Sleeps | 7 |
Bedrooms | 3 |
Bathrooms | 3 |
Space | 3,000 sq ft |
Property type | villa |
Minimum Stay | 7 nights |
Ocean Breeze Villa is perched on Spring Hill on the Atlantic side of the island. The villa overlooks lush flower gardens and tropical fruit trees that gradually blend into the natural island flora. From the various terraces you see coconut palm groves and the two scenic bays of Spring and Industry. Beyond these, gorgeous panoramic views open toward the ocean and outlying islands.
In keeping with Caribbean style, the house has an open layout; with the French doors ajar in the living room and bedrooms, it lives up to its name as refreshing ocean breezes blow throughout. One of the highlights of the house is the expansive wraparound covered porch. In fact, you may find that you never want to leave the panoramic views and soothing breezes on the porch. The house features three bedrooms with private baths, a fully equipped kitchen and an open living and dining area.
Major villa attractions are the outdoor solar-powered Jacuzzi and the spectacular pool, with its large portico, a gazebo for shade lovers, a barbecue and a bar—an ideal setting for grownups and children of all ages. Why spend your vacation in a hotel when you can enjoy an affordable home away from home in complete luxury at the Ocean Breeze Villa?
Details of the house and gardens:
The upper story comprises the living room and kitchen, flanked on either side by two bedrooms. Bedrooms have French doors that open to the east towards the Ocean, infusing the rooms with morning light. An attractive architectural feature is the wraparound veranda’s post-and-beam structure. Precious Caribbean green heart, combined with a varnished wood ceiling, provide an old-world flair. Add to this the authentic Bequia stone facing of the walls, the frieze of Turkish tiles and the white lacquer of the French doors, and you get a sense of the eclectic, inviting style that is the calling card of Ocean Breeze House. Every detail receives meticulous care by the owners and the house managers, Jo and Allan, who live next door and keep things in order year-round.
Stepping out of the living room, there is a sitting area with comfortable teak chairs and coffee table. To the left, under one of the pyramid roofs, is a wrought-iron glass-topped table for your morning coffee. The area is partially glassed-in to keep the occasional rain at bay. At night, it’s an inviting spot for dining al fresco. An overhead candelabra, terracotta wall sconces and candles provide a cozy ambiance. Not to mention the moon and stars.
At the opposite end of the veranda, shielded by the twin pyramid roof, you’ll find deck chairs, a hammock and game or (if you must) work table. The veranda offers beauty, rest and shelter all day long.
Inside, you’ll find a comfortable seating area with rattan chair and sofa that converts to a pullout bed for an extra guest. There is a dining table of precious Guyanese walnut surrounded by teak chairs with local canvas cushions. A Tiffany-style lamp give a special appeal to the dining area. The brand-new kitchen, though small, has all necessary appliances, including a dishwasher, microwave, gas stove, and refridgerator. The Caribbean cherry cabinets were made by a local craftsman. The counter top is granite. Dishware includes a contemporary stone service for breakfast and more formal Bohemian porcelain for your own pleasure or for entertaining guests.
Works by local artists adorn the combined living-dining room, including a spectacular staue of a Pelikan, and paintings by Lucy Quashie (whose gallery is worth visiting), along with imported Turkish and Portuguese artwork.
On the middle level, you’ll find a veranda with Jacuzzi, a set of Adirondack chairs and another seating area. The door at the far end leads to the third air-conditioned bedroom with bath and kitchenette , an attractive option for additional members of your party, or a practical solution for an accompanying nanny. Another wrap-around balcony opens views to a different panorama and makes for spectacular star-gazing.
All three bedrooms feature queen-size beds and mosquito nets. The house features two washing machines and a dryer, as well as an overflow refrigerator for any additional food and beverages you may have.
On the lower level, stop for a moment to admire the unique circular staircase, the new Bequia sandstone veneer on the walls and of course the plentiful flowers. Walking down a flight of stairs, brings you to the oval swimming pool, a shady gazebo perfect for a light lunch, and chaise lounges for sunbathing (don’t forget your sunscreen!). A fridge dispenses cool beverages and a gas grill can be called upon for hamburgers or local fish. Walking down another flight, you’ll find a great spot for reading a book or meditating under the mango tree.
Security
Bequia’s reputation as a safe destination is well deserved. Ocean Breeze House is equipped with a security alarm system (seldom used). Additionally, two safes are available.
Sports Equipment
Various pool and beach toys are on-hand. A 14-foot Laser sailboat is available to certified sailors and requires written indemnification.
Environmentally Conscious
Ocean Breeze House aspires to be energy self-sufficient. We make extensive use of solar energy both in the house and to run the swimming pool, an air conditioner, and the Jacuzzi, as well as to provide hot water. The gardens use recycled water, collected roadside and distributed by an elaborate underground irrigation system. Guests are invited to contribute to this eco-awareness by conserving water and electricity.
Ocean Breeze House has a music system for your iPod or CDs and has Wi-Fi to meet your Internet and Skype needs.
Grandfather is a Scientist, grandmother a Psychologist. Father teaches English, and Mother is a Journalist. Children ( 7 and 5) enjoy 2nd grade and Kindergarten, respectively. Grandmother is a serious gardener, whereas grandfather’s hobby is woodworking, skills that are useful for maintaining the Ocean Breeze House in impeccable order. Increasingly they are eco-conscious, having installed solar power to run house, pool, Jacuzzi and lately air conditioning in bedroom # 3. To conserve precious water, the pool is filled with 2/3 rain water and 1/3 sea water. Hundreds of feet of underground drip irrigation nurture the tropical gardens.
The owners are good friends with Allan and Jo Gabriel, the British couple living uphill who serve as year-round managers. They frequently travel to Bequia for relaxing holidays, where 'relaxation' often includes varnishing the teak furniture or re-decorating the house. For that purpose, they collect artworks from local artists.
Jo Gabriel purchased this villa in 1998
After vacationing on several Caribbean islands we discovered Bequia on a sailing trip. With its natural beauty and charm, its lively tradition as a sailing and scuba diving center and the preservation of genuine Caribbean life it was the perfect match for us. Ten years of return trips brought us closer to the Bequian people, and eventually led us to buy property and to build our house. As so often happens, our initially modest house morphed over the years to a luxury villa. Acquisition of adjacent land protects us against future intrusive development, preserving the spectacular views, and at the same time providing space for a magnificent pool & sundeck.
Since houses fare poorly when not lived in we decided to rent the villa, and to share its beauty with guests. Recovering some of the maintenance expenses is also a motif. Guest who stayed at Ocean Breeze were all happy. One couple from England who come every January for the past 15 years had adopted the place as their own until advancing age made the trip too arduous. The testimonies of guests are our best calling card.
Any house is only as good as the people who care for it. We already told you that we, the owners, travel three times a year to Bequia, not a big deal from New York with several choices of direct flights to Barbados, and a connecting flight to Bequia by SVG AIR. Thus, we can keep an eye on the property. More importantly though are our caretakers. We are lucky to have: Jo Gabriel, who manages the household and the books; Allan Gabriel who maintains the gardens and pool, and arranges for general upkeep and repairs of the property.
Alma, who comes twice a week (or more often if you like) to clean up and do your laundry; Garth and Bobu, who keep the gardens in luscious beauty. Less visible, but no less important, are other elves. To name a few: Curtis, or his wife Sandra, who meet you at the airport; Doris, who runs a food emporium and knows all about wines; Dive-Master Bob Sachs who will guide you on an unforgettable undersea tour.
We spent 2 comfortable and relaxed weeks at Ocean Breeze in late March-early April. We only closed the doors (and just a couple at that) when a flash rain shower came blowing in on the east wind. This was our second stay on Bequia (we stayed at the Bequia Beach Hotel last year-a terrific place on a beautiful beach), and the list of things we loved about this house is extensive: the steady ocean breezes, the view, the house feels like a home, a very well,equipped kitchen for people who like to cook, the wrap-around covered porch with lounge seating as well as dining area, the very helpful (but not intrusive) and nearby house managers, the wildlife (yes, the birds will fly through the house), excellent wifi, a great selection of supplemental books for leisure reading, good sound system, and access to a washing machine.
In full disclosure, the house is on quite a hill, and the pool is 65 steps below the main level-we saw that as our daily workout! We rented a car from Noel Ollivierre, which worked out well. The prior year we had relied on taxi service, which is inexpensive and reliable. If you are leery about driving on the left, the taxis are a good option.
We spent most of beach time at Friendship, sometimes a picnic lunch, sometimes lunch at Bequia Beach Hotel, and at Lower Bay, lunch at Da Reef. These 2 beaches are our favorites, and often we would be the only people there. Lovely sand, gentle wave action, beautiful views.
We are able to fly JetBlue non-stop Boston to Barbados, and then take SVG Air directly to Bequia. You arrive in time for your evening cocktail.
Ocean Breeze and Bequia come with high recommendations from us. No big resorts, great restaurants, minimal tourists. We love it there.
This place has it all, there is absolutely nothing missing. We are gourmet cooks and we found everything we needed to make fantastic meals using local produce and food.
The house itself is amazing - the warp around deck with a spectacular view of both Industry and Spring bays is outstanding. It was the perfect deck for morning Pilates. The pool was great, we used it every day and really appreciated that is was saltwater.
Jo and Allan Gabriel are there for whatever you need, to answer your questions and to fix whatever might need it. Alma the maid is wonderful. It was such a treat to have her take care of us twice a week.
The owner, Ulrich is fantastic. Easy to deal with, understanding and helpful. We really enjoy the emails we receive from him.
Bequia is an island like no other. It is rural Caribbean and that is just the way we like it. It is quiet and laid back, yet it is welcoming all the same.
It is our plan to return to Bequia and to Ocean Breeze often.
Thank you Ulrich, Jo, Allan and Alma.
Kindesr Regards;
Marg and Mike, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
This villa is paradise-- beautifully furnished, colourful, art work ,a well equipped kitchen and the view--Wow!
The pool area is relaxing if you can tear yourself away from the top deck looking out to sea.
We enjoyed exploring the island in our rented jeep and swimming at Princess Margaret Beach is a must.
Jo Gabriel and Alma the housekeeper gave us a warm welcome--we hope to return someday soon to lovely
Ocean Breeze Villa.
I set off for Bequia with friends and their children, determined to disconnect from all of the electronic devices. As an accomplished, amateur photography, the only modern device I allowed myself was my digital slr. I look at the photos often, marveling at the beauty that greeted me every time I turned my head - and camera - towards the view from Ocean Breeze. For all the changes that came with the light, the clouds, and the wind, the view was never less than breathtaking. I never checked an email, surfed the web, checked Facebook, or had a conversation with anyone, except in person. It was paradise!
This villa allows you to get away from it all in exotic and rustic Bequia without compromising comfort. There is a huge veranda with spectacular views of several bays and outlying islands surrounding the large and comfortable main living quarters. We spent more time than we expected just lying in the hammock. As much as we enjoyed our excursions around the island, we were always happy to return home and relax by the pool. We had our three young children with us, so having enough space for us to spread out and the ability to just walk down to the pool rather than having to head out to the beach were major advantages.
Scuba diving is a must on Bequia. The Island maintains a protected UNDERSEA PARK featuring all level of skills ranging from shallow dives for beginners to 200 foot drops along 'the Wall' for seasoned divers, all of these super exciting. The PADI dive shops are great! Snorkeling on the Reefs is an exciting alternative to Scuba.
Bequia is also a sailing haven. We have a small LASER to explore Admiral's Bay, or you can hire on on a trip to the Grenadine Keys on the authentic Schooner FRIENDSHIP ROSE.
Rate Period | Nightly | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly * | Event | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
My Standard Rate
7 night minimum stay
|
|
C$2,233
|
C$8,933
|
|
|||||
Notes: Rates are based on 2 guests; add C$64 per night, per additional guest |
one third at booking time, 2/3 at arrival. Payment options are certified bank check or cash. On special request American guests can submit bank cheques to US address of Owner.
* Approximate monthly rate. Â Actual rate will depend on the days of the month you stay.