TravelGuides

(TGA) - Hey all, this is my first post here. I live in Norman, OK, and will be graduating from the University of Oklahoma this May. As such, I'm looking into about a week long vacation (maybe plus a couple days for travel), and Bequia is one of my two finalist options (the competition being Mayan Beach Garden near Majahual, Mexico). I've been doing a ton of reading on this little island, which seems to be absolutely fantastic, and it just becomes more and more alluring by the minute.
As of now, the type of vacation I'm looking for is a romantic but fun getaway for two (my girlfriend and I). Authenticity (as in less big-tourism-y, I've done the cruise thing, and it's fun, but not what I'm looking for here) and at least a bit of privacy are the goals for lodging, and of course I would love to be as close to a beach as possible.
The two locations I've investigated are the Lime Studio and Moonhole community, and as such they also represent kindof the range of price I'm looking for ($700-$1,500 for ~7 nights), with lower being better of course, but I also don't want to sacrifice the quality of the stay. I'm not too worried about things like a pool, just a relaxing, quiet place with great scenery. And a hammock is always a bonus, ;). What are your opinions on these places, or do you have suggestions that sound like they might be better for us?
Lastly (for now), how easy is it to get to the larger communities, the restaurants, nightlife, sightseeing and local attractions type places from the more remote areas of the island (such as Moonhole, for example)? I understand there are affordable taxis and dollar buses, but how accessible are these from the outskirts? Again, I'm totally new to Bequia outside of what I can find online (been reading at bequia.net, svgtourism, bequiatourism, etc.), so I'm open and appreciative of any and all information.
So thanks in advance for any of your advice, and I'll continue to read the rest of the forum here because there seems to be some wonderfully informative people here.
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Hi and welcome.
My own suggestion for a first time one week visit would be to stay somewhere like Keegans at Lower Bay. You'll be in an authentic community but more in the swing of things, have peace and quiet when you want it and a beautiful beach and nice bars/restaurants on your doorstep so you won't need to worry about having to food-shop for self catering. It's a good place to meet a wide range of people and base yourself for exploring the rest of the island.... Can't guarantee the hammock at Keegans though some of the rentals in the village certainly have them. That'd be my advice for a first visit - but I'm sure others will have plenty of other ideas. Wherever you end up, enjoy!
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Or Village Apartments in Port Elizabeth. Or even the Frangipani hotel. The upper garden rooms are private enough and not noisy.
Bananas Apartments in Spring also looks like a reasonable mixture of privacy and luxury. http://www.hwcn.org/~ap993/
I think Moonhole is an acquired taste. Go to Bequia and arrange a tour of what you might rent at Moonhole. Then come back another year (you will come back) and stay there.
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Hello, i have stayed in friendship bay apts. several times. They are new , luxurious and beach front with A.C. and in your price range. Look at the Grenadine Island villa website for more info.and options. You will not be disappointed in bequia as a vacation spot.
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Bequia is most certainly 'authentic' and that's its great charm.
I agree with dwhopper's advice about Moonhole. Most of the life revolves around Port Elizabeth and for a first time visit I would suggest staying around here. You've mentioned the Bequia Tourism/Bequiasweet/Bequia net websites and these will give you some idea of likely candidates as well as this site. Because Bequia is small, areas like Belmont and Lower Bay are just a short walk away from the fun. Where ever you end up I hope you enjoy our lovely island.
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Congratulations on your Graduation! For the authentic feel you are seeking, first since you have to connect somewhere, I would recommend flying through Grenada. Spend a day or so exploring the Island which is gorgeous. On to Bequia I second the Keegan's Lower Bay suggestion. In addition to the guest house they have 3 apts right on the beach. Very reasonable pricing leaves $ left over for fun! Try to catch the Friendship Rose for a terrific day sail and snorkel to the Tobago Cays. Take the morning "resort course" at Dive Bequia. Explore Bequia at your leisure. You'll be "bitten" by the Bequia Bug! If you have time the mainland of St Vincent is terrific. Ck out Hazeco Tours or FantaSea tours as it is best to go with a guide when exploring some of the unique outlying spots there.
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Two other places at the beach are Kingsville apts. and De Reef apts. Both should have vacancies at the time of year you are going and both are pretty reasonably priced. I take my own hammock. There are some great ones on the market that fold up into a little nylon pouch and are very easy to pack. Taxis are never a problem to get wherever you are. We all have our favorite driver, I'm sure you'll find yours. You can walk most places if you want some exercise and take a cab back if you are tired.
Privacy should'nt be problem in May. You'll probably have the beach to yourselves except on weekends.
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Dwhopper - Just in case you were planning to go, I would not recommend Bananas Apartments - certainly not if you are seeking either privacy or luxury as you suggest. We were very disappointed.
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Hi! Just got home (Cornwall, UK) from a 4 week stay in Bequia. You are making a good choice of holiday destination, and once you've been you'll keep wanting to go back (5th time for us!). Moonhole - acquired taste and very out of the way. Suggest Lower Bay as it has several apartment rentals (Sunset cottage/apartment has I think the most commanding views over the bay/harbour) and it is on the dollar bus route. Friendship Bay another option but off the bus route and abut an hour walk from Port Elizabeth - although taxis are readily available. For nightlife Lower Bay and Port Elizabeth are the hang-out places for music and eating and lots of choice/price ranges. If you're up for it I can really recommend doing a weekly scooter hire (Handy Andy) and then you have the luxury of seeing all the island at your own pace and in your own time. And you must do a trip on The Friendship Rose while you're there - the best hospitality island voyage you'll ever experience!
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I agree with cazzerking - the Friendship Rose is a very well run excursion and great fun. We can also recommend the Fantasea but for a very different type of trip.
By the way, from one Cornish person to another; hope you did every "dreckly".
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tissan...can you post about your Fantasea Tours experience. Never much info about them on the forum.
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