THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, “CARIBBEAN UNPLUGGED”

MONTSERRAT, “THE EMERALD ISLE”
BY CLAY LARROY

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Montserrat is a quiet, laid-back island where you can hike, birdwatch, snorkel, or enjoy a couple of drinks over a game of dominoes.

The tiny Caribbean island was dealt a devastating blow when the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted massively in 1995 and again in 1997. Almost half the island was rendered uninhabitable, including the capital, Plymouth, which today stands half-submerged in volcanic ash and mud. The effects were not limited to physical destruction. Montserrat's economy was severely damaged, and around two-thirds of the 12,000 population left the island.

The volcano remains active and much of the island is still out of bounds, but this in itself is a draw for tourists looking for something beyond the usual Caribbean experience of beaches and luxury resorts.

Best Time To Visit

The climate is subtropical, tempered by trade winds. There is little climatic variation throughout the year making Montserrat a great year round destination. The heaviest rainfall occurs between July and November; however, the heavy cloudbursts serve to refresh the atmosphere and once they are over the sun reappears.

Required Clothing

Tropical lightweights are worn, with light woollens for cooler evenings. A light raincoat or an umbrella is useful.

Geography

Montserrat is one of the Leeward Islands group in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a volcanic island with black sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation. There are three main volcanic mountains on the island and Chances Peak is its highest point at 915m (3,002ft). The Soufrière group of hills houses the volcano which began erupting in July 1995 and to date is continuously active. The Great Alps Waterfall, previously one of the most spectacular sights in the West Indies, has been destroyed by the volcano.

Where to stay in Montserrat

Hotels

There are two hotels - the 18-room Tropical Mansion Suites and the Vue Pointe Hotel. The Vue Pointe is temporarily closed owing to increased volcanic activity. A 10% accommodation tax is charged for hotels.

Bed And Breakfast

Montserrat has several guest houses. Visit the Montserrat Tourist Board's website for a full list (see Contact Addresses). A 7% accommodation tax is charged for guest houses and bed and breakfasts.

Other

The Hot Rock Hostel opened in May 2006 and is Montserrat's first youth hostel, offering budget accommodation in bunk beds.
Villas and apartments are available, many with their own swimming pools; the Montserrat Tourist Board provides a list on its website. A 7% accommodation tax is charged for villas.

Reference Sites

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“... everyone knew that all islands were worlds unto themselves, that to come to an island was to come to another world.”
― Guy Gavriel Kay

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!