Panelists exchanged comments, which were kept anonymous to maintain survey neutrality during the rating process. These lightly edited excerpts offer a glimpse of panelists' varied points of view and the reasoning behind each score. They are not the views of the National Geographic Society.
"Tremendous aesthetic appeal with pristine beaches and healthy reef system. Tourism is up-market and low density. Large hotels have altered formerly pristine coastal settings, damaged archaeological sites, and required the importation of labor."
"Big plus: The island has eschewed large cruise ships, minimizing the impact of thousands of day-trippers. Islanders are aware of Anguilla's special providence and aren't selling it off at the pace seen on other Caribbean islands."
"The beaches are gorgeous but it is becoming a place only the ultra-rich can enjoy."
