Bequia Plantation

This has the potential to be a fabulous hotel - but the attention to detail was lacking when we were there (and we hope the newly appointed manager can resolve these issues) We selected this hotel because it’s on the more sheltered side of the island and because of its walkable proximity to other restaurants etc First impressions were very promising - rum punch on arrival and a very professional check in We’d been allocated a bungalow which appeared bright and stylish (although irritatingly only 1 key was issued per room) The plug sockets are 3 pin UK style The bed was large and very comfortable - but the linen was unimpressive and appeared unpressed in the first half of the week Bedside tables were stylish but impractical with large lamps and nowhere to put anything There was a separate dressing room with 2 large drawers a wardrobe and a large mirror plus a number of open shelves between the bedroom and kitchenette A small desk by the entrance door had room for a laptop but not much else - and there was 1 (why only 1?) low chair in the corner with a low 2 drawer cabinet next to it The a/c seemed efficient plus there was a fan The kitchenette had a fridge (no minibar) kettle and microwave/grill with a set of knives and forks and plates - with instant coffee and tea - but no cloth or tea towel The bathroom was well lit with a small window, very large “open plan” shower (overhead and hand held) The sink was rather small with very little space around it and there were only a few very narrow shelves to accommodate toilet bags etc Generous sized Beckman products were supplied- but no cotton wool products or make up mirror Bathrobes appeared mid way during our stay A good quality hairdryer was supplied with an American fitting) but no adapter plug to be able to use it ! The towels were small and very lightweight A laminated card said stained towels would be charged for - but that a make up remover kit was provided (which it wasn’t) The water pressure was great! On the ocean facing verandah were 2 heavy wooden chairs, one at either end (and too heavy to move together) plus a very small table and chairs to the side for dining It was a short walk to the open air restaurant but no umbrella was provided Restaurant Not a great environment - particularly in high winds as it is very exposed to the elements. The furniture was uninspiring - not helped by the very noisy tables and chairs dragged around by the staff! Breakfast was a very poor experience with extremely limited choice. There was no buffet bakery (as advertised) very little fruit - and we noticed guests were providing their own yoghurts and muesli. Eggs were to order but served without any style or garnish The coffee was particularly awful and tasted burned The Breakfast menu was stained with coffee but was never reprinted Lunch We didn’t eat lunch - but plenty of others did as they were bussed in from elsewhere - which meant they also used the limited beach area Dinner The food was better but the atmosphere wasn’t great. The tables are in a wind tunnel and there’s no attempt to enhance the appearance of the breakfast tables for dinner (other than a light) Very limited choice of menu which never changed - although the food we had was tasty There were always dogs around the dining area, some of which scratched themselves constantly which was both irritating and unhygienic. No attempt was made to move them, even when they barked or fought each other Bar We noticed the drinks we had were very weak ! - and the Barman had wanted to serve them in plastic glasses (for the terrace - not the beach) And the loo by the bar had run out of loo paper The Beach Small and to one side of the restaurant. Sunbeds were provided but there was very little shade - and there was a constant pervading smell of woodsmoke from the pizza oven alongside Towels always seemed to be in short supply (on Day 1 we were told there were none) - and when they arrived they were very small and only covered half the bed There’s a small crescent shaped Swimming pool at the back of the restaurant - but it didn’t ever appear to be cleaned and appeared “messy” The grounds These are one of the highlights of the hotel and are nicely kept - but at a cost to the guests as each day of our stay there was constant extremely noisy strimming The staff Other than the reception staff it’s disappointing to report we were left very underwhelmed by the staff. We were given the impression the guests were rather an inconvenience to be tolerated. There were very few smiles - and the staff frequently shouted out for each other across distances (including using inappropriate language). Laundry problems We identified problems particularly in the first part of our stay. Lack of towels in both the room and on the beach, no bathrobes and unpressed linen were all evidence of this and appeared to be signs of a poorly run hotel. It’s a pity as these issues all had an impact on our holiday - and a good management team could easily sort it out. We’d like to feel able to return if we could be reassured these issues had been corrected

We had such a fabulous time at the Bequia Plantation Hotel. The island itself is magical, and the Plantation Hotel just adds to the charm. The staff—especially Kemera, Zavio, Breea, Sheronique, Janell, Jineje, Lemore, Ariann, Michael, Amalie (sorry if I have missed anyone out) were incredibly friendly and always happy to help. Everyone seemed to know my name, though that might be because I spent so much time at the bar! I was made to feel like one of the gang, which really added to the experience. The hotel is in a fantastic spot—surely one of the best locations on the island. There’s a lovely sandy beach right in front, crystal-clear water, and even a small reef just offshore where we spotted loads of colourful fish, huge starfish, spiny lobsters, and a curious moray eel! We stayed in a beachfront room, so we could step straight into the sea to clear our heads after evenings of rum punches and delicious meals out. There was a bit of last-minute drama when our return flight (St Vincent to Barbados) was cancelled the day before we were due to leave, but the reception team couldn’t have been more helpful. They arranged everything for us and got us onto a Grenadine Air flight from the sweet little airport just 20 minutes away. What could have been a nightmare turned into a mini adventure—huge thanks to Zemora, and Gemma for making that happen. Hats off to Chris and all of the management team. We’ve already booked our stay for next year—we couldn’t resist. I can’t help but wonder if the team at the bar will have a Hairoun waiting for me and a cheerful shout of “Michael!” when we arrive. Until next year! Michael and Anna.

The resort was nice, but fell short in a few amenities. The bed/mattress was super comfortable. The location was very good with a nice beachfront and access to a walking path to town, restaurants, and other beaches. Snorkeling off the beach was good, and it was nice to kayak. The beach attendant was nice enough to accompany me out on the small sailboat they had, which was a good idea, as the wind picked up and it was nice to have both of us on board to steer in the higher winds. Some amenities were missing, like a bar of soap or pump soap for the bathroom sink. The shampoos, conditioners, and shower gel while all with the same brand labels, had varying fill amounts and colors. They appeared to be evaporated or refilled. The restaurant was disappointing from slow service, incorrect orders, to lack of basic items. At one meal, 3 sets of salt shakers dispensed No Salt, yet rice kernels came out. The wait staff did not check in to see if things were working. The inconsistent service was consistent at lunch and breakfasts. The food was average to disappointing. Thankfully there are better restaurants within a 5 minute walk. My massage was good, but the spa wasn't very elegant. It lacked the ambience of most spas: no aromatherapy, no water or tea after the massage, and an incredibly hard massage table. The massage therapist was good though. The front desk was good at arranging pickup from and transport to the ferry.

The service at Bequia plantation is superb. From the moment we arrived on the island to the time we stepped back on the ferry to leave they took care of us. The location on Bequia is unbeatable, right off the Princess Margaret trail. We loved being able to walk to so many destinations. The water and snorkeling out front were fantastic. It is a seven minute taxi to Friendship Bay, which we enjoyed, but we preferred staying on the Bequia plantation side of the island. Our bungalow was so nice and was perfect for us traveling with our son as he had his own room. Having a kitchen was very helpful. The bed was comfortable. The air conditioning was good. We loved having a front porch to sit on and see all of the beautiful flowers. We were with another family and all the kids enjoyed the pool (so did the adults). And the resort is small enough we could let the kids run to the room to grab things without worrying. The breakfast that was included I looked forward to daily. So many options. The hotel can arrange for water taxis that I would recommend. Aaron’s Pizza Hut in town (because the kids needed cheese pizza) was probably the best and cheapest in town. The adults enjoyed eating at Fig Tree, Mac’s, and Jack’s and Coconut’s on Princess Margaret beach (it is a shack but oh my goodness the food!) and of course we had beer and rum punch at Ms. Fay’s. We will be back!

BPH is in a perfect location for walking to beaches, restaurants and general life in Port Elizabeth, the main town in Bequia. The rooms are comfortable but not luxurious, with our room had no bedside table lights which was a bit strange.Most of the rooms are separate cottage style, though we were in a block of 4 rooms, simply decorated, quite cheap fittings and furnishings, with A/C, b&b basis, with restaurant that serves 3 meals a day. The grounds are very nice but the buildings and rooms could use a coat of paint and a bit more attention to detail. We had a small kitchen with our room with microwave and small fridge. The staff were quite helpful and nice. The snorkelling was quite good right at the hotel beach and equipment was free to borrow. I think it was a good place to stay in order to get to know Bequia, great location but service could use a bit more management tweaking.