Ins and Outs of SVG 2012 Edition by Miller Publishing Co Ltd

Ins & Outs

of St. Vincent & the Grenadines 2012

An Essential Guide to St. Vincent • Bequia • Mustique • Petit St. Vincent • Canouan • Mayreau • Palm Island • Tobago Cays • Union Island insandoutsofsvg.com

Credits

Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & the Grenadines 2012 The Official Publication of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY

Miller Publishing Co. Ltd PROJECT MANAGER

Christine Wilkie ADVERTISING SALES

Christine Wilkie Liz Cordice Sally Miller PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Janelle Bryan

Our Cover Artist Anna Allegra Desio was born in Milano, Italy. At a young age she moved with her family to Mexico City where she eventually graduated in architecture at the National University of Mexico. She started practicing in Milano, Italy in the studio of Gio Ponti and in Italy she met and married her husband, Gianluca Desio. They moved back to Mexico where she became a Professor of Architectural Design, Perspective and Architectural Drawing at the National University of Mexico for over seventeen years. They also lived for a long time in Newport, Rhode Island where she expanded her art education with courses in etching, oil painting, sumi-e, watercolour, etc. At present, she and her husband live part of the year aboard their boat, Maxima, which they’ve owned since 1982. The rest of the time they live in Athens, Georgia where she has her studio. Their favourite area for sailing is the southern Caribbean, which is also the favourite subject of her paintings. In addition to her originals, Anna also produces Glicée in signed and numbered limited editions and a vast assortment of note-cards. She is available for commission work and can be contacted at gdesio@aol.com Miller Publishing Co. Ltd. Edgehill, St. Thomas, BB22118, BARBADOS Tel: (246) 421-6700 e-mail: chrisw@millerpublishing.net www.insandoutsofsvg.com www.BarbadosBooks.com While every care has been taken in the compilation of information contained in this guide, such information is subject to change without notice. The publishers accept no responsibility for such changes.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS

Lyn Armstrong Suneeta Simmons ARTWORK & LAYOUT

Christine Wilkie Sally Miller Tao Howard DESIGN & WATERCOLOURS

Neil Barnard at Eightzeronine Design Anna Allegra Desio COVER PAINTING

Anna Allegra Desio PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wilfred Dederer Kay Wilson Zénon DISTRIBUTION

Ins & Outs is distributed throughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines by the SVG Hotel & Tourism Association. Copies of the publication are placed in hotel rooms, villas, charter yachts and visitor information centres. Ins & Outs is also available through the SVG Tourism Authority and the overseas offices of the Ministry of Tourism in London, New York and Toronto. Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & the Grenadines can also be viewed online at www.insandoutsofsvg.com

Contents General General

6,8,10 12 13 18 24 30 138

Calendar of Events Maps Fast Facts Property and Investment Chartering Diving Accommodation Guide

St. Vincent 34 40 45 48 54 60

History Island Adventures Beaches and Anchorages Shopping and Services Restaurants and Nightlife Accommodation

Bequia 70 76 81 84 86 90 92 98 102

History Island Adventures Beaches and Anchorages Weddings Shopping and Services Art and Craft Restaurants and Nightlife Accommodation Villa Life

Mustique 108 110

General Information Accommodation and Restaurants

Southern Grenadines 112 116 118 120 122 124 126

Canouan Tobago Cays Marine Park Mayreau Tropical Island Hideaways Petit St. Vincent Palm Island Union Island

Paintings ÂŠ Anna Allegra Desio - e-mail: gdesio@aol.com Work by this artist can be found at the following locations in St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Union Island: Atelier Turquoise, Mare Blu Boutique and Scaramouche Schooner; Bequia: Friendship Rose Schooner, Local Colour and Solanas; Mustique: Treasure Boutique in the purple gingerbread house; Petit St. Vincent: PSV Resort.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

January

February March

17th Annual Mustique Blues Festival Wed. 25th to Wed. 8th Feb. Contact: Basil’s Bar at Tel: (784) 488-8407

Mustique Blues Festival continues until 8th Feb. Contact: Basil’s Bar at Tel: (784) 488-8407

Primary School Performing Arts Festival Thu. 2nd - Fri. 2nd March The Primary Schools stage Thu. 26th - 9pm at short concerts to identify Frangipani Hotel talented students. These Elite Steel Orchestra students then represent Fri. 27th - 8:30pm at the school at the Grand De Reef, Lower Bay Days, which are used as Sat. 28th - 1pm at Bequia Beach Hotel - Jazz’n Blues filming opportunities so Jam by the beach that these presentations Sat. 28th - 8:30pm at can be shown on TV, De Reef - Bequia Music allowing the nation to see Fest’s Big Night the performance skills of Sun. 29th - 12:30pm at De Reef - Blues, Jazz & Rock our students. Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest 2012 Thu. 26th - Sun. 29th

Fine Art, Film & Fashion Week Tue. 24th – Sat. 28th This is a series of presentations at different learning resource venues exposing the work of local artists in these three disciplines to students and the general public. Public Holiday New Year’s Day - Sun. 1st Full Moon Mon. 9th

Full Moon Tue. 7th

Wilfred Dederer

Zénon

Wilfred Dederer

2012 Calendar of Events

April

National History & Heritage Month Thu. 1st – Sat. 31st The main components of this programme are: the internal celebrations of each school; the focus on local history; the Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor National Heroes, The Right Excellent Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer; and the community programmes celebrating our heritage.

Gospel Festival Wed. 4th – Tue. 15th May This programme is a series of concerts held around the island and in the Grenadines, sharing the talents of the church communities with the country. Contact: Ministry of Culture at Tel: (784) 451-2180

National Heroes “Gum Boat Festival” Canouan Fri. 16th - Sun. 18th

35th Annual Easterval, Union Island Thu. 5th - Mon. 9th Weekend Festivals: Boat races, sports & games, calypso competition, beauty pageant. Contact: Union Island Tourist Board at Tel: (784) 458-8350

SVG Blues and Rhythms Festival (Dates TBA) Contact: SVG Tourism Authority at Tel: (784) 456-6222 Public Holiday National Heroes Day Mon. 12th Full Moon Thu. 8th

31st Annual Bequia Easter Regatta Thu. 5th - Mon. 9th Contact: Bequia Sailing Club at Tel: (784) 457-3649

Lobster Season Closes April 30th Public Holidays Good Friday - 6th Easter Monday - 9th Full Moon Fri. 6th

For weekly updates on “What’s On in St. Vincent” please check the SVG Hotel & Tourism Website at www.svghotels.com/whats-on

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

USEFUL INFORMATION

Jaden Sun Fast Ferry Schedule

Tickets can be purchased on the Jaden Sun Ferry and boarding is 15 minutes prior to Departure.

High Season: December to April / July & August Days

Route

Departure Time

Arrival Time

Fare

Sunday

Kingstown-Bequia Bequia-Canouan Canouan-Union Island

4:00pm 4:35pm 5:25pm

4:30pm 5:20pm 5:55pm

EC$30 EC$55 EC$30

Monday

Union Island-Canouan Canouan-Bequia Bequia-Kingstown Kingstown-Bequia Bequia-Canouan Canouan-Union Island

7:00am 7:45am 8:45am 3:30pm 4:15pm 5:15pm

7:30am 8:30am 9:15am 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:45pm

EC$30 EC$55 EC$30 EC$30 EC$55 EC$30

Tuesday

NO SCHEDULED OPERATIONS

Wednesday

Same Morning Schedule as Monday but NO AFTERNOON SCHEDULE

Thursday/ Friday/ Saturday

Kingstown-Bequia Bequia-Canouan Canouan-Union Island Union Island-Canouan Canouan-Bequia Bequia-Kingstown

9:00am 9:45am 10:45am 3:30pm 4:15pm 5:15pm

9:30am 10:30am 11:15am 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:45pm

Kingstown - Canouan/ Canouan - Kingstown (with stops) EC$65 Kingstown - Mayreau/ Mayreau - Kingstown (on a need basis) EC$70 Bequia - Mayreau/Mayreau - Bequia (on a need basis) EC$60

EC$30 EC$55 EC$30 EC$30 EC$55 EC$30

Low Season: May & June / September to November Days and Schedules are the same in the Low Season, with the exception that there is no Saturday Schedule. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. It is always advisable to check the website - www.jadeninc.com or Tel: (784) 451-2192 e-mail: jdmarine@vincysurf.com or jadeninc@vincysurf.com

One Way Trips: Kingstown - Union Island/ Union Island - Kingstown (with stops) EC$75

Bequia - Union Island/ Union Island - Bequia (with stops) EC$65 Persons from Mayreau wishing to take the ferry may call Mr. John Roache on Tel. (784) 494 1076. Children under 12 years half price. Public Holidays on Mondays: The Ferry will depart Kingstown Monday at 4pm, instead of Sunday, and also operate on the Tuesday (leaving Union Island at 7am and leaving Kingstown at 3:30pm).

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Christine Wilkie

Kay Wilson/Indigi Dive

Wilfred Dederer

Kay Wilson/Indigi Dive

2012 Calendar of Events

May

June

July

August

African Liberation Day Fri. 25th Celebrated with a March and Rally, and schools are invited to send representation to the event.

Vincy Mas Celebrations Fri. 29th - Tue. 10th July Carnival preparations & Rural Carnival Shows (community organizations and schools will be organizing for the carnival activities & there will be presentation of the rural carnival shows). Vincy Mas festivities include King and Queen of the Bands, Junior Carnival, Miss SVG, Miss Carnival, Steel Band and Calypso competitions and Old Mas and Jouvert street parades.

Carnival Monday/J’ouvert Mon. 9th - an early morning street jump-up with a satirical twist. T-shirt bands participate in a great street jump-up in the afternoon and into the evening.

Emancipation Month

Canouan Regatta Thu. 24th - Mon 28th Boat races, sports and games, calypso competitions, street jump and beauty pageants. Contact: Mr. Carlos McLaurean, Commodore, Canouan Sailing Club at Tel: (784) 458-8197 OECS Cycling Championship (Invitational) Fri. 25th - Mon. 28th Public Holidays Labour Day - Tue. 1st Whit Monday - 28th

Full Moon Mon. 4th

Carnival Tuesday Tue. 10th - Mardi Gras Mas Bands parade on stage at Carnival City (Victoria Park) competing for the Band of the Year Award and then on to the streets of Kingstown. Contact: Carnival Development Corp. Office at Tel: (784) 457-2580 Bequia Annual Fisherman’s Day Competition Sat. 14th Contact: Bequia Rotary Club at Tel: (784) 458-3248 Full Moon Tue. 3rd

Full Moon Sat. 5th

Emancipation Day Festivities Wed. 1st - Events to commemorate the abolition of slavery. Canouan Carnival Thu. 2nd - Mon. 6th Contact: Mr. Carlos McLaurean, Commodore, Canouan Sailing Club at Tel: (784) 458-8197 Breadfruit Festival Wed. 1st - Fri. 31st The month sees various food fair presentations in different parts of the country. These showcase a variety of dishes that can be made from breadfruit. There are also mini exhibitions which explain the potential uses of the plant, from lumber and function as toys, to medicinal use. Contact: Ministry of Culture at Tel: (784) 451-2180 Fashion Caribbean (Dates TBA) Contact: Monique Tash, Tel: (784) 456-2555/(784) 493-0793 Full Moon Wed. 1st Fri. 31st

For weekly updates on “What’s On in St. Vincent” please check the SVG Hotel & Tourism Website at http://www.svghotels.com/whats-on

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

SCHEDULED FLIGHTS BETWEEN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINE ISLANDS EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 6TH 2011 FROM: St. Vincent to Bequia Daily Flt # 603 at 10:20 FROM: St. Vincent to Canouan Mon. - Fri. Flt # 141 at 08:15 Daily Flt # 605 at 10:15 / Daily Flt # 149 at 17:05 FROM: St. Vincent to Union Island Mon. - Fri. Flt # 151 at 08:15 Daily Flt # 605 at 10:15 / Daily Flt # 159 at 17:05 FROM: Mustique to Barbados Daily Flt # 803 at 11:00 ** Daily Flt # 807 at 14:50 FROM: Union Island to Barbados Daily Flt # 605 at 11:00 ** Daily Flt # 609 at 14:55 FROM: Bequia to Barbados Daily Flt #603 at 10:40 ** Daily Flt # 607 at 14:30 FROM: Canouan to Barbados Daily Flt # 605 at 10:40 ** Daily Flt # 609 at 14:35 FROM: Barbados to St. Vincent Daily Flt. # 614 at 16:30 Daily Flt. # 616 at 16:30 FROM: St. Vincent To Barbados Daily Flt #603 at 10:15 Daily Flt #605 at 10:20 FROM: Bequia to St. Vincent Daily Flt # 614 at 17:50 FROM: Canouan to St. Vincent Mon. - Fri. Flt # 411 at 09:00 Daily Flt # 419 at 17:50 / Daily Flt # 616 at 17:55 FROM: Union Island to St. Vincent Mon. - Fri. Flt # 511 at 08:45 Daily Flt # 519 at 17:00 / Daily Flt # 616 at 17:35

SHARED CHARTER DEPARTURES BETWEEN BARBADOS AND ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 6TH 2011 FROM: Barbados to Mustique ** Daily Flt # 806 at 13:30 Daily Flt # 814 at 16:30 FROM: Barbados to Union Island ** Daily Flt # 608 at 13:30 Daily Flt # 616 at 16:30 FROM: Barbados to Bequia ** Daily Flt #606 at 13:30 Daily Flt #614 at 16:30 FROM: Barbados to Canouan ** Daily Flt #606 at 13:30 Daily Flt #614 at 16:30 ** Due to daylight saving time in North America, these flights will depart one hour earlier effective March 11th, 2012. Our Christmas ‘Black Out’ Period is effective 10th December through 15th January (inclusive); Our Easter ‘Black Out’ Period is effective during the fifteen (15) day period from the Sunday preceding Easter Sunday through to the Sunday after Easter Sunday (inclusive). To assist handlers in identifying luggage and expediting its transfer, please tie brightly coloured ribbon on the handles of your suitcase. PLEASE NOTE: The majority of the Grenadine Islands have unlit runways, which close at sunset. Connecting times with some of the international carriers are limited, therefore, when international flights are delayed there is insufficient time for the transfer of checked luggage. Hence, we recommend that passengers carry overnight essentials in their hand luggage. For further information and reservations contact: Caribbean Tel: 784-457-5124 • Barbados Tel: 246-418-1654 St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-5777 or 458-4380 USA Tel: 315-507-8258 • UK Tel: 01 20 223 3875 e-mail: info@svgair.com or info@mustique.com

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Wilfred Dederer

Kay Wilson/Indigi Dive

2012 Calendar of Events

September October

November December

Dance Festival 2012 Performance events of a competitive format. Community and School groups are all invited to participate. This is an opportunity for national presentation of the groups. Contact: Ministry of Culture at Tel: (784) 451-2180

National Tourism Month Theatre Arts Festival This is an opportunity for community groups and schools to present dramatic work within a festival programme. Contact Ministry of Tourism at Tel: (784) 457-1502

Lobster Season Opens Sat. 1st Full Moon Sat. 29th

Independence Month Celebrations Mon. 1st - Wed. 31st 33rd Anniversary of Independence - Various shows, rallies and other celebrations will occur across the country. There are internal school programmes and national programmes. Three-Stage Cycling Classic - Tour of St. Vincent Sat. 27th - Sun. 28th Public Holiday Independence Day Sat. 27th Full Moon Mon. 29th

National Nine Mornings Christmas Festival Sun. 16th - Mon. 24th A unique Vincentian tradition. Choirs, bands and other performance artists share the season of Christmas by presenting early morning concerts which occur throughout the Vincy Flavours country. Villages decorate Culinary and Bar and their community square Beverage Competitions and with Christmas lights and Exhibitions individual home owners Contact: SVG Hotel & also decorate their houses Tourism Association at Tel: for the season. (784) 458-4379 Contact: Ministry of Culture Email: at Tel: (784) 451-2180 svghotels@vincysurf.com Public Holidays Full Moon Christmas Day - Tue. 25th Wed. 28th Boxing Day - Wed. 26th New Year’s Eve Fireworks Mon. 31st Midnight Fireworks Display over the Harbour in Port Elizabeth, Bequia Full Moon Fri. 28th

For weekly updates on “What’s On in St. Vincent” please check the SVG Hotel & Tourism Website at http://www.svghotels.com/whats-on

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

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St. Vincent

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

St. Vincent Porter Point

KEY

Young Island

Baleine

Union Island

* La Soufriere Volcano iere

ou La S

Win

*Trinity Falls

Richmond

Richmond Vale Camp Richmond Vale

Chateaubelair Bay

*Dark View

Chateaubelair Is.

Petit Bordel Bay

Falls

∆3,523ft

rd T r

ail t o La

Falls

frier

e Waterloo

Rabacca Dry River

Mt. Brisbane

Belmont

Point Jupiter Hyambook Bay

L‘Anse Mahaut Bay

Point Moody

Wallilabou Bay

Mahaul Bay

Corbec Bay

Wallilabou Anchorage Hotel

Dry Point Mount Royal Cloey Hole Trump International Billy Hole Golf Club at Raffles Resort

L‘Ance Guyac Bay

Little Bay Whaling Bay Ramean Bay Cato Bay

Keartons Bay

Barrouallie

Caratal Village

Road

Point de Jour Quarry Point Canouan Resort Godahl Bay Point Siz Windward Bay Grand Cois

East

Coast

Charlestown Charles Bay Bay Ocean View Inn Grand Bay Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club Glossy North Glossy Bay Bachelor’s Hill Hall Bay Taffia Bay Nen’s Bay Riley Bay Charlestown South Glossy Bay Lukee Point Canouan Airport Jim Barbruce Bay Taffia Frie Hill nds Hill Friendship Point L‘Islot hip Bay Canouan Baleine

P Layou

*Vermont

New Ground

Petit Byahaut Resort

ST. ANDREW

Resort & Casino

Buccament Bay Resort

Clare Valley

Pembroke

Questelles Point

Valley Camel

ST. GEORGE Dumbarton Meek Riley’s

Green Hill Camden Park Lowmans Bow Wood

Camden Park Bay Lowmans Bay

Fort

∆2,413ft

D’Chateau Guest House Mt. St. Andrew

Questelles Chauncey

Anse Cayenne Questelles Bay

Greiggs

*Montreal

Grant’s Bay

Biabou

Biabou Bay

Hopewell Peruvian Spring Vale

Mesopotamia *Arawak

Welcome

Redemption *BotanicalQueens Drive Ashburton

South Union Bay

Cedars

Compulsion

Colonaire Bay North Union Bay

Lower Lomans

Francois Gardens Queensbury Retreat Bridgetown Penniston Golden Grove Mesopotamia Emerald Valley Rillion Hill Dubois

P Colonaire

Sans Souci

Forest Reserve

Vermont Nature Trail

Ferret Leveth

Mustique

Byrea Diamond

∆3,181ft

Grand Bonhomme

Mt. Wynne Bay

Black Point

* Black Point Tunnel

Mangrove

South Rivers

Hermitage

ST. PATRICK

Peter’s Hope Bay

Layou Bay

Canouan

Grand Sable Chester Cottage

Spring Village

Three Acres

Ferdies Footstep Guest House

CHARLOTTE

P Gordon Yard Wallilabou *Wallilabou FallsGrove Keartons Grove

Princes Bay

The Grenadine Estate

Langley Park

P Georgetown

Cumberland Rose Hall Mangaroo

Orange Hill

Rabacca

Chapmans

ST. DAVID

Cumberland Bay

Overland Village

Orange Hill Estate

Sou

∆3,058ft

Chateaubelair Richmond Peak Troumaka Bay Rose Troumaka Sharpe’s Bank Coulls Hill *Petit Bordel Falls Coulls Bay

Petit St. Vincent

London

*Hell’s Gate

Morne Garu Mountains

Fitzhughes

Thirteen Stones P (Petroglyphs)

Sandy Bay

Tourama Point

dwa

to rail rn T Walisou Dry River

ste We

Tobago Cays Palm Island

Jetty

Soufriere Mountains ∆1,234m/4,048ft

Airport

Mayreau Jetty Jetty Jetty

New Sandy Bay Village

Larikai Bay

Petit Mustique Canouan Jetty

Sion Hill Old Sandy Bay P

Tro’s Loups Bay

Anchorages

Mustique

Point Village

Tucker Bay

Recreational Facilities

Petit Nevis Ile de quatre

*Falls of

Places of Interest Church Hospital

Bequia

Comnantawana Bay P *Owia Salt Pond Owia Bay

Fancy

Baleine Bay

P Police Station

Evesham Akers

Rock Carvings

Montrose Gardens Tropic Breeze Hotel Calder Argyle Site of new International Airport Orange Victoria Belair scheduled for completion in 2011 Grove Edinboro Park Fairhall Victoria Yambou Beach P McKies Dorsetshire Charlotte Village Mt. Pleasant Fountain Hill Hill P Sion Vigie Hill Arnos E.T. Joshua Airport Vale Stubbs Choppins Glen Cane Garden Stubbs Bay Rose Greathead Bay Indian Bay Cottage Villa Ratho Brighton Village Ribishi Point Mill

Kingstown

North Point

Point Lookout

Honor Bay The Cotton House Hotel Mustique Watersports Endevour Bay The Cotton House Spa Plantain Bay

Bird Sanctuary Airport

Lovell Village P Fishermen’s Village/Fish Market

Basil’s Bar & Boutique

Ramier Bay L‘Ansecoy Bay

Calliaqua Bay Young Island Resort

Brooks Rock

School Library Tennis Courts

Fort* Duvernette

The Mustique Company Mustique Equestrian Centre

Prospect Blue Lagoon

Calliaqua

Rutland Bay

Brighton Bay

Johnson Point

Lime Kiln Bay

Jetty

Marconi Bay

Firefly Britannia Bay

Simplicity Bay

Man Point

Old Plantation Pasture Bay

Lagoon

Bequia

Rabbit Island

Lagoon Bay

L‘Anse Chemin

Black Sand Bay

Gelliceaux Bay

Wilks Rocks

Deep Bay

Bullet Cay Bullet Bay Bends Bay Diable Point Shark Bay Brute Point Sal Bay

Obsidian Bay

Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary * Park Bay Crescent Beach Inn Industry Bay Spring

Maritime Museum

Union Island

Spring Bay Cinnamon Northwest Point Garden Firefly Plantation Hotel Site of Hibiscus Apts Hamilton Devils Table Hamilton Fort Ocar Anse La Coite Traveller’s Inn Ferry Dock Frangipani Hotel Rocky Bay * Port P Gingerbread Hotel Hope Bay Estate Elizabeth The Village Apts Admiralty Bay Hope Bay Mount Bamboo Chute Resort Pleasant Kingsville Apts Princess Margaret De Reef Apts B e lle P Low Up The Old Fort Lower Bay per oint er B Big Mount Pleasant Bay igh Lower Bay ht t Belles Rocky Bay Ravine Bay Moonhole Big Cay Dock Bequia Museum West Cay Friendship Friendship Bay Resort Sta Dock Adams Bay Paget La rk R Bay Island Inn Apts Playing avin Farm Pompe Field e Saint Hilaire Dock J.F.Mitchell Airport Point Whaling Station Sugarapple Inn Friendship Garden Apts Taylor’s Apts Petit Nevis Bequia Beach Hotel & Blue Tropic Bequia Beachfront Villas

* *

Bloody Head Bloody Bay Mount Olympus ∆640ft

Richmond Bay

Chatham Bay

Ruin

Mount Cambell ∆790ft

Belmont Bay Big Sands Ruin Ruin

Ruin Ruin

Jetty Mount Taboi

Fort Irene

Ruin

Ashton

∆1,000ft

Miss Irene Point

Big Sands Hotel

Ruin

Jetty

Ashton Harbour

Frigate Island

Jetty Jetty Jetty

Fort Hill Ruin ∆400ft Jetty

Clifton Market Jetty

Point Lookout Airport

Jetty Jetty

Green Island Newlands Reef

Clifton Harbour

Coast Guard Station

Petit Bay Clifton Beach Hotel Marine View Hotel/Apts. Kings Landing Amerindi

Happy Island

Anchorage Yacht Club Bougainvilla Hotel Wind & Sea Sailing Charters Erika’s Marine Services SVG Tourism Bureau Clifton Cottages Lambie’s Guest House St. Joseph’s House

Queensbury Point

Ile de Quatre

Battowia

Balliceaux

fast facts Located in the southern Caribbean Sea and forming part of the Windward Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines comprises some 32 islands that extend 72 km (45 miles) to the southwest like a kite’s tail. The main islands include Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, The Tobago Cays Marine Park, Union Island, Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent. St. Vincent is located at Latitude 13° 15’ N, Longitude 61° 12’ W and situated 160 km (100 miles) west of Barbados, 120 km (75 miles) north of Grenada and 40 km (24 miles) south of St. Lucia. St. Vincent is the largest of the more than 30 islands that comprise the nation, covering roughly 390 sq. km (150 sq. miles). The population is approx. 106,253. About 25% of the labour force work in agriculture, 10% in industry and over 50% in services, including tourism. Agricultural products include bananas, plantains, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices, citrus and mangos; a small number of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats are reared; and there is a small fishing sector. Industries include food processing, cement, furniture, clothing and starch. St. Vincent has a mountainous interior with La Soufrière, an active volcano in the north, rising to 1,220 m (4,000 ft.) as its highest point. The island has a sheltered and indented coastline on the Leeward coast. St. Vincent is roughly 29 km (18 miles) long and 17.7 km (11 miles) wide and has an area of 344 sq. km (133 sq. miles), while the Grenadines comprise an additional 44 sq. km (17 square miles). Bequia covers 19 sq. km (7 sq. miles), Mustique is 5 sq. km (1.9 sq. miles), Canouan 7.5 sq. km (3 sq. miles) and Union Island is 8 sq. km (3 sq. miles). The yearly average daytime temperature is 27°C (81°F). The coolest months are between November and February. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and is represented on the island by a Governor-General. Independence was achieved on October 27th, 1979. Parliament has 15 elected representatives and four senators who are appointed by the Prime Minister and two on the advice of the Opposition Leader. The parliamentary term of office is five years, although the Prime Minister may call elections at any time. The legal system is derived from English common law and statutes. There are 11 courts in three magisterial districts.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Mike Toy/Courtesy Petit St. Vincent Resort

St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Petit St. Vincent

Immigration

Airports

All arrivals into St. Vincent and the Grenadines must present a valid passport. Visas are required from nationals of the following countries: China, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran and Nigeria. A return or onward ticket is required of all visitors. Work permits are available from the Prime Minister’s office on Bay Street in Kingstown.

There are five airports in SVG with E.T. Joshua Airport in Kingstown being the largest. The four smaller domestic airports are located in Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island. These airports are serviced by LIAT, SVG Air and Mustique Airways. A departure tax of EC$40 is payable by all passengers leaving the country. The opening of the new international airport at Argyle in St. Vincent is scheduled for 2013.

Official Ports of Entry St. Vincent: Kingstown, Chateaubelair and Wallilabou, Port Elizabeth in Bequia, Clifton Harbour in Union Island, Charlestown Bay in Canouan and Britannia Bay in Mustique. The ports in SVG are all operated by the SVG Port Authority. In case of emergency, call (784) 456-1830, or contact Johnny Ollivierre at (784) 494-9241.

Clearance Procedures Visiting yachts arriving in the territorial waters of St. Vincent & The Grenadines must proceed directly to a designated port of entry to complete clearance formalities before stopping at any other anchorage. With Q flag hoisted, boats should dock or anchor in the port of entry and only the captain should go ashore taking along: • Three crew lists • Clearance from the previous port • Passports • Ship's papers Boats must also clear out at one of the official ports before departing St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Private vessels must pay a Cruise Tax to enable unlimited stay in St. Vincent & The Grenadines waters, and charter boats must be in possession of a St. Vincent & The Grenadines Cruising License.

Seaport and Shipping Kingstown has a natural deepwater harbour with a wharf to accommodate two oceangoing ships. There are regular services between St. Vincent and the major ports in North America, Europe and the Caribbean. A new container park at Kingstown and a new container port at Campden Park have been completed.

Telecommunications St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a state of the art fibre optic digital telephone system. Internet, boatphone, cellular service, telex, telegraph and facsimile access are also available. The international area code is 1-784 followed by the local seven-digit number. Phonecards are available through outlets islandwide as are phonecard booths. International Direct Dialing (IDD) service is available to most destinations in the world and international calls can be made using your credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, AT&T and Bell are accepted) by dialing the operator.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Fast Facts

How to Get Here

Money

St. Vincent & the Grenadines is reached by air from North America and Europe through six major gateways â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico and Trinidad, with daily connections to Union Island, Canouan, Mustique and Bequia. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, Caribbean Airlines, US Air, Jet Blue, Westjet, Condor, Gol Intelligent Airlines and Air Jamaica all provide excellent service to the gateways; while LIAT, SVG Air, Grenadine Air Alliance, Trans Island Air, Executive Air and Mustique Airways all provide a convenient connecting service from the gateways. Flight time to St. Vincent is approximately 35 minutes from Barbados; 30 minutes from Grenada; 45 minutes from Martinique; 20 minutes from St. Lucia; 2 hours 20 minutes from Puerto Rico. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has an information desk in the Arrivals Section of Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados (Tel: 246-428-0961) open daily from approximately 1:00pm until the last flight to St. Vincent departs. Personnel are on hand to assist travellers in making connections to their final destinations.

The currency of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). The exchange rate is tied to the US dollar at a rate of $2.68.

Clothing Public nudity is illegal in St. Vincent & The Grenadines and topless sunbathing is discouraged. Swimsuits must not be worn in towns, public streets or places of business. For your travelling convenience, we suggest you leave all camouflage prints at home. It is illegal to wear or import any form of camouflage clothing in St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Electricity St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a reliable supply of electricity which is generally 220/240 volt, 50 cycle, except for Petit St. Vincent and Palm Island which have 110 volt, 60 cycle. The standard electrical plug has 3 rectangular pins so remember to pack an adapter.

Health There are six public hospitals, including Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (formally Kingstown General Hospital), and Maryfield Hospital, Lowmans and Bequia Casualty Hospital, Port Elizabeth, and three privately owned hospitals.

Education The Vincentian educational system is modelled on the British system. School is compulsory up to age 15 and government schools are free at the primary and secondary levels. Post secondary education is provided through polytechnics and Kingstown Medical College, a campus of St. Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University (Grenada), located near Kingstown. The University maintains affiliations with hospitals for clinical programmes in the United States, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & The Grenadines St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Tourism Offices St. Vincent

Ministry of Tourism & Industry Upper Bay Street, Kingstown St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tel: 784-457-1502 Fax: 784-451-2425 e-mail: tourism@vincysurf.com www.discoversvg.com St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tourism Authority P.O. Box 834, 2nd Fl. NIS Complex, Upper Bay St., Kingstown St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tel: 784-456-6222 Fax: 784-485-6020 www.discoversvg.com St. Vincent & The Grenadines Hotel & Tourism Association P.O. Box 2125 E.T. Joshua Airport, Kingstown St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tel: 784-458-4379 Fax: 784-456-4456 e-mail: svghotels@vincysurf.com www.svghotels.com

Barbados

St. Vincent & The Grenadines Barbados Desk Grantley Adams Int’l Airport Barbados Tel: 246-428-0961

United States

801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, NY 10017 Toll free: 800-729-1726 Tel: 212-687-4981 Fax: 212-949-5946 e-mail: svgtony@aol.com

Canada

333 Wilson Avenue Suite 601 Toronto, M3H 1T2 Toll free: 866-421-4452 Tel: 416-630-9292 Fax: 416-630-9291 e-mail: svgtourismtoronto@rogers.com

United Kingdom 10 Kensington Court London, W8 5DL England Tel: 207-937-6570 Fax: 207-937-3611 e-mail: svgtourismeurope@aol.com

Getting Around By Taxi The government sets the rates for fares, but taxis are unmetered and you should always check the fare before setting off. Fares are raised for journeys late at night or early in the morning. The average fare from Indian Bay into Kingstown is approximately EC$25. Tipping is suggested at 10% of the fare. You can also hire taxis to take you to the island’s major attractions. Expect to spend EC$40 to EC$50 per hour for a car holding two to four passengers. Sam’s Taxi & Tours (784-456-4338) is one of the more popular choices for sightseeing and getting around in general. Their drivers are courteous and friendly and offer entertaining commentary as you explore the island.

By Car Driving in St. Vincent & the Grenadines is on the left. While initially driving on the narrow, twisting roads is a bit of an adventure, you will quickly begin to enjoy the challenge and start driving like a “Vincy”. There are limited road signs, but locals are usually quite happy to point you in the right direction. Remember to sound your horn as you make the sharp curves and turns. Avis (784-456-4389) has an office at the E.T. Joshua Airport and the majority of local companies will be happy to pick you up at your hotel or at the airport. Rent and Drive (784-4575601 or rentanddrive@vincysurf.com) and David’s Auto Clinic (784-456-4026) in St. Vincent and Sunset Tours Moke & Jeep Rentals (784-458-3782) in Bequia offer similar rates and terms.

By Bus Flamboyantly painted buses travel the principal roads of St. Vincent, linking the major towns and villages. The central departure point is the bus terminal at the New Kingstown Fish Market. Fares range from EC$1 to EC$6 (US.40¢ to US$2.20). Minibuses, which stop on demand rather than at bus stops, run frequently between Kingstown and the popular hotel areas of Indian Bay and Villa. The number of vans starting in Kingstown and running to Owia or Fancy in the north is limited. The best way is to take the early bus to Georgetown and try to catch one of the two vans running between Georgetown and Fancy (EC$10). To get to Richmond in the northwest take a bus to Barrouallie and seek onward transport from there. A day trip to Mesopotamia (Mespo) by bus (EC$2.50) is a worthwhile experience.

Driver Licences A temporary driving licence, costing EC$65 and valid for 6 months, can be obtained from the police station on Bay Street or the Licensing Authority on Halifax Street, with the presentation of a valid overseas drivers licence. Your car hire agent will assist you with getting a permit. If you have an International Driving Permit (EC$100) you must get it stamped at the central police station. Caricom nationals may drive with a valid Caricom drivers licence.

Safety Tips Centipede/Scorpion Bites - While not lethal, the severity and degree of discomfort depends on individual sensitivity. If there is any doubt, you should see a doctor, especially if a child has been bitten. Coconut Palms - Never leave a baby or a small child beneath a coconut palm because of the possibility of falling coconuts. Illegal Drugs - There are very severe penalties for possession of illegal drugs like Cannabis (weed or ganja) and cocaine – up to life imprisonment and yacht confiscation. Customs officials are well equipped and trained, so no attempts should be made to import or export even small quantities for “personal use.” Manchineel - Avoid contact with the fruit commonly known as Manchineel Apples, since they look and smell just like small apples, they are very poisonous and sap from the tree and fruit blisters the skin. If it is raining, be sure that the tree you are sheltering under is not a manchineel, as drops of rain falling off can still produce the same unpleasant effect. Sea Urchins - A black sea egg with long black spines. If the spines are protruding from your skin then you can try to carefully remove them, but if they are beneath the skin DO NOT try to “pick” them out as this could cause infection. If you leave them in your skin they will eventually dissolve. To be safe, soak with vinegar or some form of antiseptic.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Fast Facts

Ferry Schedule St. Vincent/Southern Grenadines

Ferry Schedule St. Vincent/Bequia

A regular and efficient ferry service for freight and passengers operates between the Southern Grenadines and Kingstown, St. Vincent, with three St. Vincent based companies, MV Barracuda, MV Gem Star (see below). The new Jaden Sun Fast Ferry operates between St. Vincent, Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau (as needed) and Union Island – see page 7 for further information and schedules.

A regular and efficient ferry service for freight, cars and passengers operates between Bequia and Kingstown, St. Vincent, with two companies, Admiralty Transport and Bequia Express. On Admiralty and Bequia Express sailing time from jetty to jetty is one hour – the return fare is EC$35 and One Way is EC$20.

Bequia Express

MV Barracuda

Tel: (784) 457-3539 or e-mail: bequiaexpress@vincysurf.com

Tel: (784) 455-9835 DEPART KINGSTOWN

DEPART UNION

Mondays & Thursdays 11:30am

Tuesdays & Fridays 6:30am

Saturdays 11:30am

Saturdays Approx. 4:30pm

MV Gem Star

DEPART KINGSTOWN

Monday to Friday 6:30am, 8:30am, 9:30am, 1pm, 4:30pm Saturdays 6:30am, 9:15am, 4:30pm Sundays & Public Holidays 7am, 4:30pm

Monday to Friday 8am, 10:30am, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm Saturdays 8am, 11am, 6pm Sundays & Public Holidays 8:30am, 6pm

Admiralty Transport

Tel: (784) 526-1158 or 593-6500

Tel: (784) 458-3348 or e-mail: admiraltrans@vincysurf.com

DEPART KINGSTOWN

DEPART UNION

Tuesdays & Fridays Noon

Wednesdays & Saturdays 8:30am

Once a month MV Gem Star goes to Carriacou on a Wednesday morning from Union Island and on the way back they pass back through Union Island and depart for Kingstown around 2pm. Call to check schedule. Fares (One Way): Kingstown to Canouan (EC$40); Kingstown to Mayreau (EC$45); Kingstown to Union Island (EC$50); Kingstown to Carriacou (EC$50 - MV Gem Star only) Call to enquire for freight charges

DEPART BEQUIA

DEPART KINGSTOWN

Mondays & Fridays 6:30am, 9am & 3:30pm Tues. Weds. & Thurs. 6:30am, 3:30pm Saturdays 6:30am, 9:30am, 4pm Sundays & Public Holidays 7:30am, 4pm

Mondays & Fridays 7:45 am, 10:30am, 4:30pm Tues. Weds. & Thurs. 10:30am & 4:30pm Saturdays 8:15am, 11:30pm, 5pm Sundays & Public Holidays 9am, 5pm

Please note, ferry schedules vary on public holidays. It is always advisable to call and check the schedules beforehand, especially if you are taking connecting flights from St. Vincent.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & the Grenadines St. Vincent and the Grenadines now qualifies as an authentic emerging market for international business and property investment.

From St. Vincent in the north to Union Island in the south, the diverse islands of the Grenadines can offer a truly breathtaking range of stunning land and seascape scenery, as well as an enviably relaxed and healthy lifestyle Photo: Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

property & investment Some of the most attractive property investment opportunities to be found anywhere in the Caribbean are currently available in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Long renowned for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil environment, this spectacular region has now developed to such a point that while still offering property buyers the traditional comfort and charm of a tropical island home, investors today can also enjoy the security of operating within a well regulated legal and financial jurisdiction. St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains one of the most dramatically beautiful and refreshingly underdeveloped regions to be found anywhere in the world. From St. Vincent in the north to Union Island in the south, the diverse islands of the Grenadines can offer a truly breathtaking range of stunning land and seascape scenery, as well as an enviably relaxed and healthy lifestyle. The economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is undergoing a very positive transformation. In addition to the ongoing development of the international business sector, the general tourism product throughout the islands has improved considerably, thus generating a general trend of steady growth. Indeed, in these times of major global economic challenges and financial uncertainty, many investors are of the opinion that this area is one of the best emerging markets for purchasing real estate and investing in the local economy.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Courtesy Tropical Hideaway Villa, Bequia

With a good supply of prime real estate locations throughout the islands and prices that remain lower than those of already developed neighbours such as Barbados and St. Lucia, investing in property in St. Vincent and the Grenadines currently represents good value for money

St. Vincent as an Offshore Financial Centre By Bryan Jeeves CMG OBE Chairman - Jeeves Group and President of the St. Vincent Trust Service St. Vincent as a low tax jurisdiction is not new. During 1976 the first laws for international companies were passed before the country became fully independent. This was undertaken in conjunction with Swiss based lawyers who registered the St. Vincent Trust Service in Zurich, Switzerland and the Government established the St. Vincent Trust Authority in Kingstown. During 1976 when offshore laws were already in place before independence (1979) it was a very small sector until 1993, when the Jeeves Group acquired the St. Vincent Trust Service. New legislation in 1996 and further revisions thereafter led to the rate of new registrations increasing remarkably. This rapid development was only hindered by the turbulences caused by the blacklisting of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, along with 44 other jurisdictions considered by the FATF â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Financial Action Task Force - to be inadequate in counter money laundering legislation. Appropriate legislation and supervision was agreed, which led to SVG being removed from the blacklist in 2003.

The 2008 global financial crisis led the G20 Meeting in London 2009. The G20, formed in 1999 and in 2009, replaced the G8 as the most important forum for wealthy nations. Membership is drawn from the top 32 economies worldwide but does not include Switzerland listed as the 19th largest. It was typical of the G20 when their deliberations at the infamous G20 meeting April 2010 resulted in the Grey List being invented. There was no mention of the US states such as Delaware and Wyoming where regulation is paltry compared to the other countries listed e.g. St. Vincent, Liechtenstein etc., and minimal monitoring of beneficial ownership if at all. China threatened not to attend if Hong Kong or Macau were disadvantaged. The subject is complex for the UK with its Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories where Bermuda during 2008 wrote 30% of ÂŁ 5.4 billion of the premium of Lloyds London. The Crown Dependencies alone provided net financing to the UK banks of $ 332.5 billion in the second quarter of 2009. It is easier to preach water and drink wine in such a position. When considering the enormous sums of money involved you do not have to be clairvoyant to realise why the OECD tends to concentrate on smaller jurisdictions rather than invoke the anger

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & the Grenadines of their political masters in the G20, who struggle if not fail to live up to their own standards. It equally shows St. Vincent’s miniscule importance in the larger scale of geopolitics and economics. St. Vincent was placed on the Grey List and faced the arduous task of attaining at least 12 acceptable TIEA Tax Information Agreements by March 2010. Due to an excellent team effort by the Government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the authorities, led by Ms. Sharda Bollers of IFSA and the private sector, well over 20 TIEA’s were signed and St. Vincent was moved to the White List by the OECD on March 24th 2010. An additional hindrance to the development of the sector was the fact that until recently banking facilities in St. Vincent could not compete with equivalent financial services centres. The local SVG banks were either not interested or had other arrangements abroad for supplying services to companies formed under the various international companies acts. Thanks to a move by the Government of St. Vincent to sell a larger holding in the NCB National Commercial Bank to ECFH – East Caribbean Financial Holding Group during October 2010, this will change. ECFH was formed in St. Lucia by the merger of the largest commercial bank and the sole development bank. The ECFH Group has extensive experience in the international services sector and importantly has the necessary network of correspondent banks to service clients worldwide. Until this happened, the financial services sector’s largest provider, the St. Vincent Trust Service, was dependent on European banks to service their clients. This will be advantageous for the financial services sector and will offer knowhow and services sadly lacking beforehand. Further problems will be caused by the examination to be undertaken by the PRG – Peer Review Group. The OECD

respectively the “Global Forum on Transparency & Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes” has been appointed the Global Forum (GF) to supervise implementation of Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEA). The work of the Global Forum is guided by a Steering Group (15 members) and a Peer Review Group (30 members). The Global Forum sends questionnaires to the targeted jurisdictions to determine if the Tax Information Exchange Agreements entered into are being implemented. The Peer Review Group’s terms of reference are divided into three broad categories namely a) availability of Information, b) appropriate access to information and c) existence of exchanging information mechanisms. The whole procedure is very comprehensive and time consuming and will again stretch the SVG Government’s resources. Therefore SVG must and will move with the times. The Government can only provide the infrastructure and legislation required. It is for the private sector to design new innovative compliant products. The private sector can only do this if they have the assurance of the full support and response by the Government, which is demonstrably the case in St. Vincent. The industry is also facing the future with a range of new compliant products, using amongst other things the three fields that remain unchallenged, namely the last will and testament or letter of wishes, insurance products and investment programmes. All these vehicles can be structured in a compliant manner and can be effectively used for asset protection and estate management. Tax incentives in any form will apply to citizens and foreign residents equally avoiding any “ring-fencing” claims by the OECD. The financial services sector is confident that the Government of SVG will not only provide full support but will respond to the demands of 2012 and beyond.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Property & Investment Grenadine Island Villas Bequia Waterfront, Frangipani Gardens Tel: 784-529-8046 or 784-455-0969 or 784-457-3739 e-mail: grenadinevillas@mac.com www.grenadinevillas.com Beach retreats, classic villas and distinctive houses. Based in the islands, this friendly team offers a full service to help you find and enjoy your perfect island hideaway. With a comprehensive online guide and swift, responsive service you can relax and fully enjoy your Grenadines villa experience. Benefit from helpful services such as provisioning, welcome meals and 24hr on-island assistance. Contact Grenadine Island Villas for detailed information on island developments, investment opportunities and land & villa purchase. Visit their Waterfront offices on Bequia to arrange guided property viewings.

Erika's Land & Villa Agents Tel: 784-485-8335 Mobile: 784-494-1212 North America Tel: 416-848-7325 Fax: 784-485-8336 e-mail: realestate@erikamarine.com

www.erikamarine.com/realestatesales When looking for land, whether for commercial use or to build that dream vacation or retirement villa, look to Union Island. A magnificent volcanic island set in the Caribbean Sea, unspoiled and peaceful, you will find it to be an idyllic location. Erika's is a full service realtor, providing legal services, land surveying and plenty of support to help ease the process, especially for foreign purchasers. Call them today, or check their listings online. Erika's has a wide range of excellent properties, just waiting for you to fall in love with.

Grenadines Island Estates

VILLA RENTALS â&#x20AC;˘ LAND & BEACH FRONT PROPERTIES FOR SALE

Live the Caribbean dream... A dream you can believe

Clifton, Union Island Tel: 784-485-8770 Mobile: 784-593-1713 or 784-497-1644 e-mail : info@grenadinesislandestates.com www.grenadinesislandestates.com Grenadines Island Estates offers the chance to enjoy a piece of paradise in one of the most desired locations in the Caribbean. They offer a wide range of villa rentals and properties for sale, such as pristine beach-front and ocean view land, beachfront villas, hotels, guesthouses, commercial properties and private islands for sale. While enjoying your stay in the Grenadines you can also contact Grenadines Island Estates for fishing and snorkeling tours. If you need to get to one island and back in a short space of time they also offer boat transfers between the Grenadine Islands.

First Citizens Investment Services Tel: 784-453-2662 e-mail: FCIS.StVincent@firstcitizenssvg.com First Citizens Investment Services (formerly CMMB) is one of the largest full service securities companies in the Caribbean. They experienced a strong performance for the financial year ended 30 Sept. 2010â&#x20AC;&#x201C;profits after tax was US414.8 Million, a growth of 28% compared with the same period in 2009. Total Funds Under Management for the period was USD$1.0 Billion. Brokerage, advisory and portfolio management services are provided with the utmost privacy and confidentiality, along with a broad suite of Investment products, such as Fixed Income Paper, Government Bonds, Equities, Structured Investments, Mutual Funds and Electronic Trading. Contact them for further information on the broad range of services offered.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Grenadines Experience Turquoise waters, powdery, white sand beaches and secluded island adventures are all guaranteed components of the perfect sailing holiday taking you through this majestic volcanic region.

The Tobago Cays Marine Park is considered the most scenic anchorage in the Grenadines and, for many people, the entire world! Photo: Wilfred Dederer

chartering Isolated beaches, romantic moonlit evenings, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, walks, hikes, island explorations, and island nightlife are but a handful of the possibilities available when you choose a sailing holiday in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The crystal clear, azure waters, palm fringed beaches and constant Trade Winds are all guaranteed components of the perfect sailing holiday taking you through these majestic little islands. Five-star meals are prepared in the delectable flavour of the islands and served to you in a comfortable cockpit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; morning, noon, and night.

There are a number of reputable yacht charter companies operating out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as the neighbouring island of Grenada. They all offer starts in St. Vincent, so whether you opt for a bare boat, or a fully crewed vacation, St. Vincent is a prime jump-off spot. Starting here puts you on the doorstep of the Grenadines without the 65 mile sail (including a 5-hour open-water passage) from St. Lucia, or the 6 to 7 hour sail (often against the wind) from Grenada. The constant Trade Winds of between 10 and 25 knots create near perfect sailing conditions. Yacht charter companies like Sunsail and Barefoot in St. Vincent, Sail Relax Explore in Bequia and Wind and Sea in Union Island, offer a remarkable variety of monohulls and catamarans ranging in size from 30 to 130 feet. They are known in these waters for their excellent service and knowledgeable crew.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Dan Christaldi

The huge Horseshoe Reef that protects the five deserted islets of the Tobago Cays, with their dazzling, palm-studded shorelines, provides some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world

The Friendship Rose, based in Bequia, operates day charters to the Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and Mustique on their historic, Bequia-built sailing schooner. In the Southern Grenadines, Wind and Sea, Scaramouche and Chantours offer memorable day trips (and private charters) to the islands of Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and Palm Island. Companies like the UK-based Grenadine Escape, and the Barbados-based Chantours Caribbean have a wealth of experience sailing in the Caribbean. They can arrange just about any yachting holiday anywhere in the Caribbean, from Martinique, St. Lucia, the Grenadines or Grenada, right up to the BVIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. SVG Air Private Charters for individuals, groups or families offer the convenience of no crowds, no queuing up and no waiting around. The amazing aerial views from the aircraft combined with the freedom to choose when and where you wish to go is unsurpassable. Seating from six to eighteen people, Twin Otters, Britten Norman Islanders, Citation CJ3s and Citation Bravos can fly

you through (or to) the Grenadines and the short flight times enable you to make the most of your precious holiday days. A full range of services are available at reasonable rates to suit the needs of the individual, from private charters, shared charters, corporate flights and day trips to neighbouring islands, to medical evacuations and freight services. SVG Air and Canouan Resort have come together to offer the first Private Jet Service based in the Grenadines. SVG Air, the Grenadines Air Alliance and LIAT operate daily scheduled flights to and from St. Vincent & the Grenadine islands. Chantours, a Barbados-based company, offers exclusive one day excursions and 2 to 7 night yacht packages in the Grenadines aboard their luxury 50-ft catamaran. They can also arrange accommodation in luxury villas and day trips from Barbados to the Grenadines. The charter companies listed on the following pages will be happy to assist you in planning your ideal getaway.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Chartering SVG Air (1990) Ltd. Tel: 784-457-5124 Fax: 784-457-5077 e-mail: info@svgair.com

www.svgair.com

SVG Air (1990) Ltd., based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has operated successfully for the past 21 years taking many a satisfied customer from one Caribbean country to another. Specializing in charters and shared charters, SVG Air offers a personalized service second to none. Their fleet of light twins and a business jet flown by highly professional pilots also offers an air ambulance service, a freight service and a handling service for any aircraft wishing to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Come fly with us!

Grenadine Air Alliance • Trans Island Air • SVG Air • Mustique Airways Caribbean Tel: 784-457-5124 Barbados Tel: 246-418-1654 St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-5777 or 458-4380 USA Tel: 315-507-8258 UK Tel: 0120-223-3875 e-mail: info@svgair.com or info@mustique.com The Grenadine Air Alliance operates a fleet of Twin Otter aircraft and provides daily shared charter services between the Grenadines and Barbados as well as within St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Private Charters are also available throughout the Caribbean.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & the Grenadines Barefoot Yacht Charters Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-9526 Fax: 784-456-9238 e-mail: barebum@vincysurf.com www.barefootyachts.com Operated by a family that has been sailing the waters of the Grenadines for 7 generations, this is St. Vincent’s longestestablished yacht charter company. Providing highly personalised service, they offer a fleet of beautifully equipped 32 to 50-foot catamarans and monohulls at very affordable rates. Choose between a bareboat charter or a luxury crewed trip. Honeymoon charters can also be arranged. Facilities include luxury ocean-view suites, a Mediterranean restaurant and air-conditioned lounge bar and an Internet Café.

Sunsail Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4308 Fax: 784-456-8928 e-mail: sunsailsvg@vincysurf.com.com

www.sunsail.com

Sailing from St. Vincent has all the ingredients for the perfect vacation. Ideally positioned to discover the exquisite and unspoiled Grenadine Islands, you’ll enjoy exhilarating line-of-sight sailing in warm, steady winds. Sunsail offers a wide range of yachts from 30ft to 50ft which can be chartered bareboat or crewed. The Sunsail base, located at Blue Lagoon on the south shore of St. Vincent, also provides full marina services including shore power, water, fuel, shower and toilet facilities, garbage removal and ice. The professional team at Sunsail make this a true yachting haven in an absolutely heavenly setting!

Sail Relax Explore Tel: 784-495-0886/9 or 784-457-3888 e-mail: sailrelaxexplore@mac.com www.sailrelaxexplore.com Yacht Charter and Day Cruises… from unique local boats and speedboats to crewed luxury yachts. Specialising in Short Grenadines Charters and Speedboat Adventure Days with picnics, snorkeling and diving; flights can be arranged throughout the Grenadines. Choose from a selection of Bareboat or Crewed Yachts, Catamarans, Monohulls, Traditional Sailing Schooners and a range of Speedboats. This friendly team help get you out on the water – for a day or longer…

Wind and Sea Bougainvilla, Clifton Harbour, Union Island

Tel: 784-458-8344/8678 Cell: 784-493-3128 e-mail: windandsea@vincysurf.com www.grenadines-windandsea.com www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com Established in 1984 and located in the heart of Clifton Harbour at Bougainvilla Hotel in Union Island, Wind and Sea offers day charters sailing throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadine islands. Guests can be collected from anywhere in SVG and taken to their choice of islands while being served drinks by the excellent staff. Lunch may be a buffet on board or on one of the islands. They are also port agents for several cruise ships in the Grenadines. Bougainvilla is a wonderful facility for yachtsmen, dock, water, ice, restaurant "The Aquarium" serving fresh seafood everyday. Free Wi-fi service.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Chartering

Discover the islands in style on a Sunsail yacht. What better way to explore the beauty of St Vincent and the Grenadines than on a yacht? Experience the exhilaration of sailing in the warm waters and winds of the Caribbean. If you don’t have sailing experience, we can provide a skipper to sail the yacht and guide you to the best locations. Yachts range from 30ft to 50ft and charter rates start from $250USD per day. To book your charter, call: 784 458 4308 Blue Lagoon, Ratho Mill, St. Vincent, West Indies e-mail: sunsailsvg@vincysurf.com

Ottley Hall Marina & Shipyard Ottley Hall, St. Vincent. VHF 16, Tel: 784-457-2178 Fax: 784-456-1302 e-mail: ottleyhall@vincysurf.com www.ottleyhall.com For dry storage, repairs to your yacht or ship, Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard offers all that you need. Dry docking facilities for boats up to 65m and 1,000-tonne. The marina has 22 berths for yachts from 22m – 65m and a 40-tonne travel lift. You can get your metalwork, sandblasting, painting and mechanical repairs done in one convenient package at the Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Grenadines Experience “St. Vincent and the Grenadines are a smorgasbord of diving adventure. Each island and each dive operation has something different to offer. There are a few common denominators, though. The shops are small but the dive staff are well qualified...”

Bill Harrigan - Skin Diver Magazine

This funny looking fellow is a Mantis Shrimp, named for its resemblance to the praying mantis insect, it is just one of the countless weird and wonderful critters to be found in these waters – it’s really no wonder St. Vincent & the Grenadines is known as “the Critter Capital of the Caribbean” Courtesy Tamsin Eyles Photography

diving St. Vincent & the Grenadines has 32 beautiful islands and hundreds of pristine scuba diving and snorkeling sites to explore. Each island has something different to offer with unique and diverse marine life, stunning topography and untouched coral reefs. The perfect Caribbean destination for experienced divers, underwater photographers, or beginners wishing to become certified. Throughout the islands, experienced, safe and professional dive resorts are there to make your vacation one to remember. Exciting Underwater Adventures A myriad of underwater species exist side-by-side in this diverse collection of Caribbean islands. Longsnout seahorses sway gently on the coral; schools of blue creole wrasse and yellow-striped french grunts swarm across the reef. Peer inside a recess to find shy lobsters, pertinent crabs and fearless shrimp defending their territory. Barracuda stare as curious divers swim past searching the seabed for rare critters and beautifully sculpted crustaceans. Flounders and stingrays bury themselves in white sand, hoping they aren't noticed by the eagle eyes of the dive guides. Sleepy nurse sharks retire beneath dramatic boulder corals and the tiniest of pygmy filefish quiver amongst the camouflage of soft corals. Incandescent azure blue sponges are the makeshift home to frogfish, while sergeant majors guard vivid purple egg patches from the cheeky reef butterflyfish. With year-round good visibility, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will spark the interest of even the most avid snorkelers and divers.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Courtesy Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Courtesy Tamsin Eyles Photography

Scorpionfish are equipped with a large mouth, capable of swallowing prey over half their own body length

The Caribbean Reef Octopus changes color and texture in order to blend into its surroundings, using specialised skin cells known as chromatophores. Its color range is incredibly large; it can change from crimson to green, bumpy to smooth

Snorkeling in St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a fantastic activity for all ages. Our resorts can organize and provide boat or shore trips to breath taking shallow reefs which will dazzle and delight. Discover the amazing aquatic life with personalized local knowledge and premium safety standards. A fun-filled family activity which will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Whether you like relaxing reefs, exhilarating drifts, deep walls, historic wrecks or critter heaven – St. Vincent & the Grenadines has got it all. Boasting hundreds of dive sites, many visitors return year after year to continue their adventures through the top rated Grenadines. Some of the world's rarest critters can be found here and larger pelagic species such as sharks, turtles and rays can be observed. Currents can be strong so diving with our expert guides is recommended for remote location safety and logistics. PADI, NAUI and SSI scuba diver training is available throughout the islands. Our dive centres offer world class instruction with unrivalled service and personalized tuition. Classes are tailormade and offer perfect conditions under which to gain certification. From introductory programmes up to professional level qualifications, be assured that you will get the ultimate in diver training with our highly experienced instructors. St. Vincent offers a variety of dramatic dive sites ranging from volcanic walls to historic wrecks. Explore over 40 dive sites with our professionals and you won't be disappointed. Experienced divers and photographers are in for a special treat on St. Vincent – don't miss the Bat Cave, Critter Corner and New Guinea Wall. Bill Tewes – well known for coining the phrase “Critter Capital of the Caribbean” – is the owner of Dive St. Vincent. Bill provides hilarious dry wit alongside an extensive 30 year knowledge of the island's sub-aqua species. Based opposite Young Island, the acclaimed critter nut and his accomplished Vincentian guides will

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Diving

Courtesy Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

find divers and underwater photographers the ultimate in weird and wonderful. Indigo Dive, a PADI IRRA Dive Resort, is located at Buccament Bay Hotel & Resort and has a fully stocked retail store. The professional watersports team focuses on tailor-made instruction and guided diving; specializing in underwater photography and videography with rental equipment and tuition available. Other watersports offered include snorkeling, paddle-boarding and kayaking tours, water skiing, glass bottom boat tours and fun-boat sailing. Bequia's underwater seascape showcases spectacular healthy reefs – there is a huge array of corals and very abundant marine life. Bequia has over 30 dive sites on the leeward side including shipwrecks, wall dives and caverns. There is a good range of shallow through to deep advanced dives. Top dive sites include Boulders, Devils Table or the Stratmann Wreck. Bequia Dive Adventures, located in Belmont, is an SSI and PADI Dive Resort run by Dave Stone, Laury Stowe and Ron Williams. Instructors Ron and Laury are from Bequia and have 20 years experience diving around the island. With a focus on small groups and personalized individual service you will be well looked after. Snorkeling and dive tours are available alongside the full range of SSI and PADI certification courses. Dive Bequia is the only PADI IRRA 5 STAR Dive Resort in the Grenadines, established for over 27 years by Bob Sachs. PADI introductory programmes through to PADI Assistant Instructor courses are available from the highly qualified international instructor team. Snorkeling and diving are fun filled family or group activities and snorkelers, photographers and experienced divers will enjoy diving from the spacious custom-built dive boats. This is the only dive resort offering enriched air nitrox and courses to divers. Mustique Watersports offers the full range of certification courses with PADI instructors Brian Richards and Jan O'Neill. Drift diving is predominant due to stronger currents and fantastic dives include All Awash and Dry Rock. There are over 15 Marine Protected sites which feature resplendent reefs and are host to larger pelagic species such as sharks, eagle rays and turtles. Enjoy the exclusive delights of underwater Mustique with the expert team. Kayaks, hobie cats, stand up paddle-boards and other watersports are available. Canouan Dive Center, a PADI Dive Resort, offers snorkeling and scuba diving

The longsnout seahorse mates for life – the males are the primary caretakers of the eggs and give birth to the offspring

to all levels of experience. Located on the leeward side next to The Tamarind Beach Hotel, Alan Silverstein and Vincentian PADI Instructor Vaughan Martin offer trips to the Tobago Cays, Mayreau and Union Island. Pick-ups are available from exclusive Palm Island. A highly recommended site is Mayreau Gardens which can be dived shallow or deep depending on current – prepare to be amazed! Grenadines Dive, based on Union Island, offers diving at the Tobago Cays Marine Park as well as around Petit St. Vincent and Mayreau. With top rated dive sites such as Horseshoe Reef and Glen's Valley you can't miss out on this adventure! Reef sharks, eagle rays, stingrays and turtles are exciting highlights of the dives which range from shallow reefs to advanced deep drift dives. Vincentian Glenroy Adams is the NAUI instructor/owner and PADI instructors are available. Please be advised that as a Marine Protected Area, the Tobago Cays must be dived with a local dive operator.

Written by Polly Philipson - PADI Master Instructor For further information on diving in St. Vincent & the Grenadines contact the following dive operators based throughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Bequia Dive Adventures: adventures@vincysurf.com - Tel: 784 458 3826 (see page 82) Canouan Dive Center: info@canuoandivecenter.com - Tel: 784 528 8030 Dive Bequia: cathy@divebequia.com - Tel: 784 495 9929 / 784 458 3504 (see page 82) Dive St. Vincent: bill2s@divestvincent.com - Tel: 784 457 4928 / 784 457 4714 Grenadines Dive: gdive@grenadinesdive.com - Tel: 784 458 8138 (see page 135) Indigo Dive, St. Vincent: info@indigodive.com - Tel: 784 493 9494 (see page 47) Mustique Watersports: watersports@mustique.vc - Tel: 784 488 8486

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Vincy Experience Abounding in natural beauty, steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage, St. Vincent is still relatively untouched by mass tourism and remains a wonderful place to "get away from it all" and soak up some true Caribbean culture.

St. Vincent’s Carnival, or Vincy Mas, is the island’s biggest cultural event – celebrations start in June every year and run through to July, culminating in the world famous street parties of J’Ouvert and Mardi Gras. Vincy Mas 2012 runs from June 29th – July 10th Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

St. Vincent The multi-island country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a land of many contrasts. Comprising 32 enchanting islands and cays, St. Vincent, referred to as “the mainland”, is mountainous and lush, with tumbling waterfalls, verdant rainforests, magnificent coral reefs... and an active volcano.

A Brief History The Kalinago (or “Caribs” as they were named by the Europeans), knew St. Vincent as Hairoun - Land of the Blessed. The island may first have been inhabited by a group of Amerindians, sometimes known as the Ciboney, whose economy would have depended both on marine resources and on foods gathered or hunted from the land. Evidence of these “Archaic” or pre-ceramic people is strongest in islands such as Antigua, Trinidad and Martinique, but much further research is needed to establish the true extent of the earliest occupation of St. Vincent. Another indigenous group of Amerindians, who entered the Caribbean island chain from the northern regions of South America, formed a second wave of migration into the islands beginning around 500BC. Highly skilled navigators, mariners, pottery makers, weavers and basket makers, these early Caribbean people introduced agriculture into the islands, mainly in the form of cassava – their staple crop. Archaeological evidence indicates that these people established settlements in St. Vincent from around 150AD onwards. Over the next 1,200 years, they engaged in trading and exchange with other groups in other islands up and down the Antillean chain, bringing subtle changes to the population structure and its culture. A final migration from South America brought the Island Caribs into the region, arriving in St. Vincent around 1450AD – less than 50 years before the Europeans were to first set foot in the Caribbean. The pre-existing Amerindians were overrun by the Caribs (although much of their culture, language and skills were absorbed and endured in a modified form) and a new chapter in Vincentian history began.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

St. Vincent

Black Point Tunnel, also known as Jasper Rock Tunnel, was constructed in 1815 using Carib and African slaves. A marvel of engineering for its time, Estate to the wharf at Byrea. Today, the tunnel is the centerpiece of Black Point Historic & Recreation Park

More warlike than their predecessors – or perhaps simply more threatened – the Caribs vigorously defended their homeland against any attempts at foreign occupation. Their valiant resistance throughout the 17th century prevented St. Vincent from being taken and colonized until long after most other Caribbean islands had well-established European settlements. In the first half of that same century, there were some new arrivals on the island. Africans – both survivors of shipwrecked Dutch and Spanish slave ships and, later, escapees from British plantations in Barbados – slowly began to be absorbed into St. Vincent’s existing Carib population, adopting much of their language and their culture. Referred to as “Black Caribs” to distinguish them from the original “Yellow Caribs”, the progeny of this unique group in St. Vincent became the foundation of the Garifuna (which means “cassava-eating people”) who today populate Belize and Honduras. Despite sustained resistance, both the British and the French pursued their attempts to settle the tantalizingly fertile island into the early 18th century. Although each was deeply mistrusted by both the Black and the Yellow Caribs, it was the French who became St. Vincent’s first European settlers, permitted by the

Caribs to establish small holdings and settlements on the Leeward side in the early 1700’s. Meanwhile the European nations continued to be at war. The 1748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle officially ended the War of the Austrian Succession and included the proviso that St. Vincent remain officially “neutral.” The 1763 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years War, saw France ceding the “neutral” island of St. Vincent to the British, together with Grenada and the Grenadine islands. During the period 1772-1773 (referred to as the First Carib War), the Caribs engaged in guerrilla-like warfare and destroyed plantations by setting them on fire. With Carib aid, the French forcibly seized the island in 1779, but restored it to Britain in 1783, under the Treaty of Versailles. In 1795, the Caribs began the two years of conflict known as the Second Carib War. With the aid of French rebels from Martinique, the Caribs, led by their two main chiefs Chatoyer and Duvalle, plotted the removal of the British by systematically attacking the British settlers and their establishments and engaging the British militia. Chief Chatoyer was killed in battle on March 14th 1795. Proclaimed a national hero in 2002, a monument in Chatoyer’s honour can be seen at the site of the battle in Dorsetshire Hill.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

History

the 360 ft. long tunnel was dug through solid volcanic rock using hand tools, to enable easier transport of sugar from the mills of Grand Sable

Although shocked by Chatoyer’s death and the loss of much of their French support, the Caribs fought on. Battles continued throughout St. Vincent over the next year, with both sides bearing heavy losses. Finally, after a night of arduous fighting at Vigie, the Caribs approached the British with a flag of truce on June 10th, 1796. During the next four months, nearly 5,000 Black Caribs were exiled to the tiny island of Baliceaux off the coast of Bequia. In March 1797, those who survived the ordeal of exile – and almost half did not – were loaded onto a convoy of eight vessels and transported to the island of Roatan off the coast of Honduras. The few remaining Yellow Caribs in St. Vincent scattered to the north of the island near Sandy Bay, where their descendants can still be found today. The island’s plantation economy, based on enslaved labour, flourished in the early 19th century with sugar, cotton, coffee and cocoa its main cash crops. After the emancipation of slaves in 1834, indentured labourers from Portugal and the East Indies were brought in to rectify the labour shortage. In 1871 St. Vincent became a part of the British colony of the Windward Islands. By the latter half of the 19th century the sugar trade had

slumped and a lasting depression ensued, made worse by a devastating eruption of La Soufrière in 1902 which destroyed the northern half of the island and killed over 2,000 people. In 1925 a Legislative Council was inaugurated but it was not until 1951 that universal adult suffrage was introduced. St. Vincent & the Grenadines belonged to the Windward Islands Federation until 1959 and the West Indies Federation between 1958 and 1962. Britain granted internal self-government to the island in 1969 and as a British Associated State, Vincentians were responsible for their internal affairs while Great Britain handled foreign affairs and defence. On October 27, 1979, St. Vincent achieved full Independence within the Commonwealth from Britain, with Robert Milton Cato as the new nation’s first Prime Minister. The New Democratic Party (NDP) formed a majority government with James Mitchell as Prime Minister in 1984. Politically, the island remained under the leadership of Sir James Mitchell until March 2001 when the Unity Labour Party (ULP), led by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, won 12 of the 15 parliamentary seats. St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to be a stable democratic society welcoming visitors from around the world.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Vincy

Treasures

Courtesy SVG National Trust

Fort Duvernette, often referred to as Rock Fort, lies some 50 yards off the island resort of Young Island

Preserving Our Historical Treasures by Louise Mitchell Joseph Chairperson SVG National Trust Amidst cries of a global recession the National Trust of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is holding its own. It has successfully found partners to support its work in the preservation of heritage and the environment, leading to amazing ground breaking results. This article explores a Long tailed White Tropic Birds couple of the projects of the National Trust now underway in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As one approaches the airport landing in St. Vincent a glance to your right would reveal a most amazing geological feature of a 60 metre high basalt volcanic island, which is to St. Vincent what Diamond Rock is to Martinique, a navigational and strategic historical landmark. This volcanic plug is known as Fort Duvernette and is the most heavily fortified piece of real estate in the country, due to its strategic location at the entrance to the old colonial centre of Calliaqua. Fort Duvernette is a British Fort built during the long reign of King George III, to fend off not only the French but also

the island’s Black Caribs, who later became known as the Garifuna peoples. With a generous grant from the Government of Finland, the National Trust was able to rehabilitate this historic site. An iconic feature of St. Vincent’s history was the ability of the Black Caribs, who were a union of freed Africans and Amerindians, to stave off colonial rule for over 100 years. The Black Caribs fiercely defended their territory and were known for the earliest form of Guerilla warfare, which kept both the English and French at bay for many decades. In fact the French who settled in St. Vincent had no choice but to be highly respectful of the Carib lands. The French forged closer ties with the ‘Yellow Caribs’ of the Leeward coast who were more amenable to cooperation with the French than the Black Caribs, whose lands were mainly on the Windward side of the country. Historical records tell a tale of the British retreating to Fort Duvernette to spend the night after a defeat in a battle against the Garifuna at Vigie. Fort Duvernette, replete with 10 canons, three batteries, the ruins of an officer’s quarters, a powder room and a cistern, and some 255 steps along its steep ascent, has recently been restored to its earlier glory and its history can now be enjoyed by visitors to this unique site.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Nicola Redway

Canon at Fort Duvernette, overlooking the old colonial centre of Calliaqua

Nicola Redway

Part of a great ceremonial vessel found in the Southern Grenadines; Saladoid 160 - 650AD

Adrian Codogan

Fort Duvernette is not only a special historic site but is also a place of magnificent natural beauty. It is one of the few breeding sites of the long tailed White Tropic Bird, a migratory species, which can be seen circling the skies over the Fort at certain times of the year. When the site was re-opened on May 19th 2011, the White Tropic Birds graced the attendees with a dance in the skies over the Fort. Persons wishing to visit this national treasure can contact the National Trust in Kingstown, at Tel: 451-2921, or e-mail svgntrust@gmail.com. In the area of archaeology the National Trust has been making ground breaking discoveries, thanks to the excellent work of the head of the archaeological committee, Mrs. Kathy Martin. Financed by the International Airport Development Company, the Trust has been leading many excavations around the area of the proposed new international airport. The National Trust invited a team of archaeologists from the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, led by Professor Dr. Arie Boomert, to excavate a Cayoid site at Argyle. Cayoid is the name given to the pottery that is associated with the Island Caribs who lived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and throughout the Lesser Antilles during the point of Colonial contact. The name Cayoid was coined by Vincentian historian, the late Dr. Earle Kirby, who identified the type of pottery associated with this period as unique and different from that of other periods. As such he named it Cayoid after the Cayo River found in New Sandy Bay, St. Vincent. What the Leiden team have discovered recently working at the Cayoid site of Agyle, are the traces of an entire Island Carib village.

Exhibits on display at the National Trust headquarters at Heritage Hall in the old Carnegie Public Library. Open Monday - Thursday, 10am - 5pm, or by special arrangement

They have unearthed post holes which show where the different village buildings were constructed. They discovered evidence of three tabouiis, which are the long assembly houses that are typical of the Carib communities, as well as several manaa, which is the typical round family house. This discovery of the first entire Kalinago or Carib Village is unprecedented in archaeology. The National Trust will now seek, with the continued assistance of the University of Leiden, to re-construct the Carib village using plans of the village which are now available thanks to these fascinating discoveries. A reconstructed Carib village, using only authentic traditional building techniques and materials, will serve as a great educational and touristic site for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A permanent exhibition of Amerindian pottery can be found at the National Trust headquarters which is on the ground floor of the Carnegie Building, also known as the Old Public Library in Kingstown. Support the SVG National Trust - become a member Tel: (784) 451-2921/svgntrust@gmail.com

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & the Grenadines

The St. Vincent Experience Mainland St. Vincent is an island of verdant landscapes, tumbling waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. From the volcanic peak of La SoufriĂŠre, to the lush rain-forested interior, to the fascinating underwater gardens that surround this pristine archipelago â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of it just waiting to be explored.

Dark View Falls consists of two individual waterfalls cascading into pools which are perfect for a refreshing dip in the cool river water Wilfred Dederer

island adventures St. Vincent is blessed with verdant mountain landscapes, volcanic-rich soil with unspoiled backdrops of brilliant flora, and alluring crystal clear waters which beckon diving enthusiasts from around the world. Add to this the easy accessibility of the idyllic islands and deserted cays of the Grenadines, and the entire country emerges as a prime eco-playground. Abundant reef-life, normally found at 80-ft. in most dive destinations around the world, flourishes here at depths of only 25-ft., with an extraordinary variety of “critters” and tropical reef fish such as angelfish, sargeant majors and peacock flounder. It is little wonder that St. Vincent has become known as “the critter capital of the Caribbean”. Dive St. Vincent and Indigo Dive specialize in creating tailor-made dives for the beginner and experienced diver alike–they know where all the best dive sites are located. The shallowwater reefs surrounding almost every island also make snorkeling an exciting adventure. If land activities are more to your liking, contact HazECO Tours or Sam’s Taxi & Tours – their exciting and informative tours are the perfect way to get “off-the-beaten-track” and discover the “real” St. Vincent. Guides are always recommended for the various hiking excursions, especially for Trinity Falls (temporarily closed at time of writing), the Vermont Nature Trail and the La Soufriére volcano – HazECO can provide knowledgeable and experienced guides who know these areas well.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

Sightseeing

The Botanical Gardens

Take time to explore St. Vincent, it is a stunningly beautiful island with some dramatic scenery – both coastal and interior. You will no doubt discover why the Caribs named it “Hairoun” which means “home of the blessed”. Sam’s Taxi and HazEco both offer first class guided tours of the island. From St. Vincent, Bequia and the Southern Grenadine islands can now be easily reached by ferry. The Jaden Sun is the new fast ferry (see page 7) which now provides a comfortable, fast and inexpensive way to see some of the other islands while visiting St. Vincent. Occasionally, during ferry crossings, a school of dolphins will leap and twirl to the delight of passengers. Six types of dolphin are found in Vincentian waters, including Spinner, Spotted, Fraser and Bottlenose. Whales, such as Orcas and Pilot, can also be observed. For those interested in a day of dolphin and whale watching, outings can be arranged through several operators, including Hal Daize of Sea Breeze Nature Tours and Earl and Kim Halbich of Fantasea Tours who also offer coastal cruises and day trips to the Grenadine islands.

Christine Wilkie

The Botanical Gardens

Montreal Gardens

Located on 20 acres of land on the outskirts of the capital, Kingstown, the Botanical Gardens are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Among the wide variety of tropical trees and shrubs is a breadfruit tree from the original plant brought by Captain Bligh (of The Bounty fame) in 1793. Conservation of rare species of plants has been practiced since the Gardens were founded in 1765. Other conservation works involve the endangered St. Vincent Parrot (Amazonia Guildingii), our national bird. Facilities offered here are washrooms, a small performance area and gazebos.

Montreal Gardens

Christine Wilkie

Located in the mountains above the Mesopotamia Valley, the Montreal Gardens estate is blessed with fertile volcanic soil and frequent rainfall. You will find an array of exotic flower species and plants interspersed with green foliage in an environment that is cool, misty and quiet. The Gardens are open to the public and a small entrance fee is charged.

Wallilabou Heritage Park The Bamboo Bridge at Dark View Falls

This park is located on the leeward (west) coast of St. Vincent, near to Wallilabou Bay and the site of the film Pirates of the Caribbean. It is also close to the centre of Barrouallie, a fishing village known for its harvesting of Black Fish, and Cumberland Bay, one of the best known anchorages on the island. Facilities here include parking, gazebo, benches, visitor centre, restaurant and bar and pedestrian bridge.

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

Dark View Falls

The Jasper Tunnel at Black Point Park

The major attraction at Dark View Falls is its two waterfalls. A twin fall experience is uncommon for one site. The geology and hydrology giving existence to the falls and the vegetation are also part of the site’s heritage. Lava and pyroclastic flows produced the rock formation and sustains the cascading water. A natural bamboo bridge spans the tumbling river, luring you to the two majestic falls. Facilities include washrooms, a gazebo, viewing platform, changing rooms, pedestrian bridges, two pools and a small refreshment and vending stall.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Island Adventures Black Point Park

Fort Charlotte

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

View from the Belmont Lookout over the Mesopotamia Valley

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

Owia Salt Pond

Zénon

The trail to La Soufriére Volcano

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

Black Point Park is home to the unique Jasper Tunnel. This tunnel is about 300 feet long and links Grand Sable with Byera Bay. The tunnel was ordered built by the British and constructed by slave labour around 1815 to provide an access route for sugar exports. The black sand beach area is thickly vegetated with coconut trees, and is one of the most popular recreation sites on the island. Facilities here include a children’s play area, gazebos, washrooms, barbecue pits and a playing field.

Fort Charlotte Completed in 1806, Fort Charlotte is on a ridge 600 feet above the sea, providing a magnificent view across Kingstown and down the Grenadines. There are interesting paintings of the Black Caribs’ history by Lindsay Prescott in what used to be the officers’ quarters in the fort. The fort is only a few minutes’ drive from Kingstown, or approximately 30 minutes walk for the energetic. Fort Charlotte is being restored as an historic site.

Layou Petroglyph Park The Layou Petroglyph Park is a cultural landmark that has several attractions. These include an Amerindian Petroglyph, Rutland River, and the natural vegetation. The site is pre-Columbian in origin of unknown age. The Layou petroglyph most likely dates to between 300AD and 600AD. Facilities include a visitor’s centre and gazebos.

Belmont Lookout This lookout provides users with the opportunity to view one of St. Vincent’s most productive and picturesque landscapes, the Mesopotamia Valley. From its heights users can view the scenery in all its beauty before descending into the valley. There is a viewing platform, washrooms and interpretive signage.

Mesopotamia Valley The panoramic view offered by the Mesopotamia Valley is probably unsurpassed in the Caribbean. The richly fertile valley, often referred to as the “bread basket” of St. Vincent, is thickly planted with bananas, nutmeg, cocoa, coconut, breadfruit and many root crops. Mountain ridges rise all around, Grand Bonhomme dominating at 3,193 feet. Rivers and streams come together at Mesopotamia to tumble down to the sea over the rocks of the Yambou Gorge.

Owia Salt Pond The Owia Salt Pond is located on the northeastern coast of St. Vincent close to the Carib village of Owia. The two-hour drive runs along the scenic coastline. This unusual gift of nature consists of a huge bathing pool enclosed by lava peaks and ridges. The pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash into this barrier and then gently cascade into the pool. Surrounded by mountains and the thunderous surf, the area is an ideal spot for picnics, swimming and snorkeling. Facilities here include gazebos, bar, shower and washrooms, children’s play area, craft centre and fire pits.

Soufriére Cross Country Trail La Soufriére shares with Mount St. Helen (USA) the fame of being one of the most studied volcanoes in the world. It rises majestically to over 4,000 feet. A tour to La Soufriére takes you along the

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

picturesque windward (eastern) coast, through banana and coconut plantations to where the foot trail begins. You travel along steep volcanic ridges verdant with bamboo and tropical trees. This is a day’s journey for energetic hikers, who should leave early in the morning, as the ascent to the crater is about 3.5 miles long. The expedition can continue down the west side trail and terminate 10 to 12 miles later in Chateaubelair on the leeward (west) side. There are gazebos, washrooms, a site office and parking at Bamboo Range on the eastern side of the volcano.

Vermont Nature Trail Vermont Nature Trail

The Vermont Nature Trail starts near the top of Buccament Valley and leads through tropical rainforest. There is a chance of seeing or hearing the St. Vincent Parrot and the Whistling Warbler, both unique to St. Vincent and strictly protected nationally and internationally. This is the habitat for the House Wren, the common Black Hawk, Cocoa Thrush, the Crested Hummingbird, Redcapped Green Tanager, Green Heron and several other interesting species.

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

Cumberland Nature Trail The Cumberland Nature Trail passes through the Cumberland Valley, traversing a variety of forest vegetation and farmlands. At the initial section, the trail runs next to a wooden water pipe that transports water to a hydro-electricity power plant located in the Cumberland Valley. Its biggest attractions are, however, the rainforest and the opportunity for bird and other wildlife watching. Facilities here include a lookout, washrooms, ticket booth and shelter at the exit. The St. Vincent Parrot (Amazona guildingli)

Cumberland Beach & Recreation Park

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

Lying about eight miles south of the northern tip of St. Vincent is the beautiful Cumberland Beach and Recreation Park. It provides a protected anchorage with a view of palm-lined slopes up the valley towards Morne Garu Central Mountain. There is a restaurant ashore which offers local dishes and freshly caught lobsters. Facilities on the other side of the river’s mouth include a lighted jetty, a restaurant and office, washrooms, laundry area, showers, vending kiosks, a site worker during the day and security guard at night.

Youroumei Heritage Village

View of Chateaubelair Island, with La Soufriére in the distance

The Youroumei Heritage Village is located close to the windward (eastern) main road. It is made up of a complex of historical buildings at Orange Hill Estate. The building converted into a museum is called the Old Sugar Mill. It is a one-storey structure with approximately 2,640 sq. ft./24.5 m2 of floor space.

Roman Catholic Cathedral The original Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Vincent was built in 1823, enlarged in 1877 and 1891, and then renovated in the early 1940s by Dom Charles Verbeke. There are several styles of architecture involved, the dominant being Romanesque. The interior of the cathedral is richly ornamented.

Zénon

St. George’s Anglican Cathedral

Architects Buisseret and Clarke, speaking of St. George’s Cathedral, said: “The nave and at least the lower stages of the tower date from 1820 and the galleried interior is a charming example of late Georgian architecture.” There are some beautiful stained glass windows, three on the east, by well-known English stained glass designer Charles Eamer Kempe and a large one on the south made of Munich glass.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Island Adventures

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

Snorkeling at Owia Salt Pond

Beaches and Anchorages South-East Coast

Leeward Coast Kingstown - Customs and Immigration can be cleared at Kingstown Harbour between 8:30am and 4pm; there is a tie-up for yachts. Chateaubelair - The bay here, with its 40-foot deep reef and array of brightly coloured fish, is a snorkeler’s dream. While usually a good anchorage, especially on the eastern half of the bay, the northerly swells in the winter months can cause difficulties. Customs and Immigration clearance is now available in Chateaubelair. Buccament Bay - A well-protected, very calm bay with an excellent anchorage shelf in the eastern corner close to the beach. Exceptionally good snorkeling. The new Buccament Bay Resort is located here. Cumberland Bay - The bay is very deep and those boats wishing to anchor will need to do so with a bow or stern rope to a palm tree. Petit Byahaut - Four moorings are available at the resort at Petit Byahaut. There is a small beach, diving and snorkeling are superb. At Dinosaur Head (face of Byahaut point) you will find a 120-foot wall covered in sponges, seafans and coral. Troumakar Bay - This small well-protected bay, with room for only a handful of yachts, has some mooring posts on the beach. There is good snorkeling along the northern shore. Wallilabou - This picturesque bay is a good diving spot and reliable line handlers are available to help secure yachts. Customs and Immigration can be cleared here between 4pm and 6pm (up to 7pm during the busier winter season).

Blue Lagoon - Surrounded by palm trees, with a lovely beach, this area provides a very pleasant anchorage. Moorings are available at Barefoot Yacht Charters and Sunsail. Young Island Cut - The anchorage here, lying in clear water, is a favourite with yachtspeople. Anchor with care, as the current sweeps both ways and the centre of the cut is 65 feet deep. Moorings are available, but stay clear of the sea bed close to Young Island itself. Villa Beach and Indian Bay - There are two white sand beaches on mainland St. Vincent located on the southeast end of the island. They are divided by a small hilly projection and are easily accessible. Both beaches offer good snorkeling and provide lovely views of Young Island and some of the Grenadine islands to the south.

Windward Coast On the windward side of the island there are a number of beautiful black sand beaches. Especially popular is Argyle, a long beach onto which breakers crash furiously. Brighton Salt Pond – Brighton is a beautiful black sand beach and fascinating mangrove swamp. This site attracts many visitors and has grown into a popular recreational and entertainment spot. Owia Salt Pond – The pond consists of a huge bathing pool enclosed by lava peaks and ridges - perfect for picnics and snorkeling. Surrounded by mountains and the thunderous surf. Because of the strong under currents, most of the windward beaches are not recommended for swimming.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent Pioneers of Whale and Dolphin Watching in St. Vincent & The Grenadines!

Sea Breeze Nature Tours Hal & Beverly Daize, Arnos Vale P.O., St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4969 or mobile: 784-492-4139 e-mail: seabreezetours@vincysurf.com www.seabreezenaturetours.com While in SVG enjoy a coastal eco-cruise with SEA BREEZE NATURE TOURS. See live marine entertainment from leaping dolphins to the tail of a whale diving. Over 20 years ago, Sea Breeze Nature Tours pioneered whale and dolphin watching on the island. With experience and ongoing training, they were the first tour operator to I.D. these graceful, gentle cetaceans on each tour. Listen to these mammals chattering on a hydrophone. Glimpse turtles, flying-fish and the omnipresent aviary. Visit the ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’ film set with snorkeling at the beach. Fishing charters available.

Scaramouche • Day Tours • Birthdays • Grenadines Weddings Tel/Fax: 784-458-8418 Cell: 784-455-1362 e-mail: scaramouche@vincysurf.com Magnificent, local Island Schooner (used in Disney’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’) takes you under sail through the heart of the Grenadines…Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and other island gems. Impossibly romantic weddings, on deck or on the beach. Choice of tasty menus. Enchanting experiences, tailor-made for your dream event. Corporate functions, film shoots...you name it! Or join them for one of their memorable day-trips out of Union Island; breakfast, lunch, drinks all day – www.scaramouchegrenadines.com for more.

Sam’s Taxi & Tours Cane Garden, St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-4338 Fax: 784-456-4233 e-mail: sam-taxi-tours@vincysurf.com An outstanding tour company with over 15 years experience in showing visitors around the island. A wide range of specialized sightseeing tours tailored to suit all interests. Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Leeward and Windward coasts with experienced, knowledgeable guides – hike the nature trails, visit exquisite botanic gardens, swim in mountain rivers and waterfalls, climb the volcano and explore this land of verdant landscapes. Sam’s also offers an island-wide taxi service, airport transfers, car rentals, internet, fax and telephone services. They also cater to yachtsmen, offering mooring, customs and immigration clearance.

HazECO Tours P.O. Box 2604, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-8634 Fax: 784-457-8105 VHF 16/68 e-mail: hazeco@vincysurf.com www.hazecotours.com HazECO Tours offers visitors an opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty and volcanic nature of this country by land and by sea. Personalized, top quality eco-tours to all of the islands’ natural and historical sites can be enjoyed in comfortable, airconditioned vans, or on their luxury 40-ft power boat. Let their experienced guides take you to the spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, volcano, forts, the Tobago Cays and Mustique. See fascinating sights, including ancient petroglyphs and intriguing heritage sites; go bird-watching; explore the islands on their “off-thebeaten-track” hiking excursions.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Island Adventures

Experience the Islands of

St. Vincent & The Grenadines • • • • • • •

...

Fun and informative tours Whale and dolphin watching Coastal cruises Island Eco Tours Hotel Packages & Private Charters Mustique, Bequia, and The Tobago Cays Contact us today for more info or to book your tour!

TEL : 1 784 457 4477 / 5555 • EMAIL : FANTASEA @ VINCYSURF . COM • WEB : FANTASEATOURS . COM • P . O . BOX 639 , KINGSTOWN , ST . VINCENT

Fantasea Tours Villa Beach, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-4477/5555 Fax: 784-457-5577 e-mail: fantasea@vincysurf.com www.fantaseatours.com An experience to the islands none can beat! A fully qualified Captain, Earl Halbich has been cruising the islands for over 20 years. Their fleet of luxury power boats includes 60ft party catamaran, 42ft cruiser, 38ft & 28ft Bowens. Their excursions are personalised and informative with the comfort and safety of their guests always in mind. Cruise to the Falls of Baleine, the Grenadine Islands, Sunset Cruises, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Scuba Diving, Land Tours, Private Charters & Celebration Cruises. Unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment and lots of fun complimentary. Isn’t it time for a Fantasea?

Indigo Dive & Watersports Tel: 784-493-9494 e-mail: info@indigodive.com www.indigodive.com Indigo Dive specializes in creating tailor-made dive experiences for the beginner & expert diver alike. They offer a money back guarantee - if you aren’t satisfied with their service, they will refund you the cost of your dive! Glass bottom boat & snorkel tours available for non-divers too! The best diving on the island is just a few minutes boat ride away. The Indigo Dive professionals will introduce you to reefs and wall dives teeming with a diversity of sea life and a number of challenging wreck sites for the more adventurous diver to explore. Services include “One to One” and group tuition, snorkeling excursions, Leeward & sunset cruises, tours to the Falls of Belaine, Larakai lava bed and Pirates locations plus private charters and yacht rendezvous service.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The St. Vincent Experience Like many Caribbean capitals, much of the colour and bustle of the island can be found in the Market Square at the corner of Bay and Bedford Streets. This is especially true on Fridays and Saturdays when the vendors bring in loads of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish.

Christine Wilkie

shopping & services .

The capital city of Kingstown is located in the southwestern part of the island, hugging a mile-wide swath of land on Kingstown Bay backed up by a ring of green hills and ridges. Nicknamed the “City of Arches”, Kingstown is full of old world charm with cobblestone sidewalks and old brick buildings.

The city consists of twelve small blocks that are easy to walk and perfect for browsing. Shops and stores range from simple to sophisticated, selling local crafts, books, cameras, binoculars, watches, crystal and bone china, gold and silver jewellery, Sea Island cotton and batik. Edwin D. Layne & Sons is a sizeable department store on Bay and Middle Streets where you will find everything from clothing and fabric, to building materials and electrical supplies. The Voyager (on Halifax Street) is one of only a few duty-free shops in town. While hours of business vary from store to store, they generally open from 8am until noon, 1pm until 4pm on weekdays and half day on Saturdays. Banks normally open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2pm and on Fridays 8am to 5pm. If you are in need of provisions, C.K. Greaves Supermarket on Upper Bay Street is convenient and has probably the widest selection of products in town. They also operate Sunrise Supermarket (opposite the airport). Check with them about their delivery service to the docks. Ferries to Bequia and the southern Grenadines load and off-load at the Grenadines Wharf, located at the southern end of Bay Street. The adjacent Cruise Ship Complex has docking facilities for yachts as well as large passenger ships. The well-stocked Gourmet Food operates a supermarket/café there (as well as a supermarket in Calliaqua), offering a wide variety of high-quality frozen, deli, dry and canned food products and wines from all over the world. Here you will also find a number of shops carrying a range of local art and craft.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

St. Vincent

The lobster season in St. Vincent & the Grenadines runs from September 1st to April 30th – fresh lobster can be purchased from local fishermen and is guaranteed fresh on restaurant menus during the lobster season

If you are in need of a cool respite after a busy day of shopping in Kingstown, be sure to stop by the recently opened Café Soleil on Halifax Street where you can try their delicious gelatos, sorbets and frozen yogurts in many tropical flavours. They also serve some great salads and paninis! Also on Halifax Street, opposite the post office, is the old library building which was donated by the famous American philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. The new library has moved to Lower Long Lane and the lovely Carnegie Building is now shared by the St. Vincent National Trust and the Alliance Française.

Currency and Banking The official currency in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, which is also used in several other islands in the region and is linked to the US dollar. The exchange rate will vary slightly depending on whether cash or traveller’s cheques are involved and whether you convert them at a bank or business establishment such as a hotel or restaurant. The normal range is between $2.60 and $2.68 EC to $1 US.

The rate for other currencies fluctuates daily, but in addition to the US dollar, the British pound sterling and the Canadian dollar are widely accepted. US and Canadian dollars and traveller’s cheques are generally accepted in hotels and most places of business and credit cards are usually accepted at most hotels, business establishments and at some car rental companies. Normal banking hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am until 2pm, although some banks now remain open until 3pm. On Fridays, most banks re-open from 3pm until 5pm. Hours are generally extended during Christmas, Easter and Carnival and may be affected by local holidays. ATM machines are available at the Bank of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, RBTT Bank, Scotiabank and FirstCaribbean International Bank. Kingstown is the main financial and business centre where you will find the head offices of local, regional and international companies. There is an established offshore banking industry on the island and companies such as the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Offshore Finance Authority can provide you with essential information for the setting up of companies and trusts.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Shopping & Services

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. P.O. Box 112, Kingstown, St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tel: 784-458-6221 Fax: 784-457-6361 e-mail: svdl@vincysurf.com www.sunsetrum.com Created by skilled craftsmen, these fine spirits, whose roots originated in the sugar cane regions of St. Vincent, eventually found a home at the Mt. Bentick Estates in the early 1900's. Here, nestled amid lush agricultural country, abundant in pure mountain water, generations of blendmasters have carefully reproduced these distinctive rums: forged by time in oaken barrels and sought after by true connoisseurs.

Gourmet Food Calliaqua, St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-2987 e-mail: gourmetfood@vincysurf.com

www.gourmetfoodsvg.com

Gourmet Food, originally from Sweden, offers a wide variety of high quality frozen, deli, dry and canned food products from all over the world. Also available is an impressive selection of wines and fruit juices. All products can be bought retail or wholesale, and discounts can be obtained when purchasing whole cases. Call for product prices and expert food advice. They also deliver free on a daily basis to the Grenadines ferries and plane services.

C.K. Greaves Supermarkets

Tel : 784-457-1074 Kingstown & Arnos Vale Fax: 784-456-2679 - Kingstown Fax: 784-458-4602 - Arnos Vale e-mail: ckgreaves@vincysurf.com At C.K. Greaves, they are proud to provide a variety of brands, imported and local. There are numerous food and grocery items to meet your family’s needs and tastes. Visit C.K. Greaves Supermarkets where “We've got more of what you’re looking for". Opening Hours for the Kingstown and Arnos Vale stores: Kingstown: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm; Fri 8am-7pm and Sat 7am-7pm Arnos Vale: Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm; Fri 8am-9pm; Sat 7am-8pm and Sun 8am-11am.

At Basil’s Villa (across from Young Island), St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-2602 e-mail: basils@vincysurf.com www.basilsbar.com At Basil's was opened to share owner Basil Charles’ sense of style and home, with friends and visitors from far and near. The store features pieces from Bali, India and Africa. Anything you choose, albeit stone, wood or fabric, can be crated and shipped anywhere in the world. If you are looking for something extraordinary, there is a good chance you will find it At Basil's. Major credit cards accepted.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Shopping & Services Artist: Anna Allegra Desio

Our cover artist, Anna Allegra Desio was born in Milano, Italy. She and her husband live part of the year aboard their boat, Maxima, which they’ve owned since 1982. For many years they have been regular visitors to St. Vincent & the Grenadines – the favourite subject of many of her paintings. In addition to her originals, Anna also produces Glicée in signed and numbered limited editions and a vast assortment of note-cards. Her work can be found at the following locations in SVG – Union Island: Atelier Turquoise, Mare Blu Boutique and Scaramouche Schooner; Bequia: Friendship Rose Schooner, Local Colour and Solanas; Mustique: Treasure Boutique; Petit St. Vincent: PSV Resort.

Anna is available for commission work, she can be contacted at e-mail: gdesio@aol.com

Out of Town Shopping & Services On the southern side of town is an area known as Villa. This is where you’ll find many of the island’s hotels, restaurants and bars along with a few nice boutiques. When in the area be sure to check out At Basil’s just opposite Young Island. Here you’ll find a wonderful collection of furniture and exquisite accessories for the home imported from Bali, India and Africa. They also offer a shipping service to anywhere in the world! At the nearby Beachcombers Hotel, you’ll find Yesim’s Boutique which offers a wide range of travel-essentials along with sun-block, swim wear, towels and souvenirs. Also on-site is the adorable Purple Turtle, a children’s boutique selling an assortment of beach toys, swimsuits and baby essentials. If you are looking for a tasty bite to eat and a bit of pampering and relaxation, the Paradise Beach Hotel has a full service spa on the premises and a lovely restaurant right by the sea. Around Calliaqua there are a number of marine outfitters and chandleries catering to the yachting crowd. Also in the area is Gourmet Food, a great little supermarket carrying an excellent selection of imported cheeses, exotic meat and seafood, along with a good range of other deli items.

Dress Code

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The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Vincy Experience You are always guaranteed fresh ingredients when dining out in St. Vincent. Market fresh fruit and vegetables, along with fresh-off-the-boat seafood specialities are the order of the day!

Courtesy Sapodilla Restaurant at Grenadine House

restaurants & nightlife From modest roadside rum shops to delightful cafés and wine bars, from seaside to countryside, from casual to elegant, from quiet romance to lively entertainment, from quick snack to lavish buffet, from tasty local fare to cuisine with international flair, St. Vincent offers quite a diverse selection of restaurants from which to choose. St. Vincent sports an eclectic range of dining options – you’ll find everything from roadside bars serving tasty local fare, to casual beachside grills and pizza joints, to internationally known fast food chains like Subway and the more elaborate, gourmet cuisine found in some of the island’s finer dining establishments. Hotel restaurants are generally open to non-resident guests and further increase your choices. Please note that reservations are always appreciated. Along the Villa and Indian Bay strip is a delightful amalgam of local and international restaurants. Moorings in the Young Island Cut and at Blue Lagoon make many of these easily accessible to yachtsmen. In and around Kingstown you will also find great choices for tasty Caribbean cuisine. A number of hotels feature live weekly entertainment with local steel bands and string bands. You would be wise to check with the venue before hand for up-to-date information. You can also check the SVG Hotel & Tourism Association’s weekly What’s On calendar at www.svghotels.com/whats-on – an excellent source of up-to-date information on local events and activities.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent Café Soleil Grenville/Halifax Street, Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-1660 or 533-1879 e-mail: cafesoleillife@eloisegonsalves.com www.cafesoleillife.com The newest experience to hit the 784! A welcome and refreshing addition to downtown Kingstown, with its cool, trendy interior and irresistible menu, Café Soleil has already become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Serving a scrumptious range of healthy choices using garden-grown herbs, fresh fruits and vegetables, home-baked paninis, breads and cakes, along with an endless selection of goodies to satisfy all your sweet cravings... from gelatos, sorbets and frozen yogurts, to muffins, brownies, cookies and smoothies. Low fat and sugar-free options are also available!

Sunset Shores Villa, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4411 Fax: 784-457-4800 e-mail: sunshore@vincysurf.com

www.sunsetshores.com

Sunset Shores Restaurant is situated on beautiful Villa Beach, overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. There is a daily chef’s special along with an extensive à la carte menu and wine list, featuring imported steaks, freshly caught fish, chicken entrées, lobster and shrimp. Crisp salads and perfectly prepared vegetables are always available as well as pastas and vegetarian dishes. Saturday night barbecue and Sunday lunch from noon to 3:00pm. Credit cards are accepted.

French Verandah Mariners Hotel, Villa Bay, St. Vincent Tel: 784-453-1111 Fax: 784-457-4333 e-mail: frenchverandah@vincysurf.com www.marinershotel.com Idyllically located directly on the water at Mariners Hotel, French Verandah offers delectable continental cuisine with a fusion of Caribbean flavours. Their wine cellar provides just the right selections to enhance your dining experience, while the friendly service and charming seaside setting make this restaurant a popular choice with locals and visitors alike. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Young Island Tel: 784-458-4826 Fax: 784-457-4567 e-mail: frontdesk@youngisland.com

www.youngisland.com

Young Island is a 35-acre island where a Carib chief once resided and as the story goes, gave it up to Sir William Young for a white horse. Little did he know that his island would in years become Young Island Resort, a tropical garden. You’ll soon find that life is casual, dress is informal but no shorts or T-Shirts for dinner please. The only thing for you to do is make decisions at each meal of what you would like from the menu. Food is exquisite and there are six delicious breads to choose from.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Restaurants & Nightlife

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent Beachcombers Restaurant & Bar Villa Beach, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4283 e-mail: beachcombers@vincysurf.com Fax: 784-458-4385 www.beachcombershotel.com Beachcombers Hotel’s open-air beachfront restaurant, bar and pool deck is set in lush exotic gardens with a full à la carte menu featuring West Indian and International flavours. Serving the freshest seafood, vegetables and fruit, they are open everyday from 7:15am until last orders at 9:30pm. Royals, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Business persons, sports personalities and leisure seekers alike make Beachcombers Hotel, Bar and Restaurant their home away from home - hope you will do the same.

Wilkie’s Grand View Beach Hotel, Villa Point, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4811 Fax: 784-457-4174 e-mail: grandview@vincysurf.com www.grandviewhotel.com Wilkie’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The evening á la carte menu that changes daily is served from 6:30pm and features fresh seafood and poultry entrées, as well as the best imported steak, all served with an exotic blend of local vegetables and crisp green salads. Entrées range in price from EC $50 to $80. Wilkie’s offers yummy desserts and a small, well-selected wine list. Major credit cards are accepted. Reservations are preferred, particularly in season.

Grand View Grill Indian Bay, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-5487 Fax: 784-457-4174 VHF 68 e-mail: grandview@vincysurf.com www.grandviewhotel.com Located on Indian Bay Beach, specialising in grilled seafood, steaks, chicken and burgers, mouth-watering pizzas, pastas and baguette sandwiches and desserts to die for! On Fridays our authentic Jamaican Jerk makes us the real hot spot! A great place to meet old friends and make new ones while sipping a special seaside cocktail. Wi-Fi available. Open daily from 2:00pm. Closed on Mondays. Major credit cards accepted.

Paradise Restaurant & Spa

Paradise Beach Hotel, Villa Beach, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-4795 e-mail: info@paradisesvg.com www.paradisesvg.com Located at Paradise Beach Hotel on lovely Villa Beach, this charming restaurant sits at the water’s edge. Enjoy the casual, relaxed atmosphere while their chef serves up a delightful choice of local cuisine with an international flair. Sunset cocktails has become a tradition for both locals and visitors. Don’t miss Grillin’ with the Captain on Friday Nights, featuring their signature steak or fresh grilled lobster. There is a full service spa on the premises, making it easy to enjoy an afternoon of pampering along with a delicious lunch or evening meal. Conference Facilities and Wedding packages.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Restaurants & Nightlife Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge Barefoot Yacht Charters, Ratho Mill, St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-8999

www.eatdrinkdrift.com

Driftwood offers Mediterranean cuisine with a Caribbean flare. The menu integrates Italian style pizzas, salads, pastas, & grilled entrees with local flavours like breadfruit, callaloo, & jerk. Restaurant amenities include both an air-conditioned lounge and an outdoor dining terrace with panoramic views of Blue Lagoon. Menu prices range from $15.00 to $75.00 EC and a complete bar service is available.

Sapodilla Room Grenadine House, Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-1800 Fax: 784-458-1333 e-mail: stay@grenadinehouse.com www.grenadinehouse.com The Sapodilla Room is considered one of the foremost fine dining venues in St. Vincent. Fine linens and table-wares are set in the elegant 18th Century room where the Chef and his team propose revealing compositions fusing Caribbean and Continental cuisines. An eclectic wine cellar perfectly complements the adventurous menu. The adjoining West Indies Bar provides a relaxed setting for aperitifs or after dinner drinks, with its gallery of black and white movie stills as a back-drop. A private dining room is available for up to 12 persons.

Subway Cnr. St. James St./Long Lane, Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-8900 Fax: 784-456-8700 e-mail: subwaysvg@gmail.com Visit the healthy quick service restaurant option in SVG!! Enjoy an extensive menu while dining in a customer friendly atmosphere. Choose from a wide selection of Subway’s famous subs, fresh and healthy salads, freshly baked cookies and sensational breakfast options. Be sure to stop in for a quick and healthy bite - Eat Fresh!!!

Basil’s Bar & Restaurant Cobblestone Inn, Bay Street Kingtown, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-2713

www.basilsbar.com

Visitors to St. Vincent are invited to visit Basil’s Bar, located in Kingstown, in a lovely old 18th century building known as ‘Cobblestone’. Here you can enjoy delightful cocktails in airconditioned comfort – the staff are most welcoming and the meals are among the best on the island. Full catering services are now offered for private functions. Open Monday through Saturday 8:00am until 10:30pm, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. And now open every Sunday from 3:30pm to 10:30pm. Monday - Friday Basil’s features an excellent luncheon buffet. Wi-Fi available.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Vincy Experience â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes you do not find the Caribbean you expect. Land on one of the bigger islands of this sun-kissed region, and your vision of delicate, deserted beaches and palm-fringed perfection can be all but lost in the long blocks of hotels lined up, almost back to back, along the seafront. But when I arrive on St Vincent, I realise I have tumbled into exactly the Caribbean I was expecting...â&#x20AC;?

Chris Hall

- The Daily Mail

Buccament Bay Resort is a brand new all-inclusive, 5 star hotel in St Vincent, surrounded by lush green mountains and rainforest Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

accommodation Running the gamut from guest houses and selfcatering apartments, to beachfront hotels and luxury all-inclusive resorts, accommodation in St. Vincent offers something for every taste and budget, whether you are a honeymoon couple, vacationing with the family or on a business trip.

The area around Villa and Indian Bay is a popular tourist district and many hotels and self-catering apartments are situated here. Kingstown itself has several hotels including the Cobblestone Inn, while just outside town, in New Montrose, there are a number of hotels, apartments and guest houses. Venturing farther afield (and accessible only by boat) one finds the tranquil, eco-friendly resort at Petit Byahaut. The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association (Tel: 784-458-4379) is a non-profit organisation, established in 1968 to encourage closer fellowship with hoteliers on the mainland and throughout the Grenadine islands, to promote good relations between hotels and business houses and to foster a good working relationship with the Government. Their website - www.svghotels.com - is easy to navigate and offers a wealth of information on all aspects of the island, including extensive information on all members’ establishments. Additionally, the SVG Tourism Authority has recently launched their new website ww.discoversvg.com - packed with useful information and innovative features, including event calendars, maps and handy information on each individual island. The Ins & Outs website – www.insandoutsofsvg.com is the online version of this publication. It is an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip to St. Vincent & the Grenadines and offers live links to all advertisers’ websites and e-mail. For a synopsis of accommodation options, facilities, contact information and rates, see the Accommodation Guide at the back of this book – pages 138 - 143.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent Young Island Tel: 784-458-4826 Fax: 784-457-4567 e-mail: frontdesk@youngisland.com Reservations: Ralph Locke Islands - U.S. and Canada 800-223-1108 or UK & Europe: toll free 800-141-2859 Fax: 310-440-4220 e-mail: reservations@youngisland.com www.youngisland.com Young island is a 35-acre island where on the white sand beach there are chaise lounges and mattresses for sunbathers. There are hammocks hung under thatched roofs to give you that “man Friday” feeling where you can nap, read a book and forget about the outside world. Play tennis, windsurf, snorkel or just laze on a pedalo. Sit around the pool or have a dip. Walk around the island and gaze at the views. Go sightseeing on the mainland, the choice is all yours.

Barefoot Suites Barefoot Yacht Charters Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-9334/9526 e-mail: barebum@vincysurf.com

www.barefootyachts.com

Barefoot Yacht Charters is the one-stop shop for visitors to St. Vincent. Beautiful apartments, each with ocean-view verandah, bathroom, a/c, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and fridge. Just a few steps away is Driftwood, their popular Mediterranean Restaurant with airconditioned wine bar and internet café. They also offer the only water-sports centre in St. Vincent – kayaks, surf boards, stand-up paddle boards, windsurfers and snorkel equipment are all available to rent at great rates.

Canash Beach Apartments Ratho Mill, St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-8528 or 784-493-3076 Fax: 784-456-2658 info@canashbeachapartments.com www.canashbeachapartments.com This welcoming beachfront property offers comfortable one, two and three-bedroom cottages and apartments, all fully equipped with modern amenities including cable TV, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, kitchen/kitchenette, private terrace/balcony and wireless Internet. There is a bar and restaurant on the property and a large swimming pool and sundeck. Laundry facilities and daily maid service. Snorkeling, diving and sailing establishments are all within easy proximity.

Seasplash Apartments Indian Bay, St. Vincent Tel: 784-431-1085 or 784-457-5017 Fax: 784-451-2777 info@seasplashapartments.com www.seasplashapartments.com Seasplash is a slice of paradise nestled in the Indian Bay valley, offering all the comforts of home. This friendly, family-run property features seven self-contained apartments set in a peaceful and tranquil environment just a few steps away from beautiful Indian Bay Beach, a lovely white sand beach washed by the Caribbean Sea. With rates starting at US$60.00/night, Seasplash offers excellent value in a friendly and comfortable setting, just 15 mins. drive from the city and 5 mins. from the airport, with restaurants featuring local and international cuisine within easy walking distance.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent Mariners Hotel Villa Bay, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-4000 Fax: 784-457-4333 e-mail: frontdesk@marinershotel.com www.marinershotel.com Reservations: Ralph Locke Islands - U.S. & Canada: Tel: 800-223-1108 Fax: 310-440-4220 e-mail: caribisles@aol.com Tranquil and secluded, Mariners is idyllically situated on Villa Beach where guests enjoy magnificent sunsets. The 21 beautifully designed guest rooms are exquisitely furnished, each with private balcony, air-conditioning and all modern amenities. At the water’s edge, the popular French Verandah Restaurant features a wonderful blend of local and international cuisine. Complementary Wireless Internet & ADSL Internet Café. “Affordable Comfort”

Grand View Beach Hotel Villa Point, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4811 Fax: 784-457-4174 US 1-800-528-9000, 1-201-934-3844 or UK 0844-544-4051 e-mail: grandview@vincysurf.com www.grandviewhotel.com Grand View Beach Hotel is situated at Villa Point with a commanding view of the Grenadines and beyond. Eight acres of tropical gardens surround the hotel. It offers 12 deluxe and 5 luxury rooms and 2 honeymoon suites, with privacy and warm, personalised service. There are 2 fine restaurants, Wilkie’s and Grand View Grill, a racquet and fitness centre, swimming pool, ADSL Internet in rooms and Wi-Fi in lobby and bar, cable TV, room service and a resident artist with painting studio.

ust one of our views.... with 19 rooms, 2 restaurants, 2 bars and freshwater pool and the big blue Caribbean Sea footsteps below. Escape to where the life is simple, but living is not. rand View Beach Hotel, St. Vincent and the Grenadines complete resort.

G r a n d Vi e w B e a c h H o t e l , P . O . B o x 1 7 3 , Vi l l a Po i n t , S t . Vi n c e n t & T h e G r e n a d i n e s Te l : 7 8 4 4 5 8 - 4 8 1 1 Fa x : 7 8 4 4 5 7 - 4 1 7 4 e-mail: grandview@vincysurf.com www.grandviewhotel.com US: 1-800-528-9000 1-201-934-3844 United Kingdom: 0844-544-4051 ●

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The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

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Accommodation

This delightful cookbook features a wonderful collection of delicious and authentic breadfruit recipes. Available from shops and bookstores throughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines, or directly from the SVG Hotel & Tourism Association Tel: 784-458-4379 or e-mail: svghotels@vincysurf.com

Calypso Breadfruit Submitted by: Marrolin Ollivierre

Ingredients: 1 lb cooked breadfruit (diced) ½ cup diced pineapple ½ cup diced firm ripe mango or peaches ½ cup diced red & green sweet peppers ½ cup diced carrot, cooked ¼ cup each red and green cherries, halved 1 small red onion, medium diced 2 stalks chopped celery or parsley Passion fruit or other fruit juice for dressing Salt and pepper to taste Method: Place diced breadfruit in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss with fruit juice and seasoning. Serve as a side dish.

012! New for 2

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ORDER

Complimentary Wireless Internet & ADSL Internet Café

Ph: 784-457-4000 Fax:784-457-4333

Website: www.marinershotel.com Email: frontdesk@marinershotel.com

A beautifully designed, lined journal with stunning imagery of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Whether you are visiting, or lucky enough to be residing here, this A Jo u r n a l journal will be a wonderful With Refle cti on s of St. Vin companion and a splendid cent and The Grena dines keepsake of these Enchanting Islands. To order copies contact the SVG Hotel & Tourism Association Tel: 784-458-4379 or e-mail: svghotels@vincysurf.com

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent Beachcombers Hotel Villa Beach, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4283 Fax: 784-458-4385 e-mail: beachcombers@vincysurf.com www.beachcombershotel.com A lovely family-run boutique hotel nestled in a lush, tropical botanical garden. The pool and deck overlook Villa Beach, with breathtaking views of the islands beyond. All rooms are wellappointed, beautifully decorated and cater from the Standard category through to the Presidential Suite. There is a restaurant located on the property that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yesim’s Boutique offers a wide range of travel-essentials along with sun-block, swimsuits, towels and souvenirs. Purple Turtle, another shop located on-site, provides a kids haven. It offers an assortment of kid’s beach toys, swimsuits and baby essentials.

Sunset Shores Villa, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4411 Fax: 784-457-4800 e-mail: sunshore@vincysurf.com www.sunsetshores.com This 32-room beachfront hotel is nestled on three acres of lush tropical landscaped gardens. The accommodations are arranged in a “U” shape around the courtyard pool and bar. All rooms are tastefully decorated, offering private bath, airconditioning, television, radio and direct dial telephone, each with your own private patio for complete relaxation.

Hotel Alexandrina P.O Box 104, Prospect, St. Vincent Tel: 784-4569788 Fax: 784-456-9799 e-mail: hotelalexandrina@aol.com www.hotelalexandrina.com Perched on a hillside overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Alexandrina is located in a secluded area and tranquil setting nestled in a tropical garden surrounded with seasonal fruits. This modern and elegant 17-room apartment suite hotel is ideal for business travellers, retreats, family reunions, sport teams and other groups or simply for relaxation. A café, bar, conference room, fitness room, pool and FREE internet access are on premises. Just 10 minutes from the beach, 15 minutes from the airport and a few minutes walk to public transportation and supermarket.

Rosewood Apartment Hotel Villa, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-5051 Fax: 784-457-5141 e-mail: rosewood@vincysurf.com www.rosewoodsvg.com This modern facility is located at Rose Cottage Villa, 2 miles from the Airport, 3 miles from Kingstown and 3 mins. walk to the beach. Easy access to public transportation. Our self-contained efficiency units are beautifully furnished, each opening onto a spacious patio with fantastic ocean views, offering comfort and relaxation. Rooms are air-conditioned, with private bath/shower, cable TV, telephone and kitchenette. "We offer daily maid service, laundry, fax, internet and free WiFi. You can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at our Breakfast Nook. There are fine restaurants minutes away. Modern Fitness Centre closeby.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Accommodation

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent The Cobblestone Inn Bay Street, Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: 784-456-1937 Fax: 784-456-1938 e-mail: cobblestone@vincysurf.com www.thecobblestoneinn.com Situated on the waterfront of Kingstown overlooking the harbour. The lush Vincentian scenery rises into the hills above the town forming a beautiful green backdrop to the peaceful harbour scene. Ideally situated for the business traveller, the Cobblestone is located right in the heart of downtown Kingstown’s business district, fifteen minutes from the airport, or fifteen minutes to the beach! The hotel has 20 standard rooms and 6 suites, all with air-conditioning, Cable TV, private bath-room, WIFI and broadband Internet. The Rooftop Restaurant is situated on the third floor and serves the best in Caribbean Cuisine.

Grenadine House Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-1800 Fax: 784-458-1333 e-mail: stay@grenadinehouse.com www.grenadinehouse.com Set in residential Kingstown Park, overlooking Kingstown towards the Grenadine Islands, Grenadine House offers elegant comfort to the discerning traveller in its well appointed guestrooms. Fully renovated and upgraded to meet today’s international standards, Grenadine House recently opened its doors to guests offering the best of Vincy hospitality. Their 20 Guestrooms include; Panoramic Views, Private Balconies, A/C, Direct Telephone, Free High-Speed Internet, Spacious Bathrooms, Choice Linen, Room Service and more.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Accommodation

Breezeville Apartments Located 100 yards from Indian Bay Beach, with the town centre and entertainment areas within a 15 minutes drive, Breezeville offers stylish 1 & 2 bedroom self-contained apartments with the amenities you expect from a first-class hotel: Maid/Laundry Service, A/C, Ceiling Fans, Safe, Hairdryer, Iron w/ Board, Cable TV, Wireless Internet.

Indian Bay, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4641 Fax: 784-457-4468 e-mail: frontdesk@villalodge.com www.villalodge.com

Kings Inn An elegant extended-stay Inn with two airconditioned, cable equipped units with 1 and 3 bedrooms respectively. Located near to the main road and Villa Beach and 2 miles from the Airport. And the view? Simply magnificent.

Villa, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-4086 USA 973-966-1656 Fax: USA 973-520-8237 e-mail: kingba@aol.com www.kingsinn-svg.com

Ridgeview Terrace Apts

Hillside Apartments Hillside Apartments are located just a short walk from Villa Beach and approximately eight minutes from the Airport. There are six selfcontained apartments. The apartments are fully furnished and include A/C, Cable TV, Wireless Internet and daily Maid Service. Breakfast bar and pool. Relax on the balcony as you take in the spectacular view of several of the Grenadine Islands.

Villa, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-5134 Fax: 784-457-4678 e-mail: hillside@vincysurf.com www.hillsideapartmentssvg.com

Richmond Vale Nature & Hiking Centre A truly unique nature experience on St. Vincent’s northern leeward coast. Surrounded by lush, tropical rainforests and spectacular coastlines, they offer a variety of hikes, volcano and waterfall tours, horse riding, clinics and workshops. Diving, kayaking & great adventures for children. Enjoy healthy food, a relaxing atmosphere and comfortable, affordable accommodation from US$25/night.

Richmond Vale, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-2255 or 784-492-4058 info@richmondvalehiking.com www.richmondvalehiking.com

James Apartments Six self-contained rooms with standing fans and television - spacious, comfortable and very affordable. Just 10 minutes drive from the airport, 5 minutes drive from the capital, Kingstown. Very easy access to public transportation. Mini Mart downstairs.

Lowmans Hill, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-8147 or 784-457-7157

Richview Guest House Ideally located within close proximity to the airport, town and beach. The 14 tastefully furnished rooms comprise Kitchenettes, living room, patio, Cable TV, A/C, fans and maid service. Great value packages include FREE airport transfers and continental breakfast. Perfect for singles, couples, families and groups.

Sion Hill Bay, St. Vincent Tel: 784-482-9500 or 784-533-4137 e-mail: richview06@yahoo.com www.richviewguesthouse.com

Offers a choice of studio or deluxe apartments. Your personal haven in paradise includes: • Wireless Internet • Cable Television • A/C bedrooms • Personal Sun Terrace • Kitchenette(studio)/Kitchen (apartment) • Lounge & Dining area (apartment) • Security and Maid Service

Sky Blue Beach Apts

Tranquillity Beach

These self-contained, air-conditioned apartments are just a cool two-minute walk to the beach, ten minutes from Kingstown and five minutes from the airport. All rooms feature A/C, Telephone, Cable TV and daily maid service. Recreation: Mini Golf Course.

Ratho Mill, P.O. Box 804, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-4153/493-3368 Fax: 784-457-5959 e-mail: rojen@vincysurf.com www.ridgeviewterrace.com

Located on beautiful Indian Bay Beach, each of the seven studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments features its own verandah with unobstructed sea views, air conditioned bedroom(s), fully equipped kitchen, private bath(s), fan, TV, wireless internet, and daily maid service.

Indian Bay, St. Vincent Tel: 784-457-4394 Fax: 784-457-5232 e-mail: skyblue@vincysurf.com www.skybluebeach.com

Indian Bay Beach, St. Vincent Tel: 784-458-4021 e-mail: lucelle@tranquillityhotel.com www.tranquillityhotel.com

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Bequia Experience Bequia possesses a rare and distinctly unique charm, characterized by the genuine warmth and friendliness of its people, a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere and a general evasion of anything associated with â&#x20AC;&#x153;the fast laneâ&#x20AC;?.

The Belmont walkway meanders along the waterfront of Admiralty Bay, weaving its way past a number of delightful hotels, bars and restaurants Wilfred Dederer

bequia Lying just nine miles to the south of St. Vincent, Bequia is the largest of the Grenadine islands – a compact seven square miles with about 5,000 warm and friendly inhabitants eager to welcome visitors. The island’s history has been deeply entwined with the sea for generations and the age-old traditions of boat building, fishing and whaling are still evident. The island caters well to visitors and, despite its size, goes far beyond the usual prerequisites of a tropical island holiday.

A Brief History Bequia, along with the other Grenadine islands, appears to have first been inhabited around 200AD by superbly skilled pottery-making Amerindians (referred to by archaeologists as “Saladoid”), who originated from the South American mainland. Successive migrations of other groups from the mainland followed, until a final migration by the Caribs shortly before the arrival of Columbus in the Antilles. This resulted in the descendants of the earliest inhabitants being ultimately over-run and a new, culturally mixed population emerged. Interestingly, it was the Caribs who gave Bequia its name – “Becouya”, meaning “Island of Clouds”, and from whom the Europeans also inherited words like hurricane, canoe and hammock. When the French seized Grenada from the Caribs in 1650, they also took control of the Grenadine islands from Carriacou in the south to Bequia in the North. St Vincent, however, which was then home to an estimated 10,000 Caribs, remained technically "neutral", with fierce resistance from its indigenous people deterring any European settlement until the early 18th century.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Wilfred Dederer

Bequia

Bequia’s Easter Regatta is rightly famous for its unique blend of local boat racing, yacht racing and Bequia hospitality – a fabulous 4-day weekend,

In French-controlled Bequia, a tiny handful of French settlers– most probably from Grenada–began to set up lime and indigo works from around 1720. By the time of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, when the French ceded Grenada and the Grenadines to the British along with "neutral" St. Vincent, cotton and cocoa were also being produced on the island. After brief recapture by the French in 1779, the Treaty of Versailles finally returned St. Vincent and its Grenadine islands to the British in 1783. From the mid 1760s onwards, sugar was to be the major crop under cultivation on Bequia, with cotton remaining an important secondary crop for small holders. By 1827 there were nine sugar plantations on Bequia, employing just over 1,300 slaves. Although there were also numerous smallholdings growing cotton and other cash crops, the majority of people on Bequia, from the slaves to the 100 or so “poor white settlers”, were engaged in some aspect of sugar production and its export.

Hastened by emancipation, the decline in sugar production– and population–in the mid 1800s led the 900 or so remaining Bequia inhabitants to turn to the sea for their survival. The island’s outstanding natural harbour tucked deep into Admiralty Bay, and richly stocked waters made it a perfect location for the widespread development of marine skills – fishing (including whaling), boat building and navigation. Bequia enjoys the distinction of having once been pre-eminent in the region’s whaling industry in the last quarter of the 19th century. It’s no surprise that many of its inhabitants today can trace their heritage to two of the island’s great whaling patriarchs, Joseph Ollivierre and William Wallace Jr., whose whaling stations on Bequia quite literally saved the life of the island and its people. William Thomas (“Old Bill”) Wallace introduced whaling to Bequia around 1870 after spending an apprenticeship on a New England whaleboat. He subsequently purchased two second-

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Bequia

full of fun and camaraderie, skill and tradition, with the whole island caught up in regatta fever

hand Yankee whaleboats to start his whaling operation; one of them, the much revered “Iron Duke”, still exists today and is one of the favourite contenders at the annual Bequia Easter Regatta. Under international agreement, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been granted aboriginal whaling rights by the International Whaling Commission because it is considered a true cultural tradition, providing food for the islanders. It allows Bequia’s small group of whalermen to harpoon no more than four whales per year. If a whale is caught, the entire island comes out to get their portion of the catch and share in the many exciting versions of the fishing tales told. Individualism and resourcefulness still flourish here; the sea and maritime activities will always be the lifeblood of the island and its people. Boat building remains an honoured calling whether in life, or miniature size, using tools and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

In 1979, St. Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence within the British Commonwealth. Bequia, and the rest of the Grenadines, is governed from the “mainland” island of St. Vincent whose governmental system is based on the Westminster-style of parliamentary democracy. For many years, Bequia could only be reached by sea and it continues to be a favourite destination for yachtsmen from around the world. Vessels of all shapes and sizes fill the harbour, from luxury yachts and motorised boats to old wooden schooners and small cruise ships. The opening of the J.F. Mitchell Airport in 1992 has made the island far more accessible, with regular scheduled and charter flights from Barbados. Bequia has enormous appeal and although visitor traffic has increased in recent years, the island remains relatively untouched. Here, change takes place at a snail's pace without altering the magic and charm which prevails on this dazzling, sun-drenched little isle.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Sweet, Sweet

Bequia

Lesley Quashie

A local beekeeper collecting honey from hives at Industry.... No, the bees don’t do all the work!

Putting the “Bee” Back in Bequia by Lesley Quashie Imagine sunrise in a Bequia garden; hear joyful birds, crickets, frogs, a neighbour’s roosters, sound of the surf on a soft morning breeze. Imagine it’s five years ago and…. wait, something’s missing, a sound barely noticed until one day it stopped – where are the bees? Indeed, they have simply vanished. Beekeeping long had its place in Bequia’s small-island subsistence economy and most older Bequians today recall a parent or neighbour tending hives built from wooden packing boxes. Honey was a sweet treat and beeswax in demand by island sail-makers. Honey’s medicinal properties were well known and some people believed stings were a remedy for various ailments, particularly arthritis (as modern medicine now supports). It was work sustaining these hives. As the old term ‘cutting honey’ tells us, large pieces of the comb were simply cut away during harvest, causing stress and destroying young brood, sometimes the queen. Not surprisingly, when the 1960s

brought new jobs in tourism, boat building and at sea, younger Bequians mostly stopped working the land, and interest in farming bees diminished. Neglected hives became prey for termites and the bees, perhaps unfazed, buzzed back to the bush. But not for long. Soon new people were settling on Bequia. To the world of bees came Al, student of an old Lithuanian beekeeper; Hodge, an English beekeeper’s son; Claude with memories of being fascinated by beekeeping neighbours of her French childhood; Morris, an engineer intrigued by the working of all things; Jim, a mega-yacht captain turned gardener; and others – Neil, Tom, Martine, Francois – sailors, mostly, who had seen the world and were ready for adventures on a smaller, though no less interesting, scale. And along came the bees. Some keepers, like Al, went in search of wild bees, gentle descendants of those brought from Europe in the 1700s. For others “they just showed up in the garden one day”. “We came back from holiday and there they were behind the shutters,” says one beekeeper; another “they decided to leave the neighbour’s kitchen and move into a box in my yard”. The bees were given homes in new hives and so began partnerships destined to work. In these new beginnings was much trial and error but knowledge shared went a long way so happily year-by-year the number of keepers and hives increased; life was sweet. Then something changed.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Lesley Quashie

In 2006 Allan Williams of SVG’s Ministry of Agriculture requested follow-up training sessions for ‘mainland’ beekeepers by Robert ‘Bo’ Sterk, a volunteer with the Florida Association for Volunteer Action in the Caribbean and the Americas. As an apiarist specialising in organic strategies for management and pest control, Bo saw the opportunity to ask Bequia bee keepers how he could help them manage their bees. Mr Williams convened a meeting. Hodge, Al, Claude, Martine, Tom, Fummy, Neil – all looked at Bo, and with one voice said, “What bees?” One by one, hive by hive, the bees had disappeared. It was time to act! With Bo’s guidance they decided they could ‘put the bee back in Bequia’ so formed The Bequia Beekeepers Association. Jim, the beekeeper in absentia, was elected president. What happened then, he explains, showed how government and private enterprise can best work together, the NGO with private investment providing strategies and manpower to address the problem, government ensuring easy implementation of the plans. But what was the problem? Today most of us know how agriculture is threatened by colony collapse disorder among bee populations worldwide. Two main causes, pesticides and stress, were unlikely to have been the culprits here on little Bequia and the wax moth, a problem in hives every rainy season, would not usually cause such fatalities in healthy bees. Rather, the aptly named varroa destructor mite had attacked the bees, bringing diseases, particularly deformed wing virus. The strategy had to be, start afresh with new breeding stock and new clean hives. Knowing that mites may never be totally eradicated Bo showed how screen bottoms to the hives would help minimise their damage. So hives were built and new queens with their attendants brought from St Lucia. These newcomers of Mediterranean descent tended to be a bit hot blooded and, perhaps perceiving the distressing void in the environment left by the death of Bequia’s bees, frequently swarmed. “Bee Busters!!” went out the call and white-suited men with a smoking canister would buzz along in a bright green mini-moke to bring them home. Slowly bees and keepers grew accustomed to each other, the bees settled in and went to work but still the situation was touch and go. Then 2 years ago, into Admiralty Bay to visit friends sailed Andrii Khokhlov, a quiet young man soon to become known as the ‘Bee Whisperer’. The third generation of a family of Russian beekeepers, Andrii stayed for months to share his knowledge of bee science and management along with antique beekeeping methods well suited to this little island – his very efficient solar beeswax processing system, for example, looks remarkably like a metal box out in the sun. And who knew that new queens, off on their maiden mating flight, need addresses to know their way home? With ‘the perfect beekeeper’s character of gentleness, calm concentration, and no fear’ Andrii was a soothing influence on the once restless hives. When new Kona Queens from Hawaii arrived, the bees definitely – well – chilled and it was not uncommon to see Hodge, Andrii and his protégé, young Vincentian Andrew ‘Curtis’ John working bareback among the Ambois apiary hives. Gently he helped change attitudes. ‘We were working hard trying to keep up with the bees’ says Jim,

Small island inventiveness - a queen’s lodgings

‘when really they do the work. We learned that bee management is mostly about managing the queens, recognising the good from the bad and keeping them happy” And being ever vigilant for threats to their health. Today Andrii has left to tend other Caribbean hives and Curtis, now a full-time beekeeper, again ‘suits up’ for work, not knowing quite the right words that Andrii whispered when ‘he did dwell so good amongst the bees’. But other lessons are well remembered and his knowledge of queen management will help improve our bees’ chance of survival. Bo continues his work with FAVACA, participating in conferences and helping Caribbean beekeepers develop their apiaries and keep ahead of continuing global threats to bees’ well being. He stays in touch and recently reports that the ‘East Caribbean Bee Research Centre’ is to be established at Grenada’s St George’s University. Good news. Meanwhile on Bequia the bees are blessed by nature’s abundance of flora and by the continued caring of beekeepers that persevered. Thanks to the bees, fruit harvests have improved and the years without pumpkins are behind us. We, in our locavore kitchens, are blessed to have honey that delights us with new tastes and fragrances each season – coconut? mango? Is that the fragrance of Friendship Bay or windward shore? asks the connoisseur, a hint of orange blossom perhaps? Honey production has become a sizeable local venture and visitors can find our distinctly labelled honey at food and gift stores. So take home a fragrant taste of a special island holiday. After all, as we say, Bequia sweet, SWEET!!

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Bequia Experience Beyond the lovely beaches, quaint, little villages and charming waterfront bars and shops, there is plenty to fill your days in Bequia.

The windward side of the island is the most fertile and it was here, during the 18th and 19th centuries, that several of Bequiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nine sugar plantations were situated Wilfred Dederer / Industry House

island

adventures Take time to explore Bequia... visitors are often surprised to find that even on an island of only seven square miles, if you scratch the surface just a little you’ll discover an intriguing history, a fascinating natural environment, and above all, a wonderfully charming human element.

Getting Around Whether on land, or on the sea, Bequia has a bountiful array of places to explore and a dependable range of transportation options available for getting around the island. Taxis are widely used for getting around and the island has a reliable, if not unique fleet of open-backed taxis. The operators are known for their friendliness and courtesy, and during the day you can usually find them gathered “under the almond tree” in the harbour, sporting colourful names like “Challenger”, “Fat Man” and “Jump In”. Most, if not all, taxi drivers carry cell phones so remember to ask for a business card if you'd like to use them again. They also operate with VHF radios and can be reached on Channel 68. Many taxis offer two to three hour island tours – complete with running commentary! Rates are fixed and are listed in the Bequia Tourism Association Office, but it's always sensible to agree the fare and duration beforehand – and whether your quote is in EC$ or US$. Visitors often choose to use the same taxi driver throughout their stay – many lasting friendships have been built this way!

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Wilfred Dederer

Bequia

Bequia’s Admiralty Bay is one of the best, most picturesque anchorages in the entire Caribbean, attracting yachtsmen from all over the globe

“Dollar Vans” are closed-in mini vans which have a regular "run" to most parts of the island. Often crowded and rarely without on-board music, they easily represent the cheapest way to get around- Bequia style! The main setting down point in Port Elizabeth is by the ferry dock and you can enquire at the nearby Tourism Office for the routes. The normal "stops" are unmarked, so look out for people gathered by the road, or simply hail one as it approaches and ask them if they are going your way! Fares are collected once on board and vary from EC$1.50 to EC$5 per person depending on the length of journey. Water taxis are plentiful in and around Admiralty Bay. Like land taxis they also monitor VHF Ch. 68 and provide a pick-up and dropoff service to yachts in the bay. They will also take passengers to and from Princess Margaret and Lower Bay beaches. You can find them around the dinghy docks at Frangipani and Gingerbread or at the main dinghy dock in Port Elizabeth, across the road from the

Friendship Rose office. The cost is about EC$15-$20 one way to the beaches, less for a trip across the harbour. Hiring a vehicle is an excellent idea as this allows you to explore at your own pace. A Visitor Driving Permit (EC$65) must first be obtained from the Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth, where you will be asked to present your own National Driver’s Licence or a full International Drivers Licence. Alternatively, if you book your rental vehicle in advance, your agent can do this paperwork for you. Port Elizabeth nestles along the waterfront of Admiralty Bay and rises into the surrounding hills. A number of brightly coloured shops, houses, restaurants, small hotels and guest-houses complete the captivating scene. While strolling around the harbour, look out for the “Houses of Parliament” - the affectionate name given to the shaded waterfront area “under the almond trees”, where taxis assemble to collect and deposit their passengers. Bequians of all walks of life gravitate here to discuss the topic of the

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Island Adventures

with its protected waters, excellent facilities and timeless small-island allure

moment, usually politics or some colourful island gossip. Discussions can be loud and passionate, deviating quickly and unpredictably, often interspersed with boisterous bouts of laughter. The Belmont Walkway meanders along the waterfront of Admiralty Bay starting at the ever-popular Porthole Restaurant and Bar in Port Elizabeth and weaving its way south, past Tommy Cantina (try their Margaritas!) and the Frangipani Hotel, a favourite hang-out and watering hole for all visitors to Bequia – their famous cocktails and Thursday night barbecue and “jump-up” are not to be missed. Fondly referred to as the “Frangi”, it is the birth-place and family home of Sir James “Son” Mitchell, the former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As the walkway winds its way along the shoreline, you will pass the Whaleboner with its impressive whalebone archway and bar, and Pat Mitchell’s splendid Gingerbread Hotel, with its pretty façade of intricate “gingerbread” fretwork. In addition to the

delightful restaurant upstairs which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the complex also features a pretty waterfront café serving freshly brewed coffee, tea, fresh juices and a wonderful selection of divine breads and cakes from early morning till sunset. A great place to relax and unwind, they also offer wireless Internet, so you can enjoy your coffee while checking in with the outside world! Bequia’s two first-rate dive shops, Dive Bequia and Bequia Dive Adventures are located just beyond the Gingerbread Hotel. Bequia has some of the best dive sites in the entire Caribbean, so why not take the plunge? Stop by and enquire about their one-day resort dive courses–you won’t regret it! A number of inviting and inexpensive little bars and restaurants pop up all along the walkway. For an ice cold beer and really delicious rotis and local food, stop by the Green Boley. Just a stone’s throw away is the legendary Mac’s Pizzeria. For over 30 years they have been serving what many consider to be the best pizza around!

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Bequia

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If you would like to help Action Bequia in any way, you can find more information at: www.actionbequia.org www.ac c richard@actionbequia.org richard d@ @ Action Bequia to find us on facebook Search hA Donatiio of time and/or money are welcome. Donations Please note that for donors in Canada, the US and UK, Action Bequia can facilitate tax efficient giving.

Meet Action Bequia's Coordination Committee - Left to Right: Johnny Ollivierre, Port Officer; Richard Roxburgh, Catalyst; Rannie Gregg, Clerk Bequia District Council; Herman Belmar, Deputy Director Grenadine Affairs; Lucille Cozier, Treasurer; Vernamay Ollivierre, Bequia Tourism Association; Bert King, Businessman; Godwin Friday, Lawyer and Parliamentarian; Ralph Stowe, Teacher; Michael Connell, Architect.

A few steps further on and right by the water is the newly opened Fig Tree Bar and Restaurant, popular for its authentic local cuisine. Guarding the harbour at the north end of Admiralty Bay and offering panoramic views of Port Elizabeth all the way around to Lower Bay and West Cay, is the site of Hamilton Fort, built in the late 18th century. On this side of the bay you’ll also find the fishing village of Hamilton and the outstanding L’Auberge des Grenadines Bar and Restaurant, where you are guaranteed a fabulous meal and a warm welcome by owners, Jacques and Eileen Thevenot. Open for lunch and dinner it is the only restaurant in Bequia with a live lobster pool, so their lobster is always guaranteed fresh from the water during lobster season. Out of season, they serve delicately flavoured St. Vincent fresh-water river lobster. On the south-east coast is beautiful Friendship Bay and St. Hillary Point, where many a Bequia boat has taken shape along the shores, including the Friendship Rose, which operated as the main ferry between Bequia and St. Vincent for 20 years. She is now on a more “relaxed” schedule of day trips to the neighbouring islands. The new Bequia Heritage Museum, scheduled to open in 2012, is located on a slope overlooking Friendship Bay and houses an interesting collection of Bequia boats from a bygone era. West of Friendship Bay is the peak that locals refer to as ‘Ma Peggy’. This nearly 900-ft hill offers an invigorating hike to the reward of a splendid view of Admiralty Bay with St. Vincent to the north and the Grenadine islands to the south. Further along this winding south side road is the quaint and colourful fishing community of Paget Farm and the James F. Mitchell International Airport which was opened in 1992. Just about a mile past the airport is Moonhole, the extraordinary vision and creation of American, the late Tom Johnston, which resulted in a private development of over twenty imaginatively built, “free-form” homes that cling to the natural curves of the hillside. There are no windows, no doors – just openings. The ceilings and walls tend to go their own way, no straight lines, some even have trees growing right in the living room! The windward side of the island is also the most fertile, and it was here in the 18th and 19th century that several of Bequia’s nine sugar plantations were situated. Firefly Plantation Hotel at Spring is a charming boutique hotel set in the grounds of a 225 year old, 30acre working plantation. The "Great House", where the elegant yet informal bar and restaurant are now located, is built on the foundations of the original 18th century sugar plantation's estate house. Plantation Tasting Tours of the estate are now being offered, giving visitors an excellent insight into the fascinating history of the old Spring Plantation and the adjoining sugar mill and indigo processing plant. Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample many of the seasonal fruits and vegetables, and learn about the various crops, herbs and flowers you will encounter. (Bookings suggested call 458-3414) The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary is located beyond Spring and Industry, at Park Beach. Here, “Brother” King nurtures over 200 endangered Hawksbill turtles, of all sizes, until they are able to fend for themselves in the open ocean. When you’ve had your fill of exploring on land, be sure to take advantage of one of the fascinating day cruises operating out of Bequia on the lovely old Bequia schooner, the Friendship Rose – visit the neighbouring islands of Mustique, the Tobago Cays, or the Falls of Baleine on the leeward coast of St. Vincent.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Island Adventures Beaches & Anchorages Bequia’s harbour town of Port Elizabeth is the most popular Port of Entry for yachts visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a favoured anchorage with yachtsmen from all over the globe. Admiralty Bay is considered one of the best harbours in the Caribbean because of its deep protected “U” shape, its calm, clear waters and ample depth, allowing large boats to come very close to shore for repair and general maintenance. When mooring in the bay, be sure to stay clear of the ferry route to the main jetty in Port Elizabeth, and check with the Bequia Tourism Association Office for information about moorings and yacht garbage disposal. There are excellent marine services to be found in and around Port Elizabeth with convenient dinghy docks located at Frangipani, Gingerbread and in Port Elizabeth itself, where there is easy access to showers, laundry services, Internet facilities and grocery stores. There is a very good docking facility at Bequia Marina, now the home of “The Yacht Club” at Trade Winds Cruise Club, where water, fuel, ice and other marine essentials are available. Princess Margaret Beach (also known as Tony Gibbons Beach) is a popular and generally calm anchorage with a glorious stretch of beach and sparkling azure water. Yachts are required to anchor at least 200 yards off shore for the safety of swimmers. A new dinghy dock makes it an effortless drop-off point for water taxis. Jack’s Bar, located at one end of the bay, offers an extensive à la carte menu with influences of Mediterranean cuisine. At the far end of the bay there is a natural rock archway leading into a small, sheltered cove–a good area for snorkeling lies just beyond. One of Bequia’s best beaches is just over the headland at Lower Bay, a long stretch of pure white sand with crystal clear water, excellent for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. A good

daytime anchorage, though occasionally subject to swells. A stretch of on-shore reef provides an area of shallow pools along the shore making it especially suitable for children. Beware of the poisonous manchineel trees and the yellow-green “apples” strewn along the beach. Contact with the leaves, branches or fruit especially during rain will cause severe blistering. Situated in the middle of the bay is De Reef Beach Bar & Restaurant, a long-time favourite with locals and visitors alike. They offer a simple, reasonably priced menu of tasty local dishes. On Sundays there is a particularly lively atmosphere, often accompanied by live music. Claude Victorine’s Art Studio is just up the hill at the end of the bay. On display are Claude’s unique hand-painted creations on silk (by appointment only, call 458-3150). Friendship Bay, on the south-east side, is a short distance over the hill from Lower Bay. This sheltered and pristine bay has lots of shade, provides an alternative anchorage for yachts and offers great snorkeling, scuba and windsurfing conditions. Excellent meals and drinks are available from Bagatelle Restaurant and Beach Bar at the Bequia Beach Hotel, just steps away from the water’s edge. Along the north-eastern side of the island – a stretch of often deserted coastline, shaded by wooded hills and countless coconut palms – you’ll find the windward beaches of Spring, Industry and Park, excellent for picnics, snorkeling and windsurfing (beware of strong currents). Industry is the best for swimming, with the delightful Dawn’s Creole at Crescent Beach Inn offering cold drinks, and delicious lunches and dinner by reservation. While Spring and Industry are easily reached by road, the windswept beaches at Ravine and Hope are far more remote – but a dream for those who like to find the island’s hidden treasures. You should be prepared for a rough, downhill hike to the beach (and back up again!), Caution should be taken when swimming along this coast as there can be a strong undertow at times.

Photo: Wilfred Dederer/Courtesy Jack’s Bar

Beautiful Princess Margaret Beach now has a dinghy dock giving easy access for beach-goers and patrons of the popular Jack’s Bar – an ideal spot to enjoy spectacular sunsets over tropical cocktails

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Bequia Dive Bequia Belmont, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3504 Cell: 784-495-9929 VHF 16/68 e-mail: cathy@divebequia.com www.divebequia.com Established for over 25 years, Dive Bequia is a renowned PADI 5* Dive Centre providing guided trips 3 times a day for certified scuba divers and snorkelers. Centrally located and family run, they offer a professional, safe and fun service, reflected in the high level of repeat customers who return year after year. The full range of PADI courses is available, from beginner Discover Scuba Dives up to Assistant Instructor, including over 20 specialties. Dive Bequia is the only Enriched Air Nitrox provider in the Grenadines. Scuba & snorkeling equipment available to rent. Free collection service from yachts.

Bequia Dive Adventures Tel: 784-458-3826 VHF 68/16 e-mail: adventures@vincysurf.com

www.BequiaDiveAdventures.com Experienced dive instructors, Ron and Laury have been diving these waters for many years and are familiar with the best sites in the area. A full service PADI & SSI facility with 11 specialties, they focus on small group dives with the emphasis on personalized service, catering to the individual needs of each diver. They offer a free introductory PADI “Discover Scuba” course along with various dive packages; snorkeling trips can also be arranged. Snorkeling and scuba equipment rentals available. Situated on the beach, right next door to Mac’s Pizzeria. 3 Dives Daily – 9.00am, 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Caribbean Schooner Cruises Friendship Rose - 100ft Local Classic Sailing Schooner Tel: 784-495-0886/9 e-mail: friendshiprose@mac.com www.friendshiprose.com Discover the Grenadines with The Friendship Rose. Daily cruises to the Tobago Cays, Mustique and the tropical coast of St. Vincent. Dive or snorkel the Tobago Cays, sip Champagne at Mustique, escape along St. Vincent’s tropical coastline and visit Disney’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie locations. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and cake, with drinks all day – all included. Cruise packages also available combining villa and hotel accommodation, inter-island connections and a selection of day cruises throughout the Grenadines.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Island Adventures Firefly Plantation Tasting Tours Spring, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3414 e-mail: stan@fireflybequia.com

www.fireflybequia.com

A unique (and tasty) one of a kind experience to see a real Caribbean plantation. Discover 30 acres of orchards producing oranges, grapefruit, bananas, breadfruit, guava, Bequia plums, mangoes and a variety of wonderful and exotic crops. Guided tour of the plantation and historic sugar mill lasts approx 45 minutes and includes a brief history. You will get to sample many of the fruits and vegetables in season and learn about coconuts, bananas and uses of the various herbs and flowers you will see. Bookings suggested. Children welcome.

Sunset Tours Moke & Jeep Rentals Paget Farm, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3782 or 784-457-3086 Mobile: 784-530-6833 or 784-593-3631 e-mail: sunrisebequia@yahoo.com Sunset Tours offers well-maintained, automatic or manual, airconditioned jeeps, or open-air mini mokes perfect for touring the island. They will deliver to the airport, ferry dock or directly to your hotel or villa. Explore the island on your own, or let Sunset Tours assist you with self-guided tours. A Visitors Driving Permit must first be obtained from the Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth at a cost of EC$100. You will be asked to present your own National Drivers Licence or a full International Drivers Licence.

Jump In Taxi Service Paget Farm, Bequia Tel: 784-457-3086 Mobile: 784-530-6833 or 784-593-3631 e-mail: sunrisebequia@yahoo.com Operated by Bequian brothers, Raleigh and Brendon Bynoe, Jump In Taxi offers prompt, reliable and courteous service – whether it’s a trip to the beach or a trip to the shops. They also offer comprehensive tours of Bequia, including scenic trips to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Moonhole and the traditional fishing village of Paget Farm. If you let them know in advance they will meet you at the airport or ferry dock. Call for more details.

Happy Feet – Healthy Body Reflexology The Village Apartments, Belmont, Bequia Call Val: 784-458-3883 e-mail: tvabqsvg@vincysurf.com Reflexology – the ancient, holistic art of foot massage – stimulates, heals and relaxes NATURALLY! Not only is it beneficial for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation, relieving pain and can stimulate the immune and nervous systems. Val Whitney is a Canadian Certified Reflexologist with over 8 years experience. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet, through reflexology, she can promote blood flow, reduce stress and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. Call Val for an appointment and see the results for yourself!

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

in Paradise

Weddings

Photos courtesy Wilfred Dederer

Tying the Knot in St. Vincent & the Grenadines Over the years, St. Vincent and the islands of the Grenadines have become a popular choice for destination weddings. As a result, there are now a number of professional wedding coordinators, catering companies and photographers, along with a trusted network of reputable and reliable suppliers, whose combined experience and local knowledge ensure that the couple and their guests have ample time to relax and enjoy these lovely islands, at their leisure. St. Vincent and the Grenadines possess all of the necessary ingredients to ensure a perfectly romantic wedding day. There are countless venues from which to choose: sandy white beaches, a hilltop at sunset, sailing around a picturesque harbour, a lush tropical garden surrounded by colourful blooms, a charming island church, or even a deserted island â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the choice is all yours...

You can be confident that when you entrust your wedding to any one of these experienced consultants or planners, they will look after every detail. The list of services offered is extensive and includes arrangements for obtaining the wedding license, selecting a minister, providing witnesses, bridal bouquet, boutonnieres, floral arrangements, photographer, videographer, a traditional wedding cake, and for a special touch, a steel pan duet can be arranged to play at your wedding dinner. What Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Need: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the few countries where you can obtain a marriage license after being in the country for only one day. This license is issued in one day and can be obtained through the office of the Solicitor General in Kingstown which is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 3pm. The following documentation is required: valid passports; if either party is divorced, both original and copy of Decree Absolute; in the case of a widow/widower, original and notarized copy of Death Certificate of spouse; if adopted, certificate is required. Couple must be resident in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a minimum of one day, not including the day of arrival, before applying for a marriage license. All documents must be in English. If the originals are in another language, they must be translated into English and certified.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Weddings A Caribbean Wedding Wedding & Honeymoon Consultant: Suzanne Gabriel Tel: 784-528-7444 e-mail: suzanne@acaribbeanwedding.com

www.acaribbeanwedding.com A full-service destination wedding company offering friendly, personalized service and a number of tailor-made packages to suit all requirements and budgets. Owner-director, Suzanne Gabriel is a member of the international Association of Bridal Consultants with over 12 years local experience. So whether you are planning a large formal event or an intimate beach wedding for two, Suzanne’s knowledge and understanding of the islands, combined with her creativity and attention to detail, ensure that your wedding day (and honeymoon) will be a truly magical and memorable event!

Bequia Photography by Wilfred Dederer Outhouse Graphics, Bequia Cell: 784-532-9553 Office: 784-457-3649 e-mail: outhouse@vincysurf.com Wilfred has been capturing life in Bequia with his cameras for over 20 years. His portfolio includes weddings, villa photography, landscapes, events and family portraits, examples of which have been widely published both regionally and internationally. Digital portfolio selections tailored to your particular requirements are available on request.

Friendship Rose Weddings Tel: 784-495-0886/9 or 784-457-3888 e-mail: friendshiprose@mac.com www.friendshiprose.com The Friendship Rose provides a uniquely special and romantic environment for your wedding. The classic 100-foot traditional sailing schooner offers exceptional events: - Desert Island Weddings... - Beach Weddings... - Classic Schooner Weddings... Imagine your wedding in the most stunning natural locations throughout the Grenadines... Consider Mustique or Mayreau, The Tobago Cays or the coral sand island of Morpion. Exquisite locations combined with a full and generous service on board the schooner.

Scaramouche - Birthdays, Day Tours, Grenadines Weddings .... Tel/Fax: 784-458-8418 Cell: 784-455-1362 e-mail: scaramouche@vincysurf.com Magnificent, local Island Schooner (used in Disney’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’) takes you under sail through the heart of the Grenadines…Mayero, The Tobago Keys and other island gems. Impossibly romantic weddings,on deck or on the beach. Choice of tasty menus. Enchanting experiences tailor-made for your dream event. Corporate functions, film shoots..you name it ! Or join us for one of our regular day-trips out of Union Island; breakfast, lunch, drinks all day – www.scaramouchegrenadines.com for more.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Bequia Experience When thinking of shopping and services donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be misled by Bequia being a small island in a distant ocean. Here youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find everything needed for your convenience and comfort, for a holiday on land or sea.

Port Elizabeth is built along the waterfront of Admiralty Bay and into the rising hills surrounding it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a number of brightly coloured shops, roadside stalls, houses, restaurants and small hotels complete the captivating scene. Photo: Wilfred Dederer

shopping & services The harbour town of Port Elizabeth is the centre of the island’s commerce; at its heart the main jetty which, with the frequent sailings and arrivals of passenger ferries and cargo boats, is the closest thing to hustle and bustle you’ll see here. Island ferries to St. Vincent are usually very punctual – you can set your clock by them. Both The Admiral and Bequia Express offer regular sailings, every day, to and from St. Vincent in the comfort of air-conditioned lounges or up on deck in the fresh sea breeze. The Jaden Sun is the new ‘fast ferry’ operating between St. Vincent, Bequia and the southern Grenadine islands (sailing schedules on page 7). Next to the jetty is the Bequia Tourism Association office, so if your first stop is for information, their staff will be pleased to help you. Along Front Street the yellow Government building houses the Revenue Office and Post Office, Harbour Master, Customs and Immigration. Enquire here about yachting and mooring regulations. For banking, RBTT next door to the Revenue Office opens Monday through Thursday 8am-2pm and 8am-5pm on Friday. The Bank of St. Vincent & The Grenadines (formerly NBC) off Back Street opens daily from 8am-1pm, and on Fridays re-opens from 3-5pm. For your convenience, both banks also have an ATM. Note that US$ travellers cheques and cash are accepted by most establishments. Credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and boutiques, but be sure to check before you shop or dine! As the gateway to the beautiful sailing grounds of the Grenadine isles, Bequia offers a full range of services and supplies to the marine traveller. There are a number of skilled craftsmen at boatyards around the harbour offering services from minor repairs, to a custom-built boat.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Wilfred Dederer

Bequia

On Front Street, in the charming harbour town of Port Elizabeth, rush hour traffic is unheard of and the closest thing to hustle and bustle is perhaps the daily comings and goings of the ferries at the dock in the centre of town

Marine outfitters and chandleries stock all you will need for boat repairs and maintenance, from hardware and electrical, to paints and outboard engines. Some chandlers offer duty-free prices to visitors, as do suppliers of all your fishing and diving needs such as Lulley’s Tackle Shop located upstairs the Island Style shop on Front Street. Ice, diesel and water are available from the Trade Winds Cruise Club dock at the Bequia Marina. Meanwhile, if you want to stay in touch with home, several Internet agencies and cafés offer wireless Internet services. The Western Union agent is Admiralty Transport, located on Back Street, and FedEx is located at Solana’s Boutique on Front Street. Whatever your tastes, Port Elizabeth is your one-stop harbour for all you will need to provision your yacht or stock your kitchen for a self-catering holiday. Supermarkets, including Knights Trading (on the corner of Back Street), offer baked, canned and dried goods, a good selection of frozen foods and a variety of drinks, wines and spirits. Many residents and regular visitors to Bequia shop at Doris’ Fresh Foods, now in new and more spacious surroundings on Back Street. The shop is always wellstocked with fresh local produce, an impressive range of imported cheeses, patés and international delicatessen selections, fine wines and a tempting array of specialty items including smoked fish, pesto and even a full range of sushi ingredients. The Shoreline Mini Mart is attached to the popular Porthole Restaurant, run by Noelina and Lennox Taylor. In addition to their wonderful, reasonably priced menu, the mini mart stocks a good range of grocery supplies, wines and liquors.

At the vegetable and fruit market on Front Street you may have a “cultural experience” with the rasta brethren who sell an interesting variety of the islands’ fruits and vegetables. Much of the produce comes directly from the fertile farms in St. Vincent and local kitchen gardens in Bequia, so you can be sure of its freshness. At the adjacent fish market, fishermen blow the conch shell when the catch of the day arrives. If you have a taste for something different, just ask; Bequians love to help and chances are your taxi driver, housekeeper, bartender or neighbour knows someone who can arrange delivery of fresh fish or lobsters the next morning. With the housekeeping taken care of, it’s time to relax and enjoy more of the variety which this little town has to offer. Browsing in the boutiques you can find locally designed clothing to enhance your holiday wardrobe – swimwear, souvenir T-shirts and, at the bookstore, a fine collection of maps, Caribbean literature and scrimshaw. Souvenir shoppers will find an extensive and colourful variety of unusual craft and gift items from around the Caribbean at Noah’s Arkade – now with a brand new facelift and relocated to Back Street just across from Doris’ Fresh Foods. Here you will also find work by local artists, including Pinky VaughanRichards whose colourful, hand-painted boleys are showcased alongside the work of another resident artist, Julie Savage Lea. “Buy Bequia” is the call of the island’s many arts and crafts producers, and “Bequia Clean and Green” is a slogan which the B.T.A. hopes becomes a motto – they encourage everyone to bring or buy their own shopping bag and say “No!” to plastic whenever possible.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Shopping & Services BEQUIA THE PLACE TO SHOP! NEW LOCATION! BACK STREET, PORT ELIZABETH. (Formerly Le Petit Jardin).

Wir sprechen Deutsch Credit Cards welcome!

Fine Wines & Cheeses Imported Pastas & Meats

Daily Fresh Herbs & Huge Selec tion

of Gourmet

Produce

Products

Yacht Provisioning & Delicatessen

Special 8-grain bread • Fresh Croissants daily

VHF 68 Tel (784) 458-3625 Fax (784) 457-3134 Back Street, Port Elizabeth - Bequia - SVG, W.I.

Doris’ Fresh Food

Knights Trading Now renovated and expanded, Knights Trading is a well-stocked, family-run grocery store located on Back Street, on the corner of the main intersection in Port Elizabeth. It is just a short distance from the area where the taxis assemble under the almond trees in the harbour. They carry a good selection of grocery items including a variety of pastas, sauces, bottled seasonings and condiments, snacks, toiletries, liquor, wine, champagne, beer and soft drinks. They also carry a selection of frozen meat and poultry. Bottled water can be purchased by the case and some items are available at wholesale prices. Free delivery can be arranged to the dinghy docks in Port Elizabeth. Orders can be called in or faxed ahead of time for collection. There is a convenient hardware division upstairs. They carry lumber, plumbing supplies, cement, paint, torches, lanterns, household items and basically everything you’ll need to repair-it, build-it, paint-it and do-it-yourself.

Open Monday to Saturday from 8am - 6pm Back Street, Port Elizabeth, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3218 Fax: 784-457-3327 e-mail: knightstrad@yahoo.com VHF 68

Now relocated on Back Street at the former site of Le Petit Jardin Restaurant For 21 years Doris operated her small grocery store opposite the vegetable market in Port Elizabeth. Over the years Doris’ Fresh Food has earned an outstanding reputation for their excellent selection of fresh local produce and incredible range of imported specialty foods and gourmet items. The store has recently been relocated to Back Street, at the former site of Le Petit Jardin Restaurant, where shoppers can expect to find the same exceptional selection in lovely, spacious surroundings. It is the perfect place to stock up on provisions, whether you are visiting on a yacht or staying at one of the island’s villas. Shoppers are often surprised at the variety of items in stock – from top quality imported meats, frozen seafood, smoked fish and smoked fish paté, to imported cheeses, pastas, fresh produce and a wide range of bread and pastries including rye, poppy seed, multi-grain, sesame seed and their special 8 grain bread along with baguettes, mini baguettes, rolls and for pastry pain aux chocolat, apple and raspberry turn overs, butter croissants, apple and pear tarts, pain aux raisin, chocolate and apple filled doughnuts and much more! You can even find a full range of sushi ingredients and bottled pesto, as well as an exceptional selection of fine imported international wines and spirits. You can fax or e-mail your “list” to Doris prior to your arrival and your groceries will be delivered directly to your yacht or villa. MasterCard and Visa accepted. German spoken. Opening Times (in season) Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm; Sun 9am-11:30am (Opening times may vary in the offseason) Tel: 784-458-3625 Fax: 784-457-3134 VHF 68 e-mail: doris_freshfood@yahoo.com

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Bequia

At Mango Art Studio visitors will find a wonderful selection of works by Julie Savage Lea, Peter Carr and Morris Nicholson

Art & Craft One of the pleasures of any holiday is searching for the perfect piece of artwork to take home as a memento of happy times. Whether you are an art collector or souvenir hunter Bequia offers a lovely selection of both indigenous crafts and contemporary Caribbean art. Your search can not merely be a shopping trip, but a chance to spend an hour, or a morning, exploring, meeting craft makers and artists and sharing stories. On a walk along Port Elizabeth’s Front Street in ‘the season’ you will find a colourful, open-air arts and crafts buffet–a visual feast featuring locally made work. Alongside knitted hats, paintings on canvas and fine scrimshaw carved from blackfish teeth are crafts made from natural materials grown on the island. Decorative calabashes are carved from the fruit of the boley tree, bracelets,

Oasis is a delightful art gallery in Port Elizabeth - they host regular exhibitions by guest artists during the winter season

boats and hair ornaments from the shell of the coconut. Palm fronds are fashioned into baskets and hats, bamboo into a variety of pretty souvenirs and local woods carved into whimsical folk art. You never know what you may find. Turn from the street to Port Elizabeth's shops and boutiques and you can find more locally made work highlighted among a variety of international gifts. Mostly, the island is famous for its model boats. You can see replicas of Bequia’s wooden craft, from whaleboats to schooners, being built at Mauvin's near the vegetable market and, a short walk away in the Ocar neighbourhood, at Sargeant Brothers’ workshops. Visit their nearby Maritime Museum to learn more about their art, see some of the famous models they have built and hear plenty of stories. Over the years, a number of visiting artists have made Bequia their home. Julie Savage Lea is one of those. Her delightful book, Bequia Reflections – An Artist in the Caribbean, can be found at Noah’s Arkade along with a selection of her prints and paintings. You can also visit her in her studio at the charming Mango Tree Cottage and Art Studio, on the main road behind the Gingerbread Hotel, where you can view her work along with the work of other artists, including Peter Carr, an exceptional watercolour artist from Australia who visits Bequia regularly. Julie also has a display catalogue of Morris Nicholson’s exquisite sculptures and woodcarvings; see his work too at the Oasis. When your travels take you to Lower Bay, follow the signs to Claude Victorine’s Art Studio, where she creates exquisite hand painted designs on silk, crafted into scarves, pareos and cushion covers. The Oasis Art Gallery in Port Elizabeth is a refreshingly new gallery curated by well-known Bequia artist, L.D. Lucy whose wonderful paintings, depicting her mystical views of island life, are on display. The gallery also showcases a variety of work in various media by talented local artists, including the model boats-that-sail by Bequia seaman, Kingsley “Prop” King. There are regular exhibitions by guest artists throughout the winter season, so be sure to check with them for specific dates. Whilst some treasures are sought, others are chanced upon, and you may discover that some studios are without walls. On your travels you may chance upon a painter working under the shade of a tree by the beach, a man quietly carving, an artist sailing his model boat; chances are they will be happy to show you more of their work. So enjoy, and perhaps find a unique treasure to take home as a reminder of a special holiday on this island of smiles.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Art & Craft Julie Savage Lea

Silma Duncan

Julie, a life-long artist with a university degree in fine art, sailed into Bequia in 1978. For 34 years she has painted local scenes, people and flowers in watercolours and acrylics. Her work is exhibited and collected internationally. In 2000, Macmillan Caribbean published a book of her artwork, BEQUIA REFLECTIONS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An Artist in the Caribbean, available locally or through Julie's website. Visit the artist in her studio at the charming Mango Art Studio on the hill along the main road, above the Gingerbread Restaurant.

Bequian poet Silma Duncan has been dubbed the Poet Laureate of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. She has been recognized by St. James Palace for a poem honouring the late Princess Diana and has been written up in "Caraibes" magazine and published in the London Independent. She has also been interviewed by BBC Radio in Manchester. Silma recently released her fourth book of poetry covering a wide range of subjects. She examines issues ranging from love, suicide, relationships and the treatment of women, to a tribute to the famous Black Carib leader Joseph Chatoyer, who commanded the Caribs, as well as French soldiers, against the British military. With a little encouragement she will expressively recite one of her poems for the listener.

Mango Tree Cottage, Belmont, Bequia By appointment, call 784-455-4677 julieslea@yahoo.com www.juliesavagelea.com

Silma can be contacted at Tel: 784-458-3712

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

L â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Auberge des Grenadines fine dining by the sea

Tel: (784) 457-3555 Hamilton, Bequia auberge@caribrestaurant.com www.caribrestaurant.com

restaurants & nightlife The restaurants in Bequia are charming and diverse, offering menu selections and prices to suit everyone. Wherever you choose to dine, you’ll find, in general, all of the restaurants on the island enjoy a happy, informal and relaxed atmosphere – from the small, “no frills joints”, to the larger and more “sophisticated”. Reservations are preferred by most restaurants. During the high season (December to April), and especially during the busy Easter Regatta period, restaurants are usually booked solid. Equally, in the “offseason”, many restaurants are closed during the week, although some open according to bookings – so a reservation will always avoid disappointment. Menu prices are usually in EC dollars unless stated otherwise. The conversion rate is roughly US$1 = EC$2.68. US currency, travellers cheques and credit cards are generally accepted but it is always advisable to ask at the time of booking. Tipping is always appreciated and 10% of the bill is generally the norm. Some restaurants do however include a service charge; in this case, an extra tip is left to the customer’s discretion. 15% VAT (Value Added Tax) is normally included in the price quoted on all items. Remember, the Lobster Season runs from September 1st to April 30th - restaurants do not serve lobster between May and September. There is a reliable land and water taxi service on the island offering an island-wide service; after dinner, your host will be happy to call one for you. Night time entertainment, though limited, is fun and enjoyable and provides a wonderful opportunity to meet friendly Bequians. The music scene is a cool, eclectic mix of tastes and styles. Electric and acoustic groups provide a dazzling variety – from Calypso, String Band and Reggae, to Rock 'n Roll, Country & Western, Jazz and Blues. Groups and musicians like Colin Peters & Brung Shuga, The Country Relatives, Elite Steel Band, Farine Folk Band, Bob & the Bequia Blues Band, New Direction, Socony and the very unique local string band, J. Gool & De Buccaneers, perform at various venues around the island almost every week. Bequia This Week is an informative weekly newsletter, with up-to-date information on day and night time activities.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Bequia L’Auberge des Grenadines

Your hosts Jacques and Eileen Thevenot

Hamilton, overlooking Admiralty Bay, Bequia Tel/Fax: 784-457-3555 VHF 68 e-mail: auberge@caribrestaurant.com www.caribrestaurant.com Gourmet French cuisine with a distinct Creole accent is the nucleus of this charming waterfront restaurant on Admiralty Bay. Since its opening 12 years ago, L'Auberge has firmly established itself as one of the best in the Grenadines. Owner-run by Jacques and Eileen Thevenot, a dynamic husband and wife team who have been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. The menu features an outstanding selection of imaginative dishes, with the accent on ultrafresh fish and market-fresh ingredients. Lobster dishes are a specialty and with the only LIVE LOBSTER POOL in Bequia (in season) your meal just can’t get much fresher! Open for Lunch & Dinner.

Bagatelle Restaurant Bequia Beach Hotel, Friendship, Bequia Tel: 784-458-1600 and 784-458-8111 e-mail: info@bequiabeach.com www.bequiabeach.com Located right on the beach at the lovely Bequia Beach Hotel on Friendship Bay, Bagatelle offers guests a special dining experience. The open-sided dining veranda provides sweeping ocean views and the international menu makes full use of locally sourced fresh produce, with some classic Caribbean influences. Two international chefs with Michelin star experience have joined the already well-regarded kitchen team. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Maria’s French Terrace Front Street, Port Elizabeth, Bequia Reservations: 784-458-3337 VHF 68 e-mail: info@marias-french-terrace.com www.marias-french-terrace.com Traditional French cuisine is the essence of Maria’s French Terrace, a relaxed and stylish waterfront bistro with a splendid view of Admiralty Bay, Port Elizabeth. During the day, enjoy a leisurely lunch on the terrace and watch the comings and goings in the harbour. In the evening, it’s the perfect spot to take in the sunset and then linger for dinner in a very pleasant, laissez-faire atmosphere just steps from the water’s edge. Sunset Happy Hour from 6-7pm daily. Open daily for lunch 11am–3pm and dinner from 6pm.

Gingerbread Restaurant Belmont, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3800 Fax: 784-458-3907 e-mail: gm@gingerbreadhotel.com www.gingerbreadhotel.com With an unrivaled location overlooking beautiful Admiralty Bay, the Gingerbread restaurant offers elegant dining in a warm tropical ambience. Charming gingerbread fretwork, interesting artwork and unique architecture provide the ideal setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Featuring gourmet West Indian cuisine with international influences including fresh seafood, imported steak and the house specialty – Indian and Thai curries! An extensive selection of fine imported wines is also available, including their "wine of the month" tasting. Their friendly staff always offer a warm Bequia welcome. Reservations are recommended.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Restaurants & Nightlife Firefly Plantation Restaurant Spring, Bequia Reservations Suggested: Tel: 784-458-3414 email: stan@fireflybequia.com www.fireflybequia.com The restaurant and bar serve fresh home grown produce in a relaxed open-air setting with magnificent views of the plantation and sea beyond. The menu is simple but changes frequently reflecting what’s in season. Most ingredients are picked daily from the plantation and guests are invited to do a tour and pick their own if they want! Service is friendly and attentive, prices reasonable and there is an excellent wine and cocktail list. Caribbean fusion cuisine in a smart casual atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch, cocktails, sunset snacks and dinner. Reservations suggested.

Dawn’s Creole Beach Café Industry Bay, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3715 e-mail: dcreole@vincysurf.com Over the years Dawn has gained quite a reputation with both locals and visitors for her tasty West Indian and international specialities. Her popular restaurant has recently been relocated to Industry Bay on the east coast of Bequia with magnificent views and cooling breezes off the Atlantic. Selections of fresh seafood include snapper, conch, shrimp and lobster (in season), as well as her famous curries and wonderfully prepared beef and pork dishes. Be sure to check out their Sunday Specials and traditional Full Moon Buffet Dinner. Breakfast and Lunch served daily. Dinner is by reservation only. Groups for Birthdays, Anniversaries and Wedding Parties are welcome.

Mac’s Pizzeria & Bakeshop Belmont Walkway, Admiralty Bay Tel: 784-458-3474 VHF 68 e-mail: judy-macs@vincysurf.com For over 30 years Mac's has been serving their famous pizza, with over 17 toppings from which to choose, including lobster (when in season). The informal, relaxed setting and perfect seaside location makes it a popular gathering place for locals and all visitors to Bequia. Added to this, their extensive menu features a variety of tasty selections including conch fritters, samosas, lasagne, sandwiches, delicious daily specials and an excellent assortment of desserts. Their wonderful homemade bread is made daily. Mac's Pizzeria is located along the Belmont Walkway, past Gingerbread, between Bequia Dive Adventures and the Old Fig Tree. Open daily: 11am-10pm (winter) 3pm-10pm (summer). Take Away available. Reservations recommended.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Restaurants & Nightlife Jack’s Bar Princess Margaret Beach, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3809 or VHF 68

www.atasteofbequia.com

Located right on the splendid Princess Margaret Beach, Jack’s Bar has a unique contemporary design in a spectacular beachfront setting. The beach bar is open day and night and offers an extensive à la carte menu with Mediterranean influences. Lunch features light and tasty beachside favourites like Herb Crusted Mahi Mahi and Tuna Niçoise Salad, while dinner offers a slightly more sophisticated menu. The Tuesday Night Beach BBQ with live entertainment is great value for money and one of the most popular party nights in Bequia. The perfect place to enjoy a few sundowners! BEQUIA CHILLS AT JACK’S BAR!

Devil’s Table Bequia Marina, Ocar, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3900/458-3443 or VHF 68 www.atasteofbequia.com Located right on the water’s edge, Devil’s Table is believed to be the place where the pirate princess Alvilda and her band of female pirates eventually forced their male cook, a native of Bequia, to walk the plank! The story creates a wonderful theme for the restaurant which is built into the natural rock structure, creating a cave-like effect. The décor, complete with lanterns and portholes, conjures images of the interior of a pirate ship. Candlelit tables and the soft music create a perfectly romantic ambiance. The chefs are world-class and the delicious food is a cool fusion of Euro-Caribbean cuisine. BEQUIA ROCKS AT DEVIL’S TABLE!

Papa’s Bar & Bistro Port Elizabeth, Bequia Tel: 784-457-3443 or VHF 68

www.atasteofbequia.com

Papa’s Bar & Bistro has a wonderful ‘home-away-from-home’ ambiance. The spacious and comfortable lounge is tastefully decorated with beautiful furnishings and art, while the al fresco dining terrace enjoys exquisite views over the harbour–the perfect spot to sip on a tropical cocktail and enjoy the sunset over the bay. The menu offers an eclectic mix–from light snacks to fantastic sushi plates (on request) and don’t miss Mama’s Italian Night on Wednesdays! Papa’s Bar is “the place” to meet during your stay in Bequia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and watch your favourite sports events on the big screen TVs. BEQUIA MEETS AT PAPA’S BAR!

Mama’s Deli Port Elizabeth, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3443 or VHF 68

www.atasteofbequia.com

Mama’s Deli is a superb little gourmet shop located in the same building as Papa’s Bar & Bistro. Mama’s offers an extensive selection of imported beer, wine and cheese along with fresh fish, meats, homemade delicatessen items, fresh fruit, vegetables and a wide selection of spices – everything you need to provision your villa or yacht. At Mama’s you can also hire a chef, or order catering services for private parties and special occasions. BEQUIA SHOPS AT MAMA’S DELI!

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The Bequia Experience â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the many delights of Bequia, part of St Vincent and the Grenadines, is that despite being only five miles long and with a population of fewer than 5,000, there are so many good places to stay, eat and drink.â&#x20AC;?

Hunter Davies - The Daily Mail

Friendship Bay provides a stunning backdrop to the lovely Bequia Beach Hotel Wilfred Dederer

accommodation A full range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets is available in Bequia, and though there are no large hotel chains to be found, visitors will find a very wide range of suitable accommodations from which to choose. There are a number of small, friendly, family-run guest houses and exclusive private villas scattered all over the island, many of them enjoying stunning views of the coastline from their hillside locations.

Almost all of the hotels and apartments are situated along the waterfront at Admiralty Bay, Lower Bay, Friendship Bay, Spring and Industry. The busiest times of year are the Christmas to New Year period, and over Easter, when it’s regatta time in Bequia! The “off-season” is between May and October; this is when the island is quieter, and very often special summer rates are offered by many of the establishments, so be sure to ask at the time of booking. The Bequia Tourism Association operates an information booth near the ferry dock in Port Elizabeth where you’ll find listings, rates and contact information on just about every type of accommodation available. The charming young ladies who run the booth are very knowledgeable and always willing to assist in any way. Their website, www.bequiatourism.com, is an excellent source of detailed information on all aspects of the island, including special low-season packages. The site is particularly user-friendly, with a clean, clear layout making it an absolute pleasure to browse. If you require more specific information, you can e-mail them at info@bequiatourism.com. Additionally, www.insandoutofssvg.com is the online version of this publication. It offers a plethora of information which visitors will find extremely useful in planning their holiday.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Bequia Bequia Beach Hotel Friendship, Bequia Tel: 784-458-1600 Fax: 784-458-1700 e-mail: info@bequiabeach.com www.bequiabeach.com Bequia Beach Hotel is a new 4-star resort on pristine Friendship Bay beach. Enjoy an oceanview massage at their lovely beachfront Spa, cocktails at the beach bar, or linger over a fresh fruit colada as you soak in the luxury of their sumptuous beach front suites. All accommodation is luxuriously furnished, featuring air conditioning and private terrace. Also on the premises is Bagatelle, one of Bequia’s finest restaurants, offering an international menu with classic Caribbean influences. At Bequia Beach Hotel you will experience the true Caribbean!

The Sweet Retreat Lower Bay, Bequia Tel: 784-457-3037 or 784-498-3921 e-mail: info@bequiasweetretreathotel.com

www.bequiasweetretreathotel.com Situated just above Lower Bay beach, less than a minute’s walk away, The Sweet Retreat aims to be different–from the Californian king mahogany platform beds, to grinding their own beans for morning coffee. In spite of the spacious surroundings, they accept only 8 guests in 4 beautifully appointed double ensuite rooms, each with its own private balcony. The entire property including bar/restaurant is for resident guests only. Room rates include all taxes, service charges, continental breakfast, beach towels, snorkel equipment, secure Wi-Fi and of course, the awesome view!

Firefly Plantation Hotel Spring, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3414 e-mail: stan@fireflybequia.com www.fireflybequia.com A charming, well-managed boutique hotel with 4 beautifully appointed rooms, all with spectacular views, A/C, Wi-Fi, sumptuous bathrooms, indoor/outdoor double showers, Italian linens and thoughtful amenities. A separate two-bedroom self-contained Plantation Cottage is ideal for families. Set within a 250 year old working plantation, the property consists of lush coconut groves and fruit orchards. Although a sister hotel to Firefly Mustique, it is very different, having its own unique character and charm but with the same friendly staff, excellent food and attentive service. The hotel has a tennis court, swimming pool and a short walk through the plantation leads to a secluded sandy beach.

Kingsville Apartments Lower Bay, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3404 or 784-458-3932 Cell: 784-493-0014 Fax: 784-458-3000 e-mail: kingsville@vincysurf.com or kingsville@karibcable.com

www.kingsville-apartments.net Eight cottage-style, one and two bedroom, air-conditioned apartments tucked away in a beautifully landscaped, tropical garden setting. Each unit features modern, fully-equipped kitchens, patios, TVs and free Wi-Fi Internet. Nestled in tranquil Lower Bay, 2 minutes walk from a glorious white sand beach. Excellent swimming and snorkeling with several good restaurants very close by.

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Accommodation

De Reef Apartments Lower Bay, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3412 or 784-458-3484 Fax: 784-457-3103 e-mail: dereef@vincysurf.com Six spacious, self-catering one and two-bedroom apartments nestled in the quaint and friendly community of Lower Bay, just a short 1 minute walk to one of Bequia’s best beaches with excellent snorkeling. Air-conditioned bedrooms, ceiling fans, cable TV and fully equipped kitchens. De Reef Beach Bar & Restaurant is located just next door and serves tasty local dishes at very reasonable prices.

The Frangipani Hotel Admiralty Bay, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3255 Fax: 784-458-3824 e-mail: reservations@frangipanibequia.com

www.frangipanibequia.com Restored as an inn some three decades ago, the Frangipani has been a family home for over 100 years. With spectacular views of Admiralty Bay, the inn offers elegant garden units with individual balconies overlooking the yachts in the bay and old-style rooms within the original family home. Ask about their Frangi Special – stay 6 nights and the 7th night is FREE. They have an established reputation for fine food and a good range of imported wines. Live music on Sundays and Thursdays, with their special barbecue buffet and steel band “jump-up”.

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The Bequia Experience

One of the most gratifying and rewarding ways to truly experience the benefits of the enviable Bequia lifestyle is to spend your time on the island living in one of the many luxurious villas that are available for rental or purchase.

Villa life in Bequia offers the relaxed privacy of a home where residents have the liberty to do what they want when they want Photo: Wilfred Dederer/Contact Grenadine Escape www.grenadineescape.com

villa life

Enjoying a vacation in a villa on Bequia, or anywhere in the Grenadines for that matter, be it as an owner or a visiting guest, can definitely be considered one of life’s finer luxuries. In keeping with its capacity for providing a surprisingly wide spectrum of scenic beauty within a relatively small area, Bequia can also offer a variety of exquisite villas that are sure to accommodate even the most demanding of requirements and tastes.

Whether it be beachfront or wooded hillside garden, classical or whimsical, sprawling or small and intimate, there is something here to please everyone – couples, families, groups of friends, honeymooners or wedding parties. Villa life in Bequia offers the relaxed privacy of a home where residents have the liberty to do what they want when they want, without any need to consider the sensibilities of strangers around them, and yet still be able to enjoy the benefit of dedicated housekeeping staff, whose aim is to make sure their guests relax and enjoy themselves. It is this freedom to get away from it all and completely unwind in your own space that makes villa life in Bequia so alluring, coupled of course with the aesthetic appeal of having the opportunity to live, for a while, here in Bequia in a truly beautiful home. Family vacations often provide lifetime memories, especially for the children. Many years down the road, people will find themselves reminiscing, fondly looking back with great joy at relatively simple events – perhaps a game of charades or Scrabble, a full-moon barbeque, a day fooling around in kayaks, a birthday celebration – all made so much more enjoyable, meaningful and memorable simply because they were done together as a family while staying in your own private villa. Many of the rental properties here are looked after by property management companies and run by dedicated professionals who benefit from many years experience of taking good care of both the houses and the guests who stay in them.

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Bequia Spring House Bequia Spring Estate, Bequia Tel: 784-483-0381 UK: 44-207-099-6983 USA: 617-275-4820 info@springhousebequia.com www.springhousebequia.com Spring House Bequia is an exclusive, 10,000 sq. ft., luxury villa on Bequia. Set in two acres of private grounds, it is more of a resort than just a villa. Up to 18 guests can be accommodated in 9 air-conditioned suites with 4 poster beds, 40 ft. pool, full staff and much, much more. Perfect for groups or weddings but intimate enough for small families. Choose their all-inclusive rate plan that covers everything you might want including onward flights, jeeps, meals and open bar, or set your own pace with their custom rate plan. Whatever you are looking for in a vacation, Spring House Bequia is the perfect choice. Disabled access and child friendly. Check their website for further details.

Tropical Hideaway Bequia Estate, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3676 or Cell: 784-532-1690 e-mail: info@tropicalhideawaybequia.com www.tropicalhideawaybequia.com Completed in 2011, this brand new villa offers unrivalled luxury in every sense of the word. As its name implies, Tropical Hideaway is a secluded paradise offering complete privacy in lush tropical gardens, with stunning views over the famous Princess Margaret Beach and Admiralty Bay. Situated on the slopes of the exclusive Bequia Estate, the villa sleeps from 2-12 guests in spacious, uniquely designed rooms. Tropical Hideaway will not disappoint. Visit their comprehensive website for special introductory rates and make your dreams a reality!

Belles House Lower Bay, Bequia Tel: 784-570-1946 e-mail: info@belleshousebequia.com www.belleshousebequia.com Belles House is set in a stunning, secluded hillside location with panoramic views of both St. Vincent and Admiralty Bay. Situated in lush woodland gardens, with 2 bedrooms in the main house as well as two cottage bedrooms, all with A/C and screened windows. A large shady verandah and outdoor dining area lead directly to the curved, pebble infinity pool and coral deck. Amenities include high speed Internet, cable TV, maid service and 4WD car. Lower Bay beach is just a short walk away.

Hope Bay Estate Hope Bay, Bequia Tel: Delphine 784-533-1600 e-mail: delphine@hadleygardens.com www.hopebayestate.com Set in three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with spectacular views over the large infinity pool to the secluded bay and beach below. Hope Bay Estate comprises a central entertaining 'great lodge' with sleeping accommodation in 4 adjacent lodges for up to 12 adults and 4 children. This stylish property makes full use of its superb position and expansive grounds and accommodation. It comes fully staffed with use of a car, Wi-Fi and cable TV, so offers friends and family the ultimate privacy and relaxation with all modern conveniences in a stunning Caribbean setting. Ideal for small groups and family weddings.

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Villa Life Grenadine Island Villas Bequia Waterfront, Frangipani Gardens Tel: 784-529-8046 or 784-455-0969 or 784-457-3739 e-mail: grenadinevillas@mac.com www.grenadinevillas.com Beach retreats, classic villas and distinctive houses. Based in the islands, this friendly team offers a full service to help you find and enjoy your perfect island hideaway. With a comprehensive online guide and swift, responsive service you can relax and fully enjoy your Grenadines villa experience. Benefit from helpful services such as provisioning, welcome meals and 24hr. on-island assistance. Contact Grenadine Island Villas for detailed information on island developments, investment opportunities and land & villa purchase. Visit their Waterfront offices on Bequia to arrange guided property viewings.

Tamarind Villa Spring, Bequia Tel: 784-457-3232 Cell: 784-431-1470 e-mail: info@bequiatamarind.com www.bequiatamarind.com A lovely two-bedroom/two bathroom villa, beautifully decorated with every detail considered, four poster beds and quality furnishings. Located in picturesque Spring Bay, in the North East of the island, Tamarind Villa enjoys a splendid hillside setting with unobstructed views over the bay and beyond to the islands of Balliceaux and Battowia. The villa has a spacious, open-plan design with all rooms spilling seemlessly out on to the breezy pool deck.

Francyn Villa Lower Bay, Bequia Tel: 868-678-5115 e-mail: info@bequiaresort.com

www.bequiaresort.com

Newly constructed in 2011, Francyn Villaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elevated location provides a panoramic view of Lower Bay. Just 200 meters from the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge, surrounded by tropical fruit and other forest trees this superior location provides a tranquil and cool vantage point to enjoy Lower Bay. Architecturally designed with exceptional interior finishings, it features four air-conditioned bedrooms each with ensuite bathroom. The villa is designed as two completely self-contained units on the upper and lower levels, thus providing flexible rental options with one to four bedrooms.

Sunrise Cottage La Pompe, Bequia Tel: 784-457-3086 or 784-458-3782 or Mobile: 784-593-3631 e-mail: sunrisebequia@yahoo.com

www.bequia.net/sunrise Enjoy majestic sunrises and sunsets from Sunrise Cottage. Your own private verandah provides island views of Mustique, Petit Nevis and Ile de Quatre. Sunrise Cottage offers two bedrooms with dining room, outdoor dining area, upper sundeck and modern kitchen. Rental car can be included if desired. A free island tour is offered for bookings of one week or more. Memorable day trips to uninhabited islands can also be arranged.

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Bequia

Retreat House, Bequia

Grenadine Escape British-born designer turned estate agent, Lara Cowan moved to the Grenadines in 1999 and founded her independent real estate & travel company, Grenadine Escape. Now with bases in the UK and the Caribbean, the company boasts a wealth of properties and private yachts to buy or rent. Most of these villas are in the southern Caribbean, but Lara is ‘expanding the product base into other exciting areas’ as she has ‘a vast range of knowledge throughout the West Indies.’ This is vital when researching new ground - sound, informed advice and a good range of options.

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Steve Gratz, the owner of Balliceaux House in Spring on Bequia (a successful 3 bedroom villa renting during high season for US$3,500 - 5000 per week and for sale now at US$ 1.7m) says, “My wife and I have worked with Lara since 2006 on villa rentals and now in the sale of Balliceaux House. I chose Grenadine Escape as our listing broker because her company maintains exceptional contacts between the local bureaucracy and international market.” For buyers, Grenadine Escape’s experience and connections will help reduce the risk of painful and costly mistakes. “We are here to share our knowledge of the lifestyle, social, legal and procedural aspects of island living and of investing or building in the Grenadines.” Grenadine Escape has unique access to several opportunities for beachfront development with planning permission in Grenada, The Grenadines, Barbados and St. Lucia. Several high-end residences are for sale in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Grenada from US$800,000 - US$10 million and you can still pick up valuable plots on which to design your own villa. Land prices in Bequia for example, start at around US$300,000 on sites at Crescent, Spring and Hope Beach. Featured Properties • Private Development Off Plan Villa of 3 bedrooms - US$1.2m • Front Line Prime West Coast 3 bedroom Villa- US$3.5m • Exquisite Private 8 bedroom Villa - US$7.5m

Grenadine Escape Ltd. Bequia Tel: 001 (784) 496 0654 (Lucille Cozier) London Tel: 00 44 203 468 5592 (Lara Cowan/Fiona Williams) info@grenadine-escape.com www.grenadine-escape.com

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Villa Life

Hibiscus Apartments 4 self-contained, one-bedroom apartments (one with air-conditioning) situated in Port Elizabeth; 10 mins. walk from Admiralty & Spring beaches and all the activities and shops in Admiralty Bay. Fully equipped kitchenettes, bath, hot/cold water, ceiling fans, cable TV & balconies. Vehicle rentals & laundry service available on request.

Contact: Ethel Ollivierre Port Elizabeth, Bequia Tel: 784-458-3889/3316 Fax: 784-458-3889 e-mail: hibiscusapts@vincysurf.com

Ocean Breeze House You'll be swept away by the beauty of this spacious, secluded, hillside villa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dramatic views, cool breezes, lush tropical gardens, large salt-water pool and sun terrace with mini bar and BBQ. There is a wide, covered terrace for outdoor dining and steps from the house lead to a relaxing Jacuzzi overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Can be rented as a 2 or 3 bedroom villa. Regular maid service and high speed Internet included.

Tel/Fax: 784-457-3092 e-mail: limehouse@bequiavilla.com www.bequiaholiday.com

Sugarapple Inn Eight charming and spacious studio apartments set on a gently sloping hillside, amidst beautifully landscaped shady gardens, refreshing breezes and panoramic views overlooking Friendship Bay and the Grenadine Islands beyond. The apartments are all airconditioned and tastefully furnished, each with a soothing dĂŠcor, modern amenities, cable TV and fully equipped kitchens. Bed and Breakfast plan also available. Friendship Bay Beach is just a short stroll away.

Tel: 784-457-3148 e-mail: info@sugarappleinn.com www.sugarappleinn.com

Lime Cottage & Lime Studio A 2-bedroom/2-bathroom cottage, and onebedroom studio. Wonderful hilltop location with amazing views, set in beautiful tropical gardens with large pool, sun terrace and BBQ. Very private and secluded - cool & comfortable. Spring, Industry and Park beaches are close by, along the lovely coastal walkway.

Tel/Fax: 784-457-3092 e-mail: limehouse@bequiavilla.com www.bequiavillas.net

Sea Shells Apartments This is where the holiday starts!

Self catering serviced apartments designed for Caribbean living, with great views of Admiralty Bay. On-site wading pool and sun deck in a lush landscaped setting. 15 minutes stroll to two beautiful beaches and the waterfront restaurants. Make Sea Shells your holiday home while you discover the hidden secrets of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. E-mail them for a brochure.

Tel: 784-458-3656 e-mail: seashellsbq@vincysurf.com http://bequiaseashells.com

Villa Alamanda Modern 3-bedroom/3-bathroom villa in superb Mount Pleasant location with fabulous views from the pool deck over the Admiralty Bay. Fully equipped, modern kitchen, washing machine, cable TV, Internet, ceiling fans, large BBQ on the pool deck, ice machine. Jeep rentals can be arranged. Mount Pleasant, Bequia Cell: 784-493-0014 e-mail: kingsville@vincysurf.com or kingsville@karibcable.com

The Nest Treetop and The Nest are two charming, fully furnished, one-bedroom apartments, each with its own deep wrap-around verandah. The view of the harbour and Admiralty Bay is special. Easy walk to Port Elizabeth, restaurants and Lower Bay beach. Cool and very comfortable. Contact Elen Tel: 784-458-3667 e-mail: treehouse@vincysurf.com

SpringTop The way life should be. Beautiful hillside villa in Spring on Bequia, wrap-around verandah, pool and lovely gardens. Spectacular ocean and island views. Ultimate privacy and seclusion. Two bedrooms with private baths.

Tel: 207-784-8307 e-mail: nanholler@aol.com www.SpringTop.com

The Village Apartments One & two bedroom cottages, deluxe studio & one bedroom apts., all with metered a/c, fully equipped kitchenettes, TVs, radios, private bathrooms, room safes, room telephone, fans & maid service. 2 minutes to the beach, restaurants and dive shop facilities, 8 mins. to town. Belmont, Bequia Tel/Fax: 784-458-3883 or Tel: 784-458-3885 e-mail: tvabqsvg@vincysurf.com or http://villageapartments.bequia.net

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The Mustique Experience “For me the appeal of Mustique lies in its contradictions. It’s sophisticated yet natural, Caribbean casual yet Upper East Side elegant, endlessly social yet perfectly private.”

Tommy Hilfiger

The pretty gingerbread fretwork of the Treasure Boutique in Mustique Fanny Terrer/Irie Images

mustique Mustique is an exclusive 1,400 acre island located in the southern Caribbean with lush rolling terrain cooled by gentle trade winds, surrounded by pristine white beaches and crystal clear aquamarine waters. This private island is owned and operated by the Mustique Company, comprised of shareholders and villa owners from 17 countries dedicated to protecting the island’s natural beauty, tranquillity and privacy. A controlled development plan dictates that the island currently has one hundred private residences. Mustique is such a peaceful island - you may find yourself totally alone on its white sand beaches, and even renowned spots such as lovely Macaroni Beach remain tranquil and uncrowded. Apart from a large plain in the north the island is essentially composed of seven valleys each with a white sand beach, and wooded hills that rise to a height of 495 feet. The only anchorage in Mustique is Britannia Bay, which is also where the public jetty and wharf are located. There is a Mooring Fee EC$200 (US $75) for up to three nights. There is no charge for yacht charterers to go ashore. Mustique is a port of entry to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Customs and Immigration are located at the airport. Mustique Moorings (call VHF 16/68) control the 28 moorings. Vessels carrying more than 25 people are prohibited. Rental jeeps, ‘mules’ (heavy-duty golf carts), motorbikes and mountain bikes are available from Mustique Mechanical Services (Tel: (784) 488-8555). There are a few taxis available in Lovell Village and at the airport. Nature walking and equestrian trails are in abundance and a great way to experience the island at your leisure. The Equestrian Centre has horses to suit every riding level and offers treks up into the hills, or rides through the surf on a white sand beach. There is a clinic across from the airport with an on-call doctor available (Tel: 488-8353). With a harbourfront focal point, Lovell Village is the commercial heart of the island. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be purchased from Stanley Junior’s stall on the waterfront and groceries can be bought at Corea’s Food Store and the Mustique General Store. The French-run Sweetie Pie Bakery is a fabulous place to stock up on baguettes, croissants and pain au chocolat. Basil’s Bar & Restaurant is just across the road. The annual Mustique Blues Festival is held every year in late January/early February at the bar.

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Mustique

Zénon

Beaches & Anchorages

Britannia Bay is home to the world famous Basil’s Bar

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Britannia Bay – Although rather choppy, Britannia Bay is the only suitable anchorage in Mustique. The water is sparkling clear and is wonderful for snorkeling and swimming. Take care entering by boat as the Montezuma Shoal (just west of the bay) is quite hazardous. There is a red and black beacon on the reef, stay at least 1/4 of a mile away. Macaroni Bay – One of the most popular beaches on the island. There is a covered picnic area here and the swimming is delightful. Pasture Bay – A long, sweeping white sand beach with crystalline waters. Because of dangerous undercurrents, swimming here is prohibited. Endeavour Bay – Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Gelliceaux Bay – This is one of the ten marine conservation areas in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. These areas are important marine habitats set aside for special management. The snorkeling here is sublime. L’Ansecoy Bay – This wide beach is located at the north end of the island. Offshore lies the jutting hulk of the French liner, Antilles, which went aground in 1971. Lagoon Bay – If you follow the southward road out of the village and then the shoreline path, you will happen upon this delightful beach with perfect swimming conditions.

Mustique Cotton House Tel: 784-456-4777 Fax: 784-456-5887 e-mail: reservations@cottonhouse.net www.cottonhouse.net An elegant resort of understated sophistication and exotic ambiance, featuring 17 luxury accommodations captured within the tropical surrounding of lush gardens and the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The Beach Café offers al fresco dining only footsteps away from rolling surf. Join them for lunch, cocktails or a gourmet BBQ dinner on Saturdays. The Veranda Restaurant is the only gourmet restaurant on Mustique, serving creative local and international cuisine. The decidedly cozy Great Room offers Asian-infused tapas and a large selection of new and classic tropical cocktails. Visit their full service Spa featuring ESPA & Signature treatments.

Basil’s Bar & Restaurant Tel: 784-488-8350 VHF 68 e-mail: basils@vincysurf.com

Celebrating 35 years of service in Mustique

www.basilsbar.com

Named one of the World's Ten Best Bars in 1987 by Newsweek, Basil’s Bar in Mustique still lives up to that reputation. Recently renovated, the new face of Basil's Bar is all that and more: offering fresh seafood, lobster in season, steaks and the best beef burger in the Caribbean! Now equipped with Wi-Fi, you can enjoy sunset cocktails and catch up on the web. Basil's is home of the only Blues Festival in the Caribbean. Mustique Blues Festival 2012 takes place from January 25th to February 8th. Breakfast service begins at 8am. Lunch 11am-6pm, and Dinner 7:30pm until late. Come to Basil's for cocktails anytime, and plan to attend the Wednesday Night Jump Up and BBQ.

Basil’s Shops in Mustique Tel: 784-488-8407 VHF 68 e-mail: basils@vincysurf.com

www.basilsbar.com

Basil's Boutique: Has clothing from beachwear and T-Shirts, to elegant island evening wear. Sunglasses, jewellery and postcards. Basil's Great General Store: There is nothing general about Basil's Great General Store. Bountifully stocked with fine French wines, cheese from Europe, gourmet jams and sauces. Imported cigars and an unusual collection of books. Fine foods in Paradise. Across Forever: Featuring antiques from Bali and India, Across Forever also has a magnificent collection of furniture from Asia and beyond, contemporary pieces, home furnishings, fabulous lighting accessories and more. Shipping is easily and efficiently arranged.

Wind and Sea Bougainvilla, Clifton Harbour, Union Island Tel: 784-458-8344/8678 Cell: 784-493-3128 e-mail: windandsea@vincysurf.com www.grenadines-windandsea.com www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com Established in 1984 and located in the heart of Clifton Harbour at Bougainvilla Hotel in Union Island, Wind and Sea offers day charters sailing throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadine islands. Guests can be collected from anywhere in SVG and taken to their choice of islands while being served drinks by the excellent staff. Lunch may be a buffet on board or on one of the islands. They are also port agents for several cruise ships in the Grenadines. Bougainvilla is a wonderful facility for yachtsmen, dock, water, ice, restaurant "L’Aquarium" serving fresh seafood everyday. Free Wi-fi service.

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The Canouan Experience

Canouan is the 3rd largest island in the Grenadines, shaped like a bird of paradise, it is an island of rolling hills, pristine beaches and spectacular scenery.

The villas at The Grenadines Estate offer luxury accommodation, with world-class golf at the spectacular, Jim Fazio designed, 18-hole championship Golf Course – one of the Caribbean’s most exciting and challenging courses, with breathtaking sea views from every angle–it is truly every world-class golfer’s dream Photo: Keith Miller

Canouan In the heart of the Southern Grenadines lies a true gem - Canouan Island - the Caribbean’s newest luxury destination. Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered. Sweeping bays play host to spectacular beaches that embrace each contour of this bird of paradise-shaped island. Islanders fish the abundant waters in traditional wooden boats, harvesting prize catch-of-the-day of tuna, parrotfish, and grouper. Underwater aficionados from every outpost of the world confirm these waters contain the finest coral conditions in the Caribbean.

A Brief History Set in the middle of the Grenadine archipelago, Canouan is an island of only 5 square miles. Like its sister islands, Canouan’s first settlers (circa 3000 BC) were a nomadic people from South America collectively referred to as the Ciboney. The next wave of migrants were the Arawaks who arrived around 250 BC by canoe. They brought with them the rudiments of farming and established corn and cassava crops. Living as one with the land for over 1,500 years, the Arawak people of Canouan were brutally displaced by the invading Caribs (“Cannoun” is the Carib word for turtle). Possession of the Grenadines swung back and forth between the British and the French in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1770, King George III granted Canouan to five families – Brisbane, Decato, DeCazeau, Patrice and Snagg.

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Canouan

Aerial view of Canouan’s northern coastline looking south towards Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and Union Island in the distance

The Snagg brothers cultivated sugar and gradually accumulated lands until they held 1,700 of the 1,830 acres. When the price of sugar plummeted they switched to the cultivation of cotton. Wind-driven cotton gins were built at Carenage, Barbruce and Rameau. One of Snagg’s sons invited the British shipwright, Benjamin George Compton, to teach boat building techniques. These boats became the basis for the whaling trade that was established in the Grenadines. After the hurricane of 1921 destroyed the village on the northern side, the island was re-settled in Charlestown which provided greater shelter. In the mid-1990s, 800 acres on the northern side, where the original village stood, were sold to an Italian consortium (Canouan Resorts Development Ltd.), who created a luxury resort and international golf course. The developers recognised the needs of the local community and visitors to the island and many modern amenities have been added since 1996 which include paved roads, electrical power, water production, a clinic, commercial jetty, new fisheries complex, early education facilities and a technical training school. They have recently announced a revised development plan for Canouan that will see in excess of $100m invested in the island over the next 3 years to include the building of a new boutique ultra-luxury hotel and the commencement of the Glossy Bay Marina on the southern part of the island.

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General Information Flights: The Canouan Jetport is serviced by SVG Air, Mustique Airways, Grenadine Air Alliance and Canouan Aviation. There are scheduled flights from Barbados, St. Lucia and Grenada on Mustique Airways and SVG Air. Water & Land Taxi Services: Readily available on VHF 16. Canouan Handling Service and Jus Once Taxi Service Tel: 784482-0674, 784-482-0095 or 784-458-8601. They offer an on-land taxi service, sell phone cards, take bookings and provide flight tickets for SVG Air. Customs and Immigration: Located at the airport. Banking: Bank of St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tel: 784-4524174. They are open 8am to 2pm Mon. - Wed. & Fri., and 8am to 5pm on Thurs. Telephones & Internet: Wi-Fi is available at Lime, Adonal Foyle’s Bar, Canouan Resort and Tamarind Beach Hotel. Cell phone supplies are available from Lime. Medical Facilities: The Canouan Health Centre, with a full time doctor and nursing staff, is located in Retreat Village. They are open Mon. - Fri. 9am to 5pm and on weekends for emergencies only - Tel: 784-458-8305. Shopping and Services: Groceries can be purchased from: Dawles Cheapside Grocery - Tel: 784-482-0674 or e-mail: macgif@hotmail.com

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Canouan

Dan Christaldi

Yacht Services & Supplies: Crewed luxury yacht charters are available at The Moorings Base, located in Charlestown Bay - Tel: 784-482-0653. Their fleet consists of monohulls and catamarans ranging from 36’ to 52’, all meticulously maintained. Marcus (better known as ‘Iceman’), for ice, gas, moorings and water and he will also try to assist in other ways. Call VHF 16 or telephone his home 784-458-8375. Diving: Canouan Dive Centre is located at The Moorings complex. There is also a dive shop at Tamarind Beach Hotel. Garbage: There is a collection system on Canouan on Tuesdays and Fridays so you may leave your garbage in the bins provided. There are strange currents in the bay so don’t even throw a banana skin overboard. A mile-long coral reef runs along the eastern shore and is home to a colourful kaleidoscope of sea life

Beaches & Anchorages

Canouan Foods Ltd. - Tel: 784-482-0679/593-3364 or e-mail: canouanfoods@gmail.com Rebecca’s Place - Tel: 784-458-8024 or e-mail: mistert1930@cwblackberry.net There is a lovely little boutique at the Tamarind Beach Hotel, and in the village there is Bare Necessity and Teddy T’s. Hardware is available at K&W Supplies. Spas/Salons: Tamarind Beach Hotel Spa - Tel: 784-458-8044 offers a wonderful selection of therapeutic massages. Diane’s Hair Salon offers manicures, pedicures and facials Tel: 784-432-6809.

Charlestown Bay (also known as Grand Bay) is the main anchorage and location of the village. Enter between the red and green markers. Marcus (Iceman) offers moorings for rent (contact him on VHF 16 or through Tamarind Beach Hotel). There is a ferry dock in the bay and a dinghy dock off the Tamarind Beach Hotel. Rameau Bay, just north of Charlestown, is a gorgeous, quiet anchorage but may require two anchors – good snorkeling around the rocks. Further north is Corbay, the most sheltered anchorage and a great location for snorkeling or diving. There is a glorious beach at Maho Bay in the north, and Friendship Bay in the south also offers good snorkeling.

Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club Tel: 784-458-8044 Fax: 784-458-8851 e-mail: info@tamarind.us www.tamarindbeachhotel.com

A lively beachfront oasis with 40 seaside hideaways on a long white sand beach. The “Palapa Restaurant” offering Italian and West Indian cuisine and the “Pirate’s Cove” for light fare, live music and dancing. Beach bar, water sports, boat trips and massage facilities. On site PADI dive facilities. Day rooms and Wi-Fi available - check with front office.

The Moorings Toll free: 1-800-535-7289 Tel: 1-727-535-1446 St Lucia: 758-451-4357 Canouan: 784-482-0653 Grenada: 473-534-5162 www.moorings.com Experience a level of quality, service, and attention to detail that has made The Moorings the world’s leading charter sailing company for over 37 years. Their yachts are custom-designed by the world’s top manufacturers to meet their standards for comfort and ease of handling. Monohulls or catamarans from 36’ to 52’, all meticulously maintained, are available worldwide from over 30 exotic destinations. The Moorings base on Canouan is the perfect departure point, putting you right in the heart of the amazing Grenadines. And, the full service travel agency makes planning a breeze. It’s no wonder The Moorings is known for providing “The Best Sailing Vacations in the World!”

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The Tobago Cays Experience The Tobago Cays are considered the most scenic anchorage in the Grenadines and, for many people, the entire Caribbean. Some 94% of Mayreau remains completely natural, absent of buildings or roads. Instead, nature trails lead visitors through the low canopy forest, which is abundant with fauna and flora.

The Mayreau Experience

Dolphins swimming alongside the boat en route to the Tobago Cays from Bequia

Picnicking in the Tobago Cays

Keith Miller

You can swim with the turtles in the Baradal Turtle Sanctuary in the Tobago Cays Marine Park Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive

Jamesby in the Tobago Cays with Union Island in the distance Dan Christaldi

Tobago Cays Marine Park The Tobago Cays are a cluster of five tiny, uninhabited cays collectively sheltered from the open sea by the appropriately named Horseshoe Reef considered to be the most scenic anchorages in the Grenadines and, for many people, the entire world. The Tobago Cays Marine Park is located just a short boat ride from Palm Island, PSV, Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island and is also easily accessible for day trips from Bequia, Mustique and St. Vincent. It encompasses nine islands, including the five uninhabited islands of the Tobago Cays, namely Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby, plus the populated island of Mayreau as well as Catholic Island, Jondall and Mayreau Baleine. The highlights include Catholic Rock Bird Sanctuary: Various sea-bird nesting and roosting colonies can be observed from a boat, ideally using binoculars or telescope, or photographed with a good zoom lens. Purunia Wreck: This wreck of a 140-foot World War I British gunship that sank in 1918 just off the western coast of Mayreau offers a good opportunity for scuba divers. Mayreau Gardens: An excellent Coral Reef with lots of fish and colourful sponges for viewing by scuba divers. Horseshoe Reef: Snorkelers can visit this outstanding coral reef with an abundance of fish and coral inside the reef, while scuba divers can explore the magical world on the ocean side. Baradal Turtle Sanctuary: This is a protected area, designated by marker buoys, where snorkelers can observe green and hawksbill turtles foraging freely. Petit Tabac: This isolated beach and wild tropical garden was the location where the desert island scene in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearlâ&#x20AC;? was filmed. Petit Bateau, Jamesby and Petit Rameau: Each of these delightful small islands offer surprisingly interesting hiking trails with an abundant variety of tropical flora, including bromeliads; as well as fauna such as iguanas, hermit crabs and birds. They also provide excellent panoramic views of the Grenadines. With shady areas and picnic tables, Petit Bateau provides the perfect picnic spot! All visitors to the Tobago Cays Marine Park are required to pay user fees according to the purpose of their visit; including visitors on private yachts, charter yachts, cruise ships, dive boats, who pay EC$10 per person and $5 for children aged 12 and under. The rate for a Yacht Mooring is EC$45 for 24-hours. The Tobago Cays Marine Park, Phone: 784-485-8191 e-mail: tcmp191@hotmail.com

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The Mayreau Experience Some 94% of Mayreau remains completely natural, absent of buildings or roads. Instead, nature trails lead visitors through the low canopy forest, which is abundant with fauna and flora. Saltwhistle Bay in Mayreau Christine Wilkie

Righteous Restaurant and Bar in Mayreau Village Christine Wilkie

The Roman Catholic Church in Mayreau Village Dan Christaldi

Saltwhistle Bay in Mayreau Christine Wilkie

Mayreau Unique among the Grenadine islands for their FrenchCatholic heritage, the people of Mayreau are also unique in their traditional community-spirited way of life. On this island which has no airport, a single unnamed village, one road, no bank, rain-caught drinking water and superb white-sand beaches, where electricity was introduced in 2003, you will find a unique small island society. The mail boat, which comes six days a week bringing supplies, provides affordable transport for residents to and from St. Vincent and the other Grenadine islands. Although the village does cater to visitors, with several bars, restaurants, shops and Dennisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hideaway Guest House, it is still essentially a relatively untouched, traditional fishing village. There are nature trails for hiking in the bush with local guides and there is a profusion of wildlife and harmless reptiles that include iguana, tortoise, tree frog, ground lizard and the beautiful boa snake. Of the many bird species, the most striking are the mockingbird, bananaquit, cuckoo and tiny hummingbird. Seabirds, specifically frigate, pelican and gull, are everywhere. There are many beautiful beaches in Mayreau. Magnificent and tranquil Saltwhistle Bay is where the small resort by the same name is spread out under the palm trees. Saltwhistle Bay is a favourite anchorage of many sailors, scoring high points for calmness. A couple of new locally owned beach bars recently opened there as well. There are many reefs east of the island, so travel in good light and study the charts carefully. Saline Bay in the south, with its nearly mile long, white sandy beach is very popular with visitors. Tribu Resort, a new villa development, is being built on a beautiful west coast beach located between Saline Bay and Saltwhistle Bay comprising 9 luxury villas, a small number of suites, a restaurant and a club house. The developer, Canadian Chris MacLean, has carefully planned a resort that will blend into the surrounding landscape. The people of Mayreau are pleased to have a project of this calibre that they feel will enhance the small unspoilt island. Besides the nature trails and beautiful beaches, one of Mayreauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main attractions is undoubtedly the small stone-built Roman Catholic Church located on a hill above the village. Built in 1929 and blessed by a Belgian Benedictine monk, it affords one of the best views in the Grenadines. Do not dispose of your garbage in Mayreau, there is no dump here. Do not give it to anyone to dispose of for you either, it will only end up in the sea or strewn elsewhere.

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The Grenadines Experience

Lying well off the regularly trodden tourist path are the pristine, private island resorts of Petit St. Vincent and Palm Island in the Southern Grenadines, and Young Island lying 200 yards off St. Vincentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern shoreline.

Barefoot elegance and unobtrusive attentive service have made PSV a favourite with travellers who enjoy the pristine beauty of this mildly sloped, lush garden of Eden, surrounded by over a mile of white sand beach and sparkling turquoise waters Mike Toy

private island hideaways St. Vincent & the Grenadines is home to three relatively small, pleasantly exclusive, private island resorts - Palm Island, Petit St. Vincent and Young Island - which often inspire travel writers from all around the world to reel off a succession of adjectives such as ‘idyllic’, ‘pristine’ and ‘blissful’. These resorts are similar in that they are true tropical island hideaways that can provide the ultimate in vacation relaxation; yet they differ by each having their own very distinct character. Palm Island is a 135-acre tropical paradise where an award winning ‘boutique resort’ has been harmoniously developed alongside an authentic nature reserve, complete with a mangrove lake and an abundance of birds, iguanas and other wildlife. Also blessed with some of the finest beaches and beautifully blue, clear seawater to be found anywhere, Palm Island is a rarely found, veritable sanctuary for regenerating a healthy body, mind and soul. Petit St. Vincent, or PSV as it is more familiarly called, is a tiny island with 22 newly renovated, private cottages scattered over its 113 acres of varied terrain. For most people the greatest appeal of PSV is what it does not have. There are no telephones, no television, no crowds and no casinos or cabarets. Not even room keys. Comfortable relaxation and secluded peace are paramount on PSV. Occupying a tiny island of just 35 acres, Young Island (see pages 62 and 63) is located a mere 200 yards from the southern shoreline of St. Vincent. Positioned so close to the mainland, yet still being a private island and comprising just 30 guest cottages, Young Island can offer the best of both worlds – easy access to the attractions of St. Vincent, combined with the luxurious tranquillity of a secluded hideaway.

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Petit St. Vincent

Petit St. Vincent A Very Private Island Secluded and unplugged, PSV is a tranquil private island paradise tucked away in the southern Grenadines, just 5 miles from the Union Island airport. Mentioned in 2011 by Andrew Harper as his favourite hideaway resort in the Caribbean, this unique private island caters to a discerning set of visitors, offering 22 newly renovated 1 and 2 bedroom cottages that provide the ultimate in privacy and luxury with no telephone or TV in the rooms. Guests simply hoist a yellow flag to summon room service (a waiter will appear in a mini-moke car) or a red flag to just be left alone. Barefoot elegance and unobtrusive attentive service have made PSV a favourite with travellers who enjoy the pristine beauty of this mildly sloped, lush garden of Eden, surrounded by over a mile of white sand beach and turquoise waters. With a new beach restaurant and spa, the island has undergone a complete renovation and is ready to welcome its repeat and new guests alike with a world-class cuisine infused by Caribbean flavours. The sheltered channel anchorage is popular with yachtsmen who can come ashore for the best frozen tropical fruit daiquiris, light lunches and evening bar snacks in the region. PSVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guests can enjoy a private picnic lunch or candlelight dinner anywhere on the island, indulge in non-motorized water sports or day trips to surrounding islands, and get pampered at the new hillside spa. For more information and booking details: Tel: (800) 654-9326 e-mail: info@psvresort.com www.psvresort.com

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Palm Island

Palm Island Palm Island is a 135-acre tropical paradise within the Grenadines archipelago that runs between St. Vincent and Grenada and it is easily reached via a 45-minute flight from Barbados to neighbouring Union Island, followed by an exhilarating 8-minute boat trip. When you stay at the idyllic Palm Island Resort you literally have an entire island at your disposal. For total relaxation, lazy days on Palm revolve around five superb white sand beaches, incredibly blue, calm sea that offers truly perfect swimming conditions, interesting beachcombing, walks along nature trails, reading under shady palms or just snoozing in a hammock. For those who prefer some activity, Palm offers complimentary tennis, croquet, table tennis, casual Palm Island style golf, cycling, shuffleboard and an array of non-motorized water sports. Palmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful Guest Services staff can also arrange memorable excursions to the Tobago Cays as well as scuba diving, saltwater fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing charters or a beautiful sunset sail. Elegant evenings on Palm traditionally begin with cocktails and hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres in the al fresco bar and end with delicious candlelit dinners in the Royal Palm restaurant.

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With a mangrove lake, lots of interesting birds and indigenous iguanas, a fascinating shoreline and close proximity to the worldfamous Tobago Cays marine park, Palm is a real haven for nature lovers. Consequently, great care has been taken to ensure the resort remains in harmony with its untouched natural surroundings. The 43 charming guest rooms have all been carefully designed to blend in with their island setting. Over half of them sit right on the edge of the beach, while others are situated in shady palm groves just steps from the sea. All of the rooms are air conditioned and elegantly appointed with custom bamboo furnishings and woven rattan ceilings; and equipped with kettles, coffee makers, mini-fridges, safes, hair dryers and comfortable cotton bathrobes. For guests in search of something different, Palm Island also offers two delightful 3-bedroom villas, one perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, offering complete privacy and spectacular views, and the other right on the beach. The all-inclusive Palm Island retreat includes three superb meals a day with a choice of two restaurants, daily afternoon tea, weekly manager's cocktail parties, top-shelf beverages and beach barbecues. Guest facilities include a boutique, a spa, a library, a satellite TV lounge, Internet access and a freshwater swimming pool.

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Where the World Stops to Relax... Recent winner of St. Vincent and The Grenadinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Leading Boutique Hotel by World Travel Awards 2009, Palm Island creates a world of unparalleled luxury and tranquility. Couples relax and recharge amid a Caribbean paradise of five secluded powder-soft beaches, swaying coconut trees and lush tropical gardens. While some prefer to simply lounge by waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge, others stroll panoramic hiking trails that show off indigenous flora and fauna, including exotic iguanas. Days can also be spent sailing, snorkeling, kayaking or exploring the surrounding Tobago Cays. As the sun sets, lovers savor romantic cruises, cocktails at the bar or dinner for two beachside. Two gourmet restaurants with outdoor dining serve up true island delights.

Palm Island Resort Tel: (784) 458-8824 reservations@palmislandcaribbean.com

www.palmislandcaribbean.com

The Union Island Experience Due to its dramatic volcanic landscape Union Island is often referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Tahiti of the West Indiesâ&#x20AC;?. Welcoming and full of local character, Union is in close proximity to the Tobago Cays, PSV and Palm Island, making it a wonderful place to spend a few days in the Southern Grenadines.

Magnificent Chatham Bay, on the western side of Union Island, has a long crescent shaped beach and some wonderful snorkeling opportunities Wilfred Dederer

UnionIsland Union’s dramatic landscape, tranquil shorelines and warm and friendly inhabitants make it a wonderful stop for yachtsmen, as well as escapists seeking a real “get-away-from-it-all” vacation. From here you can sail to Mayreau, the Tobago Cays, Petit St. Vincent and Palm Island in under an hour. Sitting in the midst of some of the best sailing and diving waters in the hemisphere, Union is a land of seamen and farmers. In 1940 Hugh Mulzac became the first black man to command a ship of the American Navy, the ‘Booker T. Washington’. The square in Clifton is named after this great son of Union Island. Many of the sailing vessels that plied the Caribbean basin and the Atlantic were crewed by the fine seamen of Union and indeed some of them were owned by Unionites. Settled around 1763 by the French and taken over shortly afterwards by the British, the first 150 years of Union Island’s history were dominated by hardship, with people often subjected to the whims and orders of the various owners of the island who produced cotton for export. The British Crown bought Union Island in 1910 and set up the Union Island Settlement Scheme which allowed the locals to buy the land in two and four acre lots. People then began to build new homes to replace the original straw-roofed huts. There has always been a blend of French and English elements in Union and this aspect is still quite evident today. There is a Roman Catholic Church in Clifton and an Anglican Church in the island’s second largest town, Ashton. However, the predominant culture is African, with a vibrant Maroon heritage. Big Drum Dances are usually performed at the Maroon Festival and at weddings. This unique culture has six dances: Nation Dance, Bongo Dance, Cheer-up Dance, Calendar Dance, Alleh Cut Dance and Ladders Dance. The traditional dish of Union is wangoo, made with home-ground corn and water. Wangoo pois is more sophisticated and made with coconut milk, fresh herbs and pigeon peas. Traditionally served with crab and callalou, it is a tasty tribute to the staples that sustained Union Islanders. Although thousands from this beautiful island have emigrated or sailed the seas and made their mark around the globe, many have come back to settle on their little piece of paradise with its flamboyant festivals, year round sunshine, big drum dancing, fresh fish and wangoo.

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Union Island

Wilfred Dederer

Clifton Harbour in Union Island with the new Jaden Sun Fast Ferry docked at the main jetty. The islands of Mayreau, Canouan and The Tobago Cays can be seen in the distance

General Information Information and assistance can be obtained from Mrs. Nicole Delpeche at the Tourism Bureau in Clifton - Tel: 784-458-8350 open Mon. to Fri. 9am - 4pm (Lunch 12noon - 1pm); or Erika's Marine at 784-485-8335. Ferry Services – Ferry services operate to and from St. Vincent, Bequia, Canouan and Mayreau with the MV Barracuda, MV Gem Star (schedule on page 17) and Jaden Sun, the new fast ferry (schedule on page 7). The ferry, "Jasper" makes regular trips to Carriacou every Monday and Thursday morning, returning in the afternoon. This also gives visitors an opportunity to catch the “Osprey” ferry in Carriacou to travel to Grenada if they so desire. Customs & Immigration – Clifton is the southern port of entry for customs clearance in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Customs is located by the main wharf in Clifton Harbour (open Mon. to Fri. 8:30am - 4pm) Tel: 485-8294, and at the Airport (open daily from 7am - 6pm) Tel: 458-8360. Immigration service for yachtsmen is now also offered in the Union Island Tourist Information Office Mon. to Fri. 9am - 4pm (Lunch 12 noon - 1pm). The immigration office is also at the airport. Banking – The Bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines is open Mon. to Thu. 8am - 2pm and Fri. 8am - 5pm. There is a 24-hr ATM machine. Medical Services - Union Island Health Centre, Clifton Hill, Clifton 784-458-8339; Harvey's Pharmacy, located on Back Street in Clifton, is available for medications and more 784-458-8596. Pharmacy hours are Mon. to Sat. 9am - 7pm (closed from 1pm - 4pm).

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The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Union Island Sightseeing

Beaches & Anchorages

The profile of Union Island with its peaks and ridges has often been compared to Tahiti. The most outstanding peaks are called Parnassus, the highest point on the island at 1,000 feet, and Mt. Olympus. There are some steep hiking trails through lush greenery where the effort is rewarded with some truly spectacular views of the entire Grenadines. While you need to be pretty fit to manage those climbs, there are plenty of less strenuous hikes such as walking over to Chatham Bay and through Campbell to the historical Basket Pond and Fort Irene. Union Island also has quite a good network of well-paved roads that can take you to good view points such as the old fort situated at the top of Fort Hill, some 450ft. above Clifton Harbour and built sometime in the 17th century. Visitors are welcome to join the Union Island Environment Attackers in turtle watching from 1st March to 31st July, or bird watching – contact Roseman Adams at 784-485-8082. To go on a sightseeing tour call Calvert Peters’ Taxi at 784-433-6002 - he has a 4-wheel drive open-air van. This can also be arranged through the Tourist Bureau at 784-458-8350. Water taxis too are a popular mode of transport and are available in Clifton Harbour. Call Erika’s Marine at 784-485-8335 and they will arrange a water taxi for you. Festivals - Easterval is Union Island’s annual cultural festival, a week of events held every Easter featuring music, a street party, parade, sporting events, beauty pageant, talent show, cultural performances and marvellous local cuisine. The Maroon Festival, held annually in May, celebrates the unique and vibrant culture of Union Island’s Maroon people through their music, dance and songs featuring the big drum and a variety of traditional dances.

Clifton Harbour is a small, busy port and the centre of the daychartering industry in the southern Grenadines. It is the most popular mooring in Union as it is within close proximity to the Anchorage Yacht Club, Bougainvilla Hotel, numerous restaurants and bars, provisioning services, hotels, guest houses and tourist information centres. When sailing in from the south, stay well clear of Grand de Coi. If approaching from the north, be sure to avoid Newlands Reef which protects the harbour. One of the first things you will see is Janti’s Bar on Happy Island, built out of discarded conch shells. Ashton Harbour and Chatham Bay are less crowded and far more secluded anchorages. Sun, sea and sand lovers will enjoy Chatham Bay with the flocks of Pelicans, excellent snorkeling, beautiful sunsets and stunning teal coloured water. A new bar and restaurant facility opened there in 2010, with a salt water swimming pool and a few cottages available for rent. When this project broke ground there, countless relics of the pre-European Indian settlers were unearthed and handed over to the relevant authorities. This part of Union Island has the only natural source of potable water from a small stream coming down from the mountain. Bigsand is a crescent-shaped beach on the east coast, where Gordon’s Beach Bar and Grill serves tasty lunches. Richmond Bay on the north coast is shallow and ideal for children. Other beautiful beaches in Union include Belmont and Campbell. For transportation to some of the island’s finest beaches call Calvert Peters Taxi at 784-433-6002.

Grenadines Island Estates Live the Caribbean dream; A dream you can believe • Private Islands for Sale • Oceanview/Beachfront Properties for Sale • Property Management • Luxury Beachfront Villa Rentals • Oceanview Cottage Rentals • Land evaluations/surveys Union Island. St. Vincent and the Grenadines www.grenadinesislandestates.com | email: info@grenadinesislandestates.com TEL: 1 (784) 485 8770. 1 (784) 593 1713. 1 (784) 497 1644

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

129

Union Island Bougainvilla Hotel

Clifton Harbour, Union Island Tel: 784-458-8678 / 8878 e-mail: windandsea@vincysurf.com www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com Bougainvilla enjoys an exceptional waterfront location in the heart of Clifton Harbour within easy walking distance to shops, local bars and restaurants along the harbour front. The hotel has 12 air-conditioned en-suite rooms with Cable TV and Wi-Fi – all tastefully decorated to provide the most comfortable experience for guests. The hotel’s restaurant, L’Aquarium, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the dock a small bakery serves sandwiches, Viennese pastry, crepes and ice cream throughout the day.

L’Aquarium Restaurant Bougainvilla Hotel, Clifton Harbour, Union Island Tel: 784-430-4088 / 458-8678 • caribbeandelicacy@yahoo.com www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com Under the new management of Sonia Duchesne, L'Aquarium is situated on the picturesque waterfront of Clifton harbour at the lovely Bougainvilla Hotel. Delicious contemporary cuisine is imaginatively prepared with the freshest ingredients and an accent on light and healthy dishes. Seafood lovers will relish the extensive selection of fresh local fish and seafood specialities including lambi (conch) and lobster. There is also pizza, an excellent selection of prime quality Argentine beef served with French sauces and a daily medley of garden-fresh salads and ice cream. Ask about their Sushi & Sashimi and Steel Band Jump-Up one night a week.

Mare Blu Boutique

Bougainvilla Hotel, Clifton Harbour, Union Island Tel: 784-494-8880 e-mail: marebluboutique@yahoo.com www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com Located in the Bougainvilla complex, the chic and elegant Mare Blu Boutique offers some of the best shopping in the Grenadines. Always freshly stocked with an outstanding selection of stylish resort wear–exquisite cotton sun dresses and beach cover-ups in gorgeous tropical hues; beautiful designer swimwear and beach accessories along with a vast selection of hats for ladies and gents, sandals, children’s wear, jewellery, souvenirs, cards, prints, books and sun products... all at affordable prices.

Grenadines Island Estates

VILLA RENTALS • LAND & BEACH FRONT PROPERTIES FOR SALE

Live the Caribbean dream... A dream you can believe

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The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Union Island By Day . . .

L’Aquarium

At Bougainvilla

L’Aquarium Restaurant

. . . or By Night

On the waterfront Clifton Harbour Union Island 784 430 4088 / 458 8678 caribbeandelicacy@yahoo.com www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com

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131

Union Island

Wind and Sea at Bougainvilla Wind and Sea, located at the Bougainvilla complex in Union Island, has almost 30 years experience sailing in the Grenadines. With a fleet of beautiful, sleek catamarans they offer two distinct services. First, as an agent and tour operator to cruise ships coming to the southern Grenadines, they arrange beach BBQ’s, beach cocktail parties, games or boat excursions to the neighbouring Grenadine islands. Secondly, they offer private day charters to the surrounding islands of Mayreau, the Tobago Cays, Palm Island, Canouan, Bequia, St. Vincent, Mustique, PSV and Morpion. Guests can be collected from anywhere between St. Vincent and PSV and sail to the destinations of their choice. These catamarans are great for stable and fast cruising, and their low draught enables them to cruise in shallower waters. Guests can relax on the spacious decks and soak up the sun as they cruise the crystalline waters of the Grenadines, exploring stunning coastlines and enjoying the tranquillity of deserted coves and bays. Snorkeling equipment is supplied and there is a fully stocked bar – lunch is either buffet-style onboard, or ashore in one of the islands. The experienced and friendly crew is constantly on hand to help make your cruise a truly memorable experience. Over-night charters are also available.

•Docking Facilities • Ice & Water • Laundry Service • Bakery• Tel: 784-458-8678/8878 Fax: 784-458-8311 e-mail: windandsea@vincysurf.com www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com www.grenadines-windandsea.com

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The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Explore the beautiful islands of St.Vincent and the Grenadines

Mayreau

Morpion Island

Ti Marouba

52 ft long catamaran Max capacity - 50 persons

Palm Island

Mustique

Bequia

Sun Spirit

AND

Canouan

Sky Flirt

62 ft long catamaran Max capacity - 72 persons

WIND

Tobago Cays

85 ft long catamaran Max capacity - 90 persons

SEA

Specialist in day - sailing charters www.grenadines-windandsea.com Bougainvilla • Union Island • Tel: 1784 45 88 344/678 • Cell: 1784 493 31 28 • windandsea@vincysurf.com

Union Islander

Meet a

Aubrey Hutchinson Truly an inspiration!

Sarah Tomlinson

by Sally Miller

Aubrey Hutchinson standing in a section of his small but very productive farm – appropriately wearing a “Live Strong” bracelet

134

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Aubrey Hutchinson is a master of the art of fishing. He goes out most days in his small rowboat and fishes with his hand line in the company of the countless Pelicans who also call Chatham Bay in Union Island their home. But what makes this fisherman so unique is that he has a very special technique for storing his fish until he is ready to make the trek to market. Aubrey carefully removes the hook from each fish he catches and keeps them alive in a pool of sea water in the bottom of his boat. Then, on arriving back at his mooring, he deftly places the day’s haul into his submerged fish-pot and keeps them there until he has enough to sell in town or fill the orders of householders around the neighbourhoods of Union. To appreciate the greater significance of this clever approach, you have to know that Aubrey Hutchinson is affectionately known on the island as ‘Dummy Aubrey’, because he is a deaf mute. And in the same manner that Aubrey has developed his own way of handling fish, he has also invented his own form of sign language. His customers, neighbours and friends communicate easily with him, but not with any kind of sign language that has been seen before. Living alone for as long as anyone can remember, Aubrey keeps an immaculate home and supports himself completely. He is an avid farmer, with flourishing fields of corn, sweet potato and pigeon peas; an orchard of mangos, limes, sugar apples, coconuts, bananas, paw paws and much more; as well as rearing goats, pigs and chickens. His hobby is playing cards, a pastime he excels at, and he has been the All Fours champion in several inter-island competitions. Aubrey Hutchinson is a shining example of a Unionite who has thrived in difficult circumstances and made the most of whatever challenging situations life has thrust upon him. He is an inspiration to all of us!

Union Island Erika's Land & Villa Agents Tel: 784-485-8335 Mobile: 784-494-1212 North America Tel: 416-848-7325 Fax: 784-485-8336 e-mail: realestate@erikamarine.com www.erikamarine.com/realestatesales When looking for land, whether for commercial use or to build that dream vacation or retirement villa, look to Union Island. A magnificent volcanic island set in the Caribbean Sea, unspoiled and peaceful, you will find it to be an idyllic location. Erika's is a full service realtor, providing legal services, land surveying and plenty of support to help ease the process, especially for foreign purchasers. Call them today, or check their listings online. Erika's has a wide range of excellent properties, just waiting for you to fall in love with.

Marine View Apartments Ashton, Union Island Tel: 784-526-3434 784-485-8400 e-mail: marineviewhotel@gmail.com Eight fully furnished, spacious, air-conditioned rooms with complete kitchen facilities, televisions, ceiling fans and a large porch. A variety of accommodation to fit any budget. These secluded and quiet apartments nestle between the hills of Union Island and the Ashton waterfront. Marine View is a perfect hideaway with wonderful views of Carriacou and Palm Island and the lush interior of Union. 8 minutes from the airport, shopping and restaurants.

Grand Union Supermarket Tel/Fax: 784-458-8178 e-mail: bantuadams@hotmail.com Union Island’s first supermarket is still going strong after 40 years in business. Conveniently located opposite the bank close to the ferry terminal in Clifton Harbour. The recently installed airconditioning makes for comfortable shopping at any time of day. Wines and liquor at great prices, fresh bread, Cadburys chocolates, fresh vegetables and fruit in season and a wide selection to meet all your grocery needs. They deliver to docks or Palm Island by boat. Open Monday to Saturday 6am-6pm. Closed for lunch. Open on Sunday 7am-12noon.

Grenadines Dive Tel: 784-458-8138 Fax: 784-458-8122 e-mail: gdive@grenadinesdive.com www.grenadinesdive.com Located at Clifton Harbour, Union Island, run by Naui instructor, Glenroy Adams - an efficient operation catering to small groups who like to be involved in planning their dives. Instructors are NAUI or PADI professionals - resort courses to full certification. Their “rendezvous service” collects you from your yacht and takes you to any of the countless dive sites. As one diver put it, “The dive sites I visited seemed untouched. On many days I dove with the dive master only. On crowded days I dove with six others. This is SCUBA at its best...I have dived in areas ranging from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, and from the Red Sea to Indonesia and beyond. The dive sites in your country rank on a world class level!”

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

135

Union Island

Christine Wilkie

The market in Hugh Mulzac Square and the many shops close by in Clifton Harbour, make Union Island a good place to shop in the Grenadines

Shopping & Services The main street of Clifton Village in Union Island is lined on either side with shops and businesses offering goods and services to visiting yachtspeople and guests in the southern Grenadines. The action is at its peak in the cool afternoons when the ferries arrive. People come down to the dock to collect their mail and various goods ordered from St. Vincent and catch up on the latest island news. When shopping for groceries in Clifton you’ll be surprised at the incredibly wide selection of high quality food items. An array of fresh fruit and vegetables is alwyas available from the brightly coloured market stalls across from Hugh Mulzac Square and about three minutes further along the main street. Fresh fish is sold at the fisheries next to the Customs. Fish can also be bought frozen

Captain Gourmet The grocery you are wishing for! Excellent choice and quality of products, such as daily made fresh yogurt, cheeses, baguettes and croissants baked on the premises, choice cuts of imported meat, European sausages and hams, plus a first-rate selection of wines, liquors and Cuban cigars. Delivery Services. Credit cards, Euros and USD accepted.

Clifton, Union Island Tel/Fax: 784-458-8918 e-mail: capgourmet@vincysurf.com www.capgourmet.com

136

from McIntosh Cold Storage located in Clifton, which is a one minute walk from the Post Office, heading towards Clifton Hill. For the tastiest pizza around, check out Marie’s Restaurant in Clifton Harbour. Pastries, fresh bread and crépes are sold on the Bougainvilla jetty, or at the small bakery next to the Clifton Harbour Jetty. Fresh Bread is also available at the Grand Union Supermarket from as early as 6:00 am in the morning, catering to the early risers. If you’re serious about stocking up, the shops will deliver goods to your yacht or villa if required. Captain Gourmet carries an excellent choice of quality grocery items, including imported meat and wines. Erika’s Marine provides wireless Internet and the use of their computers, marine services such as laundry, travel arrangements, customs clearance, a good book exchange service and DVD rentals.

L’Atelier Turquoise This refreshingly elegant gift shop features exclusive selections of arts and craft products from artists in the Grenadines and from around the Caribbean Islands. It is also the home of Annie-France’s “Gekko Jewels”, an ever changing collection of custom made jewellery, mixing silver, shells and stones in a wonderful Caribbean blend.

Caribbean Art & Craft Gift Shop Clifton, Union Island Tel: 784-458-8734 e-mail: anniefrance@vincysurf.com

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Kathy’s Kathy, the star, sells fresh fruit juices such as mango, banana, papaya, passion fruit, pineapple and mixed at the colourful open air market in Clifton Harbour. She also has a small boutique selling rasta lock hats, Caribbean dolls and many colourful local gifts. Leading prices for fruits and vegetables.

Cilfton Harbour, Union Island Tel/Fax: 784-528-0926

Union Island

King’s Landing Hotel Ideally located on the picturesque waterfront of Clifton harbour, where guests always enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Room amenities include: private balcony, A/C, cable TV, hair dryer, refrigerator, hot & cold shower and coffee maker. Enjoy the outdoor fresh water swimming pool and take in the spectacular views of the neighbouring Grenadines isles.

Clifton, Union Island Tel: 784-485-8823 kingslandinginn@vincysurf.com www.kingslandinghotel.com

Unitech Marine Services They repair diesel engines and outboard marine engines. Services offered include welding, fiberglassing, electrical repairs, yacht and fishing supplies, including lovely carved handpainted fishing lines for children and adults. Yamaha dealer. Facilities available for the refilling of camping gas (international bottles) and they can also source parts for Volvo, Yanmar, Perkins, etc, within 24 hours. French and English spoken. Owner run by Laurent & Elodie.

Marie’s Restaurant Ciao Pizza For 3 years, Ciao Pizza – created by Maurizio and

Airport Road, Union Island Tel: 784-485-8002 Cell: 784-527-4635 e-mail: unitech@vincysurf.com

Tel/Fax: 784-430-8630 e-mail: ciaopissaunion@yahoo.fr FB: ciao marie

Marie, Italian-French-Caribbean Chefs – has been offering great Italian pizza, pasta, lasagne, salad, as well as seafood such as shrimp, fish filet, carpaccio, ceviche and smoked Marlin. Come and surprise yourself... Open 7/7 to serve you. Take away Pizza and Lasagne.

Lambi’s Rest’t & Bar

Lambi’s Guest House Located right on the seafront in the heart of Clifton Harbour, Union Island with Lambi’s Supermarket and Lambi’s Restaurant and Bar downstairs. All rooms are ensuite, with cable T.V., airconditioning and fans. Some rooms have a small fridge. Rates start at EC$95 for a double and EC$75 for a single.

Clifton, Union Island Contact Lambi Tel: 784-458-8549

Unity Shoe Shop Agustine Douglas a.k.a. Jah Watcher made all of St. Vincent & the Grenadines proud in 2003 when he won a Gold Quality Award from Century International in Geneva, Switzerland. His beautifull shoes and belts are made from local leather and will last a lifetime . Augustine enjoys a wide clientele of repeat customers but he says that the love and pride in what he does is his real joy.

Clifton Harbour, Union Island Tel/Fax: 784-458-8448

Lambi’s Supermarket ‘Lambi’ runs a multi-faceted operation. A variety of merchandise including fresh eggs, chicken, pork and beef from his farm, fresh bread baked daily, beer, soft drinks, wines and spirits, groceries and general hardware. Groceries can be delivered to your boat within Clifton Harbour for no extra charge. Lambi has his own dock offering water, ice, diesel, gas, electricity, wholesale drinks and water by the case. His new garbage boat collects for a charge of EC $1 per bag. Visa & MasterCard accepted. Open 7 days per week, 8-6pm.

Clifton, Union Island Contact Lambi Tel: 784-458-8549

Calvert Peters’ Taxi

Calvert Peters provides tours of Union Island for up to 12 people in his comfortable four wheel drive van with sides that come down in case of rain. Honest, polite and very friendly, Calvert has lived in Union for most of his life and knows all the lovely beaches such as Chatham, Campbell, Richmond and Belmont. Calvert does all the tours for Bougainvilla’s guests so you can find him just nearby the Fisheries wharf.

Clifton Harbour, Union Island Tel/Fax: 784-433-6002

In season (Nov-May) there are 3 daily buffets: breakfast (EC$30), lunch (from EC$45) and dinner (EC$50). Steelband jump-up and limbo dancing every night. Free dinghy pick-up in Clifton Harbour & Palm Island. Captain’s dinner and welcome drink is free with a group of 6. Dinner buffet includes a selection of 50 dishes – fish, chicken, lambi (conch), pork, beef, lobster, shrimp & crab. Also a variety of salads and desserts. Try a special Lambi’s cocktail such as a “Hurricane”, “Jump-up”, rum punch and other favourites. Dinghy dock with ice, water, gas, diesel, laundry & garbage service. Mooring free to diners.

Clifton, Union Island Contact Lambi Tel: 784-458-8549

Twilight Eclipse Bar & Restaurant Union Island beauty queen, Miss Lotto 2008, Nekesha Adams welcomes you to her breezy and trendy little night spot right by the ferry dock. Their Eclipse Burger is known to be the best in Union Island but they also serve delicious crab backs, samosas and grilled chicken and fish. Nekesha sometimes entertains guests vocally!

Cilfton Harbour, Union Island Tel/Fax: 784-496-3070 e-mail: nekeshaadams@hotmail.com

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137

Adams Apartments

Barefoot Suites

Bay Hill Apartments

Beachcombers Hotel

Breezeville Apts. - Villa Lodge

Buccament Bay Resort

Canash Beach Apartment Hotel

Cobblestone Inn

Fairview Guest House

Fitnessquest Apt./Hotel & Health Club

Fort View Apartments

Grand View Beach Hotel

Grenadine House

Haddon Hotel

Hillside Apartments

Hotel Alexandrina

James Apartments

Kings Inn

Mariners Hotel

New Montrose Hotel

Oasis Argyle Resort Villa

OD’s Apartments

Paradise Beach Hotel

Phoenix Apartments

Richmond Vale Nature & Hiking Centre

Richview Guest House

Ridgeview Terrace Apartments

Rosewood Apartment Hotel

Sea Breeze Guest House

Seasplash Apartments

Sky Blue Beach Apartments

Sunset Shores Beach Hotel

The Bridge House

Tranquillity Beach Apt. Hotel

Tropic Breeze Hotel

Young Island Resort

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Indian Bay

Indian Bay Villa Kingstown

Indian Bay Queens Dr. Young Island

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this accommodation guide some information is subject to change without notice. Unless stated otherwise, prices shown are daily rates, double occupancy, quoted in US dollars and subject to local taxes and service charge.

M AP ME R R D 1 RA E C 6/ T 1 14 2 ES /1 2

IN T DE ER C R AP 15 AT R /11 ES 15 /1 2

AI L

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D TO IST AI AN R CE PO RT

E EL

5 mins

784-458-4656

784-456-4728

info@adamsapts.com

www.adamsapts.com

10 mins

784-456-9526/9334

784-456-9238

barebum@vincysurf.com

www.barefootyachts.com

5 mins

784-456-5419/4480

784-456-1301

contact@bayhill-apartments.com

www.bayhill-apartments.com

5-7 mins

784-458-4283

784-458-4385

beachcombers@vincysurf.com

www.beachcombershotel.com

5 mins

784-458-4641

784-457-4468

frontdesk@villalodge.com

www.villalodge.com

40-45 mins

784-457-4100

784-457-4200

bbr-reservations@buccamentbay.com www.buccamentbay.com

15 mins

784-493-3076

784-456-2658

info@canashbeachapartments.com

www.canashbeachapartments.com

$65 - $150

10 mins

784-456-1937

784-456-1938

cobblestone@vincysurf.com

www.thecobblestoneinn.com

$75 - $95

10 mins

784-453-1538/432-1411

caribbean.sun@hotmail.com

www.caribbeansunenterprises.net

$95 - $140

$80 - $140

5 mins

784-457-5898/492-7043

fittnessquest@gmail.com

www.fitnessquestsvg.com

$70 - $90

15 mins

784-451-2005

$40 - $45

5 mins

784-458-4811

784-457-4174

grandview@vincysurf.com

www.grandviewhotel.com

$175 - $215

$130 - $170

15 mins

784-458-1800

784-458-1333

stay@grenadinehouse.com

www.grenadinehouse.com

$170 - $230

$150 - $210

5 mins

784-456-1897

784-456-2027

haddonhotel@yahoo.com

www.newhaddonhotel.com

$95 - $185

5 mins

784-457-5134

784-457-4678

hillside@vincysurf.com

www.hillsideapartmentssvg.com

$60 - $115

12 mins

784-456-9788

784-456-9799

hotelalexandrina@aol.com

www.hotelalexandrina.com

$85 - $195

10 mins

784-457-8147/457/7157

7 mins

784-457-4086

kingba@aol.com

www.kingsinn-svg.com

$49

10 mins

784-457-4000 (SVG) (201) 855-4000 (USA)

frontdesk@marinershotel.com

www.marinershotel.com

$145

$125

newmontrosehotel@vincysurf.com

www.newmontrosehotel.com

$70 - $100

shirleypjones@vincysurf.com

www.oasisretreatsvg.com

$70 - $140

8 mins

fortview97@yahoo.com

784-457-4333

784-457-0172/527-3487 784-457-0213

$33 - $55

$90 + 10% (No SC) $90 + 10% (No SC) $55 - $65 Refer to Website $125 $1,774 - $3,354

$55 - $65 Refer to Website $100 $955 - $2,061

20 mins

784-458-0180

15 mins

784-457-5651

odsapts@yahoo.com/services@ods-apt.com

www.ods-apts.com

$60

5 mins

784-457-4795

784-457-4221

info@paradisesvg.com

www.paradisesvg.com

$80 - $110

$70 - $110

10 mins

784-457-9481

784-456-7677

phoenixsvg@yahoo.com

www.phoenixholapt.com

$42 - $63

5 mins

784-458-2255/492-4058

info@richmondvalehiking.com

www.richmondvalehiking.com

$25

784-482-9500/533-4137

richview06@yahoo.com

www.richviewguesthouse.com

7 mins

784-430-1015

784-457-5959

rojen@vincysurf.com

www.ridgeviewterrace.com

$50 - $70

5 mins

784-457-5051

784-457-5141

rosewood@vincysurf.com

www.rosewoodsvg.com

$86 + 20%

$82 + 20%

3 mins

784-458-4969

$35

10 mins

784-431-1085

784-451-2777

info@seasplashapartments.com

www.seasplashapartments.com

$60 - $110

10 mins

784-457-4394

784-457-5232

skyblue@vincysurf.com

www.skybluebeach.com

$70

5 mins

784-458-4411

784-457-4800

sunshore@vincysurf.com

www.sunsetshores.com

$120 - $180

$95 - $135

7 mins

784-457-1631

784-456-5402

bridgehousesvg@gmail.com

www.bridgehousesvg.com

$70

5 mins

784-458-4021

info@tranquillityhotel.com

www.tranquillityhotel.com

$65 - $75

5 mins

784-458-4618

784-456-4592

tropbrez@caribsurf.com

www.tropicbreezesvg.com

$75 - $90

8-10 mins

784-458-4826

784-457-4567

reservations@youngisland.com

www.youngisland.com

$532 - $1,222

$472 - $934

seabreezetours@vincysurf.com

Some hotels have peak periods within the Winter Season when rates may vary. A number of the hotels offer specials during the Summer Season - these rates are available on request. Please check with the individual property or the SVG Hotel & Tourism Association: Tel: (784) 458-4379, or visit their website at www.svghotels.com, for up-to-date information.

Bequia Belles House

Bequia Beach Hotel

Bequia Beachfront Villa Hotel

De Reef Apartments

Firefly Plantation Hotel Bequia

Francyn Villa

Frangipani Hotel

Gingerbread Hotel

⁎ . . ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ . .

. . .

. .

. . .

. . . . .

V LE

. . .

AC AC & F AC & F F

. . .

O -C

AC & F AC & F AC & F AC & F

E AT IV R P

. . . . . . . .

. . . .

. .

. . . .

ER AT W

. .

IL IT IE S

S RT

FA C

TI N

M EE

PO O L

AU ST

C VI ER

TE NN IS BA R

O N N EA BE R AC BE H AC H

# E PA G

ACCOMMODATION

AN /F

I AT

Lower Bay Friendship Bay Friendship Bay Lower Bay Spring

Lower Bay

. .

Admiralty Bay Admiralty Bay

Grenadine Escape

Rental Villas throughout SVG

Grenadine Island Villas

Rental Villas throughout SVG

HazECO Apts.

Hibiscus Apartments

Hope Bay Estate

Island Inn Apartments

Kingsville Apartments

Lime Cottage & Lime Studio

Ocean Breeze House

Sea Shells Apartments

Spring House Bequia

SpringTop Villa

Sugarapple Inn

Sunrise Cottage

Sweet Retreat Hotel

Tamarind Villa

The Nest & Treetop

The Village Apartments

Tropical Hideaway

Villa Alamanda

⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎

. . . . . . . . . .

. .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AC F AC AC & F AC & F F F AC & F AC & F F AC & F F

F F AC & F AC & F F

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lower Bay Port Elizabeth

Hope Bay Friendship Bay Lower Bay Spring Plantation Spring

Belmont Spring Spring Estate Friendship Bay La Pompe

Lower Bay Spring Bay Belmont

Belmont Bequia Estate Mount Pleasant

15 mins

784-570-1946/531-4142

10 mins

784-458-1600

5 mins

SU M A P ME R R D 1 RA EC 6/ T 1 14 2 ES /1 2

IN T DE ER C R AP 15 AT R /11 ES 15 /1 2

S EB

X FA

EM AI L

D TO IST AI AN R CE PO RT

E EL

info@belleshousebequia.com

www.belleshousebequia.com

784-458-1700

info@bequiabeach.com

www.bequiabeach.com

$225 - $900

$200 - $700

784-457-3423

784-495-4036

ftvhotel@surfbvi.com

www.bequiabeachfrontvillas.com

$522

$200

15 mins

784-458-3412/3484

784-457-3103

30 mins

784-458-3414

784-457-3305

15 mins

1-868-678-5115

10 mins

784-458-3255

784-458-3824

15 mins

784-458-3800

784-458-3907 ginger@vincysurf.com/info@gingerbreadhotel.com www.gingerbreadhotel.com

Check Website

Rates on Request Rates on Request stan@fireflybequia.com

www.fireflybequia.com

$495

$395

info@bequiaresort.com

www.bequiaresort.com

$200-$350

$160-$280

GM@frangipanibequia.com

www.frangipanibequia.com

$75 - $260

$60 - $180

$130 - $210

$75 - $155 Refer to Website

44-208-749-1157 (UK)

enquiries@grenadine-escape.com

www.grenadine-escape.com

Refer to Website

784-529-8046/455-0969 784-457-3739

grenadinevillas@mac.com

www.grenadinevillas.com

Rates on Request Rates on Request

hazeco@vincysurf.com

www.hazecoapartments.com

Refer to Website

784-457-8634/493-8633/4

hibiscusapts@vincysurf.com

15 mins

784-458-3316

15 mins

784-533-1600

10 mins

784-457-3433

784-457-3431

islandinn@vincysurf.com

15 mins

784-458-3932

784-458-3000

kingsville@vincysurf.com

20 mins

784-457-3092

20 mins

784-457-3092

15 mins

784-458-3889

delphine@hadleygardens.com

$55 - $85 www.hopebayestate.com

Refer to Website $45 - $65

Rates on Request Rates on Request $95 - $175

$85 - $150

www.kingsville-apartments.net

$145

$120

limehouse@bequiavilla.com

www.bequiavilla.com

$1,400/wk (Cottage) $1,100/wk (Cottage) $950/wk (Studio) $800/wk (Studio)

limehouse@bequiavilla.com

www.bequiaholiday.com

784-458-3656

seashellsbq@vincysurf.com

www.bequiaseashells.com

15 mins

784-483-0381

info@springhousebequia.com

www.springhousebequia.com

Refer to Website

20 mins

207-784-8307(USA)

nanholler@aol.com

www.springtop.com

Refer to Website

10 mins

784-457-3148

784-458-3985

info@sugarappleinn.com

www.sugarappleinn.com

784-457-3086/458-3782

784-593-3631 (Cell)

sunrisebequia@yahoo.com

www.bequia.net/sunrise

info@bequiasweetretreathotel.com

www.bequiasweetretreathotel.com

info@bequiatamarind.com

www.bequiatamarind.com

Refer to Website

treehouse@vincysurf.com

www.thenestbequia.com

tvabqsvg@vincysurf.com

$ 950/wk (Nest) $1,000/wk (Treetop)

$620/wk (Nest) $670/wk (Treetop)

www.villageapartments.bequia.net

Refer to Website

info@tropicalhideaway.com

www.tropicalhideawaybequia.com

$157

$129

kingsville@vincysurf.com kingsville@karibcable.com

www.villa-alamanda.com

$2,500 - US$4,000

15 mins

784-498-3921

20 mins

784-457-3232

10 mins

784-458-3667

10 mins

784-458-3885

20 mins

784-532-1690

30 mins

784-457-3041/493-0014

784-431-1470 (Cell)

784-458-3883

784-458-3000

$2,000/wk (2 couples) $1,500/wk (2 couples) $2,500/wk (3 couples) $2,000/wk (3 couples)

$90

$110 Refer to Website $130

$75

$80 Refer to Website $130

Some hotels have peak periods within the Winter Season when rates may vary. A number of the hotels offer specials during the Summer Season - these rates are available on request. Please check with the individual property or the SVG Hotel & Tourism Association (Tel: 784-458-4379, or visit their website at www.svghotels.com) for up-to-date information.

Petit St. Vincent Resort

Mustique

Firefly Hotel

. . ⁎

. . .

V LE

AC & F AC & F

. .

O -C

AC & F AC & F

E AT IV PR

. . .

. .

. . .

ER AT W

I AT

Palm Island PSV Island

Mustique Mustique

The Mustique Company

Mustique

Canouan

. .

. . . ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎

. . . .

Canouan Resort

Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club

Mayreau Saltwhistle Bay Club

IL IT IE S

S RT

FA C

Only Villas

. . .

TI N

M EE

TE NN IS BA R

AU ST

C VI ER

PO O L

Cotton House

O N N EA BE R AC BE H AC H

E PA G

Palm Island Resort

ACCOMMODATION

AN /F

Union Island Amerindi

Anchorage Yacht Club

Bougainvilla Hotel

Clifton Beach Hotel

Kings Landing

Marine View Apartments

The Islander’s Inn

. .

. . . .

. .

. . .

AC & F

. .

. . . . . . .

. . . .

AC & F

AC & F AC & F AC AC & F AC & F AC & F F

Canouan Canouan

Mayreau

. .

Big Sand Beach Union Island Clifton Bay Clifton Clifton Ashton

Richmond Bay

St. Vincent & Tourism St. Vincent

The SVGTA also has Information Desks at the following locations:

Ministry of Tourism & Industry Upper Bay Street, Kingstown St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tel: 784-457-1502 Fax: 784-451-2425 e-mail: tourism@vincysurf.com www.discoversvg.com

Tourist Information Desk E.T. Joshua Airport, Arnos Vale Tel: 784-458-4685

St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) P.O. Box 834, 2nd Floor, NIS Complex, Upper Bay St., Kingstown St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tel: 784-456-6222 Fax: 784-485-6020 e-mail: svgta@discoversvg.com www.discoversvg.com Note: Opening hours for the office of the SVGTA is Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm AST

Tourist Information Desk Cruise Ship Terminal, Kingstown Tel: 784-457-1592

Regional Offices: Barbados St. Vincent & The Grenadines Barbados Desk Grantley Adams International Airport Christ Church, Barbados Tel: 246-428-0961/246-233-8746

SU M AP ME R R D 1 RA EC 6/ T 1 14 2 ES /1 2

AI L

X FA

W IN T DE ER C RA AP 15 T R /11 ES 15 /1 2

D TO IST AI AN R CE PO RT

E EL

www.palmislandcaribbean.com

$935 - $1,365

$725 - $1,155

www.psvresort.com

Refer to Website

784-458-8824

784-458-8404 reservations@palmislandcaribbean.com

954-963-7401

954-963-7402

info@psvresort.com

5 mins

784-456-4777

784-456-5887

reservations@cottonhouse.net

www.cottonhouse.net

$830 - $5,000

$520 - $3,300

5 mins

784-488-8414

784-488-8514

enquiries@fireflymustique.com

www.fireflymustique.com

$950 - $1,200

$850 - $1,100

784-488-8000

784-488-9000

villarentals@mustique.vc

www.mustique-island.com

Rates on Request

15 mins

784-458-8000

784-458-8885

reservations@canouan.com

www.canouan.com

$3,245

$1,840

10 mins

784-458-8044

784-458-8851

reservations@tamarind.us

www.tamarindbeachhotel.com

$340

$260

15 mins

784-458-8444

784-458-8944

swbinfo@gmx.net

www.saltwhistlebay.com

$480

$360

10 mins

784-485-8447

784-485-8448

info@amerindi.com

www.amerindi.com

Refer to Website

Refer to Website $80 (Rooms) $100 (Cottages)

10 mins

2 mins

784-458-8221

784-458-8365

aycunion@vincysurf.com

www.anchorage-union.com

$ 100 (Rooms) $120 (Cottages)

4 mins

784-458-8678/8878

784-458-8311

windandsea@vincysurf.com

www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com

$120

3 mins

784-458-8235

784-458-8313

clifbeachhotel@vincysurf.com

www.cliftonbeachhotel.org

$138 - $186

$125 - $173

3 mins

784-485-8823

info@kingslandinghotel.com

www.kingslandinghotel.com

$83 - $127

8 mins

784-526-3434/485-8400

marineviewhotel@gmail.com

Rates on Request

5 mins

784-458-8745/527-0944 784-458-8745

theislandersinn@gmail.com

$90 - $120

$80 - $110

www.theislandersinn.com

Some hotels have peak periods within the Winter Season when rates may vary. A number of the hotels offer specials during the Summer Season - these rates are available on request. Please check with the individual property or the SVG Hotel & Tourism Association, Tel: 784-458-4379, or visit their website at www.svghotels.com for up-to-date information.

the Grenadines Offices Overseas Offices: United States 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, NY 10017 Toll free: 800-729-1726 Tel: 212-687-4981 Fax: 212-949-5946 e-mail: svgtony@aol.com

Canada 333 Wilson Avenue, Suite 601 Toronto, M3H 1T2 Toll free: 866-421-4452 Tel: 416-630-9292 Fax: 416-630-9291 e-mail: svgtourismtoronto@rogers.com

United Kingdom 10 Kensington Court London, W8 5DL England Tel: 207-937-6570 Fax: 207-937-3611 e-mail: svgtourismeurope@aol.com

St. Vincent & The Grenadines Hotel & Tourism Association (SVGHTA) P.O. Box 2125 E.T. Joshua Airport, Kingstown St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tel: 784-458-4379 Fax: 784-456-4456 e-mail: svghotels@vincysurf.com www.svghotels.com

Advertisers Index A

A Caribbean Wedding Action Bequia Anna Allegra Desio At Basil’s

85 80 2, 53 52

Bagatelle Restaurant 94 Barefoot Suites 62 Barefoot Yacht Charters 27, 28 Basil's Bar & Restaurant 58, 111 Basil’s Shops in Mustique 111 Beachcombers Hotel 66, 67 Beachcombers Restaurant & Bar 58 Belles House 104 Bequia Beach Hotel 100, 101 Bequia Dive Adventures 82 Bequia Photography by Wilfred Dederer 85 Books by Storm Halbich 53 Bougainvilla Hotel 130, 132 Breadfruit Recipes of SVG 65 Breezeville Apartments 69

C.K. Greaves Supermarkets Café Soleil Calvert Peter’s Taxi Canash Beach Apartments Captain Gourmet Caribbean Schooner Cruises Cobblestone Inn, The Cotton House

52, 53 56, 57 137 62 136 82 68 110, 111

Dawn’s Creole Beach Café 94 De Reef Apartments 101 Devil’s Table 96, 97 Digicel Inside Front Cover Discoversvg.com Outside Back Cover Dive Bequia 82 Doris' Fresh Food 89 Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge 59 Duncan, Silma 91

Erika’s Land & Villa Agents

23, 128, 135

Fantasea Tours Firefly Plantation Hotel Firefly Plantation Restaurant Firefly Plantation Tasting Tours First Citizens Investment Services Francyn Villa Frangipani Hotel, The French Verandah Restaurant Friendship Rose, The Friendship Rose Weddings

Gingerbread Restaurant Gourmet Food Grand Union Supermarket

144

Grand View Beach Hotel Grand View Grill Grenadine Air Alliance Grenadine Escape Grenadine House Grenadine Island Villas Grenadines Dive Grenadines Island Estates

64 58 9, 27 106 68 23, 105 135 23, 129, 130

Halbich, Storm 53 Happy Feet - Health Body Reflexology 83 HazECO Tours 46 Hibiscus Apartments 107 Hillside Apartments 69 Hope Bay Estate 104 Hotel Alexandrina 66

Indigo Dive & Watersports insandoutsofsvg.com

Jack’s Bar Jaden Sun Fast Ferry James Apartments Jeeves Group Julie Savage Lea Jump In Taxi Service

Kathy’s Kings Inn King’s Landing Hotel Kingsville Apartments Knights Trading

Lambi’s Guest House Lambi’s Restaurant & Bar Lambi’s Supermarket L’Aquarium Restaurant L’Atelier Turquoise L'Auberge des Grenadines LIAT Airlines Lime Cottage & Lime Studio

M 47 100 95 83 22, 23 105 101 56 5, 82 85

Mac’s Pizzeria & Bakeshop Mama’s Deli Mare Blu Boutique Maria’s French Terrace Marie’s Restaurant Ciao Pizza Marine View Apartments Mariners Hotel

94 51, 52 135

Oasis Art Gallery, The Ocean Breeze House Ottley Hall Marina & Shipyard Palm Island Resort Papa’s Bar & Bistro

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

47 11 96, 97 7 69 21 91 83 136 69 137 100 89 137 137 137 130, 131 136 92, 94 3 107 95 96, 97 130, 131 95 137 135 64, 65 91 107 29 124, 125 96, 97

Paradise Restaurant & Spa Petit St. Vincent

59 122, 123

Richmond Vale Nature & Hiking Centre 69 Richview Guest House 69 Ridgeview Terrace Apartments 69 Rosewood Apartment Hotel 66

SVG Air 27, Inside Back Cover SVG Hotel & Tourism Assoc. 1 SVG National Trust 39 Sail Relax Explore 5, 28, 82 Sam’s Taxi & Tours 46 Sapodilla Room, The 59 Scaramouche 46, 85 Sea Breeze Nature Tours 46 Sea Shells Apartments 107 Seasplash Apartments 62 Sky Blue Beach Apartments 69 Spring House Bequia 104 SpringTop Villa 107 St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. 51, 52 Subway 59 Sunrise Cottage 105 Sugarapple Inn 107 Sunsail 28, 29 Sunset Shores Beach Hotel 66,67 Sunset Shores Restaurant 56, 57 Sunset Tours Moke & Jeep Rentals 83 Sweet Retreat, The 100

Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club 114 Tamarind Villa 105 The Moorings 29, 114 The Nest 107 Tranquillity Beach Apartments 69 Tropical Hideaway 104 Twilight Eclipse Bar & Restaurant 137

Unitech Marine Services Unity Shoe Shop

Victorine’s Art Studio, Claude Villa Alamanda Village Apartments, The

137 137 91 107 107

Wilfred Dederer Photography 85 Wilkie’s 58 Wind and Sea 28, 111, 132, 133

Young Island

56, 62, 63

The Caribbean you’re looking for

Photo: insandoutsofsvg.com

From the lush greenery of St. Vincent to the beautiful white sands of the Grenadines, our unspoilt islands are the Caribbean you’re looking for. For more information please email: From Europe: svgtourismeurope@aol.com From US: svgtony@aol.com From Canada: svgtourismtoronto@rogers.com ST. VINCENT, YOUNG ISLAND, BEQUIA, MUSTIQUE, CANOUAN, MAYREAU, TOBAGO CAYS, UNION ISLAND, PALM ISLAND AND PETIT ST. VINCENT