by Brian Major
Last updated: 10:56 AM ET, Tue April 17, 2018
Among the many geographic victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the devastating hurricanes that leveled several Caribbean nations in September, was Sandy Island, a small but cherished "out" island in Anguilla's Sandy Ground Bay.
Family run Sandy Island is well-known around this tiny Caribbean island. Nearly every morning finds a handful of locals and visitors gathering at the Sandy Ground Bay dock for a power boat ride a few miles out to the island.
Upon arrival, guests find little more than a colorful lunch shack dotted with picnic tables, a sound system offering relaxing island vibes, and a smattering of hammocks, palapas and lounge chairs perfect for stretching out on after a delicious meal.
That's pretty much what my wife Karen and I found last year during our first-ever visit to both Sandy Island and Anguilla. We were one of about four couples transported out to Sandy Island by Captain Jojo, a friendly young local gentleman who captained the powerboat out to the island, and with whom I shared tales of the latest goings on in New York, where he has friends and relatives.
It was a fun afternoon. We never did much of anything beyond enjoying a wonderful barbecued meal, relaxing in the comfortable lounge beds and occasionally wading into the cooling blue surf. But that was the idea.
We had a sunny island all to ourselves with the exception of three other friendly couples. We all enjoyed a sybaritic afternoon bathed in sunshine and gentle breezes, soaking in the distinct tranquility found in few places beyond the Caribbean. It was just the type of small-scale, warm weather experience that's harder than ever to find, and we appreciated every moment.
Sandy Island visitors can stroll the entire 360-degree beach, whose footprint changes constantly due to wind and wave actions that impact affect the island's shape. In fact, Irma's most recent impact is not unprecedented, as in 1995 Sandy Island was washed away (and later rebuilt) by Hurricane Luis.
This time, Sandy Island reopened this past week, seven months after Hurricane Irma. Simone Connor, Sandy Island's owner, together with her small, longtime staff of friends and family, have worked tirelessly since to resume operations at what is the ultimate insider's getaway in Anguilla.
Local volunteers aided the effort, donating coconut palms, button woods, scaevolas, sea hibiscus, coco plums and Indian rubber vines to restore the island's charming landscaping. A GoFundMe page raised another $7,210 for rebuilding efforts, as the island's restaurant, restrooms, engine room, solar panel system, water system and other structures all had to be rebuilt.
Connor has chronicled Sandy Island's comeback in a series of Facebook posts that are remarkable for the cheer and good humor in the face of the significant challenges Conner and her team faced. The posts culminated in a joyful (but sunburned after another day of non-stop work in the sunshine) Conner proclaimed the island ready to re-open.
Let me be among the first to welcome back.
How to get to Sandy Island: Anguilla visitors can embark the "Happiness" sea shuttle from the small pier at Sandy Ground Beach. The shuttle costs $10 per person. While reservations are preferred, beach walkers and drifters are also welcome.
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