59th_minute

My partner and I are thinking of booking a last minute honeymoon possibly on Bequia. We'd love any advice on whether or not this island would be good for a honeymoon. We're looking for nice beaches with clear water, not too crowded, decent places to eat, and a safe place to explore on our own. We've been looking at Bequia Beach Hotel and also Sweet Retreat Hotel - has anyone stayed at sweet retreat or heard anything about it? can't find any reviews.
Also, how bad are the mosquitos at the end of february and beginning of march?
Thank you!

RoamsAround

Bequia is a great island if you are seeking something small (only 7 Sq. miles in area) and somewhat off the beaten path. The main village is located around Admiralty Bay which is a popular spot for sailboaters. There's not a lot to do on the island so if you are a very active couple you may start to go "stir crazy" after a few days. On the other hand if you are looking to completely relax and "get away from it all" Bequia is the place to do it. The island is as safe as any in the Caribbean and there are several places where you can get decent meals.

The number of mosquitos you might encounter is not a function of time of year but rather recent/current weather conditions and/or local habitat. Mosquitos and their "cousins" no-see-ums are more prevalent after periods of prolonged rains and in dense rain forests or around salt ponds and standing water. They are more active at dusk especially along the beach where the vegetation meets the sand and during periods when there are little or no breezes.

You can lessen your chances of a "close encounter" with these little pests by avoiding the areas mentioned above and by refraining from the use of perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, scented body washes scented hairsprays and similar products as the sweet aromas act as an attractant.

59th_minute

Thanks for the great mosquito advice. What are the beaches like? Do you have any experience with Bequia Beach Hotel or Sweet Retreat? We're really looking to just relax, swim in the ocean, and chill out so I'm sure we won't go too stir crazy!

tch912

I only went to two beaches while I was there. Lower Bay had a few more people than Princess Margaret, both were very nice in my opinion. I went out by Bequia Beach Hotel but did not go to the beach just went to the restuarant. I was there during Easter Regatta and it was more crowded than usual. I enjoyed Bequia as it felt more like the Caribbean Islands I used to read about.

Traveling_frog

My husband and I spent three days on Bequia 26-29 Dec and we stayed at the Sweet Retreat. This was our first time on Bequia and we loved it, both the island and the hotel. On the same trip we visited St Lucia, St Vincent and Puerto Rico and Bequia was by far our favorite.

Sweet Retreat was great, brand new, very small, only four rooms, and while we were there there was only one other guest, so it felt very relaxing and quiet. The view from the balcony and the main terrace makes you think you are living in a postcard. The beach is right in front of the hotel, about a 2 min walk, and is fantastic, white sand, clear warm water....Sweet Retreat is at the end of Lower Bay, there were rarely any people at 'our' end of the beach, felt very private.

Bequia is a great island, friendly people, great food and not overly expensive, compared to other islands, several excellent restaurants. We had no problems with the mosquitos but I did use the repellent however, just in case. If you are not looking for a lot of nightlife (although there is some), I'd say Bequia is the right choice, everything you'd want from a tropical island in the Caribbean.