Melange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2020 | Page 15

Welcome to Barbuda
“We live it, you’ll love it!”
by Jacklyn Frank, Barbuda Council.
The island of Barbuda
is situated just over 30
miles north of Antigua.
The two islands are
separated by the Caribbean
Sea. Crossing to Barbuda takes
a 17-minute plane ride or a 90-
minute ferry ride. The island of
Barbuda measures 62 square
miles.
A recent claim to fame is that
this is the island that Hurricane
Irma passed directly over in
September 2017, yet only one
life was lost. Recovery work
continues in and around the
only village on the island,
Codrington village. More
recently and just as important,
during the Corona Virus
pandemic there have been
no cases of COVID-19 here in
Barbuda.
The island of Barbuda is
surrounded by waters in
as many hues of blue and
turquoise that you can
imagine. The beaches are
shimmering white and at
certain times of year, amazing
shades pink. The landscape
appears wild yet on closer
examination the natural
beauty shines through.
Barbuda has a relatively small
population of approximately
1,200 friendly, vibrant,
helpful people. If peace and
tranquillity is what you’re
looking for then look no
further - you can go for a
relaxing walk along the
stunning beaches and rarely
meet another soul. If you want
a little more activity then this
mainly unspoilt land offers
opportunities to go hiking
along nature trails, visit the
many caves on island or a trek
up to the ruins of the historical
Codrington House, known
locally as “Willy Bob’s” which is
situated on the Highland and
offers breathtaking views of
the wilder, Atlantic side of the
coastline.
The seas around Barbuda
offer opportunities to go
snorkelling and observe some
of the exceptional sea life.
There are also reefs and wrecks
a-plenty for scuba divers to
investigate. Local fisherman
and free diver Devon Warner
assures that “the whole island
is a gem for free divers and
snorkellers.” Bird watchers
can be guided on walks and
search for local birds, or take
a boat ride on the Codrington
Lagoon, a recognised RAMSAR
site, to visit the the Frigate
Bird Sanctuary and watch
these mighty ‘Man-o-War’ as
they nest or soar high above
the island.
Barbuda can cater for short
and long stays, whether you
come on a day visit or want
to stay longer. Barbudans are
a nation who wholeheartedly
embrace camp-life so if
camping is your thing come
along. If you are not a camper
there is also a selection of
accommodation that will meet
your preference and your
budget ...from the guest house
to luxury lodge. Barbuda is a
safe, family friendly vacation
island. There’s space to roam
and explore or just relax on
the beach. If you don’t want to
cook there’s a choice of places
to eat....restaurant or takeaway.
Come visit Barbuda!
“We live it, you’ll love it!”