By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

The best place to stay in Barbuda is back.

The island’s boutique Barbuda Belle has reopened for the winter season. 

This marks the first time that the luxury boutique hotel has opened since it was damaged during Hurricane Irma last year.

“Today marks a very important step in Barbuda’s recovery post Hurricane Irma and a significant step in our Country’s Tourism,” said Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Investment, Senator Mary-Clare Hurst, at the reopening ceremony. “Today is our collective affirmation to our visitors far and wide, that Barbuda is open for business!”, Hurst said.

Accessible by boat via Barbuda’s Codrington Lagoon, the rustic-styled property located at Cedar Point offers a secluded setting, tucked behind lush mangrove trees and a pink sand beach.  

Originally a seven-bungalow property, Barbuda Belle now boasts eight beachfront bungalows since renovations saw the total rebuild of one bungalow damaged during the storm, and the addition of a completely new bungalow.   

A beach bar and grill is also a new addition at the boutique hotel.

The Barbuda Belle reopening is one of many openings that will take place in Barbuda for the season, which includeThe Barbuda Ocean Club, and Barbuda Cottages, both of which are expected to open in December.

“The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is excited by the momentum and progress that we have seen so far, as it relates to Barbuda’s Tourism and progress just one year on.” Hurst said.