Gail

I'd love advice on where to stay in SVG in February. Petit Byahaut looks kind of cool... Is it worth the money? Is it too rustic for a couple of urban adventurers? If not, how about Rosewood? Or elsewhere? Priorities are relaxing accomodations, easy beach access, and a decent terrace or deck to hang out on (ideally with great views)--plus the opportunity for adventure. Kitchen facilities are a plus if meals aren't included. In Bequia, we were thinking of Gingerbread or Frangipani--we want easy access to both the beach and the bars--can we get both in one? Thanks for any help!

joan

Gail: <BR>We too looked into Petit Byahaut when we planned our SV trip a few years ago. It looked too rustic. At that time, you could only get in and out by boat and it was a tent/lean-to situation. Keep in mind we had camped at Maho Bay on St. John, but there we had daily shuttles to town and jeep rental. I thought Byahaut was expensive. And you're captive there. We stayed at Young Island, loved it, thought the food was great. What an incredible island. Talk about adventure! Except for Dominica, I would guess SV is the least developed island in the Caribbean. What's Rosewood?

Gail

Thanks Joan, <BR>You've zero'ed in on my worries re Byahaut--as well as on its appeal. Did you ever actually see it, or meet anyone who stayed there? I worried that Young would be too isolated from the "real world" of SV--did you find that? Or was isolation actually a good thing? Thanks again.

Harriet

On Bequia, The Plantation is also very nice and is within easy walking distance of all the bars. It's quieter than the Gingerbread or Frangipani.

joan

Gail, <BR>No, we did not find Young Island to be too isolated. It was a stone's throw to the mainland, where we parked our rental jeep. Free shuttle boat available any time. There were alot of sailboats moored in the harbour between Young and Villa Beach (mainland), so it gave us something to watch while we sat on our patio (or showered in our outdoor shower!). Only minor complaint, and this is in the spoiled-brat category, is that the beach and rooms faced east, making sunset watching impossible. I had expected that sunset-watching-hour I so love. Perhaps if we were at the high-on-the-hill units, we would have had a view of the sea... <BR> <BR>by the way, on a boat trip to Baleine falls, we passed by Petit Byahaut, and it looked isolated...also, the owner sent us the brochure which pictures the actual tent/platforms. <BR>If you do go to SV, make sure you take a day to drive up the windward coast. I will never forget the lush beauty. It takes about six hours round trip, and is worth every hairpin moment. You can go all the way to the north end of the island, where there is a park set among volcanic rocks with the sea flowing all around (bring a lunch). You drive past the volcano to get there. The name escapes me right now, but if you want I will find it for you. It was a great adventure. NO tourists go there. In one village, as we drove through, my husband heard a local boy turn to his dad and say "look dad, a white man!". We stopped and bought cokes and beers and talked to the adorable children on the black sand beaches. They loved having their pictures taken. <BR> <BR>We like to rent villas now instead of hotels, and I have looked for a villa there, but have so far found nothing. Easy beach access seems available only in the Villa Beach (young island) area. I may be wrong about this... <BR> <BR>Joan <BR> <BR>

Gail

Thanks everyone. This is really helpful. One follow-up question...We've been thinking of splitting our 8-day vacation between St Vincent for the natural attractions and adventure, and Bequia for the beaches and relaxation. Does that make sense? Or would it work to stay in Bequia and do SV via day trips? I'd love any advice. Thanks again.

Amy

Petit Byahaut is totally isolated, unless you want total privacy and escape, it is too remote and hard to get to and out of. I was there for dinner. <BR>Young island isn't isolated at all and has the best of many worlds. <BR>Bequia is only an hour by ferry , it might be nice to spend 4 days in one place and 4 in another.