Visit Antigua Barbuda
Laid back and low lying, the smaller of Antigua and Barbuda´s two islands is known for its untouched landscapes, pink-tinged beaches, and slow, nature-focused pace of life. It´s sparsely populated, with around 1,600 residents, most of whom live in the island’s only town, Codrington. And at just 17 miles long and nine miles wide, it´s small enough to explore easily but large enough to feel uncrowded and a bit wild.
Nature lovers will find Barbuda especially rewarding. The Frigate Bird Sanctuary, located in Codrington Lagoon, is one of the island’s main attractions. Accessible only by boat, it´s home to one of the largest frigate bird colonies in the Western Hemisphere. Guided tours take visitors through mangroves and shallow waterways to viewing platforms where thousands of birds can be seen nesting and soaring overhead. The lagoon itself is also rich in marine life and striking scenery.
And apart from its nature, one of Barbuda’s biggest draws is its beaches, above all Pink Sand Beach, a seemingly endless stretch of pale pink shoreline created by crushed coral and shells. Unlike many Caribbean strands, it is rarely busy, affording visitors long walks, calm turquoise waters, and a strong sense of isolation. Other notable beaches include Low Bay, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and Prince Diana Beach (formerly Coco Point), where the water is crystal clear and excellent for snorkeling; it was named after “people´s princess” in 2011 because she used to love vacationing here with her young sons.
Barbuda’s interior also holds some historical and ecological interest as well. Visitors can explore Martello Tower, a 32-foot-tall, early-19th-century British fortification three miles south of Codrington with views across the lagoon, or venture to Darby Cave, a dramatic sinkhole packed with lush vegetation. The flat terrain is perfect for walking, cycling, and low-impact exploration.
As for accommodations, historically they’ve been intentionally limited to preserve the island´s tranquil character. Up till now, the most well-known luxury option has been Coco Point Lodge, an exclusive, eco-focused retreat with 26 units including beachfront cottages and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Meanwhile, smaller guesthouses and rental villas in and near Codrington provide simpler but quite comfortable stays and a closer connection to local life.
So overall, Barbuda presents visitors with an increasingly rare Caribbean experience these days: wide-open beaches, abundant wildlife, and a deep sense of calm. It´s best suited to travelers seeking nature, privacy, and authenticity rather than nightlife or large resorts, making it a uniquely peaceful destination in the region.
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But, but, but... change is also afoot. It began with the opening in October 2024 of the US$55-million Burton–Nibbs International Airport (above), replacing the old Codrington Airport with a longer, modern runway capable of handling larger aircraft, allowing better connectivity with Antigua beyond the traditional 90-minute ferry ride.
And one of the most talked-about developments is the Nobu Beach Inn, a very exclusive luxury resort (how does US$5,000 a night grab you?) co-owned by Robert De Niro and slated to open early this year on – of course – Princess Diana Beach. Designed with a low-impact and “barefoot luxury” ethos, aiming to blend with the natural landscape rather than overwhelm it, the resort will feature 17 beachfront villas along with 25 residential villas and top-notch amenities such as a spa, tennis and fitness facilities, and oceanfront dining including the existing Nobu restaurant concept. (Nobu already operates a Nobu Beach Club here (above), which has become a popular spot — sometimes attracting visitors by helicopter or boat for lunch and sunset experiences.)
Another headline project is a second upscale residential and resort community, Barbuda Ocean Club, which includes a world-class 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course and fancy villas, drawing interest from well-heeled vacationers and buyers. While the golf course and related amenities are positioned as a first for the island, they´re part of a broader trend of larger developments aimed at attracting global luxury tourism while claiming to be all about sustainability, community involvement, and responsible stewardship of the environment.
But “sustainable” or not, does all this risk ruining Barbuda´s prized tranquility, pristineness, and laid-back way of life, stressing the island´s resources while turning it into yet another élite playground? Frankly, it´s a gamble. But a lucrative one – and as always, money talks.
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