A-List in Anguilla

Somehow, Anguilla manages to fly relatively under the radar—quite the feat for this luxe Caribbean island, which boasts breathtaking beaches and a super culinary scene. A mere 20 minutes by boat from tourist-heavy St. Maarten, this is where Taylor Swift, Drake and Beyoncé go for a paparazzi-free getaway—we suggest you do the same.

stay: Skip the stuffy resort for a luxury stay at Ani Villas, where each luxe pad is equipped with its own pool, surrounded by a lush tropical garden and set on a cliff with a to-die-for view of the sea. Meals here are no worry; everything chef Sweets prepares is lick-your-plate delicious (the fresh fish with coconut milk is a must), and private tennis pro Devon won’t mind helping you burn off those extra calories on the court. Ani Villas, Anguilla, British West Indies, 264-497-7888, www.anivillas.com

do: Schedule a trip to Shoal Bay through the Ani Villas staff. This most-perfect-of-perfect beaches (think several miles of pristine white powder (we’re loathe to call it sand), azure water and coral for snorkelling off shore) is best complemented by chef Sweet’s ribs, juicy barbecue chicken, rice and peas and beyond-tasty potato salad, delicately seasoned with a bit of curry powder (his secret is roasting the potatoes rather than boiling them). Closer to home, take a short walk (or let the staff take you over via golf cart) to the top of the cliff that leads down into nearby Little Bay. Holding onto a rope, it’s an exhilarating climb 30 feet down for a guaranteed adrenaline rush.

savour: After a day on the beach, head straight to Picante, where the Mexi-vibe’s casual and the fajitas arrive to your table still sizzling (they pair perfectly with the bartender’s frozen passion fruit mojito). For dinner, kick back at Blanchard’s Beach Shack, which boasts a diverse menu to suit even the pickiest eater (but, seriously, go for the blackened mahi mahi plate). Blanchard’s Beach Shack, Meads Bay, Anguilla, British West Indies, 264-498-6100, blanchardsrestaurant.com

See? Luxury need not be stuffy. —Karen Kwan