Five kilometres east of Kingstown, St Vincent's capital, is a stretch of coastline with white sand beaches, turquoise waters and shallow reefs. Bequia island in the distance marks the start of the Grenadines.
I arrived there mid-morning, and headed straight for the pier, from where I looked down onto inviting transparent waters. A twenty-something woman was having her lunch-break, feet dangling over the edge, joined by a young guy with a radio.
Along Villa beach, the view was out over a shallow channel to Young Island.
I went in to see Beachcombers, a family-owned hotel, now managed by the third generation. It started off as a weekend seaside cottage in a garden of mango and guava trees, where the current managers spent their childhood holidays. Slowly, it turned into a small bed and breakfast. On the veranda, breakfast was served from antique mahogany trays, originally shipped out from Scotland, when the family emigrated to St Vincent.
In the early 90s, more cottages were built, along with a beachside pool and open dining area, turning the bed and breakfast into a boutique hotel.
The family has purposefully limited the number of rooms, to maintain the peaceful nature of Beachcombers, with its gardens leading down to the sea.
Within the gardens, there is a wooden cottage, built in a traditional island style, which houses the Standard Rooms.
Recently, a luxury two-storey Caribbean-style house has been completed. Overlooking the sea, each of these rooms has a large terrace.
Downstairs are the Deluxe Rooms, fit for any distinguished traveller.
Upstairs are the even more luxurious Suites and Super Deluxe Rooms, with marvellous four-poster beds, cool wooden floors, modern kitchenettes, dining areas and large private terraces.
If you're wanting to treat yourself (you don't need to be a visiting head of state or owner of a successful company), you may choose to stay in the Presidential Suite, which feels like a house in its own right. A huge bed, tasteful dark wooden furnishings, luxurious bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, dining table for six, lounge and terrace all come included.
Beachcombers recently had a group of Caribbean Prime Ministers staying here. I would love to find out which country's leader had the fortune of staying in the Presidential Suite, and whether the decision was made on the toss of a coin or a high-powered negotiation between island states. Would the lucky one have been Anguilla, St Vincent, Grenada or Trinidad?
In any case, Carlita who works behind the bar, later told me that the Prime Ministers were all very charming, approachable and down-to-earth. Maybe they decided it would be unfair for one person to get the best room.
Then, chatty smiley Carlita wanted to serve me a local fruit juice. I tried something I never had or even heard of before- golden apple. Very refreshing, the fruit (as in the photo) was picked from a tree in the hotel garden. She laughed, as she told me that each country had a different name for it- golden apple here, plum in Jamaica and pomme-sette in Trinidad.
All the staff I met at Beachcombers were super friendly. Carlita at the bar, Alex in the kitchen, Karen who showed me around, the smiling receptionists and Beverley, third generation joint-manager. The place has skillfully managed to maintain the relaxed, friendly and happy feel of a family's beachside house.
Apart from Prime Ministers and Canadian musicians, Beachcombers is popular with those wanting a quiet, natural place to stay on the island. Guests include businessmen, mountain hikers and explorers, divers, beach-lovers, honeymooners and yachties on the way to the Grenadines.
With superb value for money, prices range from US$65 for a single occupancy of a Standard Room in low season to US$275 for double occupancy of the Presidential Suite in high season. Prices are for room only and exclude 20% taxes. For further information, please visit www.beachcombershotel.com
