Montserrat Tourism Authority https://www.visitmontserrat.com/ Your Green Adventure Awaits Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:42:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cropped-MTBFAVICON-1-32x32.png Montserrat Tourism Authority https://www.visitmontserrat.com/ 32 32 In Search of Montserrat’s National Dish Goat Water https://www.visitmontserrat.com/in-search-of-montserrats-national-dish-goat-water/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:42:16 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3628 The post In Search of Montserrat’s National Dish Goat Water appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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Montserrat’s national dish is the tasty and heartwarming stew called Goat Water. Served piping hot, with tender chunks of herb-flavored goat meat, this thick stew is usually accompanied by freshly baked rolls or slices of our local butter bread.

Montserratians love this national dish and while you will not find a wedding, funeral repast, or national celebration without it on the menu, it isn’t only reserved for special occasions. Every Friday, somewhere on the island you can purchase a bowl of goat water. While no two cooks make the dish the same, it can be enjoyed by many as it is not spicy and is quite filling.

Every Friday morning, John Fergus at The People’s Place on Hilltop sets up his coal pot out front with a big stainless-steel pot for his goat water. Uncle John’s goat water moves quickly, so it’s a good idea to pull over and order yours before it’s all gone.

You can find goat water every Friday by noon at Miss Juliet at the Boiling Point in Little Bay. Be prepared to have a good laugh as the conversations are always lively and Miss Juliet has a great sense of humor. Also on her menu are spareribs, liver, macaroni pie, and potato salad.

The ladies at Martin’s Takeaway in Salem also serve goat water on Fridays. You will want to take a cup to go because you will probably eat the first serving right on the spot. During festival season, be sure to ask if any ducana is on the menu. Be prepared to leave with some of their tasty desserts such as potato pudding and coconut tarts. They have truly mastered Montserrat’s traditional cuisine.

On a Saturday morning in Carr’s Bay, you will find Miss Annie under the sea grape tree serving this smooth brown goodness along with other local favorites like green banana, dasheen, breadfruit and saltfish.

While they do not have public food outlets, two other great chefs who have mastered Montserrat’s goat water are Dr. Gregory Julius and Patricia West. They are available for private catering events.

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A One-Day Escape to Montserrat https://www.visitmontserrat.com/a-one-day-escape-to-montserrat/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 18:38:02 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3498 The post A One-Day Escape to Montserrat appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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Here is your itinerary for your one-day escape to Montserrat.

Once you exit the arrival hall, ask your driver to take you to Miss Di for a sandwich made with fresh bread, baked right there at A We Shopping Centre. This is one of only a few bakeries on the island, where you can now enjoy Montserrat’s classic butter bread.

Now that you are filled, head to Little Bay for a one-two visit to the National Museum and the Montserrat Cultural Centre. The museum periodically offers special exhibits and interactive experiences to share forgotten traditions and to teach visitors about our history. A short drive away from the museum is the cultural centre, which was constructed from funds raised by friends of the late Sir George Martin. The main auditorium is named after him and in the lobby, you can see palm prints of some of the famous pop and rock ‘n roll singers who once recorded their hits in Montserrat in the 80s.

Slip on down to Carr’s Bay corner with your driver and ask for coconut water. This is best enjoyed, straight from the coconut. Not so fast. After you’ve finished the water, ask the coconut man to cut it open so you can enjoy the jelly or nut inside. The amount of coconut jelly will vary, depending on how much water was inside. The more water, the less jelly you have.

Now that your thirst has been slaked, you are ready for the drive to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory in Salem. From the viewing platform at the MVO, you will have an unobstructed vantage point to view the Soufriere Hills Volcano, the Belham Valley which has seen billions of tons of debris spewing down, Salem and Old Road Bay.

There are videos, photos, and other products to help you understand the scientific and social impact of the volcano on life in Montserrat.

Ready for lunch? The Attic in Olveston is a great spot for a local lunch. Prices are reasonable and it is a popular dining spot for both locals and expats.

No time to dawdle but we do need to grab some mementos of your time on the island. The gift shop at the Montserrat National Trust, not far from the restaurant is a great place for doing so. There are items for every member of the family, whether you are looking for hand-painted t-shirts, handmade dolls, books and more.

Your one-day escape to Montserrat would be incomplete without a stop to drink from the famous Runaway Ghaut. The legend says that if you drink from it, you are guaranteed to return. This is a great idea, since your one-day escape was much too short. Wouldn’t you agree?

Time to head back to the airport. Keep your camera ready to capture some of the most stunning views which open around the many curves along the way.

Even though your one-day escape to Montserrat is over, we hope you are left with memories for a lifetime and you are already planning to return soon.

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Healing Secrets in Montserrat’s Botanical Gardens https://www.visitmontserrat.com/healing-secrets-in-montserrats-botanical-gardens/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:26:03 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3450 The post Healing Secrets in Montserrat’s Botanical Gardens appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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Whether you live on island or here for a holiday, you should put a visit to the Botanical Gardens on your list of things to do.

Located inside the Montserrat National Trust campus in Salem, the Botanical Gardens were developed after access was lost to the original garden in Plymouth when volcanic eruptions began in the mid-90s.

Credit for the garden’s creation goes to Mapie, a naturalist and the Trust’s resident expert. Mapie is a jovial and energetic character who loves to talk plants and happily shares his wisdom of how to use them to improve your health. Funding to create the space was received from donors and the British Government through the Q Society.

The gardens comprise several sections. In the nursery is where the plants for the garden are propagated and documented. The composting unit regularly generates compost from the dead leaves, branches, and shredded paper from the offices to fertilize the plant beds.

There is a Palm Walk which offers an easy walk among several varieties of the elegant tree. There are bamboo and butterfly palms, the Christmas palm which loses some of its glory as it ages, fishtail and triangular palms. There are also the more well known royal and fan palms, among others.

An orchid house was built to showcase Montserrat’s endemic specie. The vision, Mapie explained, was to create a space that replicated the conditions in which the orchid was discovered in the Centre Hills. You would find the orchids growing alongside ferns on tree barks and philodendrons hanging from trees. This is the case in the Orchid House towards the back of the Botanical Gardens. A few hybrids have been added to the collection.

The treasure in this oasis is the Medicinal Garden, which continues to be expanded as more plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes are propagated and transferred to the beds.

Mapie credits a lifelong love of nature and his incessant quizzing of his grandmother, who raised him, on the use of the plants she grew and recommended to others.

The garden offers several plants which can be used in the fight against cancer, for managing pain and controlling the spread of it, explains the former forest ranger.

On a tour of the gardens, Mapie shares his recommendations for what plants can assist in curing what ails you. There are plans which can help a woman with period cramps and others for alleviating aches and pains in the elderly.
Floral plants are not excluded from the healing benefits. Marigold, with its bright yellow flowers are good for curing skin fusions.

The noni tree with its fruit can be used in cancer treatment and to help lose weight. The leaves are also good for curing joint pain.

The various mint plants can assist with relaxation.

Rosemary is good for hair loss. It is turned into a hair oil or soap.

Ram Goat bush can help fight cancer and is used to help induce labor pains. In Trinidad & Tobago this plant is called Shadow Benny. It is also a great seasoning for food.

There are herbs which help with headaches, depression, memory loss, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.

Mapie recommends that the bushes release the best benefits when picked when the sun is highest and then steeped in hot water, rather than boiling. The liquid can also be chilled and consumed like water.

The plants are labeled to help you understand the local and official name which can help you in researching how to use each one.

There is a small entrance fee to enter the Botanical Gardens and you can find out more by following them on Facebook to learn about upcoming events.

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A Taste of Montserrat https://www.visitmontserrat.com/a-taste-of-montserrat/ Wed, 25 May 2022 18:32:02 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3230 The post A Taste of Montserrat appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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Montserrat has always benefited from the richness of the people who call it home. Nowhere is that more apparent than in our food. Whether you are searching for food with a British flair, Asian or Caribbean, we’ve got something to awaken your taste buds.

Isles Bay Beach Bar located at the water’s edge is a colorful, yet calming restaurant serving a menu which combines traditional British fare of fish and chips with local favorites like lionfish and red snapper. The wide verandahs and miles of beach provides ample space for watching one of our awe-inspiring sunsets.

Olveston House offers an international menu created by award-winning chef Sarah Sweeney. This young Montserratian produces mouth-watering meals for guests staying at the property or those who book by reservation only. Her desserts are the subject of conversations and many Instagram photos.

Nadine’s Jerk Grill is only available on Fridays and Saturdays and it is always worth the wait. Served with your choice of traditional Jamaican rice and peas, festivals, or fries, both her jerk chicken and pork are always in high demand. You may need to wait in line to be served but the reward is always a satisfied tummy and making a new friend.

Summer Breeze Restaurant in Marine Village, Little Bay is one of the island’s newest restaurants, but it has quickly cemented its place in our world of food. Their local menu is filled with lots of curry and Asian options celebrating the owners’ Guyanese heritage. Cocktails created just for you are available.

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Beautiful Sunny Montserrat https://www.visitmontserrat.com/beautiful-sunny-montserrat/ Wed, 25 May 2022 17:10:52 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3224 The post Beautiful Sunny Montserrat appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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Beautiful Sunny Montserrat by David Carroll

The sun is shining so bright
And the sky is so beautiful
And blue and I’m in
Montserrat to

And I’m having so much fun
In the morning sun
And the little birds are
Singing so passionately
And Montserrat is so
Beautiful and peaceful

And the sun is shining so
Bright and I’m watching the flowers
Dancing in the warm sunlight

And evening comes and the sun
Goes down and everyone having fun
In this beautiful old town

And the bright stars are
Shining so bright
And the rosy colored sky
Tonight and Montserrat
Is just so beautiful
And peaceful tonight

And a warm gentle breeze
Blowing all day and my
Memories of sunny Montserrat
Will never fade away
And I’m drinking my wine
All through the night

And I’m in Montserrat tonight
And I’m smiling so bright
And having so much fun
I’m in the warm hot sun and my
Memories to cherish and so much
Happiness and so much joy and
Everyone laughing with smiles on
There faces and I’ll always
Remember my sunny days
In beautiful Montserrat
Every day.

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Running Montserrat: Unlike Anything I’ve Done Before https://www.visitmontserrat.com/running-montserrat-unlike-anything-ive-done-before/ Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:59:26 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3152 The post Running Montserrat: Unlike Anything I’ve Done Before appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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A lot of things come easily in Montserrat. Running, however, is not one of them. And you know what, that’s actually good.

Sometimes Montserrat makes it Easy

Are you looking for a sweet Saturday morning treat? Easy, visit Hilltop Coffee Shop for Belgian waffles. Craving some alone time on the sand? Easy, rent a kayak from Scuba Montserrat and paddle to Lover’s Bay Beach.

Craving time out in nature? Montserrat has you covered with numerous hikes into lush landscapes. Fine dining? No problem. Visit Ziggy’s. Or pay Trevor a visit at Watermelon Cottage.

Lionfish lunch on a gorgeous beach? Easy. Head over to Isles Bay Beach Bar.

Grocery shopping? Well… It can be easy if you know the routine of the food boats’ comings and goings.

Anyway, the point is, for a lot of activities, Montserrat makes things easy and accessible.

Running Montserrat Should Have Been Easy

I’ve been an avid runner for well over a decade now. I’ve completed what feels like countless races in the New York City area. I’ve done the Brooklyn Half Marathon every year for 10 years, as well as halves in every borough. I’ve also even tackled the New York City Marathon.

That is to say, while I may not be the fastest runner on the planet, I am accustomed to running for hours at a time. And often bank over 100 miles per month running the streets of New York.

Even so, I was totally unprepared for running Montserrat.

What it’s Really like Running Montserrat

To give you an idea of what it’s like running on our volcano paradise, I’ll give you a rundown of my running routine on my most recent stay.

Just like back home, I would rise with the sun. Greeted by tropical birds singing in the verdant forests surrounding my Tradewinds Montserrat villa, I couldn’t ask for a better way to start the day.

Then, start the kettle, get dressed, lace up the shoes, down a cup of strong black coffee, and I’m standing in my driveway.

My idyllic villa was perched on a cliff overlooking the water in the Mayfield area not far from Salem. So the plan was usually to run up to town, around and back home.

To start, I would run up my steep driveway, up a small hill, down a small ghaut, then up, and up, and up, and up some more. I’d run up past the Attic restaurant, then up, and up to Salem Road.

Mile 1

Running from the villa to Salem Road would clock in at almost exactly 1 mile.

The first mile of my runs in NYC would usually clock in at 7 minutes, 42 seconds. And that first mile would see an elevation drop of about 10 feet.

My initial mile on Montserrat was a very different story, to say the least.

First, my pace was usually over 2 minutes slower, clocking in at around 10 minutes per mile! Why? Because within that first mile alone, I would gain over 340 feet in elevation!

Climb, Plummet, Rinse, Repeat!

As with so much of life on Montserrat, the realities of running on the island are governed by the island’s volcano and fiery past. Being a volcanic island, it has grown by bursting from the sea over millennia.

Pressure has driven up mountains, and explosive eruptions have blasted these calderas to bits—piling up material in jagged radiating lines. The result? There are almost no flat roads on the island. Instead, runners need to be prepared to climb to picturesque heights, then plummet to lush depths.

After mile 1’s climb, mile 2 would involve a 300 ft plunge. This would take me out the south end of Salem and down to Lime Kiln Beach. At first light, its raw beauty was only diminished by the realization that I would need to climb all the way back up to the main road.

So, mile 3 would inevitably be a 300-foot climb back up to Salem and through to the northern edge of town. From there, you guessed it, 340 feet back down to my villa.

So, while I was used to running for hours in NYC on generally flat terrain, I needed to rethink my efforts on my volcano paradise. Instead of happily banking eight or 10-mile runs in NYC, I was exhausted after only 4 Montserrat miles!

Why Run Montserrat

The first thing to know about running the island of Montserrat is that it will be challenging if you’re not accustomed to extreme hill training. I mean, seriously challenging. But just as the volcano has transformed the island into a one-of-a-kind Caribbean paradise, running these jagged hills will also make you a better runner.

Hill training has been proven to increase leg-muscle strength, expand your stride length, push your cardiovascular system, and improve your running economy to protect against leg muscle soreness. In a nutshell, running the island’s impressive hills will make you faster, stronger, and a healthier runner.

Just be sure to take your time and ease into it.

See you on the hills!

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Top 5 Beaches in Montserrat https://www.visitmontserrat.com/top-5-beaches-in-montserrat/ Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:22:14 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3139 The post Top 5 Beaches in Montserrat appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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A volcano, lush forests, a unique history, and friendly people are all great reasons why many people fall in love with our volcano paradise. But, in my opinion, you can also add Montserrat’s beaches to the list.

To give you an idea of why, here’s a collection of my five favorite shores on Montserrat.

New Beach

Let’s kick things off with the newest entry on the list. And by new entry, I mean very new! This beach is only about 20 years old!

New Beach is just what it says it is: a new beach. A product of the multiple large-scale eruptions of Soufriere Hills Volcano, New Beach is the most extensive, most magnificent strip of sand on the island.

Officially called Bottomless Ghaut Beach, it’s home to jet black sand, mighty cliff faces, sea birds, and usually some pretty big waves. So, while it may not be the best swimming beach, it is one of the best walking beaches I’ve ever visited.

Another unique feature of the New Beach is two rock formations perfect for a bit of climb.

Isle’s Bay Beach

Isle’s Bay Beach sits within view of Soufriere Hills Volcano. And just like New Beach, it also benefited from the multiple eruptions of the past decades.

Keen-eyed visitors may notice the remains of a pier that once jutted out into the waters of the bay. Only now, that pier is surrounded by land!

Like New Beach, Isle’s Bay has grown over the years. Today, it boasts more beautiful ebony sands than ever.

And once the sun has painted that black sand with another stunning sunset, Isle’s Bay Beach Bar is the perfect spot to grab a rum and sample their lionfish dishes, burgers, and more.

Lover’s Bay Beach

Ask most Montserratians where Lover’s Bay Beach is, and I imagine you’ll get a few confused looks. Mainly because I don’t think this little cove has an official name on the map. And that’s because it’s so hard to find.

Renting a kayak out of Little Bay from the great people at Scuba Montserrat is your best bet to make this your private paradise for the day.

After about 20 minutes of paddling south, you’ll see it. A teeny tiny clutch of sand tightly gripped by two soaring onyx cliffs.

Visit here with your special someone, and you’re sure to have the cove all to yourself. Hence the name, of course.

Woodlands Beach

Tied for my favorite beach on the island, Woodlands Beach is magnificent for so many reasons.

First, there’s the crystal clear water. Then there are the soaring cliffs that flank the sands. For intrepid explorers who swim around the rocks at the south end of the bay, there’s a stunning rock archway carved out of the cliff. And for the really intrepid, there’s even an underwater rock hole to swim through!

During the day, this beach’s grayish-black sand can even reflect the light with brilliant effect. Making it appear a stunningly brighter color than it is in reality.

Rendezvous Beach

Also tied for the top slot is Rendezvous Beach. This strip of shore claims the distinction of being the island’s only white sand beach.

This secluded bay is like an oasis, only accessible via a short paddle from Little Bay Beach. The bright white sand is so unusual for the island, you almost feel like the beach was plucked from nearby Antigua and dropped on Montserrat.

Of course, the water is crystal clear. And beneath the waves on the bay’s northern end is an elaborate coral reef brimming with fish and other sea life.

All this natural beauty is backed by a blissfully undeveloped green hillside that makes Rendezvous Beach one of the most picturesque on the island.

A collection like nowhere else

No, they’re not your stereotypical collection of best beaches found on other islands usually revered solely for their sands. But what Montserrat’s beaches lack in typical Caribbean splendor, they more than make up for with uncommon character and beauty.

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Hiking Montserrat https://www.visitmontserrat.com/hiking-montserrat/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 20:11:10 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3130 The post Hiking Montserrat appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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The island of Montserrat is sometimes referred to as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean thanks to its unique colonial ties to Ireland. But long before those new arrivals from Europe projected their heritage on the island, it was already a lush green wonder. Thankfully, it remains a hiker’s paradise to this day.

What to know about Hiking Montserrat

As with almost every aspect of Montserratian life, the exceptional hiking here pays at least some homage to the ever-active Soufriere Hills Volcano and the island’s volcanic past. All that activity over the millennia has left the land vibrant and fertile.

It also left the island marvelously mountainous. Montserrat’s volcanic origins spawned as concentrated a collection of dramatic peaks and valleys as found anywhere in the Caribbean. This dynamic topography harbors a multitude of microclimates that ensure rainfall needed for the forest reserves of the Centre Hills, one of the prime hiking areas.

And then, of course, there is the latest volcanic activity ongoing since the mid-90s. During this time, the creation of the exclusion zone around Soufriere Hills and the displacement of formerly burgeoning population centers in and around the now destroyed old capital of Plymouth allowed nature to strengthen its hold across the southern portion of the island. Naturally, this has yielded even more stellar hiking opportunities.

One more thing to consider when going for a hike on the island of Montserrat is the people. That’s because it’s one of the safest islands in the Caribbean! Should you run into anyone else deep in the forests of the Centre Hills or elsewhere, you should only expect a hearty “good afternoon” and a little encouragement that you’re “almost there!”

Taken together, the volcanic history, old and new, plus the friendly population, Montserrat is one of my favorite hiking destinations in the West Indies.

Do you need a guide?

There are signs across the island marking trailheads. Unfortunately, they’re about 10 years old and, as a result, have weathered a bit. However, the trail markings are also generally well done, and the trails are cleared regularly.

All that is to say that you should be fine if you want to tackle any of the hikes alone. But that doesn’t mean you should.

Scriber has been leading nature walks, hikes, and other educational excursions across Montserrat for years, describing anything and everything you might run across during your time in the forest. His name, Scriber, is even short for “Describer,” a nod to his comprehensive knowledge and desire to share it all with visitors.

I’ve gone on several treks with him. I’ve even sent my young children off into the wilds under his care. Each time, he always delivers new and exciting insights into the many reasons why Montserrat is our volcano paradise.

So, alone or under Scriber’s wing, don’t miss hiking Montserrat. It’s easily the best way to the rich green heart of the Caribbean’s Emerald Isle.

Our Favorite Hiking Trails

OK, you’re convinced. You want to try some of the many hikes on offer but aren’t sure which to tackle. Well, here are my top three trails to consider when hiking Montserrat in the Caribbean.

Rendezvous Beach Trail

The first thing to know is that this trail could be completed in an hour and a half or less, roundtrip. But you’ll never want to do it that fast. Why? Well, it’s in the name.

Starting at the far end of Little Bay, this hike takes you up and over a promontory before depositing you on Montserrat’s one and only white sand beach.

Rendezvous Beach is long, brilliantly white (depending on the time of year), and blessed with radiant turquoise waters. The soaring cliffs on one side add to the mystique. There’s simply no way you’ll want to turn around and immediately finish this hike!

Depending on the time of year that you do this hike, your windswept surroundings will either be green or tan. But either way, the landscape will stay true to the island’s original name Alliouagana or “Land of the Prickly Bush.” So, keep that in mind when tackling this moderately difficult trail.

Oriole Walkway

The first hike I ever went on was along Oriole Walkway with the aforementioned Scriber. Starting behind The People’s Place and Hilltop Cafe, expect this hike to deliver the quintessential Montserrat hiking experience.

Lush, vibrant tropical forests? Check.

Paths lined with vibrant clutches of the national flower of Monserrat, the red heliconia? Check. There are yellow varieties here as well. (Admire them from a distance, though, because Jack Spaniard wasps love building their hives below their beautiful broad leaves!)

And then, of course, there’s the namesake of the trail and the main event: the Montserrat Oriole—a blazing yellow streak against the green canopy.

While some Montserratians I’ve chatted with can’t remember the last time they’ve seen one of these elusive birds, if you hike this trail with Scriber at your side, you can guarantee a glimpse. Why? He speaks fluent Oriole.

Seriously, he knows every bird’s calls (even the migratory ones) in the forest. With a quick bit of chatter, they’ll simply come to you so you can admire them up close!

Dry Waterfall Petroglyphs

Last but certainly not least is the Dry Waterfall trail with a detour to reach ancient stone carvings the likes of which satisfy the Indiana Jones in all of us.

Discovered about seven years ago after a storm had exposed a portion of a hillside, these stone carvings are between 1,000 and 1,500 years old.

The Dry Waterfall trail is moderately challenging, and the easy-to-miss detour to the petroglyphs takes you bouldering along dry river beds, so again, your best bet is to secure a guide for this one.

But the trip back in time when taking in these ancient carvings is well worth the effort.

The Bottom Line on Hiking Montserrat

The bottom line is that the island of Montserrat sports some of the most accessible trails into the heart of West Indian rain forests found anywhere in our islands. Bird songs carry you along past titanic plant life, waterfalls, an impressive variety of plant life, and even back in time to the island’s pristine pre-colonial splendor.

It’s one of the many experiences on offer that make our volcano paradise so unique.

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Capturing the Stars with Astrophotography in Montserrat https://www.visitmontserrat.com/capturing-the-stars-with-astrophotography-in-montserrat/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 21:31:10 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3110 The post Capturing the Stars with Astrophotography in Montserrat appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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From beaches to wildlife to soaring cliffs to portraits of the many smiling faces on-island, there are so many ways to explore the island of Montserrat with your camera. One of the more uniquely surprising photo-ops here, though, is undoubtedly the universe. Indeed, few places in the Caribbean are more ideal for astrophotography.

The Bortle scale meets Montserrat’s Soufriere Hills
The secret to capturing gorgeous images of the night sky was only recently decoded by John Bortle.

Back in 2001, he devised a nine-level numerical scale that quantifies the interference caused by light pollution when looking up at the night sky.
(It’s man-made light pollution that keeps us from seeing the glory of the night sky above us.)

For instance, New York City, where I usually live, is a 9 on the Bortle scale. No surprise for the largest city in the United States, right? NYC light pollution is so intense, in fact, that the only visible astronomical objects are the Moon, the planets, and a few of the brightest star clusters.

And Montserrat? Well, in the southern-most inhabitable areas, you’re looking at something more like a 3 on the Bortle scale!

A ranking this low means that the Milky Way soars across the sky, brilliant star clusters sparkle, and even nearby spiral galaxies can be seen with the naked eye.

Compared to many skies along the east coast of the United States, the Montserratian sky is nothing short of awesome.

Moonless nights on Montserrat

Of course, none of this was known to me when I booked a stay at a delightful Tradewinds Montserrat villa to experience the Remote Worker program. It wasn’t until my first night that I realized I was in for an astronomical treat.
You see, my first night on the island was moonless.

That night, I wrapped up dinner, put my two children to bed, poured myself a little rum, and stepped out onto the veranda. Above me, the Milky Way stretched out across the sky—hanging there, crystal clear, and sparkling.
I was blown away. If you live in the city or suburbs, as most of us do, and it’s been a while since you’ve really seen stars, it can be a little shocking to see what you’ve been missing.

I immediately went back into the house, grabbed my wife, and brought her outside. We parked ourselves in the chairs around the pool and just looked up. Bathing in the starlight.

It was magical.

And it was only after an hour of this that it finally occurred to me to go grab my camera.

Digging into camera settings

Now, while I like to think of myself as competent with a camera, capturing the night sky requires a little extra effort.

For one thing, a tripod is a must. Since you’ll be taking a long exposure and want everything to be as sharp as possible, you want to minimize any movement.

But on the other hand, you can’t have too long of an exposure either. Why? Because you can’t forget that your camera is set up on a sphere spinning at roughly 1,000 miles per hour! And if you leave the aperture open too long, you’ll end up with a bunch of streaks as the stars spin through the frame.
So, to shoot as quickly as possible, you’ll need a fast lens. The lens I was using had a maximum aperture of f2.8, so I was in pretty good shape.

But don’t try to speed things up more by cranking your ISO. The grain introduced with a higher “film speed” will only serve to muddle the magnificent stars you’re trying to capture.

OK, so that was all kind of technical, but to photograph the night sky you’ll need to be precise.

In the end, I used a 70mm focal length at f2.8 and an ISO of 3200. This allowed me to expose for 5 seconds.

The result? Shots that were OK. Not as amazing as the sky my naked eyes could see stretching out above me, but still nice.

Trying your hand at Astrophotography

No, I didn’t master astrophotography during my stay. Night after night I pulled out my camera and got a little better. But every night, the moon also grew brighter and brighter.

The downside of which was the moon overpowering the billions of stars I was trying to photograph. But the upside was a magnificent moon shot once it became full!

But those nights spent staring up at all those stars are ones I’ll always remember. Montserrat, and its dark southern skies, are truly something to behold!

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Enjoy a Spa Day in Montserrat https://www.visitmontserrat.com/enjoy-a-spa-day-in-montserrat/ Fri, 05 Nov 2021 19:56:15 +0000 https://www.visitmontserrat.com/?p=3086 The post Enjoy a Spa Day in Montserrat appeared first on Montserrat Tourism Authority.

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Enjoy a Spa Day in Montserrat

The restorative powers of Montserrat begin the minute you spot the island from the air. Enhance these properties by experiencing some wellness therapy at a local spa.

Bliss Day Spa Massage
Tucked away in the Northern village of Drummonds is Blyss Day Spa. This spa, run by certified technician Lauretta Daley overlooks the village of St. John’s and the John A. Osborne Airport, with the beauty of the Centre Hills ahead.

Entering this intimate space, Lauretta will prepare you for your treatment which can be a combination of massages, beauty, and exfoliation therapies. Short on time, then experience the Blyss signature facial, or a shoulder and neck massage. However, your body will thank you for indulging in a seaweed wrap, a warm bamboo massage or even a luxury pedicure and manicure treatments.

Oasis Spa Face Massage

Face Massage with Oasis SpaOasis Spa in Runaway Ghaut, Woodlands is another wonderful choice for pouring on the self-care. The team, led by Monique Arthur, a US-trained esthetician. The spa, which is located inside the Emerald Real Estate complex, offers a calming atmosphere to spend a few hours of rest and revitalization.

On their menu of therapies are several types of massages including aromatherapy, Swedish and hot stones. The spa also provides wraps, body scrubs and more.

Visit our wellness and therapy pages to learn more about enjoying a spa day in Montserrat.

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