MOST UNUSUAL
things to do in Bequia
Looking to add an extra oomph to your vacation? We’ve found 7 unusual things to do
THE BIG LITTLE ISLAND
Bequia pulls off a rare feat. Somehow, the tiny island combines all the quintessential Caribbean activities you expect with unique experiences that will add excitement to your vacation days. The island is one of the rare places in the Caribbean where it’s still possible to have a pristine white sand beach all to yourself. If you venture into the water, the ocean is a shade of blue matched only by the vibrant sky. And like many beloved Caribbean destinations, Bequia knows only one pace - laid back, let things happen as they may. But on those days when you crave something different, Bequia is also home to an array of unusual activities
Here are 7 unusual things to do in Bequia if you’re looking to spice up your next vacation.
HAVE A VINTAGE PICNIC HAMPER AT PRINCESS MARGARET BEACH
If you come to Bequia, you’ll likely be spending at least one day on Princess Margaret Beach, a golden sanded piece of heaven considered the most popular beach on the island. You may be planning to have lunch at the famous Jack’s Beach Bar while you take in the views of visiting yachts and Mustique Island in the distance. Or perhaps you plan on taking the Belmont Walkway from Port Elizabeth and spending a whole day sunbathing while your cruise ship is in port. If the beach day is more your thing, perhaps the most quintessential experience you can add, is a vintage picnic hamper, delivered to you right at your spot on the beach.
English wicker baskets replete with ceramic plates, cutlery and all the paraphernalia you need for the perfect day on the beach. Stuffed with delicious Vincentian goodies, you get a choice of menu and the option to have accouterments cannabliss infused.
The wizardry lies in being able to order your Vintage picnic basket on whatsapp. Snag the best spot on the beach, settle down, and send us a location pin when you place your order. With just 4 hours notice, as if by magic, your vintage basket will be delivered straight to you, wherever you are on the beach.
FIND HIDDEN BEACH ART AT THE BAMBOO BAR
If you found that time has lost all relevance and you’re still on Princess Margaret beach at sunset make a point of visiting every bar shack along the bay.
There’s one quirky little bar in particular that will catch your eye, it’s cleverly crafted almost entirely from Bamboo. Once you've grabbed a drink and settled down, you’ll begin to notice that in fact you are surrounded by utterly understated, beautiful pieces of beach art. Spot the cute little shelf on the bar made from driftwood, and the conch shells hanging from the trees. Kentis, the owner, is talented and creative, and a perfectly hospitable host. In a previous life he was once a teacher, and a policeman. He has some fascinating stories about ‘Vincy life’ to tell.
Aptly named, the Bamboo Bar is one of the few bars on the beach that stays open through the night. Sitting under the warm glow of the solar lights twinkling in the trees above, you’d be forgiven for wanting to spend the whole night gazing out at the boats along the bay. You’re welcome to do just that. Kentis closes when the last customer leaves. His menu offers delicious grilled chicken and fresh snapper that he has paddled out and caught himself. The Bamboo bar is definitely a delightful little spot to while a few hours away.
HAVE SUNDAY BREAKFAST WITH A WORLD CLASS VIOLINIST AT THE FIG TREE RESTAURANT.
There's plenty of options for a lazy Sunday breakfast in Bequia. If you want a place to sit and enjoy the views across Admiralty Bay, take a stroll along the Belmont Walk, you'll be spoilt for choice. But the chances are you'll find yourself drawn to the Fig Tree Restaurant by the beautiful sounds of a violin.
The thing that will pique your attention, and lure you in, is the sheer talent of the violinist. Rarely does a musician transmit pure joy, and render such emotion with every single note he plays. Somehow, he has the ability to make the instrument sing the words. Samuel Toka is a world class violinist. He plays every Sunday morning at the Fig Tree, against a backdrop of views that are too, the envy of the world.
You'd be well advised to have a full Creole breakfast. Make a point to try each of the delicious local juices. Most probably you'll still be mesmerised by Toks Violin as the day slips well past lunchtime. There isn't a more enchanting way to spend a Sunday.
“Rarely does a musician transmit pure joy, and render such emotion with every single note he plays”
ATTEND A REAL HOG ROAST AT KEEGANS BEACH BAR
Keegan’s beach bar on Lower Bay (another of Bequia’s popular beaches) hosts an unusual dining experience that is as much a party as it is a dining experience. Every full moon night during high season, the hotel goes all out with a whole pig roast party reminiscent of those you’ve seen in the movies or in Asia and some parts of the U.S if you;ve visited those places.
The pig roast is delicious slow cooked pork seasoned with Caribbean spices and served with equally mouth watering sides. If you want to take the unusual experience up a notch, after your meal grab a drink from Keegans bar and join the crowds dancing in the streets under moonlight!
DRINK IN A FLOATING BAR - BAR ONE
There’s no shortage of bars on Bequia. You have your choice of beach bars, wooden shacks serving rum based drinks, and the more upscale hotel bars when you visit. But if you want to experience a different take on the typical bar, Bar One is one of the most unusual things you can do in Bequia. Everything about Bar One is unique. To visit, you have to take a boat as the miniscule bar floats in the ocean. And when you get there, seating is on rope swings tied to the ceiling.
There’s more. Sunsets from Bar One are a must. So are the bar’s popular rum punches and the views of Port Elizabeth.
JOIN THE SAUCERERS CANNABLISS SUPPER CLUB
With dozens of restaurants (excluding the numerous tiny eateries scattered around Port Elizabeth!), it’s fair to say finding a place to eat in Bequia will never be a problem. But if you’re one of the many repeat visitors who’s done it all, you may find yourself craving something new and exciting.
Whether you’re looking for a menu designed to surprise your discriminating taste buds or truly novel experiences, the Saucerers Cannabliss Supper Club is making history by serving you more than food. This monthly culinary event makes eating out in Bequia feel exciting again by offering first-of-a-kind experiences and a fresh menu unlike anything else in Bequia. Look out for annoucements on social media, or the appearance of their iconic fireball, for this new moon event can pop up on any beach in the island.
LEARN TO BUILD A BOAT
Traditionally, Bequia was a seafaring nation. Today locals carry on this tradition and are known for their superior workmanship in both model boats and real sailing boats. Before you leave Bequia be sure to see a local craftsman in action. This unique activity can be had by booking a boat building workshop before your trip.
DISCOVER A HAND BUILT BAR IN THE FOREST - TREE HOUSE BUSH BAR
Your first question when you get to the fork in the path that leads from the main road to the Tree house bush bar is ‘left or right?’ Well, as the munchkins sang in the Wizard of Oz, follow the yellow brick road. Bear left up a slight incline and look out for the yellow markings painted on rocks along the path that guide you across a foot bridge over the stream and on to a clearing in the woods. Here, nestled on the hillside, you’ll discover an architectural feat that, surely, has been crafted by one of nature’s born Wizards. Take off your shoes as you enter, for this is truly a sacred space. Beautifully hand constructed from bamboo and guava wood, it feels as though you are stepping into a living work of art. Every post and cross beam exudes vitality and warmth. Hummingbirds dart amongst the foliage of the trees growing through the deck. The cheerful yellow tarp wraps you in a golden glow as you sit in its welcome shade, drinking in the views of the sunset over Admiralty bay. Powered by the sun and nurtured by the rain this hand built bar is a labour of love that literally smiles right back at you.
