The two suites- Jasmine on the ground floor with three ensuite,air conditioned bedrooms-one king,one queen and one double queen , and Amaryllis on the first floor also with three en suite air conditioned bedrooms-, one king , one queen and two doubles are completely separate and linked by an external stairway. Both have full air conditioned kitchens, open plan dining, bar, and lounge areas with entertainment facilities(flat screen TV, cable, DVDs, secure wi fi internet, IPod docksand home theatre systems). The cottage, available only with Amaryllis, is also air conditioned with en suite bathroom and a kitchenette. Amaryllis has a covered patio and two large open decks, one with BBQ and outdoor range for open air dining. Jasmine has a private covered patio off the master bedroom and exclusive use of the pavillion with its outdoor kitchen, al fresco dining area and open deck .The freshwater meniscus edge pool and shower and its open, the umbrella covered deck, is shared. The units are not wheel chair accessible and the pool area is not fenced off.
The property and booking: Both units are equipped with gas ranges,two burner electric cooktops, microwaves, toaster ovens,fridge freezer, separate chest freezer, large cooler,dishwasher, washer/dryer, a full range of small appliances, glassware, plastic glasses for poolside use, cutlery,crockery and table and bedroom linen including beach and house towels. Guests need only bring their clothes, personal entertainment and themselves. Maid service is provided five days a week and a non resident property manager is always available to help with requests, information and reservations. The units can be booked separately or jointly on weekly or monthly terms, substantial discounts from the published weekly rates are given for joint and extended bookings. Although a car is not necessary to enjoy this property, rental cars(small SUVs), motor scooters and bicycles are readily available and the local taxi services and shared 'dollar' vans which follow set routes, but pick up and drop on demand are safe and excellent.
Bequia and its people: Bequia has a population of about six thousand, made up of descendants of Scottish and Portuguese whalers, a mixed group and some one thousand expatriates, some of whom live permanently on the island. Without exception Bequians welcome visitors and are friendly, helpful and courteous and earn their livelihood from seafaring, fishing, shipping and tourism. It is customary to extend a formal greeting before doing any business and most people are known by their nicknames rather than their given names. Clothing is very casual and shorts, light shirts and sandals are the norm even in the fine dining restaurants. The island is still very much a community and is large enough to have a range of services and activities without the mass tourism, high rises, large hotels and over development common in the larger islands. It is possible to kick back and do nothing or enjoy the many activities available, particularly those associated with the beach, sea, and boats.
Sevices and access: Most of the Christian churches are represented, there are two banks with ATM services, a hospital, and private medical practitioners and a government complex which houses customs, immigration , postal service, driving permits and police.(serious crime is rare and the police are on top of their job). Electricity is 220/240 volt single phase and generally uses UK type plugs ( 110 volt supply and European and USA converters are available in Ylang Ylang). Supermarkets and deli shopping, a beer and soft drink wholesale depot and fresh vegetable and fish markets are all located in Port Elizabeth although St Vincent provides a larger range at slightly lower prices.
External access is usually by major airline to St Lucia, Barbados or Trinidad and then LIAT , the regional airline to St Vincent and a one hour ferry ride to Bequia. Local airlines fly directly into Bequia from St Vincent, Barbados and the lower Grenadines which are also connected by fast catamaran ferry to Bequia.
