Barbuda By Day

From our Excursion feature in the December issue to our glowing trip reports here on the blog this month, you've been reading a lot about lovely Barbuda lately – and naturally you're ready to go check it out for yourself now. But in case you're a little short on the $1,000-per-night starting rate at the island's luxe Lighthouse Bay Resort, we thought we should mention that you can also enjoy the island's pristine, 17-mile beach and a taste of the resort's delish dining without ever checking in. Chart a course on your own vessel and drop anchor near the resort's beachside Lagoon Café for a bite and a signature cocktail...all of the island's beaches are public. Sans sailboat? You can also hop a ride from Antigua on one of the island's many day-trip charters for a modest fee. Since you're out of excuses now, be sure to share your trip report and photos on our Facebook page after you go!

Barbuda By Day

Editors Inflight

It's the first day of February, the Caribbean's high season is in full swing, and CT+L 's editors are getting ready to jet off to the region's balmy shores. At this point were not sure exactly where our assignments will take us – although our intrepid photographer Zach Stovall is already happily snapping his way around St. Croix – but we sure do know where we'd like to go in 2010.

Editor at Large Dave Herndon picks St John. "I'm dying to find out what all the love is about," he says of the idyllic US Virgin that attracts a back-to-nature bohemian crowd. (One of our favorite writers even considered packing up and moving to the USVI. Check out her story here.)

Online Editor Reagan Johnson just got back from Barbuda (above right), but she's already got her eye on The Grenadines. "I love sailing and I've always wanted to island-hop around the chain, checking out Bequia, Carraicou, Young Island and some of the smaller islets and cays," says our webby wonder woman. "Moonsplash on Anguilla is a close second, though!"

Managing Editor Becky Strauss has Bonaire on the brain. "I've been certified for 13 years now, and I'm desperate to check out one of the world's premiere diving destinations," she says. (If going deep also tops your to-do list, check out Provo, too.)

Executive Editor Matt Phenix is prepping for 4x4 safari through Belize later this month (read all about it in our upcoming May issue) and will put his driving skills to work again later in the year as he tours Barbados (left) by Mini moke for an upcoming feature.

As for me: Like Reagan, I'm hoping to set sail on my maiden voyage to The Grenadines, and I'm curious about the French Caribbean, particularly Martinique and Guadeloupe. It'd be a great opportunity to see somewhere new and to brush up on my Francais. Of course, I'm always up for a trip back to my beloved Jamaica, and I'm excited about the ever-increasing lineup of luxury hotels along Mexico's Riviera Maya (We'll be featuring one of the best in our annual all-inclusive feature, coming up in April).

Now over to you: Which destinations are on your Caribbean wish-list this year?

Editors Inflight

Barbuda's Private Island Retreat

It's hard to deny the appeal of a private island vacation, but the pricy lodging and off-the-beaten-path transportation demands can be prohibitive for many island hoppers. This weekend, though, I hopped over to Antigua's sister island Barbuda for a 4-day escape at the serene Lighthouse Bay Resort, and I think I just may have stumbled upon a property that strikes a careful balance between private island exclusivity and affordable luxury. To be sure, the 9-room resort is not cheap (junior suites start at $1,000 per night double occupancy in low season) - but for what's included, it could be a justifiable splurge for many vacationers: The petite luxury resort occupies an uninterrupted 17-mile stretch of just about the most spectacular Caribbean beach I've ever seen, and the property is only accessible by boat or helicopter (round trip heli-transfers are complimentary for guests staying three nights or more). It doesn't get much more private than that. Also included in the rate are all meals, drinks and snacks and a smattering of beach and water sports options at your feet. Tomorrow, I'm off to check out the nearby Frigate Bird Sanctuary and then saddle up for some romantic horseback riding on the beach so I'll be sure to update more about my trip then. But for now, to read more about Lighthouse Bay and the island of Barbuda, just turn to Matt Phenix's Excursion piece from the latest issue.

Barbuda's Private Island Retreat

With Pomp and Circumstance, Antigua Honors Obama

On the island of Antigua, Shirley has his Heights, Nelson has his Dockyard, and now Obama has his Mount — radio antenna and all. Last August, in a ceremony brimming with Antiguan pomp and circumstance, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer made good on his promise to rename his island’s loftiest summit — 1,300-foot Boggy Peak — after the 44th president of the United States. “This great political achievement by Barack Obama resonated with me in a way that I felt compelled to do something symbolic and inspiring for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the Caribbean,” he said.

And that’s just what he did. But there’s more to recommend a visit to Mount Obama than just the chance to admire the plaque-affixed stone monument at the base of the hill. The area constitutes the nascent Mount Obama National Park, a woodsy haven aflutter with birds and thick with rare plants. Two hiking trails and a narrow access road squiggle toward the summit. From there, you’ll enjoy a pretty dramatic panorama of Antigua, as well as views of neighboring Montserrat, Redonda, Nevis and Guadeloupe.

Get some fresh advice on where to stay, where to play, and where to eat on Antigua: Check out the January/February issue of CT+L — on newsstands December 22 — for my full report.

With Pomp and Circumstance, Antigua Honors Obama

It's Official: The Caribbean's Best Beach

Our intrepid photo editor Zach and deputy editor Matt just reported back from Barbuda with a bold declaration: After years of traveling the Caribbean and scoping out the region's top beaches, they've finally found the silkiest, dreamiest, most secluded and spectacular stretch of sand and shoreline in the Caribbean...


But don't take their word for it...hop over to Barbuda next time you're on the more popular sister island of Antigua and see for yourself. Still not convinced? Tell us your perfect Caribbean beach. If you need a little inspiration, just check out our Ultimate Beaches feature...

It's Official: The Caribbean's Best Beach