We wanted to go somewhere we could find some peace and beauty. Having booked a flight to Grenada, we looked around on the web, and found that Carriacou, an island in the Grenadines, looked beautiful. Then we looked around for self-catering accommodation.

We found the Snakepit! Despite the name, Cobra could not have been more welcoming. A mine of information about the physical environment of the island, Cobra is a really nice guy, and a master boatman. The room that we stayed in was tastefully decorated, had a fantastic bed made by Cobra himself, and view of Paradise beach.

The beach is a minute's walk from the Snakepit. Paradise beach is beautiful, the sea is clear and clean. There is coral at both ends of the beach which is safe for snorkelling, and Sandy Island, which has a larger reef is a 5 min boat ride away (50 ECD if Cobra takes you, 60 ECD if Joseph of the Hardwood takes you). With two beach cafes on the beach serving tasting home-cooked fish dinners for less than 30 ECD, or dinner at the Snakepit for 20 ECD, why would you want to go anywhere else?

We spent two blissfully peaceful weeks at the Snakepit. Highly reccommended.

Carriacou February 2007

Having spent 8 nights on the wonderful ‘Spice Island’ of Grenada my wife and I took the Osprey fast ferry to the magical ‘desert island’ of Carriacou an island with a population of around six thousand and which remains one of the few unspoilt true Caribbean Islands. We stayed with Teena & Kobra in a self contained apartment at the Snake Pit in the village of L’esterre which boasts the aptly-named Paradise Beach just a short walk from the apartment, more than a mile of glorious sand and crystal clear blue waters with very few people to be seen. Teena & Kobra are warm and friendly people who did their very best to make us both comfortable and happy and Teena is pleased to cook for her guests as required. The delightful accommodation which was built personally by Kobra includes a magnificent hand built solid timber king size bed complete with mosquito net and from where sea views are enjoyed.

The accommodation comprises a spacious light and airy room with netted windows to three sides one of which gives sea views. On the windowless side of the apartment is a compact fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, gas cooker and hand built worktop and sink. The large shower room has a big shower tray with overhead shower, toilet and wash hand basin. Outside is a balcony with a table and chairs where one can enjoy breakfast in the Caribbean sunshine. The Snake Pit business includes a gift shop, inside and outside bars serving the best rum punch on the island. Kobra himself appears to be ‘The Main Man’ in the village (if not the whole island) who will arrange fishing/boat trips to off islands including trips to the world renown Tobago Cays.

The people of Carriacou are wonderfully kind and hospitable and love to welcome visitors who take the island as it is and try not to change it. We were welcomed to experience their 4.00 am J’Ouvert Morning celebrations with the local people at their village carnival.

In conclusion my wife and I really enjoyed and will always remember our wonderful Caribbean experience on this true Caribbean Island and we would highly recommend both Carriacou and Teena & Kobra at ‘The Snake Pit’ to anyone wishing to experience the true Caribbean. However one has to be aware that this is not a tourist island and mosquito’s and dogs barking during the night can be troublesome. Would we go again ? , Most definitely.