Bequia

“There are no secrets on Bequia,” I was warned by a local my first evening on island, as she referred to the “coconut telegraph” of gossip that runs rampant through its ruggedly beautiful seven square-miles. However, the second largest of 32 Grenadines (an archipelago that belongs to St. Vincent and runs between that island and Grenada) itself remains one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, known centuries ago for its whaling and boat-building traditions but today falling largely beyond the well-worn tourist path.

But Bequia’s anonymity has its advantages. On an island where there’s no traffic or daily newspaper, no casinos or mega-resorts, you feel almost like a pioneer in Paradise, a welcome visitor to a destination that’s remote enough to be truly relaxing yet offers so much to do. It only took a four-day visit for me to fall in love with one of my now favorite islands, and, if you go, I’m confident you’ll be equally smitten. But first things first: Know the correct pronunciation of the island’s name, which, contrary to its spelling, is actually “BECK-way.”

Where is Bequia?
The seven-square-mile outpost (pop: 5,500) is 100 miles west of Barbados and nine miles from its “parent” island, St. Vincent. St. Lucia is about 60 miles north.