Our small family (two parents and a 10 year old) spent 4 wonderful days and nights in this remote and gorgeous spot. I cannot recommend this lovely retreat enough - it is far, far removed from all things electronic, technical, noisy, busy and crowded. One must travel first from Antigua ( we took a small 8 seater plane to the Barbuda "airport" - basically a two room cinderblock structure, about as low tech as one can find) and already the adventure begins. A short car ride to the dock, and the stress of city life and 24 hour connectivity continues to melt away - the only town on the island (the capital, Codrington) is sleepy and small, extremely basic - and then you take a 20 minute boat ride across a beautiful and huge bay, through mangroves, past the Frigate bird sanctuary, until there are no more structures or evidence of people anywhere - and you arrive at North Beach.
The collection of small blue and white cottages sit on the edge of an idyllic beach - Turquoise water, white sand, palms, sea grapes and flowers. Serene, natural.
The rooms are simple and tastefully decorated; they are hand hewn structures and full of rustic details (like a beamed peaked ceiling) coupled with artful finishes (our room had two small oil paintings and needle point pillows). There is a small refrigerator in each cottage, and each cottage has a private deck or balcony. The sunlight streams in, the birds sing, the frogs chirp, and all is right with the world.
The staff is wonderful and deliver in every way. Whatever you need, they do their best to provide quickly and with a smile. Margaret will deliver delicious hand made cocktails mixed with high end liquor and fresh fruit to you on a tray while you lounge in the palapa, gazing a the tranquil and endless sea. Justin, the chef, prepares each meal with delicious and fresh ingredients - like lobster, conch, and mahi mahi. Amy the manager is professional and gracious, a lovely host. Ruben, the owner, also helpful and fun to speak with. The staff: Matlida, Kayla and Kyle are all delightful, friendly and great hosts. It is just the right amount of formality and casualness. There are kayaks and snorkeling equipment to use, excursions can be arranged, or you can just chill out, relax and be pampered in this rustic and simple setting.
Now - is this for everyone? Perhaps not. Do you like to be alone and quiet, without pool aerobics, constant music and endless buffets? Do you enjoy getting to know the very small and excellent staff on a first name basis? Do you like seeing wildlife and nature all around you? Are you OK with the critters that naturally are found in a simple and remote place like this (yes, there are flies, and other bugs to deal with at times - but also rays, turtles, hummingbirds, song birds, Douglas the Donkey and the occasional dolphin). Then this place is for you. We feel a deep love for this special place, and were very sorry to leave it.
The sunsets are magnificent, the water is clear, the nearby reefs and pink sand beaches are stunning, the service exemplary. It was a simple and fully recharging experience. We already miss this special slice of paradise.
(PS - the price may seem high, but keep in mind that because of the remote location and the fact that this hotel is completely off the grid, everything is expensive. Laundry must be shipped out, all food and supplies brought in by small boat, etc. The dinner is often the catch of the day from passing fishermen who are flagged down, or you might swim out and find the conch yourself. The drinking water is collected rainwater, the shower and toilets use desalinated sea water through reverse osmosis, the electricity is created by solar panels or independent generator. You must be flexible when off the grid - we found this eco-tourism very enjoyable.)