Bequia's Understated Appeal
Bequia, often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors in the Grenadines, possesses a distinct allure characterized by its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty.
Unlike the high-octane luxury found elsewhere, this lightning bolt-shaped island offers a more serene experience, drawing visitors in with its unpretentious charm. Philip Mortstedt, director of Bequia Beach Hotel, notes its ability to 'draw attention' rather than demand it. The island is adorned with pristine, uncrowded beaches and verdant hillsides dotted with charming cottages and elegant villas, creating an idyllic setting for true relaxation. Visitors can savor a cocktail at the unique floating bar and end their evenings watching sailboats drift across moonlit bays, a testament to Bequia being a well-guarded secret in the Caribbean.
Island Stays for Every Taste
Bequia offers a diverse range of accommodations, from intimate boutique hotels to secluded hillside villas. The Bequia Beach Hotel, nestled on a sprawling nine-acre property by a secluded beach, provides a tranquil escape with luxurious amenities like a seawater infinity pool and a spa, offering rooms, suites, and private villas. For breathtaking views, The Lookout presents two spacious boutique apartments or a four-bedroom villa on a fruit-tree-laden hillside, overlooking Lower Bay and Princess Margaret beaches. The Liming Bequia, a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, embodies the local spirit of 'doing nothing' with its seaside villas and suites designed for ultimate unwinding, just steps from the ocean. Echoing a vintage charm, the Bequia Plantation Hotel, established in the 1950s, offers a secluded feel with its lush gardens and a handful of villas, complemented by a restaurant and bar frequented by locals and visitors alike.
Adventures and Relaxation Await
Bequia serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the Grenadines, making a sea voyage essential. Embarking on an excursion aboard the Friendship Rose, a classic schooner crafted on Bequia itself, offers a memorable way to visit the Tobago Cays and Mustique for snorkeling and sunbathing, complete with onboard refreshments. For beach lovers, Princess Margaret Beach and the adjacent Lower Bay Beach are island highlights, easily explored in a single afternoon. Friendship Bay Beach on the eastern coast is another popular spot, while the remote Crescent Beach on the northeast coast provides a true castaway experience. The island is a diver's paradise with over 30 dive and snorkel sites within a single bay; Bequia Dive Adventures can guide these underwater explorations. For a dose of culture, the Bequia Heritage Museum, housed in two cottages, delves into the island's Indigenous past and boatbuilding traditions, open on select days. Hikers can ascend Mount Peggy for panoramic views or opt for a gentler walk to Fort Hamilton's ruins, offering stunning vistas.
Culinary Delights and Island Sips
Bequia's dining scene offers a blend of casual beachside eateries and refined culinary experiences. Jack's Beach Bar, situated on Princess Margaret Beach, serves fresh, elevated Caribbean and international dishes alongside colorful cocktails, embodying a true barefoot luxury vibe. Mac's Pizza & Kitchen, a legendary oceanfront spot, is famed for its lobster pizza, attracting visitors with its casual charm and diverse menu. Provision focuses on locally sourced ingredients for a unique fine-dining experience, offering rotating specials on its tranquil garden patio. Laura's, a cozy waterfront restaurant in Port Elizabeth, is renowned for its homemade pasta and happy hour specials, making it a popular sunset destination. For drinks, Bar One, a unique floating bar anchored in Admiralty Bay, offers a quirky experience with swing seating. The Cocktail Lab, helmed by an enthusiastic mixologist, crafts exceptional cocktails, including a standout passion fruit rum punch, while boasting spectacular sunset views.
Exploring Bequia's Quaint Corners
Bequia's compact size makes exploration an effortless pleasure. Port Elizabeth, the island's main town, offers a gentle hum of activity around the ferry dock, with a scattering of shops and eateries that feel vibrant compared to the island's quieter locales. While boutique accommodations are available in the hills surrounding the town, many visitors prefer to stay closer to the beaches. Admiralty Bay, south of Port Elizabeth, boasts the island's most beloved beaches, including Princess Margaret and Lower Bay, easily connected by the Belmont Walkway and Princess Margaret Trail, and dotted with prime spots for dining and lodging. A short, albeit hilly, 30-minute walk or a quick five-minute car ride from Admiralty Bay leads to Friendship Bay on the east coast, a favored anchorage and home to Bequia Beach Hotel, offering a relaxed beachfront bar experience.
Optimal Times for Visiting
The prime season to experience Bequia's allure is from November to April, offering pleasant sunshine and mild temperatures perfect for escaping colder climates. This period, however, is also the high season, especially around the holidays, which can influence prices, though Bequia maintains a less crowded atmosphere than many other Caribbean islands. New Year's Eve is particularly festive, marked by a unique fireworks display in Port Elizabeth involving the sailing community. The shoulder season months of May and June offer a delightful balance before the warmer, wetter weather of July sets in. From late August through October, many establishments close due to the Atlantic hurricane season and lower visitor numbers. For sailing enthusiasts, the Bequia Easter Regatta, a premier event in the southern Caribbean, combines sailing prowess with local Easter celebrations, making it a vibrant time to visit.
Navigating to and Around Bequia
Reaching Bequia involves a couple of options. While Bequia has its own small airport, J. F. Mitchell Airport (BQU), it primarily handles flights from nearby islands like Barbados and St. Lucia. The most common route for international travelers is to fly into St. Vincent's Argyle International Airport (SVD), which is served by major airlines from U.S. hubs like New York and Miami. From St. Vincent, hourly ferries connect Kingstown to Bequia, a journey of approximately one hour; it's advisable to verify ferry schedules as they can vary seasonally. Once on Bequia, its small size means getting around is relatively simple. Many accommodations near Lower Bay or Princess Margaret beaches are within walking distance of attractions. For a more adventurous experience, Bequia's distinctive open-sided "taxis," essentially pickup trucks with bench seating, offer a fun way to explore the entire island, turning transit into a safari-like adventure.
