Highlights

• Historic buildings converted to a luxury boutique.
• Dine on locally grown food and freshly-caught seafood.
• Secluded locale from the top of the mountain and to a private beach.
• Next door to over 600 acres of pristine Caribbean forest.

Background

Sugar Reef Bequia is a unique tourist experience in St. Vincent & the Grendadines. The small boutique hotel sits on an historic coconut plantation estate where time seems to slow down. This hotel is not for the typical resort traveler. (In fact they have a section on the website for who shouldn’t stay at the resort!) Guests must be at least 18 years old and have a desire to experience the Caribbean lifestyle as locals. The hotel was built 30 years ago as eco-luxury option for accommodations where guests can get away from the hustle and bustle of urban sprawl without “roughing it”.

Experience

It’s a little bit of a journey to get to the Sugar Reef Bequia but the voyage is well worth the trip. Most guests reach this secluded spot by yacht, ferry or small commuter planes from Barbados or other larger islands. Once I got to Bequia, it was a relaxing transfer ride through the coconut and fruit tree groves to the hotel. I was warmly welcomed by the hotel manager originally from the U.S., who gave a great orientation to Sugar Reef Bequia and the in’s and out’s of staying there.

Guests are split into two houses on opposite sides of the estate, the Beach House by the sea and the French House. I stayed in the French House which sits atop the coconut grove overlooking the beautiful reef-protected bay. The great house rests on the foundations of the 18th century French plantation house that inspired the name and the castle-like design.

There are only five guestrooms in the French House but each has their own charm, mine was the Master Suite which definitely lived up to the title. In addition to my airy bedroom with king-size bed, there was also a small second bedroom with a twin bed for a guest or just for napping. The massive whitewashed stone walls are accented by the deep colored mahogany furniture and windows. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of hidden luxury in my rustic room. There wasn’t any air conditioning in the room but I really didn’t need it with the sea breeze floating through the louvered windows. On one side of my room was the vibrant green of the Caribbean forest and the other side was a full view of the blue waters of Crescent Bay. A private terrace was available for lounging and there was complimentary wireless internet, iPod dock and sound system, bathrobes and a continental breakfast served on the common terrace every morning, though I opted to go to the main restaurant. The Honor Bar was an honor system where you list what you took from the minibar fridge.

At the Sugar Reef Bequia, healthy lunches and dinners are served at the Sugar Reef Café in the great hall of the Beach House. Only fresh local foods make it to the plate at the Café, even the coconut oil and milk are harvested from the grove on the estate. The Café is also a big supporter of the local fisherman and farmers who provide all the other ingredients not grown on the hotel grounds. Some of the favorites include dishes like Lobster Roti served with mango chutney and papaya black bean salsa; there are also plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and guests with gluten sensitivity. There are also over a dozen other restaurants and bars nearby for guests who want to explore the island.

Probably the biggest draw of Sugar Reef Bequia is the serene and secluded environment. There’s nothing quite like waking up to a symphony of ocean waves and bird songs. From the French House, a leisurely stroll through the fruit trees to the beach is a great way to start the day. Another options is the shuttle to the beach which runs all day.

There are plenty of activities available to guests. The great room of the French House is filled with books and games guests can take out onto the wraparound veranda. A Saline Pool is also reserved for the private use of French House guests. At the main house, bicycles are available for guests to use to leisurely explore the island. Besides the beautiful swimming beaches, there are plenty of diving and snorkeling spots around the reef.

The hotel managers and staff were very friendly and most importantly passionate about the island and the resort. The manager even took me for a tour of Bequia to some of his favorite locations!

The Sugar Reef Bequia is a truly an exceptional experience. It is the perfect place to get away from it all and soak in the Caribbean vibes of relaxation and the ‘simple life’. The hotel’s staff takes special care to make sure their guests have everything they need for their ideal holiday. Sandy beaches, calm groves of fruit trees and coconut palms are just a small part of what makes this boutique hotel special. I highly recommend the Sugar Reef Bequia to all travelers considering Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Contact
Sugar Reef Bequia
Address: Crescent Beach, Bequia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Telephone: +1 784.458.3400
Website: http://www.sugarreefbequia.com/
Email: info@sugarreefbequia.com