Barbuda Island: Best of the Caribbean

Miles of isolated powdery-soft beaches, glorious tropical water and a luxe intimate hotel elevates The Lighthouse Bay Resort on Barbuda to a top Caribbean destination.

If an uninhabited 17-mile pink sand beach sounds appealing; if arriving by helicopter to an über exclusive getaway that has a max of 20 guests at any time is up your alley; or if the gourmet version of all-inclusive that means top shelf liquor and haute cuisine makes sense, then we think you are going to love Lighthouse Bay, the new luxe resort on the unspoiled island of Barbuda.  A helicopter awaits on nearby Antigua, its sister island, to whisk you off to a romantic rendezvous.

After landing on the hotel’s own helipad, expect to be greeted with cold towels and tropical drinks, nice refreshers as you head to one of the only nine resort suites, each with a phenomenal view of the azure Caribbean and lagoon. The perfect weather calls for minimal clothing at all times with temperature ranges from 70 to 80 degrees with very low humidity, gentle trade winds, and rare rain.

A pristine, pale pink beach rims translucent blue water where fantastic limestone caves and vibrant coral reefs call for exploration. A boat adventure takes guests to the impressive Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary, a rookery situated in the middle of the Codrington lagoon and home to over 170 species of birds, including many rare ones, and a chance for close encounters with the 5000 frigates whose wingspans can reach up to eight feet. You can horseback ride at sunset, sail away or dive for your own lobster. Chef Lennox Cadogan’s signature fare is modern Caribbean with ingredients grown in the property’s garden, fresh fish and seafood caught daily by local fisherman, and freshly-baked breads made on site. Guests enjoy three meals a day as part of the all-inclusive package. A favorite dish is the Barbuda lobster served the “Lighthouse Way” prepared on a barbecue beachside.

A short boat ride across the lagoon leads to Codrington, Barbuda’s only town (home to nearly all 1500 island residents) and a taste of the nightlife at its singular watering hole called “It’s a Bit Fishy” that also offers convivial karaoke and tasty conch chowder. But most guests simply stay at the low-key resort to take advantage of the utter privacy, top shelf spirits at the Lighthouse Bar or vast French-inspired wine list.  You can also sip fruit-infused rum concoctions on your suite’s balcony under a celestial blanket of stars.

For those looking for a memorable honeymoon in an exotic locale, Lighthouse Bay should be a major contender as it has all the key elements for a romantic trip with its five-star service and idyllic seclusion.

And at the end of the day, you can rest easy knowing that you are not completely disconnected in this “away from it all” setting, thanks to the WiFi and iPads in the each suite. But we suggest that you break free from all technology and reconnect with nature at its best.

Suites start at $1099 for two people. All meals and alcohol included.

The resort is closed during off season from Sept 1 through October 31st.

3-night stays  include a one-way helicopter transfer; 6-night stays or more include round trip helicopter transfer.