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The Old Fort – reviews, photos

Mt Pleasant, Box 71, Box 71, Bequia (Formerly Old Fort Country Inn)
Hotel amenities
The Old Fort
4.5 of 5 stars 14 Reviews
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14 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    11
    3
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
Conception Bay South, Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Welcome to Fantasy Island!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Located among the beautiful and unscathed Grenadine islands, the Old Fort sits atop Mount Pleasant on Bequia, the most charismatic of them all. I wanted a private, quiet, romantic, non standard, warm, totally relaxing, fun but very interesting place to visit on our very special 11-11-11 vacation. My research brought me to the Old Fort as fitting the entire expectation list.

If you want all inclusive, crowded beaches, in your face merchants, countless run of the mill excursions, shopping, loaded buffets, exotic hotel rooms or villas with jacuzzis all sitting on an ocean, for a few thousand dollars, then DO NOT GO TO BEQUIA or any Grenadine Island for that matter. You do not want the above things as per my wish list for the ideal getaway vacation.

Would you like to fly into Barbados airport, jump a 19 seat twin otter plane for a ride with a view you only see on television, beautifully treed islands with golden beaches surrounded by turquoise waters, a prearranged private open air taxi when you land, an enchanting historical drive on a narrow roadway lacking traffic, where the driver knows every one of only 5000 inhabitants on the island, where the temperature is a constant 30 degrees day and night with a magical palm breeze and set foot above a mountain top as you stare at a magnificently restored 19th century small historical charming and very private old fort nestled among the most romantic and absolutely gorgeous flora and fauna you have ever set eyes on? Then GO TO BEQUIA, or St. Vincent or Mustique, or Canouan, or Union or Palm Island but you can ONLY stay at The Old Fort on BEQUIA, the Big Little Island, as it is affectionately known.

My new fiance and I (got engaged at the enchanting and magical fort) stayed 11 days and have recorded it as the getaway vacation of a lifetime.The host Quirin (the residents only know him as Kingking) treated us like family; whatever our little need was, he immediately had a solution or was quick to retrieve something. Kingking is one of the charming sons of the founder, Otmar Schaedle, They found a place in Paradise and unveiled it for all of us to see and experience. You do not stay or visit the Old Fort. You "live it".

Yes the Fort is a little away from the major beaches, restaurants, bars and shopping such as it is. That's a good thing. The island is less than 30 square miles so you get around it in no time. You can easily go to the places you want during the day by easily accessible taxis (or walk) and retreat to the Old Fort for the absolutely beautiful setting of the evening (I loved the dining ambiance). the Old fort provides a very special opportunity to do the things you love to do in the Carribean but have all the peace, beauty and romance of a fairy tale. Bequia itself is charming and beautiful and has one of the world's top beaches, which we shared with never more than a dozen patrons in this off season (yes I am serious). It is not very developed as in much of the Caribbean but the friendly people and charm of the island made us feel welcome and comfortable.

Nobody I have spoken with since our return has ever heard of Bequia, let alone seen it. The visitors we met said sssshhhh, don't tell anyone. But hey, I love sharing and The Old Fort and Bequia is a place that every person should experience at least once in your lifetime.
Kingking, his brother Robin, even their dad Otmar whom we got to meet, along with Shara the everything lady, Josiah, the master chef and handyman, and Sheldon, the groundskeeper, along with Nera the cat who slept with us several nights, the friendly dogs and two donkeys all made our experience at The Old Fort, Bequia, and the breathtaking Tobago Cays a memory of all time. (DO NOT VISIT THE ISLANDS THERE AND NOT SEE TOBAGO CAYS; BIG MISTAKE!).

Of course this trip was an "11" out of 10!!!

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Glenn G about The Old Fort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
San Francisco, California
1 review
“Unmatched beauty at the ideal "Caribbean" getaway!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2011

After visiting over 40 islands in the Caribbean, Bequia offers the "true Caribbean experience." This is not your average getaway with an ocean view. It is a crafted space, filled with character at every corner. I had the pleasure of staying for three weeks and enjoyed every bit of space I could explore. If you have a choice of islands and places, this is one you should not miss.

With the fairytale, fort-styled, stone buildings, filled with rooms that defy description, there never was a dull moment for the imagination. The Old Fort is a tranquil place too, away from the hustle and bustle of the harbor. The infinity pool, with hidden hot tub tucked into its private "cave", puts the perfect finishing touch to this unique place.

The Port Elizabeth harbor, on the opposite side of the island, is warmer, too warm in fact, and lacks the westerly breeze of Mt. Pleasant. Cool breezes and open spaces start each day and mid-day entertainment includes watching ships sail by on the open sea below the balcony overlook. The full moon only adds to the beauty and I highly recommend being there for that, or a new moon night for counting stars.

The walk to town is virtually all downhill and makes for a pleasant stroll. Taking a taxi back is by far the easiest, although catching a ride is not impossible for one or two travelers. For convenience, the Sugar Hill Store and restaurant is only about 10 minutes away from the Old Fort by foot; they have enough to meet your basic needs and snacks (just check on their hours of operation).

The history of the Old Fort is unique and you would benefit by asking Otmar and Quirin about it (father and son). Be sure to check out the display of artifacts found on the property, from its earliest inhabitants. There are many paths and places nearby to explore on foot.

  • Stayed May 2011, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask karenhawes69 about The Old Fort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Antigo, Wisconsin
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Magical untouched beauty”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2011

Bequia is one of very few unspoiled islands in the Caribbean. The Old Fort sits atop a hill overlooking the beautiful Caribbean and you are able to see several of the other Grenadine islands from the fort. If you are traveling with kids, it might not be the "hot spot entertaining spot" you are looking for. There are no TV's, and getting to the beach is a LONG walk or a taxi ride away. If you are looking for peace and quiet, beautiful settings, and a wonderful, friendly, helpful staff, this is the place to be. The rooms are wonderful, the food is terrific, and the setting is definitely one of the best on the island. Otmar, who lives just a short distance from the Fort, is a wonderful man, with a great love and understanding of the island. He is a wealth of information and wonderful to talk to. His son Kerin now runs the Fort, and he is a very energetic young man who is now in the process of adding more rooms to the Fort. He is a wealth of information in regards to getting around the island and helping you to get to where you want to go. He had Steve, one of the local taxi drivers pick us up from the airport, and whenever we wanted to get anywhere, we could just call him and he would come and pick us up. Bequia can be as quiet and peaceful as you want, or you can party it up any night of week at one of the local bars/restaurants. My husband and I found it so refreshing to meet so many different people from so many different walks of life, and each one just as friendly as the next, from the locals, to the yachtsmen, to some elites. All come to Bequia for the peace and beauty of the island. We met some wonderful people here, and hope to return to see more of the island, and some of the other Grenadine islands also. If you go, take a trip on the Friendship Rose and see the Tobago Cays. They are simply Breathtaking!!!! The Old Fort is wonderfully different than your run of the mill hotel, which is exactly what we were looking for. We can't thank Kerin, Otmar, Shara, Steve, and Sonya enough for the great experience. I kind of hate to tell everyone about it, as I'm afraid it will ruin the island in the future. Bequia may seem a little simplistic to some, but that is EXACTLY what makes it so charming, and such a wonderful get away from the fast pace that most of us deal with everyday. Thanks to everyone for one of the most relaxing, fabulous vacations we have ever taken. Thumbs up to the Old Fort, and Bequia!!!

  • Stayed March 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Joe-Lynda about The Old Fort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Half Moon Bay, California
1 review
“Magical setting atop Mt Pleasant.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 December 2010

Our 8 night stay at the Old Fort was just perfect. The property is truly one of a kind with historic buildings, a beautiful pool, breathtaking views, and even a pair of friendly resident donkeys. We were able to fully relax and take in all that Bequia has to offer stressed out people in need of a vacation! Can't wait for the next trip!

  • Stayed December 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask jmesserich about The Old Fort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Decorah, Iowa
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“The Old Fort provides an amazing Caribbean hideaway!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 November 2010

The Schaedle family have loving restored a fort on Bequia that gives you shelter from reality.
We stayed a week to escape the hustle and bustle of the grind of life in the US and were richly rewarded for our choice. The staff at the Old Fort exceeded our expectations and the accommodations were first rate and a true experience not a cookie cutter hotel.

  • Stayed November 2010, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about The Old Fort

Mt Pleasant, Box 71, Box 71, Bequia (Formerly Old Fort Country Inn)
Price range (per night):* INR6,130 - 11,703

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