Photos Courtesy of Tradewinds Montserrat
In the late 80′s I took my first trip to Montserrat. I was working on the ill fated S/V Fantome. We stopped every other week in port. Montserrat was my favorite port of all. I loved hiking to Soufriere, a then dormant volcano and seeing the hot springs and smelling the sulfur air. The views were stellar. The waterfall was amazing to swim. Later I would have lunch at Vue Point Hotel and a swim at Isles Bay. Plymouth was a charming West Indian town with little shops and adorable buildings. After posting letters to the US I would stop at Emerald Cafe for a Guinness. Later I started my travel business then called Antigua Small Properties. I was living in Antigua and took weekend jaunts to nearby Montserrat. It was always a chill kind of weekend getaway.
Photos Courtesy of Tradewinds Montserrat
Around 1990 I started renting villas in Montserrat. I had one villa in Montserrat represented by Susan Edgecomb of Tradewinds and 2o villas represented by Leah and Neville Bradshaw. By 1994 the business was growing steady. Vacationers loved the island’s charm and went back again and again. Then, in 1995 the 400 year dormant volcano, Soufriere came to life. The rest is now part of Montserrat’s history. Half of the population left and who remain are forging ahead. Tourism is alive and well and it’s still a wonderful destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet island respite.
I have reconnected with Susan Edgecomb and have some amazing photos to share as part of her essay of life in Montserrat. On Feb. 11 Soufriere sent out her fury creating an amazing display. Enjoy Susan’s photos.
It is possible to spend a holiday on island, see the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, hike, swim and vacation. Day trips from Antigua are easy now or a few days getaway.
To rent a villa or see Montserrat contact Ann Phelan at 800-219-0118 . You may also plan your holiday direct by contacting:
Susan MacLeod Edgecombe
Tradewinds Real Estate
Box 365, Olveston, Montserrat
www.tradewindsmontserrat.com
