This was a thrilling experience!Visited: July 2007
Posted by seashells
As a frequent Fort Recovery guest for years, we were encouraged to try out Bequia Beachfront Villas as they own both properties. We booked three weeks in total, and decided to take one week for Bequia.
We booked our airfare through Pamelah from Tortola to St. Vincent, and took the ferry to Bequia. We were greeted by Gideon the taxi driver. We also rented a jeep from him for three days to tour the island.
When we got to the villa, we were thrilled by the location right on the beach. We literally couldn't control our joy! It brought tears to our eyes to be sitting on the beach for seven straight days.
The accommodations were airy, nicely decorated and very spacious. We had a fully equipped kitchen, so we bought local fish on the beach and cooked most dinners ourselves.
Driving through the island, we were so excited as there were as many beaches on Bequia as Tortola. Each day we went to a different beach.
We were so happy, and certainly recommend it to other guests. Although we ended up with another week on Tortola, leaving Bequia was sad. We hope to go back again some day soon.
7 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Bequia Beachfront Villas are the best!Visited: June 2007
Posted by ttpm08
Bequia Beachfront Villas are the best you can get. We had the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house. It was the utmost in
luxury.
It had a living room, kitchen, dining room and outdoor decks on the long stretch of Friendship Bay Beach. It was, without a doubt, state-of-the-art in every way.
We enjoyed the house, the service, and the panoramic views. It was also a treat watching the fisherman pull up with their boats full
of fresh fish. We took advantage of that on one of our "at home dinner nights".
6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We had a great family vacation here.Visited: January 2006
Posted by smoothteddy
I have no reservations about recommending The Old Fort. We have spent two vacations here with our families, and it was just perfect. The place was surrounded by beautiful gardens. This, together with the old buildings, made for a great atmosphere.
Also our kids just loved it. The management and staff were very helpful, and had no problems in arranging whatever we were interested in. We even chartered our own boat and managed to visit the Tobago Keys, which were beautiful islands with endless coral reefs.
We hope that we can visit Bequia and The Old Fort again in the near future.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
The Sugarapple gives a five-star welcome.Visited: February 2007
Posted by sarah_in_new_york
We recently spent ten nights at the Sugarapple Inn, and loved it. In short: they had the friendliest manager and guests on the island, beautifully planted grounds, a private kitchen, comfortable beds, excellent value, and a pool.
The Sugarapple was really lovely, from the bright and relaxing rooms with full kitchens, to the wonderful pool area. We spent a number of days just hanging at the pool and toasting banana bread in our kitchen.
Bequia had five or six beaches that you would go to, so in less than a week we had seen all the beaches and didn't feel the need to tear ourselves away from the lovely pool. Often, we would be the only people at the pool, so it felt like the best of both worlds: like renting a private house, but with Cilla to help with arrangements and reservations.
We travel a lot and are frequently disappointed by the beds, even in the fanciest places. The beds at the Sugarapple (we stayed in two of the eight rooms) were very good. We slept very well. However, bring earplugs if you don't want to wake up at 5:00 am every day to the rooster crowing!
The breeze at night was so strong I slept under a blanket. You won't miss the AC. The mosquito nets worked pretty well, but we heard a tip from a fellow guest that we would recommend: bring clothes pins to seal the gap in the net.
A nice touch at the Sugarapple was the American DVD player. If we had known, we might have brought a couple dvds as some nights we didn't feel like going into town.
I would also recommend bringing salt/pepper and sugar if you want to do any sort of food prep. Those items were expensive on the island and you'll want them. If you are a coffee person, bring plenty of coffee. I ran out halfway through the trip and it was $13 USD to buy a can of Illy.
The Sugarapple also had a beautiful deck area with swinging seats, deck chairs, tables and a grill. We saw other people using it, and would definitely try and do that the next time.
We would definitely return, and would recommend the Sugarapple without reservation to independent travelers. It is not a resort, so if that is what you are looking for then Bequia is probably not the right island for you.
14 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This was a piece of Paradise!Visited: December 2006
Posted by mjdougherty
My family and I stayed nine nights here during the Christmas break. We were impressed by many elements of the inn.
The gardens that suround the inn explode in glorious bloom around you. The rooms are large and spacious, and the kitchens are well equipped. We cooked a few nights in our kitchen, and barbequed on the communal deck.
Also, it's nice to have a pool on the property. I love to wake up in the morning, put on my suit and head to the pool with a good book.
Now that I am back in cold New York, my memories of the Sugarapple keep me warm and looking to return. We will certainly return to Bequia and the Sugarapple.
4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We loved the Sugarapple Inn.Visited: December 2006
Posted by island_gal_in_nj
We spent Christmas at the Sugarapple Inn, and thoroghly enjoyed it. The room was very clean, well appointed, and spacious. We were able to prepare our Christmas dinner here. Some dishes were prepared in the kitchen, while some were grilled on the deck. What a treat to have dinner outside in December!
The office staff (Cilla) was very helpful in gettting us oriented. She provided us with a cell phone that was pre-programmed with numbers for taxis and restaurants. Getting around was a breeze (easy)!
This was our first visit to St. Vincent and to Bequia, and it was a long trip to get here - over 15 hours door-to-door. But, after ten minutes of sitting on the deck the first night, it was all worth it. The beauty of the graden and the tranquility is beyond the pictures.
The worst part of the trip was having to leave. We'll be back!
4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
As you reach The Old Fort, prepare to have your breath taken away. Once you breathe again, you’ll be in love! This must be the most romantic villa in the Caribbean – although the term “villa” really doesn’t do The Old Fort justice. This isn’t just a villa, it’s a very comfortable, welcoming home. The Schaedle family will do everything to make it yours from the moment you walk in.
The Old Fort boasts characterful, comfortable bedrooms; great places to relax and dine – outside and in; a lovely pool with amazing views out to Mustique…all this and donkeys too! What more could anyone possibly want? We just can’t wait to get back!
Getting to Bequia may sound a bit complicated, but don’t be put off: it’s really not difficult. The journey’s a great part of the experience, anyway. We flew north to St. Vincent, from Trinidad, and were just captivated by the Grenadines, floating in the clearest, bluest ocean we’d ever seen. From St. Vincent’s airport, a friendly taxi driver soon got us to Kingstown. He checked ferry times and suggested breakfast at Cobblestones restaurant. It was good advice!
Don’t rush to the ferry; amble, soak up island life - chill and connect. Soon the Bequia Express ties up and discharges passengers with efficient chaos. Climb aboard for the one hour crossing – and relax!
Bequia’s silhouette crystallizes into an intricate, green paradise, as Admiralty Bay embraces the returning ferry. Port Elizabeth grows from hillside specks and soon you’ll see its streets merging seamlessly with the tree-lined, restaurant-fronted beach. Then you start to meet the people and the love affair becomes irresistible!
7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Everything was perfect - the house, surroundings, and staff.Visited: February 2006
Posted by seewheeler
The beach hut was fantastic. The house was spectacular, and Zoe was a credit to the house. We will be bringing back friends and grandparents. (I took a peek at the lovely cottage which was the former home to the British PM Antony Eden. They will love it!)
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was a wonderful place to stay.Visited: March 2006
Posted by goodwinm
This was certainly the most efficiently run hotel we have found in the Caribbean. From the moment we arrived, we were charmed - while we were checking in, our bags were whisked away to our apartment.
The checking in process was quick, efficient, informative and friendly, offering us information on the island, the bus service, taxis, etc.
Our spacious apartment was spotless and had wonderful views across the valley and Friendship Bay. We also had a well equipped kitchen supplied with tea, coffee, and cold drinks, and a large bathroom.
The apartment was comfortable, bright and cheery. The attention to detail was superb - including portable beach chairs and a coolbag for days out, and a gas barbecue on the communal terrace.
The pool and grounds were well kept and ideal for chilling out. The staff was cheerful, helpful and welcoming (as was everyone on this delightful little island).
Our only regret was that we were only here for four days. We can't wait to go back again for a longer stay.
4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This is a quiet place on a beautiful small island. It is one step further to travel from New York, but so much nicer for taking that extra step.
The Inn is just as it appears in these pictures, lost in time and space. We fell in love with the island and Sugarapple Inn. It's also a great walk to everything. We learned to slow down. We'll be back!
3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This was the "Sugarapple" of our eyes.Visited: January 2006
Posted by kilnart
We've just returned from our third stay in three years at the Sugarapple. On our first trip, there was no pool; and Lionel, the owner, was there, getting organized. We had a wonderful stay, then continued on to St. Vincent, Union, Grenada and finally Barbados.
Afterward, we wondered if Bequia had been all that great.
Last year, we went to St. Lucia for Christmas and New Year's. We liked it for a couple of days, but began to wonder about the place -- especially the safety.
We went over to Bequia for ten days, and fell in love again. By now, Lionel had put in a womderful saltwater pool.
This year, the Sugarapple was even better than before. Although, we were bothered a couple of nights by a barking dog. It was no big deal, though.
If you're looking for the Holiday Inn, don't go to the Sugarapple. If you are looking for peace, relaxation, beautiful scenery, friendly staff and locals (and great food at the nearby restaurants like Fernando's, Coco's, and the Porthole), Bequia is the ticket.
4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We loved it and would go back!Visited: January 2006
Posted by chestrbob
Sugarapple Inn was off the beaten path and absolutely charming. We had the pleasure of staying in room number one with expansive beautiful views of Friendship Bay.
The town was within a 20-minute scenic walk or a five-minute colorful bus ride with the locals. It was also a ten-minute romantic beach walk to nearest hotel/restaurant with good food and a nice little beach for swimming.
We encountered good people, it was a nice place and we had a great experience. We also enjoyed the luxury of BBQ-ing local fish at the inn. We highly recommend it, and will return to the Sugarapple!
6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was a peaceful, relaxing, and delightful spot.Visited: January 2006
Posted by stjohnsu
This was a wonderful spot for a restful vacation. My husband and I spent a week-and-a-half at the Sugarapple, and could have stayed longer. It was peaceful, well-maintained, and friendly. We felt right at home.
Cella, the manager, was cheerfully welcoming. It was obvious that she likes people and knows how to take care of them. She made our vehicle reservations for us, suggested restaurants, and all in all, was there to help in anyway she could.
Our room, which was really two rooms that opened into each other, was a delight! It was very spacious, cheerfully painted, open and breezy, and was kept nice and clean by the daily maid service. We found ourselves making sure we allowed time just to enjoy our room every day. In the little kitchen, we made our own breakfast and just sat and enjoyed the morning sunshine streaming in the windows.
Don't miss the little store that's just a short walk down the road. It was a real treat. The proprietor was Parma. She was very friendly and loved to chat. She sells local breads every morning...a great way to add to your breakfast.
Sugarapple was a real find - and a bargain, too.
5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We loved our stay at Sugarapple Inn.Visited: January 2006
Posted by stjohnca
We just got back from a wonderful vacation at Sugarapple Inn. Everything was perfect - from the bright colors in the room and the large kitchen/dining area, to the pool and barbecue area.Also, the staff was incredible.
We selected Sugarapple from internet, and found it to be beyond our expectations. We explored the whole island, racing around in our Austin "moke", an oversized go-kart open to the weather that was enormously fun to drive. We drove the entire island, exploring from Moonhole at the south tip all the way to the Turtle Sanctuary on the north.
You can rent a car cheaply, or take the bus for only 1.5 EC, around 60 cents. The buses came right past Sugarapple all the time, and took guests into town in about ten minutes.
We relaxed around the pool, and read books we could exchange at the Sugarapple library. Cilla, the manager, gave us loads of information and advice, and we took all of it.
We walked to a nearby store and bought breakfast provisions, and had a daily feast of fruits, breads, eggs, and juice while reading in the very comfortable and spacious kitchen area.
We enjoyed dinner out every night, except for a couple of barbecues, including one night when I grilled a local lobster.
Bequia was full of friendly, smiley people, and we loved our stay at Sugarapple Inn. I have owned/managed rental properties in the Caribbean for almost six years, and fully recommend Sugarapple.
7 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
These were poor accommodations.Visited: January 2006
Posted by mpadina
I think I stayed at a different Sugarapple Inn than the rest of the reviewers. I encountered mosquitos by the gallon, and noise, noise, noise. There were holes in the mosquito nets, it was on the wrong side of the island, the furniture was tired, and the shower was weak. In addition, there was a noisy pump outside our room.
To top it off, renovation at hotel next door started at 7.30 am. the only saving grace was the manager Cilla. She kept us from rebellion! She was great!
3 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful.