A Secret Caribbean Paradise - Part One

Every time I come across another travel article about my favorite Caribbean island, I cringe. How much longer can my secret paradise stay secret? Not much. Go while you can. In 2011, an international airport is slated to be built nearby,which will mean hordes of tourists. So, how to get there now? Take a flight to Barbados or St.Lucia, then hop on a small puddle jumper for another hour. Yes, it's worth it. You'll land on a sliver of an air strip on the edge of a turquoise sea.
Your destination? Bequia (pronounced beck-way) a green mountainous jewel with sugary deserted beaches in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
If you like 5 star, all-inclusive-mega resort with non-stop action 24/7, this is not for you. There are no large hotels or resorts on this island paradise. It contains the last vestiges of an old fashioned, unspoilt Caribbean . You can stay at a little inn but I suggest renting a villa. They're surprisingly affordable. The locals(all 5000+) are genuinely friendly and before long, you'll feel like a local. You can rent a car or motor bike but it's so easy to get around, you don't need to. I walk almost everywhere. The local buses are mini vans like this and the local taxis are covered pick-up trucks.

What is there to do? As much or as little as you like. You can park yourself at any of several pristine beaches where a dozen people constitutes a crowd. Swim, snorkel, sail. Beachcomb, hike, bike...



Princess Margaret beach from one end (above) to the other end.
Downtown Port Elizabeth at rush hour
A local shop, sorry no Louis Vuitton ;-)
Try not to have too much fun or you'll wind up here.

Maybe you'd prefer to catch up on reading, shop for locally grown produce, herbs and spices at the Rastafarian market, dance to the steel drums and act five again at the Jump-up.
The pace is island slow and there's always time for a smile, a chat and a beer or my favorite, the local grapefuit pop named Ting. Even the cats are laid back.



Yachts from all around the globe, cluster around the harbor at Port Elizabeth, Bequia's capital.
The tourists are sophisticated but laid back. You don't have to 'dress' for dinner and don't be surprised if you rub elbows with celebrities. Nearby private island, Mustique, is crawling with them but that's another story for part two of this photo essay.
There are no slums on Bequia and because this island is self sufficient, there is little crime. I always feel safe at any hour in any place. There's no need to lock your door at night or worry someone will steal your camera on beach.

Homes and buildings on the island range from funky Rasta styles...

and traditional architecture including gingerbread Victorian, sweet little cottages,
and more luxurious villas...
I discovered Bequia twelve years ago. Although I've hopscotched through loads of other islands, Bequia remains my hands down favorite. If you are serious about visiting, send me a private message and I'll suggest places to stay etc.
To be continued...