Bequia, St Vincent & the Grenadines

Bequia is one of the largest in the chain of 32 islands and cays that form the island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sailors have known about the Grenadines for much longer than most. The area is a favourite spot for yachties and considered one of the best sailing grounds in the world. As tourists increasingly search for authentic travel experiences word is slowly getting out about this beautiful tropical paradise.

Bequia is a little known vacation retreat. It has remained off the beaten track, a dot in the ocean, too out of the way for main stream tourism. Little changed by time, it is an island on which life is completely oriented to the sea. Its seclusion has ensured it retained its age-old traditions of boat building and fishing. Isolated enough to remain relatively unspoiled, yet lively enough to be stimulating and entertaining, it provides a blend of the old and new that many find perfect.

It is a beautiful lush island with some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean. It is also a great place to go on a day sail, go hiking, laze on the beach, or just "lime" under a coconut tree with your favourite beverage. Lazy days can be spent on one of the many beaches under the sunny skies of the West Indies.

Bequia tends to attract the more adventurous type of visitor who prefers the tropical delights and ambiance of the smaller, more informal islands, where the beaches are secluded and high rise hotels do not mar the scenery. Regularly featuring in travel writers top ten picks of the Caribbean yet unheard of by most. Many travel agents would be hard pressed to pinpoint the island on a map, probably why it has remained so unspoilt. To get there you have to travel by ferry from St Vincent or a tiny island hopper service from Barbados.

The island is encircled by gold-sand beaches, many of which disappear into coves, excellent for sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. The centre of the island is hilly and forested, providing a dramatic backdrop to the bays and beaches. Admiralty Bay, the island's natural harbour, is a favourite anchoring spot for yachtsmen from all over the world.

Belmont walkway separates a narrow strip of sand and the sparkling Caribbean ocean from a handful of restaurants, bars and hotels along the main town of Port Elizabeth. Often described as the prettiest harbour in the Caribbean this quant port provides a number waterfront bars to enjoy the scenery and admire the sunsets.

Ideally situated amongst the Genadines a number of excursions are available to neighbouring islands. An hour ferry ride away is St. Vincent, the mainland. This island features an awe inspiring Volcano that you reach by hiking through rain forest. A historic fort and lush tropical botanical gardens. A popular day trip is a sail boat journey to Mustique, home to the rich and famous, with idyllic beaches and luxury homes.

One trip absolutely not to be missed is a sail to the Tobago Cays national marine park, one of the most stunning areas in the entire Caribbean. Deserted islands, a huge coral reef and dazzling turquoise sea of un-imaginary hues.

If you are looking for something a little different for your vacation this year. An authentic taste of West Indian culture and life you be hard pressed to find an island that would suite your needs better than Bequia in the Grenadines.