Travel to Bequia before the crowds arrive is my top tip for 2012.

Landing on the island of Bequia was an experience to say the least; such a small runway, it looked no different to a main road here! The airport was a small building with one man welcoming us off the plane, before running in to check our passports, before running over to become the customs officer! We grabbed our bags and climbed aboard our open air taxi truck.

My first impression was how green and hilly the island was. Bequia is 2 miles wide and 7 miles long with reasonable roads and a rugged coastline. The Grenadines is renowned for its sailing and you can hire yachts, catamarans or dinghies from almost anywhere on the island. It’s easy to see why they filmed the Pirates of the Caribbean here.

It took about 10 minutes to reach our hotel, Bequia Beach, and we were given a warm welcome from Carina the General Manager, along with the obligatory rum punch! Bequia Beach hotel is a luxury hideaway suitable for couples and families seeking un-commercialised Caribbean. It’s a resort style hotel with beachfront suites and villas, along with classic hotel rooms in the main building with views out over the sea. The Bagatelle Restaurant is located on the beach and although there are no beach parasols, there are sun loungers dotted along the beach shaded by the trees. The Bequia Beach has a relaxed and casual atmosphere and would certainly suit those looking to get away from it all. The hotel offers privacy and relaxation with its spa facilities whilst giving people the option to explore Bequia and The Grenadines.

Bequia Beach Hotel

It’s easy to get around Bequia as driving is on the same side as in the UK. Lower Bay has the best beach with white powder sand and gentle Caribbean waters.  Industry Bay is on the Atlantic coast and has the Turtle Sanctuary which is well worth a visit. Mount Pleasant is the highest point and has spectacular views out to Mustique.

Admiralty Bay is the largest town on Bequia and it is also the port used by the local ferries. Many of the smaller cruise ships such as Silversea, Star Clippers and Sea Dream dock in Admiralty Bay and send a tender in so that people can experience Bequia.

I took the ferry from Bequia to St Vincent and sat along with the locals – the trip took about an hour. St Vincent seemed positively busy compared with Bequia – the port of Kingstown has many different ferries going off all around The Grenadines. St Vincent is building an international airport and it should be ready by 2013 although that is Caribbean time! When completed it will make travel to Bequia simple.

7 nights at the Bequia Beach hotel starts at £ 1,395 per person in low season and £ 1,465 in high season based on 2 adults sharing a classic Garden view room, including continental breakfast, return scheduled flights, onward Grenadines Airways shared charter flights and transfers.

The Author of Travel to Bequia is Sarah Payne. If you would like further information on Bequia, please contact Sarah on 0844 854 6674 or email us.