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, 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.
And when I say uncrowded, I mean uncrowded - it has around 1,600 residents, most of whom live in the island’s only village, the very humble Codrington (above). Here on a handful of streets you´ll find several guestshouses, shops, and bars and restaurants. But don´t expect too much.
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 (above), 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.
Visit Antigua Barbuda
Barbuda’s interior also holds some historical and ecological interest as well, and its flat terrain is perfect for walking, cycling, and low-impact exploration. 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 45 minute walk from Codrington, which is actually not a true cave but more of a sinkhole, some 70 feet deep and 300 feet across. Some cool stuff here includes stalactites up to eight feet long and dense ¨land-of-the-lost¨-style vegetation including palm trees, ferns, and thick, woody vines called lianas. Other interesting sea caves worth visiting are Two-Foot Bay and Dark Cave.
Barbuda Belle
As for accommodations, historically they’ve been intentionally limited to preserve the island´s tranquil character. For many years the most well-known luxury option was the all-inclusive Coco Point Lodge, but it closed in 2017 after severe damage from Hurricane Irma and is being redeveloped as an even more upscale resort called the Ocean Club (more about that below). For the moment, perhaps the premier luxury option is the Barbuda Belle, a collection of eight cabana-style wooden bungalows with its own restaurant and spa, and part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Otherwise, most other accommodations come in the form of guesthouses and rental villas, which 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.
CROIX
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 (now served with regular flights on regional carrier LIAT) beyond the traditional 90-minute ferry ride - and eventually direct flights from elsewhere.
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 actor 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, the aforementioned 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 vibe and 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.
Get more info at VisitAntiguaBarbuda.com.
Comments