Manuals - Essential Detail

Lose yourself in Caribbean splendour at this new retro-chic beach hotel
on a sought-after hideaway island.
The Essentials...
How to book
Selling points
Personal viewpoint
Facts
Accommodation
Weddings
A day in the life...
Island Activities
Map
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Version 2016
How to book
Address:
Bequia Beach Hotel, PO Box 225, Friendship Beach, Bequia,
St Vincent & The Grenadines, West Indies
Tel: 001 (784) 458 1600 Email: reservations@bequiabeach.com
www.bequiabeach.com
Owner: Bengt Mortstedt
Reservations:
Call or email hotel direct (contact info above)
Enquiries and brochure requests:
Call UK marketing representative:
Essential Detail
7 Hampton Court Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 4AE
Telephone: 020 8977 6099 E-mail: office@essentialdetail.co.uk
www.essentialdetail.co.uk
Selling points
Why Bequia Beach Hotel?
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Modern Colonial style that combines luxury, elegance and charm with a unique modern flair reminiscent of the 50’s.
Nestled within the stunning Friendship Bay beach with far reaching views across to other Grenadine islands in the
distance.
Talented guest chefs join the Bequia Beach kitchen team to provide a Caribbean-European dining experience. Menus
are regularly updated and change frequently to offer guests a plethora of local, fresh choices.
The perfect spot from which to indulge in quiet relaxation, experience unspoilt Bequian life, and sample some delicious
Caribbean-European fusion cuisine in unrivalled surroundings.
Built from scratch by entrepreneur Bengt Mortstedt, with ideas gleaned from the very best experiences from his
extensive worldwide travels.
Why Bequia?
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One of the most beautiful and secluded islands within the enticing Grenadines, which stretch from St Vincent in the
North to Union Island in the South.
A true hideaway island, hidden from the tourist’s radar yet with numerous exciting and different activities available.
Steeped in history with tales from the swashbuckling days of Blue Beard and his band of pirates that created havoc
sailing the Caribbean seas, alongside Bequian eccentricities that are truly one of a kind.
Enjoy great Caribbean and European dining at the numerous local restaurants – there is an excellent choice for such a
small island.
Peaceful and secluded white sand beaches with extraordinary panoramic vistas.
For the eco tourist who enjoys natural surroundings that are off the beaten track and a million miles from home.
Personal viewpoint
Bequia Beach Hotel is something special and secret that we really would rather keep to ourselves! Owner Bengt Mortstedt has
created a hotel that mixes retro style with modern day chic, combined with all the conveniences one would expect from a luxury
new hotel. Neither pretentious, nor stuffy and where you can easily throw away all inhibitions without a care, thus enabling you
to enjoy a bare foot in the sand experience and a truly memorable holiday at fantastic value for money. And the ‘piece de
resistance’ is the island of Bequia which has kept its true Caribbean charm intact, while picking and choosing what it wants from
the 21st century – something that is right on impossible to find!
For full details of island activities please see page 9.
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Facts
How to get there
From Barbados by private or shared charter or from St Lucia by private charter to Bequia, with Mustique Airways, SVG Air and/or
Grenadine Airlines. From Barbados with LIAT to St Vincent and onward by ferry. From St Vincent by ferry (approx. 1 hour) to Port
Elizabeth, Bequia – there are 3 different companies: Bequia Express, Admiral Inc. and Jaden Sun Inc. (The Jaden Sun is a fast 20
minute ferry that runs on some days a week).
Location
On the South East coast on Friendship Bay, 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the capital Port Elizabeth.
Accommodation
57 rooms, suites and villas – refer to page 5 for full descriptions.
Sister property: GRENADINE HOUSE, St Vincent, Grenadines
Under the same private ownership as Bequia Beach Hotel, Grenadine House is a 20 room hotel, originally a colonial house, on a
hillside in a quiet residential area of St Vincent with views out to sea and across the capital, Kingstown. This boutique hotel with
a terrace restaurant and pool, offers the perfect sanctuary for one or two days to explore the island, or as a stopping point when
connecting through St Vincent to other Grenadine islands. The stylish décor of the accommodation is reminiscent of Bequia
Beach Hotel.
Contact Essential Detail for details and see www.grenadinehouse.com
Airport Transfers
Cost US$22 round trip per person. If more than 6 persons an extra charge will be added per person for luggage payable locally.
Clients booking a minimum 5 night stay receive FREE round trip transfers between the hotel and either the airport or port on
Bequia.
For transfers from Barbados or St Lucia to Bequia with SVG Air and Mustique Airways, an agent will be present at the entrance
of the immigration hall with a sign for their airline. The agent will assist passengers through immigration, locating the bags and
checking them onto their onward flight.
Check-in/Check-out
Check-in is 3:00pm. Check-out is 12:00 noon. Early check in and late check out is available subject to availability and request.
Children
Extra bed charges US$40 per night per child (costs are provided free of charge for infants). Babysitting is approx. US$15 per
hour.
Kids Activities with professional supervision available for children aged 4 - 12 years, Monday – Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm, with
fun-filled activities, age appropriate toys, puzzles and games. Activities include art and crafts, treasure hunts (garden and beach),
eco tours (including nature walks and a visit to the turtle sanctuary), t-shirt designing, baking & decorating cupcakes and cookies
& movie afternoons. Parents wanting to take advantage of this facility are asked to register their children upon arrival where
they will discuss the activities available and can book with reception for required times. FREE 20 December 2015 - 04 January
2016, 23 March – 04 April 2016 & 01 July-31 August 2016 .Local charge US$20 per child per day remainder of year.
Climate
Delightful year-round, average temperature 27°c (84°f)
Credit Card
All major credit cards are accepted.
Currency
Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, but US dollars are readily acceptable. Money can be exchanged at the hotel reception.
Dress Code
Informal dress is the norm, however after 7:00pm swim suits and beach attire should not be worn at the bars or restaurants. For
dinner a collared shirt/polo shirt and casual slacks or smart shorts are acceptable for men and elegantly casual attire for women.
Drivers Licence
Local Licence – EC$65. A local licence can be obtained on presentation of a full and valid UK licence – obtainable at the revenue
office in Port Elizabeth. The car hire company will accompany the guest to obtain the license.
Electricity
240V with 3 prong plug sockets. Adapters are available in each room.
Entertainment
Owner’s weekly cocktail party and live entertainment three times a week in high season including: lobster fest with live string
and calypso music on Saturdays, BBQ evening Wednesdays and lazy Sunday lunch on the beach with live music. Refer to the
hotels website calendar for more details.
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Hotel and Sports Facilities
2 restaurants and 2 bars. The second restaurant and bar is open in high season only.
Reception and Guest Lounge which has a selection of board games along with shop, boule pitch, table tennis, darts, 2 pools plus
unique pool cabanas, gym, spa and steam sauna.
Meetings and private events – 4 dedicated air-conditioned meeting rooms are available with high end furniture and facilities.
These are suitable for conferences, cocktails, banquets, weddings and celebrations. Room 1 is approx. 1130 sq. ft. and can
accommodate 100 people in theatre style; 64 for a banquet. Room 2 is approx. 2,493 sq. ft. and Room 3 is approx. 3,403 sq. ft.
Both rooms 2 and 3 can accommodate 30 in theatre style and 23 in schoolroom seating and 16-26 in boardroom seating. Room
2 has a projector and dedicated sound system making it very useful for power-point presentations.
Room 4 sits only 6 in boardroom seating.
Cost for hire and sample food & drinks package on request.
Watersports – supervised by the hotel’s watersports instructor, hotel guests are offered a selection of watersports and shown
how to best enjoy them! Guests can book with reception to reserve times for exclusive use of the various equipment, which is
available 6 days a week. The warm waters of Friendship Bay are perfect for sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling. Equipment is
available free of charge for Bequia Beach Hotel guests: One and two-man kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards/bodyboards and
snorkelling equipment is also available. Windsurfs and sunfish will carry a charge.
Meals and Drinks
All rates, offers and packages include full breakfast (breakfast buffet in high season), dinner supplement is also available.
Blue Tropic Restaurant & Bar – open seasonally as demand requires, serving delicious Italian and Caribbean menu on some
evenings
Bagatelle on the Beach – al fresco dining right on the beach
Breakfast: 8.00am-10.00am
Lunch: 12.00pm-3.00pm
Dinner: 6.30pm-9.00pm
Bequia Beach Bar - Rum Shack open all day from 10am daily, until the last person leaves. Casual bar menu is available at lunch.
Room service - Available from restaurant menus and delivered to the rooms, on request
Rates and Terms
Refer to hotel website www.bequiabeach.com
Spa Facilities
An individual cottage in the gardens includes an air-conditioned gym and spa with three spa treatment rooms and shower
facilities. There is a steam sauna which, like the gyms, is available for complimentary use. A range of spa treatments are
available including Swedish massage from US$60; Sports Deep Tissue Massage from US$80; Facials from US$90; Jetlag
Eliminator from US$210. Treatments can be tailored to suit the individual.
Water
Bottled water is complimentary upon arrival and replenished daily.
WiFi
Wireless internet is complimentary and available throughout the resort.
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Accommodation
Number of rooms, suites and villas: 57 accommodations, mostly with sea and beach views set in the hotel grounds whose
gardens include fruit orchards and almond trees.
Facilities: all accommodation has air conditioning, ceiling fans, en-suite tiled bathroom and shower, hairdryer, bathrobes, mini
cooler, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities.
All are beautifully appointed with contemporary colonial interiors and private terraces furnished in bespoke rattan.
Note: Iron, ironing boards, TV, iPod docking station, radio CD player are available in room on request.
As the hotel is nestled into the hillside, there are some rooms which are accessible by a series of staggered steps. From
reception to the Ocean View suites there are 18 steps. From the main pool area to Blue Tropic there are 23 steps and from Blue
Tropic to the Classic Rooms there are 20 steps.
Classic Pool & Sea View Room
8 rooms in one of the hotel’s elevated 2 - 3 storey buildings set on the hillside, overlooking the hotel’s second pool and across
the gardens to the Caribbean Sea. All feature spacious double bed (twin beds are available).
Approx: 400 sq. ft.
Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
One Bedroom Villa
3 garden view private villas set in the hotel’s gardens with spacious accommodation, made up of one large bedroom area
(available with twin beds or a king size bed) plus a luxury bathroom with ‘rain’ shower and a walk in closet. The outside terrace
also has a small garden area.
Approx: 681 sq. ft.
Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Ocean View Suite
11 split level junior suites with separate sitting area in an attractive 3-storey building with lovely ocean and garden views and
large bathrooms - offering the largest double accommodation at the hotel (with the exception of the penthouse). King, Queen or
twin bed options are available. Interconnecting doors between some suites are available on request.
Approx: 700 sq. ft.
Maximum occupancy: 2-3 persons. Note: Some of the Ocean view suites have a separate small room at the back suitable for a
3rd person sharing comfortably. These are confirmed strictly on a request basis. Plus, those rooms on the ground floor have some
restricted ocean views due to the lush gardens.
Beachfront Suite
29 spacious split level suites in an enviable location right on the beach overlooking the sea, and close to the main pool and
beach restaurant. All rooms feature a sitting area and generous sized bathroom. King, Queen or twin bed options are available
and these promise to be the most sought after accommodation.
Approx: 700 sq. ft.
Maximum occupancy: 2-3 persons. Note: Some of the Beach front suites have an extra bedroom at the back. These are
confirmed strictly on a request basis
Two Bedroom Family Suite
1 family suite, similar in location and style to the Classic Pool and Sea View Rooms but with an additional interconnecting
separate twin room (both en-suite) and ideal for families. The large balcony overlooks the hotel’s second pool & sun deck and
looks out towards the sea.
Approx: 785 sq. ft.
Maximum occupancy: 4 persons
Two Bedroom Villa with Private Pool
3 private villas located in the beautiful gardens, a short stroll to the pool and beach with two bedrooms (can be made up as a
double and twin), both en-suite sharing a living room and kitchen area and a lovely covered terrace, sun deck and private plunge
pool. A favourite with families and those looking for a little extra privacy.
Approx: 1,120 sq. ft.
Maximum occupancy: 4 persons
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Penthouse Suite with Jacuzzi
1 double suite offering perfect privacy and luxury – popular with honeymooners and celebrities alike. The bedroom features a
king size bed, the large bathroom is complete with Jacuzzi tub and there’s additionally another outside Jacuzzi tub on the vast
terrace with stunning views due to its elevated position.
Approx: 1,100 sq. ft.
Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Estate Villa
This 4 double bedroom, exclusive luxury villa contains 2 bedrooms with King Size beds, one bedroom with 2 Queen Size beds and
1 room with 2 single beds, all rooms en-suite. Located in a secluded hillside spot with only a few steps up from the beach; close
to the gym, spa and restaurant. This Villa offers stunning ocean views of Friendship Beach and Mustique Island. This beautiful
and very spacious Villa comes with oversized lounge areas and its own serviced kitchen with separate laundry. The Villa comes
with full English breakfast prepared by a dedicated chef. The kitchen is for the use of the Bequia Beach Hotel chefs and staff. A
resort chef can also be provided to prepare and serve lunches & dinners and guests can discuss this with the hotel in advance of,
or during, their stay (prices available on request). The villa also comes with a dedicated villa manager and 2 maids. A covered
outdoor terrace, extensive outdoor seating and 1,045 sq. ft. sundeck, large lounge, infinity pool, outdoor shower, gazebo and
BBQ area.
Clients booking the estate villa have exclusive use of one of the main resort pool private cabanas. The villa also has its own
separate and private second entrance, directly from the local road where 2 car parking spaces are available for the villa guests.
Approx: 2,900 sq. ft. of indoor space and an additional 1.950 sq. ft. of covered terraces.
Maximum occupancy: 8 persons
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Weddings
Bequia Beach Hotel lends itself to a perfect destination wedding with its picture postcard setting, unmatched flexibility in design
and party sizes as well as offering impeccable standards of service and creative cuisine. The hotels dedicated wedding coordinator is available to help in all aspects of arranging a wedding including assistance with the legal requirements as detailed
below.
Legal Requirements:
The following requirements and fees are applicable to visitors planning to get married in Bequia (St Vincent and The
Grenadines):
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Visitors must be resident in St Vincent and The Grenadines for at least one full day prior to the wedding ceremony
A marriage licence must be obtained from the Attorney General’s office at the Ministry of Justice in St Vincent, in
person
The marriage ceremony must be performed by an official marriage officer, a priest, or a minister, registered in St
Vincent
The cost of the marriage licence is EC$500 (approx.US$185)
Additional costs include EC$15 in stamps for the marriage licence and EC$5 in stamps for the application form
The following documents are required:
• A valid passport
• Divorce decree (if applicable)
• Death certificate (if applicable)
Assistance from the hotel: Bequia Beach Hotel are able to arrange for someone to go with the wedding couple to St Vincent to
organise all the papers and the cost of this is approximately EC$200/US$75.
Note: Bequia Beach will be launching their own wedding packages shortly.
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A day in the life of a guest at
Bequia Beach Hotel
As you awake in the tropical island of Bequia, enjoy the wide variety of birds in the extensive gardens and observe native
humming birds during breakfast at the Bagatelle restaurant
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Unwind with a good book from your favourite author whilst relaxing on the beach or on your private terrace – let the world pass
you by as the daily distractions of TV, the Internet and world news drift away and take a back seat on your ultimate relaxing
break
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Experience Bequia life by taking time to explore this friendliest of islands – chat to the people and slip into the infamously
infectious island pace of life – before realising it you will have fallen in love with Bequia, like many others before you. Have an
afternoon coffee at the Gingerbread café and linger to watch people and yachting life.
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Stroll along the pristine white sand beach and through the hotel ground’s almond forest and gardens – spot mango, lime, sugar
apple and papaya and enjoy the vibrant colours of frangipani, bougainvillea and flamboyant trees
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Take a relaxing dip – with or without a snorkel – in the strikingly clear and unbeatably warm waters at Friendship Beach and walk
in the surf to see the local fishing boats at the western end of the bay
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At sunset why not sip a freshly made rum based cocktail at the hotel’s beach bar and watch the sun melt away. As the stars
come out, dine at the delicious Bagatelle Restaurant right at the water’s edge, for a seriously romantic candle lit dinner – and
when there’s live music spontaneous barefoot dancing in the sand is not uncommon!
A Little History
During the early 18th century Bequia was not spared a visit by the notorious British pirate seaman ‘Blackbeard’! The island was a
well-established watering hole and a source of lumber for buccaneers, privateers and pirates, so naturally Bequia has its share of
swashbuckling tales!
The traditional Bequia cottage with wooden blue shutters close to the hotel belonged to the former British Prime Minister Sir
Anthony Eden where he resided for a few years in the later 1950s. The house on the hill opposite this cottage belonged to Sandy
Meisner, a pioneering drama teacher with an acting school on the island – notable students included Steve McQueen, Geoff
Goldblum and Sandra Bullock.
Bequia has a strong seafaring history over three hundred years with one of the finest natural harbours in the Caribbean at
Admiralty Bay. Since the mid-1800s whaling and boatbuilding became the island’s twin mainstays – in the 1970s ‘Water Pearl’
was built for legendary singer Bob Dylan.
Celebrities seeking an exclusive hideaway in the true Caribbean still retreat to the island of Bequia for a relaxed island vibe and
where anyone can slip under the radar!
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Island Activities
The Beaches
The Grenadines islands are well known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and Bequia certainly lives up
to this, with Princess Margaret Beach, Lower Bay which are absolutely not to be missed. Both can now be reached on foot by
the new Belmont Walkway from Port Elizabeth.
Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
Local fisherman, Orton ‘Brother’ King, constructed this sanctuary in an effort to preserve the hawksbill turtle. A true labour of
love.
Friendship Rose Sailing Schooner
Sail in a historic trading Schooner to the beautiful & uninhabited islands of the Grenadines. This relaxing day trip is punctuated
by snorkelling and watching out for flying fish, turtles, dolphins and whales.
Port Elizabeth
The centre-point of Bequia is the town of Port Elizabeth, a favourite stop of yachtsmen for supplies, repairs, or just plain fun. It
wraps around Admiralty Bay and has a waterside sidewalk, called the Belmont Walkway which connects the colourful jumble of
shops, restaurants and bars lining the shoreline.
Firefly Plantation Bequia
Visit the ruins of a historic 280 year old sugar mill and explore a lush and tropical 30 acre working plantation with orchards
producing guava, mango, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, breadfruit, Bequia plums, and a variety of wonderful and exotic crops.
Plantation Tours are approx.: EC$10 per person.
Hamilton Fort
The remains of this 18th-century fort overlooking Admiralty Bay and provides panoramic island views.
Yacht Charters
Island hop aboard your own private yacht, from one idyllic island paradise to the next. The hotel can recommend a number of
elegant sailing yacht prices depending on size. The flexibility and exclusiveness of your own private yacht and professional crew
is the ultimate indulgence. The yacht is available for day and overnight charters.
Frangipani
A lovely waterfront bar is usually frequented by yachtsmen from around the world as well as locals and features local bands and
a great barbecue. ‘Jump up!’ on Thursday evenings is very popular.
Rasta Market
Rasta Market is a really unique experience offering an interesting variety of fresh island fruits and vegetables. There is also the
adjacent fish market where fishermen blow the conch shell to let shoppers know the catch of the day has arrived.
Mount Pleasant
The highest accessible point in Bequia, with sweeping views first over Admiralty Bay as the road winds upwards. From the
summit, there are amazing views of the southern Grenadine islands.
Day Trips to Mustique
Just 25 minutes from Bequia Beach Jetty, enjoy a day trip to the gorgeous neighbouring island of Mustique.
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