Location: Bequia

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After the capital island of St. Vincent, Bequia is the largest of the thirty-two islands that make up the island state of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Known for friendly locals, crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches, Bequia presents a unique charm. With a relaxed pace and only six thousands inhabitants, the small island feels like a home from the moment you arrive where you will always be greeted with a warm hello as you walk along the street.

Bequia’s world-class beaches top the list of places to visit. The dry season, which typically ranges from December/January to late April/early May, brings clear, sunny skies, good sailing breezes, low humidity and minimal rainfall, making it the ideal time to visit. Enjoy the cool Caribbean breeze while venturing out and exploring the best places for unhindered island views. With endless activities to choose from, vacationers can enjoy the likes of snorkeling, scuba diving, trekking, boating or sailing, shopping and dining.

Engulf yourself in the Bequian culture by participating in the wide variety of activities available on the island. Spring-Top is your Caribbean island getaway affording breathtaking views of the island of St. Vincent. The Bequia Maritime Museum, located on the road from Port Elizabeth to Hamilton, offers an informative tour narrating how Bequia’s Scottish ancestors introduced the art of boat building. The museum also contains a selection of intricately fashioned model boats, including detailed replicas of historic vessels. Located on the northern end of Admiralty Bay, the ruin of Fort Hamilton, constructed by the British in the 1700s, includes fortification remains, cannons and a panoramic view of the bay.

One of the best ways to explore the mountainous island of Bequia is on foot where you can enjoy the beauty of the natural forest. If you are looking for a workout, hike Mount Peggy, or as the locals call it, “Ma Peggy,” which reaches nearly 900ft and takes roughly two to three hours to complete. The invigorating hike will not disappoint as camera worthy views await at the top, offering unmatched 360-degree views of the island overlooking Admiralty Bay down to the beaches of Lower Bay and Princess Margaret.

If you’d rather a day spent relaxing and lounging in the sun, visit Princess Margaret beach. The beautiful stretch of light-colored sand, framed by lush green hills and turquoise blue water, makes it the ultimate place to unwind and switch into vacation mode while enjoying the scenery. For great shopping, waterfront cafes and open-air markets, head over to Admiralty Bay or Port Elizabeth. To find a larger variety of shops, take a short ferry ride over to Kingstown.

Refuel after a sun-soaked day by heading to local favorite, Da Reef, for lunch where you can find seafood platters and cold drinks. Located on Lower Bay beach, Da Reef offers a wide variety of local dishes to satisfy everyone’s taste. For a snappy beach bar, visit La Playa to get locally renown organic beef burgers with homemade papaya chutney. The modern beach bar features a cabana overlooking one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. End your day with a visit to Fernando’s, a restaurant run by real fisherman, for a fresh seafood dinner.

The restored eighteenth-century Old Fort Historic Estate & Plantation is a great place to stay and relish in all that Bequia has to offer. Constructed with cobblestones and wood beams in the classic French-Mediterranean mansion-house style, it’s the only fully restored historic plantation in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The Old Fort is set high on the top of Mt. Pleasant and offers views overlooking the Grenadine Islands. The kitchen draws on fresh local produce and is famous for its fantastic cuisine with the restaurant, a wholly Shangri-La affair, that turns into a magical setting at night. This intimate, unique hotel is ideal for guests seeking a relaxed atmosphere, while being conveniently located to the best beaches and activities.

With daily direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, this hidden gem has never been easier to get to. The real working island gives visitors a feel of how the West Indies were before mass tourism. The perfect combination of relaxation and excitement, Bequia is the best place to make your home away from home.