A SEASON FULL OF GRATITUDE
After emerging from our walk-in wardrobe/panic room on July 2nd 2024, the destruction caused by hurricane Beryl was clear to see.
In the days & weeks that followed, any thoughts of having a successful 24/25 winter sun season felt wildly optimistic. To be honest, we were too exhausted from the clean-up to think any further ahead than day by day.
However, we know that hard work always pays off and, as the weeks progressed, we started to look (cautiously) forward to welcoming guests back to “The Lookout”.
Another bump in the road
Since moving to the island full-time in 2017, our life in paradise hasn’t always been “paradise”.
Far from it.
Here are just a few examples that come to mind.
We were left with little choice but to part ways with our first building contractor, just one month into our lengthy renovation project.
The pandemic stopped global travel just as we were launching our rental business – impeccable timing!
In 2021, the volcano on St. Vincent erupted for the first time in over 40 years, dumping ash all over Bequia. A big clean up was required.
And, most recently, hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc in the region – the first weather event of this magnitude in the southern Caribbean since 1896!
Events such as these have taught us so much. Not least resilience, and to also expect the unexpected.
After months of hard work, our annual maintenance work was getting there. We were in good shape. There was only a month to go until we planned to welcome our first guests of the season at the start of November.
Queue, yet another unexpected event.
We both contracted the mosquito-born disease Dengue Fever in the aftermath of hurricane Beryl. We were very ill and it took many months to fully recover. As a follow-up, we had blood tests and ultrasounds to check our recovery progress.
Chris’ ultrasound confirmed a steady recovery from Dengue, but highlighted another, unrelated area of concern.
Whoops, didn’t expect that!
The next few weeks were an emotional whirlwind of scans & tests in both SVG and back in the UK. Thankfully, the docs eventually gave the all-clear, but we had to delay the start of the season at The Lookout by 3-4 weeks.
Lucky 7
In November 2024, we passed the 7-year milestone since purchasing a run-down Caribbean home on a hillside above Lower Bay. This property has subsequently been transformed into “The Lookout”.
The project involved a character-building remodel & renovation of the entire villa & grounds which took over 14 months.
We continue to set our standards impeccably high.
We don't just renovate "The Lookout" every 3 or 5 years, we spend two months EVERY single year.
2024 was no different. In fact, we did even more than usual to fix up, maintain, and improve on the back of hurricane Beryl. Most notably, a new and improved solar hot water system was installed to ensure our guests can enjoy a warm shower after a day at the beach.
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THE LOOKOUT'S FRESH NEW LOOK FOR THE 24/25 SEASON
We also paint, we varnish, we sand, we maintain, we replace, we check, we improve.
This means that you can be reassured that our apartments live up to the glossy photos on our website & social media.
In fact, most guests remark that the place looks even better in the flesh.
Internally, our apartments have a modern, bright & clean look with some clever design touches.
Make sure you pack your shades though. Our bright mango external colour scheme is very vibrant & undeniably Caribbean!
Pack for a Purpose
We have been supporting “Pack for a Purpose” on our travels world-wide for quite some time. We were surprised to find that the initiative had not been set up in St. Vincent & the Grenadines when we arrived in 2017, so we addressed that when we launched “The Lookout”.
Pack for a Purpose involves little effort, but creates a big impact. We encourage visitors to the island to save just a few kilos of space in their suitcase and take supplies for the projects we support in need. This makes a priceless impact in the local Bequia community. Our six main projects help the local schools, the hospital & clinics, the reading club, and the island’s animal charity too.
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ANN WAS JUST ONE OF MANY VISITORS TO GENEROUSLY CONTRIBUTE THIS SEASON
You don’t have to stay with us at “The Lookout” to participate, we simply facilitate the whole process. We will pick up the supplies from your accommodation and distribute swiftly to the projects most in need.
You can find out more on this useful link;
https://thelookoutbequia.com/pack-for-a-purpose.php
And the award goes to……The Lookout!
St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tourism Authority
Best Place to Stay in the Grenadine Islands
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In November 2024, we were surprised & delighted to win an award.
We received a nice little trophy, but were unable to attend the award ceremony because (you’ve guessed it) we were busy checking guests in to our apartments!
Since launching in January 2019, “The Lookout” has also been recognised by acclaimed travel journalists from around the world. We have now featured in several high-profile articles, so we thought it was about time we added a dedicated “media” page to our website
https://thelookoutbequia.com/media.php
The latest feature in Travel+Leisure, with a social media following of 15+ million, was a huge moment for our boutique apartments and the island of Bequia.
"Perched on a hillside where tropical fruit trees drip with papayas, bananas, and limes, The Lookout comprises two spacious boutique apartments that can be rented separately or as a private four-bedroom villa. This peaceful hideaway handily earns its name, offering 180-degree views overlooking Lower Bay and Princess Margaret beaches. It's hard to imagine finding a better view, or warmer hospitality, anywhere on the island."
CARLEY ROJAS AVILA
https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-bequia-st-vincent-and-the-grenadines-8782767
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Naturally, this level of recognition is very nice, but it’s what our guests say about their experience that will always be the most important thing.
We continue to receive five-star testimonials from all the lovely folks who stay with us and it means the world
https://thelookoutbequia.com/reviews.php
A life on the ocean waves
Two weeks before Christmas, we took the opportunity to join the Friendship Rose trip to Mustique.
This historic vessel was once the only transport between Bequia and mainland St. Vincent. Nowadays, it runs “must-do” day trips to the Tobago Cays, and the private island and celebrity hotspot of Mustique. The staff, food, and overall experience often proves to be the highlight of any vacation to Bequia.
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HOPPING OVER TO THE PRIVATE ISLAND OF MUSTIQUE
We hiked to deserted beaches, snorkelled with turtles and other marine life, and enjoyed cocktails at the up-scale Cotton House hotel. Rachel Weiss was at the beach bar, awaiting the arrival of husband Daniel Craig. Minutes later a propellor plane duly flew low over our heads – here comes James Bond! Just another day in the Grenadines.
Christmas & New Year in the tropics
The festive period on a paradise island is a little different to other parts of the world. The white stuff is sand and not snow, and the only ice to be found is in your rum punch!
The traditional turkey dinner is replaced by grilled lobster on the beach, supplied by Petra from her small restaurant at the end of Lower Bay.
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What is quite similar, is all the silly games we play!
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For New Year’s Eve (or Old Year’s Night as it’s known in these parts) we went to an exclusive party on the deck at The Cocktail Lab. Numbers were limited to around 65 people, and the impressive fireworks display popped & whizzed above our heads as the delighted crowd exclaimed “oohhh” and “ahhhh” below.
The Peak of the Peak Season
And, just like that, it was 2025.
Rather than slowing down after the Christmas & New Year party season, things actually ramp up on lil ole Bequia island.
January & February are the peak winter sun months and this period generally books up as early as 12 months in advance. It’s the time of year that, even if we had 12 apartments on offer, we would still be full and turning folks away.
A polite reminder and not a sales pitch, our 2026 calendar is already filling up fast as you can see on the link below.
https://thelookoutbequia.com/rates-and-reservations.php
We’ve even had a few strong enquiries for 2027, so if you’re serious about booking a dream trip to paradise, please register your interest with us now.
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PARTY TIME (LEFT), THE ROYAL CLIPPER OUTSIDE THE LOOKOUT (MIDDLE), SASSY ENJOYING A SUNSET (RIGHT)
The first major event of 2025 was a real musical treat. The Mustique Blues Festival came to the Bequia Plantation Hotel for a one-night only spectacular. This formed part of a slightly diluted version of the normal Bequia Music Festival, which is transitioning to a new format & management for 2026 & beyond – watch this space!
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The Friday night oozed pure class from the Mustique artists, and we can only hope & dream that this will be integrated into the Bequia Music festival going forward. On the Sunday afternoon , we chilled & danced under the palm trees in the gardens of The Plantation House Hotel until sunset (& beyond).
BUJU PERFECTLY CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF BEQUIA MUSIC FEST
At the same location four weeks later, the Action Bequia auction took place. As ever, this was one of the highlights of the annual island calendar. This fundraiser is a crucial support for numerous projects. These include recycling & litter reduction, harbour beautification, maintenance & improvements to the walking trails that link Port Elizabeth to the beaches, and provision of water tanks to local homes.
THE ACTION BEQUIA AUCTION IS ALWAYS A WONDERFUL EVENT
In total, Action Bequia invested more than $1 million EC dollars in 2024, and this would not be possible without the support of donations from islanders and visitors to this piece of paradise.
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“Above & beyond” is our standard
We sweat the small stuff.
Before making the full-time move to Bequia, we had been lucky enough to travel to more than 50 countries around the world. A big part of those experiences (and what made them positive or negative) was where we chose to stay.
So when we decided to launch “The Lookout” as a vacation rental, we consciously took all the best bits from our favourite places and combined them with our own ideas. On top of that, we encourage feedback from our guests to help us keep on improving the package that we offer.
We will never rest on our laurels, and it’s that mindset that has resulted in dozens of five-star reviews and acclaim from travel writers too.
Just one example of “going the extra mile” is the complimentary, guided hikes we offer to our guests.
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WE EVEN ADD IN A MOUNTAIN PAPARAZZI SERVICE!
Bequia is a stunningly beautiful island, with jaw-dropping scenery and unique charm.
We think the best way to truly understand its beauty is to slow down. Take a stroll, a walk, a hike, and ramble off-road. Get out into the countryside, climb a jungle-clad mountain, or discover beautiful & remote beaches.
This is a chance to do something a little different and experience big rewards. An opportunity to learn, socialise, burn calories & earn those cocktails & ice creams!
This is a free service for our guests, but guided hikes are available for non-guests if we have time. It's a free service and our pleasure, but a donation to a Bequia charity is appreciated.
Fantastic Family
There have been two major events in recent months that have made us very proud of the family back in the UK.
The family in & around the London area enjoy a very interesting & rewarding life, focussed on their two sites; Hertfordshire Zoo & The Big Cat Sanctuary.
The latter is located in Smarden at the heart of the Kent countryside. The sanctuary is a globally recognised centre dedicated to the conservation and rescue of wild cats. The initiatives undertaken by the team here are vital in saving some of the planet’s most endangered and iconic species from extinction.
The latest project “Big Cats in Crisis” was ambitious to say the least! The campaign raised half a million pounds in just a few months to build forever homes for five African lions caught up in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The result has been a stunning and heart-warming success story that has captured world-wide media attention, and quite rightly so.
COUSIN CAM CAPTURES THE MOMENT WHEN ONE OF THE LIONS WALKS ON GRASS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Not to be outdone, the northern half of the family hit the headlines due to the musical skills of our niece Poppy.
Her folk band “Wildflowers” are brand new on the scene, yet have already supported the high-flying group, “The Lottery Winners”, who recently achieved yet another No.1 album. They have also collaborated with artists such as Robbie Williams, Nickelback, Frank Turner, and Boy George.
Keep going Poppy, you’re certainly on the right track to stardom!
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NIECE POPPY (3RD FROM LEFT) SUPPORTED "THE LOTTERY WINNERS" AT THEIR RECENT ALBUM LAUNCH
What a way to end the winter sun season
And fast-forward to the present day, and there’s plenty of reasons for cheer & optimism.
On April 13th, Bequia’s flashy new fast-ferry launched, with journey times of just 35 mins from the mainland of St. Vincent to Bequia paradise. This will run alongside the fleet of slower ferries provided by Admiral & Bequia Express. These take an hour to complete the nine mile channel crossing.
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BEQUIA'S NEW FAST FERRY CUTS THE JOURNEY TIME IN HALF
In addition, international flight options into Argyle Airport continue to grow. Delta Air Lines have become the latest carrier to fly into SVG, announcing a new route from Atlanta, Georgia starting in December 2025.
For full details about how to travel to the island from the UK, the US, Canada, and Europe, check out our website link;
https://thelookoutbequia.com/how-to-get-to-bequia.php
At “The Lookout” it’s hard for us to imagine a better way to end the season. Since 2019, we have been so lucky to attract wonderful, like-minded people from all over the world who have chosen to stay with us.
Some of these lovely folks then return again & again, and three groups of our most loyal Lookout fanclub stayed with us at the backend of the 24/25 winter sun season.
Yvonne & Tony were one of the first sets of guests to stay with us, and in the six years we have been open, they have visited eight times!
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TONY ENJOYING A SUNSET AT OUR OCEAN DECK APARTMENT
Stephen & Wayne first stayed in our Ocean Deck apartment two years ago, and couldn’t resist a return visit recently. There is so much to do in & around Bequia that their second trip was mostly filled with new experiences. One such event was a trip to the idyllic Tobago Cays aboard the Friendship Rose. To top it all, this was on 1st April when they celebrated the anniversary of 47 years together.
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STEPHEN & WAYNE AT THE TOBAGO CAYS
And finally, our school friend of over 30 years, Hazel, visited for the 4th time. On this occasion, she brought the whole family along, and we pulled out all the stops. Not least, we phoned ahead to ensure dolphins escorted us on our boat trip across to Mustique island!
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HAZEL & FAMILY ON THE FRIENDSHIP ROSE
WHAT A MOMEMT!
A POD OF DOLPHINS JOINED US ON OUR SAIL JUST OFF THE BEQUIA COAST IN APRIL
For more vacation inspiration, you can check out our useful & informative blogs
https://thelookoutbequia.com/blog.php
What’s next on the horizon?
Despite our guest season coming to an end, the work doesn’t stop here.
To keep up our high standards, we maintain our apartments in a rigorous program that takes 2-3 months annually. That work starts now.
In addition, we have a post-Beryl project at the estate that we manage on Mount Pleasant. This will involve roof & internal repairs, and we hope to get that property back to its former glory ready for autumn 2025.
Then it’s definitely going to be time for us to recharge the batteries.
This summer’s downtime & travels will take us to the Greek islands, Albania, and southern Italy too. No doubt it will be a “busman’s holiday” where we pick up some good ideas from places where we stay that may enhance The Lookout experience!
Don’t be a stranger
If you are considering a dream trip to Bequia this winter, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. As you can see below, getting hold of us can be done in quite a number of ways, so there’s no excuse!
Follow us on social media and share our beautiful island content.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BEAUTIFUL ISLAND CONTENT
https://www.facebook.com/The-Lookout-Villa-Bequia-284750105603349/
https://www.instagram.com/thelookoutbequia/
You can message us using these platforms or simply drop us an e-mail or WhatsApp or fill in the contact form on our website.
E-mail: louise@thelookoutbequia.com
WhatsApp: +1 784 527 2377
Contact Form: https://thelookoutbequia.com/contact-us.php
Sending sunshine & warm wishes,
Chris & Louise x
Please explore our website, visit our social media pages & do not hesitate to drop us a line. We know for many this may be your first visit to this wonderful island, so lean on us for advice & assistance. It’s genuinely our pleasure to help and we welcome you as new members of The Lookout family.
UK : 07815 627 955
Bequia : +1-784-527-2377
Email : louise@thelookoutbequia.com