Bequia Island, pronounced “bekway,” is the second largest in the Grenadines. It shares that classic Caribbean vibe with its neighbors but is unique in its own right. Many of the locals can trace their ancestry back to famous whalers like Joseph Ollivierre and William Wallace Jr. Interestingly, natives here are still permitted to harpoon up to four humpback whales a year—a rare right globally. If a whale is caught, the whole community comes together to share the meat and celebrate. Bequians are also renowned for their boat-building skills, passed down through generations.
Our adventure through the Grenadines brought us here, making stops from Grenada to Carriacou, Union, the Tobago Cays, and finally, Mayreau. Bequia was our last destination before heading south back to Grenada. After enduring a tough cargo boat ride from Carriacou to Union, the smooth Jaden Sun Fast Ferry ride to Bequia was a welcome change. It took only 1 hour and 40 minutes and left Union at 7:00 am sharp.
Nick had planned this three-week trip not just for a wonderful holiday but also to celebrate my 30th birthday. For those who know me, birthdays are a big deal, and this year, it was a birthday spanning three weeks! Entering a new decade didn’t bother me; I was looking forward to the celebration.
Nick booked us a stay at the Sugar Reef hotel for three nights, including my birthday. The moment we arrived, we were captivated. The common area had beautiful natural touches, with folding doors that opened to reveal the sea. Our beachfront room was perfect, especially the driftwood framed mirror and towel rack. The four-poster bed and the sea view didn’t hurt either.
My birthday kicked off with a delicious breakfast at Sugar Reef, followed by a stroll through town. We walked along the Belmont Walkway, which now extends to Princess Margaret Beach. After sunbathing and swimming, we had lunch at Gingerbread Cafe and enjoyed some local nutmeg ice cream—a new favorite of mine. The day ended perfectly with a candlelit dinner by the sea at Sugar Reef, which included pumpkin ginger soup, coconut crusted mahi-mahi, and passionfruit mousse. Though I was in bed by 10:00 pm, it was a special day.
We spent nine memorable nights on Bequia Island. After our three nights at Sugar Reef, we moved to the Bequia Beach Hotel, which has 68 rooms. Our suite was spacious (700 sq. ft!), beautifully furnished, and had stunning views of Friendship Bay. We were greeted with rum punches and shown around the property. Though we could swim in the sea anytime, we mainly lazed by the pool and enjoyed the beachside bar.
For the third and final leg of our stay, we moved to the Frangipani Hotel, which offered a perfect location on the Belmont Walkway. It was fun trying different hotels as we got to see various parts of Bequia. Sugar Reef is at the northern tip, Bequia Beach Hotel on Friendship Bay, and Frangipani on Admiralty Bay at the harbor.
Apart from changing hotels, our days on the island were full of activities. Whether sipping coffee on our balcony, watching ferries, snorkeling, visiting the turtle sanctuary, or enjoying great food, we made the most of our stay. The only downside was that some restaurants were closed for the off-season. Despite that, we found a few favorites and even made some friends.
We also experienced our first football (soccer) match at a local bar with a lively crowd of American expats and sailors. Cheering for Belgium turned into a late-night party and a slow start the next day.
Bequia Island was a relaxing retreat with incredibly friendly locals. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed warmly. After celebrating my 30th birthday, staying in three fantastic hotels, making new friends, and eating delicious food, we found ourselves back on the Jaden Sun Fast Ferry, ready to head back to Grenada.
Where to Sleep:
– Sugar Reef Beach Hotel: With rooms ranging from $120 to $240 per night, this hotel offers a mix of beachfront rooms and those with great sea views in the French House behind a coconut plantation.
– Bequia Beach Hotel: This resort has 68 rooms, a pool, beachside restaurant, spa, and gym. Rates vary from $250 to $700 per night, with the oceanfront suite being particularly spacious and well-appointed.
– Frangipani Hotel: Located centrally on Admiral Bay with rooms ranging from $85 to $275 per night, this hotel offers great value with a menu and bar that are popular with visitors.
Where to Eat:
– Maria’s: On Front Street at Port Elizabeth, offering well-priced meals like fish and chips, and burgers.
– Pizza Hut: Right beside Maria’s, serving delicious pizza slices at great prices.
– Gingerbread Cafe and Restaurant: Located on Admiralty Bay with a varied menu including sandwiches, soups, and seafood.
– Frangipani Restaurant: Attached to the Frangipani Hotel, offering soups, salads, and a variety of main dishes with a special Thursday night BBQ during high season.
Getting There:
– Jaden Sun Fast Ferry: Provides daily service between the mainland (St. Vincent) and Bequia, Union, and Canouan. Fare varies from $40 to $110.
Our trip was supported by Jaden Sun Fast Ferry, Dive Bequia, Sugar Reef Bequia, Bequia Beach Hotel, and Frangipani Hotel. All opinions are our own.