It all started when we watched a seriously awful-but-hilarious movie called Couples Retreat. Parts of the movie were shot on location at the St. Regis in Bora Bora. I told William (in the middle of winter 2012), "Let's go somewhere like that." Thus began a classic William research project that ended up leading us here: North Beach, Barbuda.
It's a luxuriously simple, remote retreat. No frills, no shoes. Freshly prepared seafood meals. Wind and waves. Kayaks. Sea turtles. Long walks on the beach where you will encounter no one else. Hammocks. Stars. Breezy sunsets. It was our little paradise. We didn't wear shoes for four solid days - there was no reason to.
Enjoy the photos. I become calmer and more thoughtful instantly when I think back to how relaxed we were. We cannot wait to get back down that way. If you decide to make a trip, email Reuben and tell him we sent you.
Leaving Antigua in an 8-passenger plane on our way to Barbuda
We'd flown from Little Rock to Newark, Newark to Antigua, Antigua to Barbuda.
And then we met up with our host Reuben and headed by boat to North Beach.
It was quite the journey and worth every effort.
And then we met up with our host Reuben and headed by boat to North Beach.
It was quite the journey and worth every effort.
Here we go!
In the Frigate Bird Sanctuary
Arriving at North Beach
The view from our bungalow
Inside our bungalow
New Year's Eve!
Stuffed Spiny-Tailed Lobster
New Year's Day 2013
A beautiful day in paradise. We were the only guests for two days of our stay. It was unbelievable.
View of the kitchen bungalow
What would become dinner that evening
This picture sums up about half of our trip. We were either exploring the island or reading (or eating).
I read Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. I was completely consumed by this novel. I love her books.
It's the two-seater kayak we used to paddle around the island! In one adventure we saw sea turtles. In another, William found whelks and we ate them for dinner!
When we arrived on New Year's Eve, I saw this donkey and exclaimed, "A donkey!"
Reuban replied, "Yes. We call him Douglas."
So, here's Douglas, the island donkey.
Sunset
Photo by one of the other guests. We were so lucky to meet a wonderful family from England who stayed on the island two of the days we were there. They were so delightful!
At this point I may have begun The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. It's a crying shame I didn't read a review before I started this book...because once I begin a book I must know how it ends.
The kitchen at night
More lobster
Breakfast
A little hermit crab! They were all over the island in the most beautiful shells!
Our new friends setting up for a hermit crab race.
Inside the kitchen bungalow
Breakfast on our last morning
Good-bye Michele, our sweet co-host.
Good-bye North Beach
Until next time...
