Barbuda is a Small, Unspoiled Leeward Island
Soft, Pink Powder Beaches on Antigua's Petite Sister Island
It’s out of the way and extremely quiet, but accessible to those who make the effort. The fine, white beach with pink specks stretches for 11 unbroken miles. This unspoiled, low island is yet another destination purely for escapism and perfect for pondering. Unwinding is a pastime here and entertainment is found in hiking and scuba discoveries. For people who appreciate solitude, Barbuda is a marriage made in heaven.
Barbuda is strategically situated in the leeward islands in the eastern Caribbean. The island is 62 square miles and was colonized by the English in 1682. In 1981, it became independent of Britain. For centuries, sugar cane ruled the economy and now it's tourism
To say Barbuda is remote and laid back is an understatement. There are three arrival options: air, ferry or sail. The quickest and easiest is a scheduled charter flight on Carib Aviation, which has daily 20 minute flights from Antigua -- Barbuda’s sister island. The second option is Barbuda Express, a catamaran ferry service, which makes the three-hour trip seven days a week. Last, but not least, arrive on a private or chartered sailboat.
Charter a sailboat at Sunsail on Antigua. The distance from Antigua to the small island of Barbuda is 40 nautical Miles. An ideal anchorage is Cocoa Point and Palmetto Point on the southwestern coast. Jump in your dinghy and head for the powder soft beach.
Arid Barbuda is covered in bush and is home to wild cattle and boar. Among twisting and unmarked roads, there is one unpaved main road leading to pristine, empty beaches. Jeeps and 4- wheel drive vehicles can be rented. Scooters, bikes and horses are also available to rent.
Take a cab to Two Foot Bay. Centuries ago, this area was under water. Caves were formed on the eastern side of the island where you can find ancient cave drawings. Follow the path, enter the cave and emerge on top of the Highlands to see coral reef fringing the area. There are many caves offering additional exploration underwater. For avid divers, there are an estimated 200 shipwrecks in the reef-infested waters to pique your interest.
The small, sleepy village of Codrington has a population of 1600 inhabitants. They share the winding dirt paths with sheep, goats and deer who roam wild. Not much has changed here in the last few centuries. For hundreds of years, life has remained slow paced among the Barbudans. The land is held communally by Barbudans, which allows the natives to keep tight control over their small piece of paradise.
For bird watchers, venture off to Codrington Lagoon, a nature reserve. This is one of the largest Frigate bird colonies in the world with approximately 2000 birds. The birds can be found in mangrove bushes emitting strange cries. In order to explore the mangroves, you will need a guide with a boat. George Jeffrey offers bird hikes. A reservation is required. Call 268 460 0143
There are only four hotels on pristine Barbuda; the exclusive K Club, named after Krizia where Princess Diana stayed on several occasions. Coco Point Lodge is all inclusive including airfare from Antigua. North Beach is the ultimate private hideaway, accessible only by boat. Lastly, the Beach House is a luxury boutique hotel ideal for honeymooners.
Barbuda is among one of the ultimate, uncrowded, and idyllic Caribbean honeymoon spots.
