The sleepy isle of Bequia certainly has a lost-in-time quality. Dogs doze in the middle of some roads that wiggle up a hill, goats nibble on grass growing around the headstones in a local cemetery, and one of the restaurateurs seems to know all the school children that pass her waterfront eatery.
This
is a destination where I strolled Belmont Walkway, a ribbon of a
pedestrian path beside azure waters, past pastel-hued shops, hotels,
bars and restaurants; sipped a non-alcoholic lime squash at Jack's, a
bar along a remote stretch of Princess Margaret Beach, a golden arc
of sand; and dined at Toko's, an ultra informal restaurant where I
shared the table with fishermen and whalers.
If you're looking for an island with a high glitz factor with shopping opportunities galore, Bequia isn't for you. Rather, it's suffused with authenticity, whether it's the sea-to-table cafes or cliff top picnic spots where you'll likely not run into a soul.
I just wrote an article on Bequia for National Geographic Traveler - Intelligent Travel.
21 comments:
I never heard of the Island of Bequia. It sounds like a great place to visit though. I feel that its more ineresting to see a place that is not as well known because it usually turns out to be better than the more famous destinations that many other travelers go to.
I've been going to Bequia since I was 12. I meet people who have sailed the world and say is without doubt to them the most beautiful place on earth. Something magic in the air!
Bequia sounds like such a great serene place to get away. As Joseph said, I like that it's 'off the map' and not a touristy type destination. Also very beautiful!
Hi Joseph, I completely agree with you. But, even when I visit well-trod destinations, I manage to find the under-the-radar.
Hi Grenadine Escape, Yes, I met many people on my trip who return to Bequia over and over again.
Hi Zana, Bequia is an island I'd always wanted to visit and I found it even more picturesque than I imagined.
Bequia sounds like a wonderful place to escape to rest and relax, but I don't think there would be enough to do there for me.
Hi Brette, I'm a person who rarely just hangs out on beaches. And I found plenty to do in Bequia including visiting model boat shops, shopping at the outdoor fruit/vegetable market, hiking, bicycling, playing tennis, doing some bird watching, and then there's myriad water-based activities.
As a writer, this seems like a great place for a little writing retreat. Quiet, contemplative, pretty.
Hi Merr, I found Bequia very inspirational. Perfect as a writer's retreat. And, when you desire an active break from contemplation, Bequia has that too.
Looks lovely. We're brainstorming locations for our first real beach vacation in a long, long time.
Hi Roxanne, This is, by far, one of my favorite places in the Caribbean. I think you'd love it. It's very low key. But I'd love to help you brainstorm other options if you're interested. Let me know.
I would love to a trip to the Caribbean about now, with more snow on the way. Thanks for the tip.
I've never heard of this island. It sounds lovely, especially with this awful winter we've been enduring in the northeast!
You know what I'd like to know, Jeanine? The secret to your seemingly endless amounts of energy to travel so much. How do you do it?
Hi Alexandra, I wish I could get on the next flight. I totally sick of the snow and ice we're having this winter.
Hi Alexandra, I wish I could get on the next flight. I totally sick of the snow and ice we're having this winter.
Hi Ruth, I'm pretty high energy. And I didn't even think I traveled all that often. But, it's all relative.:-)
Hi Sheryl, Even my very savvy friends never heard of Bequia either. But I also dream of returning to the warmth of this island, especially with the storms that continue to batter NYC.
I haven't even heard of this island, but basically, anything with a tropical setting is fine by me at the moment.
Jane, from snowy Michigan
Hi Jane, Snowy, icy weather in New York is getting to me, too. Wish I could return to Bequia asap.
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