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Barbuda is an island that not many people seem to go to for a Caribbean Vacation. This is a great shame because Barbuda is actually a terrific Caribbean Vacation Destination, and you are left wondering if it is because they have the idea it is a real top end of the market luxury Caribbean Vacation Destination, and only for the rich and famous.

It is worth taking a few minutes to discover a little more about the Island of Barbuda. It is forever linked with Antigua so most of the stuff you find comes under the heading of Antigua and Barbuda, and not Barbuda itself, which makes you think that each is within a few hundred yards of each other. This is totally not the case because Barbuda is in fact an 18 minute flight or a three hour ferry ride away, but a world of difference.

Many people make the trip primarily because of the beaches, but it is also a place for those who are bird lovers, and fishing enthusiasts. It is very much a place for sun sand and seclusion, and it would be fair to say that Barbuda remains to this day very much the unspoilt Caribbean.

People who feel Barbuda is only luxury Caribbean should however note that there are only three major hotels which are all upmarket, and are the luxurious K-Club, Coco Point Lodge, and Hotel Palmetto. There are a handful of guest cottages and a population of less than two thousand. The island of Barbuda remains relatively untouched by the outside world.

Barbuda has beaches to die for, and especially those on the Caribbean side of the island. The sand is powder like, pristine, and the beaches nearly deserted. One of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean is Palmetto beach otherwise known as 17 Mile beach which gets rosy shells washed up by the tide, gives the beach a pink colour which is absolutely beautiful. As a warning the sea might be a beautiful shade of blue but there are strong currents so always ask a local if it is safe to swim, and don't go in alone. There are however beaches on Barbuda and places that are perfectly fine for children and non swimmers, where the water is shallow and there are rock pools to explore filled with tiny fish and crabs.

White Bay beach is probably a safer beach on the south east side of Barbuda where there is a protective reef so the water is much calmer. You will need to take a picnic and cool drinks because whilst the deserted beaches are wonderful it also means there are no beach bars, snack bars, restaurants or even toilet facilities!!

In fact the busiest place is the Frigate Bird sanctuary on the north west corner lagoon where there are about 5000 birds.

There are a couple of restaurants in Barbuda and several places that sell snacks and five or six bars. They are there for the locals, but they do have a great atmosphere. If you want food you will find people cooking on the street, and some of the fish, very sea fresh is brilliant. They do cook meats as well. There are several provisions shops but be aware that they come in by boat, so the fresh fruit and vegetables are at their best on a Friday or a Saturday, although local organic vegetables can be bought on any day of the week. You can buy fresh fish at lagoon Wharf most days.

Barbuda may have the reputation of only being a luxury Caribbean destination, but in truth it is really an unspoilt quiet island which makes for a great place to visit and stay on for a Caribbean Vacation.