Anguilla: Lounging at the Sunshine Shack

The Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay has somehow become a ritual for my family during their visits. The beach is pristine, the food and cocktails keep everyone fueled, and Garvey, the proprietor, has a personality and smile that make you feel right at home. With a day off duty, I loaded up the car with towels, a raft (for grandma), sunscreen and reading materials, and took my grandmother and dad down to the beach.

My grandmother is 88 years old so walking down a sandy beach isn’t quite as easy as it once was. She’s still a trooper but long distances in the Caribbean heat can be a daunting task. During her last visit I discovered how useful a simple raft was: I’d walk her down to the water, have her hold on to the raft and swim her down the beach to our final destination. During her first visit to Anguilla (about a year ago), she confessed to me that it had been a long, long time since she’d taken a dip in the sea. The last time she’d recalled being in was 1951 (seriously), so naturally her swimming ability hasn’t been honed. Again, raft to the rescue.

 

Sunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, AnguillaSunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, AnguillaAnguilla, Sunshine Shack

After a float, we found a cozy slice of sand on the beach to settle in, enjoy a beach read and order lunch. If you’re looking for a great local experience, Garvey does it right: armed with a grill, a bar and a blender, he serves up ribs, chicken and fish alongside of ice cold Caribs and frozen concoctions. I’m not sure how a day gets more perfect.

Sunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, AnguillaSunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, AnguillaSunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

 

One of my favorite new additions at Garvey’s: mini ice chests to keep your beer ice cold.

Sunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, AnguillaSunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, AnguillaSunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, AnguillaSunshine Shack, Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

 

No family trip to AXA would be complete without a day spent with Garvey. Perfection!

Anguilla lovers, what’s your go-to beach bar when you’re on the island?

xo,

Shannon Kircher, The Wanderlust Effect

More about Shannon Kircher

Shannon Kircher is the founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect. Founded in 2009, she has continued to document her international escapes as an expat in Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, Shannon is the founder of Compass & Vine, a luxury boutique travel design firm, and is the Director of Marketing for the Frangipani Beach Resort. Shannon holds an MSc in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and is a current candidate for WSET Level 3 in Wines & Spirits.