Bequia Plantation Hotel, Near Port Elizabeth, Bequia - Explore & Book

"Tiny, friendly, laid-back Bequia (7 square miles; population 5,000) oozes Caribbean charm. Part of St Vincent & The Grenadines, the island is a place where locals, expats, visitors and yachties hang out together in what seems like near-perfect harmony. To immerse yourself in the easygoing daily life, you need to base yourself near the thick of things – a relative term for Bequia – and this hotel lets you do just that. Set behind a strip of white sand, it surveys the yacht-dotted anchorage of Admiralty Bay from one end of a waterside path, that leads you past a string of bars and restaurants to Port Elizabeth, Bequia's village-y capital. Originally a plantation, then a hotel which in recent times lay closed for years, the property has been given a gorgeous, contemporary makeover. Its 24 rooms and villas now scatter expansive lawns sprinkled with lofty palms and the odd piece of classical-style statuary, with hammocks strung up between trees. Pale-blue cottages with decorative fretwork gaze out to sea, and a beachfront restaurant cooks up fresh seafood and pizzas baked in a traditional brick oven. In keeping with Bequia generally, staff couldn't be more friendly; one morning, someone appeared at our villa with a present: a juicy mango from the orchard in the grounds. Wonderful. Highs A laid-back atmosphere that appeals to couples and families alike Port Elizabeth's cafés, bars and restaurants are within easy strolling distance, via a scenic waterside path Knock-out views across Admiralty Bay, one of the region's prettiest natural harbours Bequia's best beach (Princess Margaret Beach) is 5 minutes away on foot Inventive, fresh food, especially the pizzas Lows Less privacy than at some other hotels on Bequia The beach in front of the hotel is small and gets busy on cruise-ship visit days The swimming pool is a little small, too We found the WiFi to be a little patchy Mozzies are present, make sure you bring some repellent or cover up in the evenings" - Fred Mawer