Bequia, a picturesque island in the Grenadines, has welcomed a new addition to its luxury accommodation landscape with the opening of Rock Villa. This expansive 10,000-square-foot residence, dramatically carved into the rugged hillside, presents a distinctive fusion of old-school Hollywood glamour and clean Scandinavian design, reflecting the Swedish heritage of its owners.
The property, a passion project from the family behind the island's renowned Bequia Beach Hotel, aims to provide an exclusive and secluded experience without the typical demands of a private villa. Interior designers Smith & Butler have crafted a haven of understated luxury, featuring Italian marble tables, soft ivory furnishings, and pale wood ceilings. The central Rock Lounge serves as the heart of the villa, complemented by vintage tropical accents that harmonise with the overall aesthetic.
Rock Villa offers eight en-suite rooms, accommodating up to 16 guests, with the flexibility for individual room bookings. Guests benefit from a dedicated private chef and a butler, ensuring a seamless and indulgent stay. The villa is strategically located to offer a sense of independence, yet remains a short walk or shuttle ride from the main hotel's amenities, including its restaurant, beach bar, and spa.
The island of Bequia itself, pronounced 'Beck-way', is a tiny seven-square-mile gem, home to just 5,500 residents. It is celebrated for its untouched natural beauty, with vibrant turquoise waters, lush hillsides, and pastel-painted chattel houses. The island boasts a rich maritime heritage, particularly in boat building and a unique 19th-century whaling history. The capital, Port Elizabeth, continues to showcase this seafaring soul, with descendants of shipwrights crafting model boats and establishments like the Whaleboner bar, featuring an entrance archway made from genuine whale ribs.
The visionary behind the Bequia Beach Hotel, Bengt Mortstedt, a former Swedish lawyer and property investor, discovered Bequia's charm during a family sailing trip in 1993. While the main hotel embodies a distinctively nostalgic, retro-chic style, Rock Villa represents a modern departure, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Grenadines and spectacular sunsets from almost every vantage point.