Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 288

Photo Credit: Sun Lea, Montserrat Island Tours

Today “The Mountain” is much
quieter and poses no threat to the
5000 residents who have made
the safe northern third of the
island their home. Those who visit
Montserrat are sure to embrace
the friendly culture as well as to
partake in this unique opportunity
to view an active volcano and
the results of its power. You may
be spellbound by the real-life
stories that Montserratians have
to share! Hollywood film does not
compare. You must actually take
this adventure first-hand.
Montserrat has truly been
devastated by its volcano, and is in
recovery. But perhaps it has also
strangely been preserved… from
becoming over-commercialized
to fit the now normal clichés of a
modern Caribbean holiday. One

might STILL say that it’s the “Way
the Caribbean used to be!”
There is at least one hotel on the
island, conveniently located just
near the airport. Many visitors
stay in cottages, private villas, or
guest houses such as Gingerbread
Hill for the price of a hotel room.
They enjoy the true sights and
sounds of the island from more
of a local perspective. And talk
about beautiful sparkling, blacksand beaches... you rarely see a
soul for hours at a time unless it’s
outside work hours or a holiday.
If you want a change from black
sand, then you could hike, kayak
or swim to Rendezvous Beach,
the only white sand beach, for a
swim or snorkel in its lighter, more
reflective turquoise waters.

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Something you must know...
The people of Montserrat are
not ONLY some of the most
resilient people you will meet,
but Montserratians are some of
the genuinely friendliest folks on
the planet. If you’re after handmade souvenirs and unique
works by local artisans, you could
simply inquire whenever the
mood strikes as opposed to being
constantly asked. However, if you
just wish to lime with the locals
for no other reason but to chat
and feel the vibe, feel free! Or
you could silently stroll barefoot
in the crimson copper rays of the
sun setting over the lapping sea,
without distraction or uttering a
single word. It’s Your move.