Condé Nast Traveler and highlighted its significance for Anguilla’s tourism sector.
“Maundays Bay’s ranking as the world’s second-best beach, alongside recognition for four of our resorts, speaks to both Anguilla’s natural beauty and the quality of hospitality our island delivers,” he said.
“These honours also recognise the people behind the experience – the resort teams whose care and dedication help make a visit to Anguilla so memorable.”
Connor said recognition from Condé Nast Traveler’s readers, who have experienced destinations across the globe, carries particular weight.
“It reinforces the importance of protecting the natural beauty and distinctive character that draw visitors to Anguilla while continuing to deliver the exceptional hospitality they associate with our island,” he said.
Condé Nast Traveler received close to 800,000 survey responses from readers across the United States rating their travel experiences around the world for this year’s awards.
The 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are available at cntraveler.com/rca and will be featured in the magazine’s November issue.
