Bequia Beaches
 

The below Testimonials are from our page on Tripadvisor.com where we currently rank Nr 1 on Bequia in the Category "Specialty Lodging". feel free to check there for feasability.

Testimonials

By Seacliff  | Dominica
Mar 16, 2010 | Trip type: Couples

From the time we got off the ferry in Bequia our holiday was perfect. We were met by Otmar who was the creator of this wonderful place and who has now passed the torch on to his son Quirin. Between the two of them they have provided an oasis of charm and privacy that is unsurpassed on the island.

The Old Fort looks down over the sea with views of Mustique and other islands on the horizon. A gentle breeze cools the air and the grounds are alive with lush vegetation, fruit trees and flowers. The stone work is magnificent, reminiscent of times gone by with graceful archways leading you from room to room.

The bedrooms are well appointed, airy and fresh allowing a peaceful relaxing sleep. Depending upon your needs you can have a chef provide your meals or as in our case prepare your own food making use of the kitchen. This seems like a perfect arrangement for larger groups and a great place for a wedding or family time.

The dining area is under a sheltered roof but open to the outdoors where you can sit at the end of the day taking in the view and enjoying the gentle night. The sitting room just off the kitchen is very comfortable and everywhere you look there are things of interest from pottery, various antiquites and some quite amazing stone rubbings of ancient Carib artwork.
A fairly recent addition is the swimming pool where we spent quite a lot of time. A great design by Quirin!

The Old Fort is just a short drive from the town and a variety of beaches so it is easy to take advantage of all that is offered . All in all I can't think of a better location to explore the island from.

If you are looking for a peaceful, private place with warm, friendly hosts and a uniquely beautiful atmosphere you will not be disappointed.

Date of stay March 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Traveled with With Spouse/Partner
Age group 50-64
Member since June 04, 2003


By Vanella  | Manassas - VA Jan 17, 2010 |
Trip type: Couples

The old fort is a place like no other I've ever been to. The setting is atop a hill with almost 360 views of the ocean from the tower room where we stayed. The breezes were delightful and I even had to ask for a blanket. Other rooms have air conditioning if you want, but we liked the rustic top floor. Quirin and Otmar were perfect hosts, regaling us with stories of life on Bequia, archeology, philosophy, and the vision and hard work that went into turning a ruin into a paradise.

The staff was attentive and friendly and kept the rooms immaculate. Sarah and Josiah served fresh delicious meals. We went to other restaurants in Bequia, but were always drawn to come back to the Old Fort to taste what they had that day.
I enjoyed a number of short hikes; one around the mountain top, another to Port Elizabeth, and another to Rocky Cove and a cactus garden led by Brownie the dog. As an example of the care the proprietors gave us, Quirin woke up before dawn to take us to a sailing charter he had arranged for us. We will be back often with friends and family.

Date of stay January 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Traveled with With Spouse/Partner
Member since March 07, 2005
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes


By LincolnUrbanplanner | Lincoln - Jan 13, 2009  | Trip type: Families

Just returned from my fourth visit to The Old Fort since I chanced upon it late in 2006. I was stunned by the place then and thought it must surely be the most beautiful, relaxing and romantic place to stay in the whole Caribbean. Amazingly, it's gone on getting just that bit better each time I've been back.. This time a brand new pool - complete with jacuzzi, waterfall and cave! - has taken it just that step closer still to Paradise!

I have to complement the owners on sensitively and successfully treading the fine line between tasteful modernisation and loss of character. The Old Fort is a wonderful old building in beautiful, tranquil grounds. If you want the latest in 21st Century, hi-tech hotel luxury don't even think of booking a stay. But if you want genuine character, total relaxation and comfort, attentive hosts and a holiday experience like no other, you should really check this place out!

Shortcomings? To me none. Some might find the bathrooms just a little basic - but I understand they're next on the "up-grade" list.. Price? not cheap - but wondeful value for such a unique experience.

I've now stayed there solo, with my family and friends and even with business clients...and The Old Fort never fails to captivate: it is simply wonderful...but somehow it still gets just that bit better each time! I can't recommend it strongly enough.

Date of stay January 2009
Age group 50-64
Member since January 25, 2007
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists


A TripAdvisor Member
Spokane WA
Feb 10, 2006

We had a chance to stay at the Old Fort in January '06 and we were in absolute heaven! The rooms are very well appointed with lovely furnishings and unique artwork from the West Indies and around the world. The Old Fort is a place like non other with its beautiful stone walls, secluded setting, constant tropical breezes (never saw a mosquito) and hard-working, friendly staff.
If you get a chance to visit Bequia definately don't miss out on the Old Fort!

Date of stay January 2006
Member since February 10, 2006
I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon
I do not recommend this hotel for People with disabilities


A TripAdvisor Member
Bedford New Hampshire
Nov 16, 2005

My wife and I stayed in the tower room for the better part of two weeks. We found Ian and Fiona exceptional hosts to not just us, but everyone that passed through the Fort during out stay. The staff was skilled and attentive and responsive to Fiona's direction. Our room was maintained, even while we sailed for several days. We had the pleasure of "witnessing" several weddings on the spectacular point beyond Otmar's house. I feel quite confident in speculating that any problems that arose in the months following our visit stemmed not from Ian and Fiona's very professional approach to hosting, but to the owner's lingering concept of the Fort as his home.

Date of stay March 2002
Member since November 16, 2005


A TripAdvisor Member
Eastern Long Island, NY
Feb 22, 2005

I've just returned from my first trip to Bequia (won't be the last!)
and stayed at the Old Fort Inn for the beginning of the vacation
(had also booked a week in a cottage and wanted to try another
location on the island).

First of all, the location is fantastic - it's away from the main village of Port Elizabeth, high up on a hill that affords a spectacular view of Bequia. That said, w/ Bequia being so small, getting around from Old Fort Inn is painless.

Ton and Lydia, the new managers, are fantastic -- very charming and accomodating. I also met Otmar, the owner, a warm and friendly fellow who many years ago had the vision to transform a derelict site into the special beauty it is today.

The Old Fort Inn is a very comfortable place to stay. The rooms are clean and well appointed, with great cross breezes. Take a look at their web site to get an idea of the interesting stone archtecture (oldfortbequia). The dining room is gorgeous -- it's a semi-enclosed stone patio/loggia w/ tablecloth service. Breakfast is wonderful but I do think the dinner & wine menu could stand some improvement -- most meals were fine but uninspired. If the kitchen could be ratcheted up a bit, you'd have an unbeatable destination.

All in all, you can't miss staying at the Old Fort Inn -- it's one of the best places on Bequia!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.


A TripAdvisor Member
NY, USA
Sep 12, 2002

We have just returned from a well deserved holiday on the beautiful Island of Bequia. My wife and I stayed at The Old Fort hotel which we had found reseaching various Hotels on the internet. From the time we were greeted by our hosts Ian and Feona offering us a rum punch on the house until our last night spent having a relaxing BBQ with them, we knew that this had been an excellent choice. The Hotel was comfortable and had plenty of hammocks for us to relax on, the food was great - but it was truly the people that made this place. Ian and Feona and their staff made us feel welcome and relaxed from day one. We highly recommend this Hotel to all - we will certainly be returning!!