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An Old Fashioned Caribbean Inn On Bequia In St Vincent And The Grenadines

Old fashioned Caribbean accommodation is becoming rare, the Caribbean Inn or Guesthouse has not vanished entirely it isnt often you will find one as charming as Julie and Isolas Guest house on Bequia in the Grenadines.

Julies Guest House is in actual point of fact two guesthouses, one behind the other, and it is situated not far from the ferry landing pier in Port Elizabeth on Bequia., almost just across the road.

Typically Caribbean accommodation is simple, and perfect for the traveller who wants to visit the Caribbean, but doesnt have much money to spend, but wants to experience the old fashioned holidaymakers lifestyle as opposed to the five star resort comforts and the life in a bubble that you get there.

Julie and Isolas Guesthouse does exactly that. The accommodation is Caribbean, simple, clean and family run, in this case by the McIntoshes.who do a brilliant job from their own special rum punches to what is possibly the best kitchen on Bequia.

To stay at Julies which by the way is very famous throughout the Grenadines will cost 39 for a double with no meals, 54 if you include breakfast, and 78 including dinner, all figures in US.

The meals are delicious and famous Caribbean fare, and at dinner the menu is different each night, with the emphasis definitely on seafood. It is of course very fresh indeed, and Julie makes soups to die for.

Of the two guesthouses the one nearer the road is more modern, and roomy but noisy, so if you want the real Caribbean experience then stay in the older second guesthouse. The wooden verandah is just old Caribbean and whilst open and not in the least private does encourage conversation between fellow guests, and you will find much in common with the people who chooses this kind of old fashioned Caribbean Inn. It has to be said the walls are fairly thin in this second guesthouse, honeymooners be warned!!

The real charm of Julies guesthouse is the kindness, care and consideration, all honestly given, and are without equal anywhere in the world. This is a real belong to the family feel place that Julie and Isola have successfully run for over 25 years. The give out a huge amount of love at their Guesthouse on Bequia, and get loads back with many many people who can afford to, but wont stay anywhere else.

One of the great things about Julies Guesthouse is its central position, convenient for the pound buses and taxis which you will need to get yourself to Lower Bay and Friendship Bay. Take the bus because that means you travel with the local people, so you will travel to the sounds musical of the Caribbean.

Lower Bay is a great beach with a couple of restaurantsbars, and never too crowded.

Julie and Isolas Guest House on Bequia in the Grenadines is true Caribbean accommodation at its very best, where you will be treated in a way you thought only your mother could, so because of this it is a real home from home. So if you wish to visit Bequia, then dont even contemplate staying anywhere else.

Looking for an exclusive Caribbean Resort, and you want as short a flight as possible, and a quick transfer, then look no farther than the All Inclusive, and very exclusive Hermitage Bay which may well be considered a top Antigua Luxury Resort, and is situated on the west coast.

Hermitage Bay is unquestionably a resort with a difference, with a rare combination of English style and tropical beauty. It consists of only 25 very secluded colonial cottage suites divided between Hillside where they have private plunge pools, and eight Beach Cottages in two rows with the front row having panoramic views of the beach. If this is important, you need to specify when booking your Hermitage Bay vacation. The whole place is set in over 10 acres of tropical gardens above an exquisite white sand beach and turquoise sea.

The Hillside Cottages are larger and have complete privacy, perfect for an Antigua Honeymoon, but all the cottages at this Caribbean exclusive resort on Antigua are air conditioned with a king sized bed, flat screen TV, DVD player, ipod docking device, wireless broadband internet, as well as the usual bits and pieces you expect to find in a luxury resort.

Each cottage also has a large verandah with double day beds and plantation day chairs.

A few things to note about the Hermitage Bay exclusive all inclusive resort, some of which are a big plus, and others simply to be aware of.

The views are incredible, and the staff are fantastic, as you would expect from a luxury five star resort.

The idea of the Room Ambassador is terrific, you will meet him first when you are shown your room, and he will be responsible for your well being and comfort.

The Hillside cottages are private but the access from them to the restaurant excludes high heeled shoes, and possibly even smart clothes, so you will find the standard of dress in the evenings poor by exclusive resort standards, with gentlemen in shorts and ladies in flip flops. If you like dressing up you may not like this, and it certainly makes the walk up at night hard work, although there are buggies which tend to be a bit noisy.

Some guests complain of being eaten alive by mosquitoes and sandflies , but a bit of spray and covering up in the evenings dramatically reduces this inconvenience. It is the tropics after all!! You should however be aware that there can be jellyfish infestation at certain times of the year in the small but very attractive bay

Meals are of a very high standard, and the quality of service from all the staff is almost faultless, although service is at Caribbean pace a little slow, but then you shouldnt need to be in a hurry. The food is very fresh, and the fresh fish of the day spectacular. Most tastes are well catered for in a restaurant with a great atmosphere.

The watersports staff are very helpful, but you need to query whether or not water skiing is included in the all inclusive rate.

There is no queuing for sunbeds, drinks, or meals, the staff awareness is terrific, including the way your room mini bar will be kept topped up with the kind of drinks you enjoy.

The Hermitage Bay will leave you feeling this has been a luxury, very exclusive hotel and you will go home possibly fatter, but certainly feeling very relaxed and happy. Their claim to be one of the Caribbeans most exclusive resorts is not without foundation, and it certainly ranks at the top insofar as an Antigua all inclusive resort is concerned, and the Hillside Cottages are the perfect Antigua honeymoon solution.