Just Back: Barbuda

I love to travel, and there are fewer things more fun than going to a place I’ve never been. This weekend it was Barbuda, sister island to the better-known Antigua. Getting there takes a bit of work—I flew American from Miami to Antigua, then WinAir for the 16-minute flight to Barbuda. (You can also take a 90-minute ferry, only recommended for the strong-of-stomach to due the choppy open-channel crossing.) From the airport in Codrington, we then took a 15-minute boat ride across the lagoon to our final destination: Lighthouse Bay Resort, a 9-room oasis set on a narrow wedge of sand between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The undeveloped, pink-hued beach stretches for miles in both directions, with no distractions except palm trees, sea birds and lapping turquoise waves.

I spent much of my time going from chaise lounge to hammock, though I did manage to rouse myself for a 10-minute boat ride across the lagoon to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary; it was mating season so the males put on quite a show, puffing out their red chin pouches to attract the gals. For dinner, we’d gather with other guests at 7 pm for sundown cocktails, then enjoy an ever-changing dinner selection; the menu is based on whatever is fresh and in-house, which for us meant lots of Caribbean lobster.

If you’re looking for activity, interaction or nightlife, Lighthouse Bay is NOT the place for you (though we did go into town on Friday night for Karoake Night at the charming, sand-floored nightspot It’s a Bit Fishy; the island has a mere 1,500 residents, so everyone knows everyone). But if you’re looking for quality alone time, serenity, and what might be the most beautiful beach in the entire Caribbean, it’s worth the trek. Bonus: Guests staying longer than 3 nights get a complimentary helicopter transfer from the international airport in Antigua.