With the silhouettes of Saint Martin in the distance, Anguilla offers a serene sense of place that feels both inviting and expansive. Stand on the first tee at the Aurora International Golf Club on the island’s southern coast and the scene is instantly memorable. This 7,165-yard course, designed by Greg Norman and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, blends natural beauty, strategic play, and a cinematic quality that defines every round. As the island’s tourism board likes to say, “This is golf that truly lives up to the journey, and it stays with you long after you leave.”

Just ask the Honorable Cardigan Connor, Anguilla’s minister for health, sports, and tourism, who grew up playing cricket on the island (later moving to England to play the sport professionally) but has more recently adopted golf. It’s easy to see how Connor has completely fallen in love with both the game and the island’s incredible course. “The International Course, designed by Greg Norman, is one of the finest in the whole Caribbean,” he says. “As the minister for health, sports, and tourism, I know that people will travel long distances to play a great golf course, and as a small island, we are very fortunate to be able to attract visitors with the quality of this golf resort.”

That quality reveals itself immediately. Golfers on the first tee take in a sweeping view of the Caribbean Sea with Saint Martin in the distance. The second hole, a moderate par three, plays to a 16,000-square-foot double green that borders Rendezvous Beach and the Anguilla Channel. Impeccable conditioning and thoughtful design continue throughout the round, creating a golf experience that feels both distinctive and unforgettable.

Over half a century ago, when Connor was growing up on the island, golf wasn’t an option. What the island did have, which it still boasts today, is a caring community of friendly inhabitants. “The island was very much a community of care,” he remembers, “and we enjoyed so much freedom. There was a great community bond which set the foundation for all Anguillians, and those who leave the island for the outside world carry that spirit with them. I remain forever thankful to the community I grew up in, and for the way we all looked out for each other.”

That foundation sits at the heart of Anguilla’s approach to tourism. The island’s first hotel opened in 1984 and from the beginning the government committed to a standard of excellence. According to Connor, the Anguillian government made the decision decades ago that any hospitality development had to be elite, it had to be five-star quality, and that has since elevated the visitor experience for all those who make the smart choice to vacation here.

The friendliness of the people and their enthusiasm for welcoming guests ensure that visitors can comfortably explore the country and experience places that feel authentic and inviting. The golf may be pristine, the culinary landscape exceptional, and the hotels and resorts seamless in their luxury. Yet Anguilla’s greatest allure is the sincerity of its hospitality.

“At the end of the day the appeal of Anguilla comes down to the people,” Connor acknowledges. “We still have that community spirit that surrounded me as I grew up, and that is extended to people who visit the island. Anguilla has the peace, tranquility, and safety that people want on holiday, and we make sure that everyone who comes here has the space they need.”

This email was produced in partnership with Anguilla Tourism.