THE FACTS ABOUT BARBUDA

This 62-square-mile island has miles of deserted white and pink beaches, and little else. The telephone network is very unreliable, and numbers often change; but locals will be able to point you in the right direction. You'll meet Escapees from the world outside. Stay for more The Beach House (00 1 631 537 1352; www.thebeachhousebarbuda.com; doubles from US$695 half board); Coco Point Lodge (00 1 212 986 1416; www.cocopoint.com; doubles from US$810). Stay for less Palm Tree Guest House (00 1 268 775 1349; www.barbudaful.net; doubles from US$80). Top table The Beach House restaurant, open to guests only (breakfast and dinner included in room rate). Good local food Palm Tree (00 1 268 775 1349). Getting about Ask your hotel for car hire Day trip The Frigate Bird Sanctuary; arrange a tour through your hotel. Hazards Bumpy, dusty dirt roads; mosquitoes. Warning No real town centre; no nightlife outside the big hotels. More info Visit www.barbudaful.net, or call the island's Art Café (00 1 268 460 0434)