Barbuda Bliss

Years ago, my partner and friends decided to take a getaway to Barbuda. I was living on Antigua and longed to discover the famed 17-Mile Beach. Could it really be as beautiful as people said?

We took a puddle jumper and arrived at what could only be described as a shack serving as the airport terminal. This was 1988, and things have changed a great deal since then. We arranged a car rental, a vintage Land Rover from one of the Burtons, a name well known on Barbuda. We even had to siphon gas from a barrel before setting off.

The roads were sandy and dusty, and we bumped along, half-choking in the dust, until we finally reached the beach. We jumped out of the Land Rover and ran straight to the sea. It was magical.

On subsequent trips, I returned to Barbuda to inspect properties for my travel business and of course, to soak in its deeply peaceful atmosphere. At the time, Barbuda was one of the most unspoiled destinations in the Caribbean. I often dreamed of escaping everything and moving there.

Fast forward to 2017, when a Category 5 hurricane devastated the island. A friend who was there shared accounts of what transpired, and I cannot begin to imagine the fear and destruction the local community endured. Damage was estimated at around 220 million dollars. On our recent return visit, we still saw homes with blue tarps for roofs, remnants of the storm’s impact everywhere.

Since then, there has been ongoing tension between locals and politicians over land rights, preservation, and development. Some wealthy and high-profile individuals have established enclaves on the island, and visitors can now dine at world-famous Nobu. We did, and it was, without question, a memorable experience.

But why Barbuda?

It remains an unspoiled island in many ways. The beaches are pristine and stretch for miles, with stunning pink sand that feels almost surreal. Barbuda is the definition of solitude and natural beauty.

Visitors often come just for the day. Barefoot Antigua can arrange trips, as can Adventure Antigua—both are reliable and reputable. The 27-mile crossing takes about 90 minutes. Once there, you can dine at Nobu or another favorite, Uncle Roddy’s.

Further along, we loved Shack-A-Kai, a rustic beach shack run by a local, Enoch. His rum punch is excellent, and if you call ahead, he will grill a lobster lunch that is unforgettable.

The beach itself looks like something out of a magazine.

Yet the controversies remain. Locals seek to preserve the environment and protect the island’s fragile ecosystem, while the some has a broader development vision. Meanwhile, the presence of wealthy newcomers has created enclaves that some feel have changed the balance of the island. The new runway accommodates private jets, while locals face limited and often unreliable regional air service. Rough seas also make ferry travel inconsistent. The divide between residents and visitors is real.

Still, the beauty of Barbuda endures—its nature, its beaches, its mangroves, its quiet strength.

Ultimately, what is needed is common ground: a way forward that honors both preservation and thoughtful development so that this extraordinary island’s natural treasures are protected for generations to come.

Accommodations range from a small lux eco resort to seaside cottages. All afford stunning sunset views. Allow me to design your ideal Barbuda escape, whether a day of discovery or a longer, more indulgent retreat. Reach out to get started.