Montserrat

Montserrat is a small, picturesque island located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. Montserrat is referred to as the “Emerald Isle,” for its lush green hills, dramatic coastlines, and a rich volcanic landscape, shaped by the eruption of Soufrière Hills in the 1990s.

Soufriere Hills viewed from the Vue Pointe Hotel and Restaurant (16.745757 -62.232350)
Little Bay, Marina Village, and Rendezvous Beach (16.801734,-62.205553)

Montserrat is one of the youngest islands of the Lesser Antilles chain.  It is less than 10 miles long, by 6 miles wide with half of the islands area closed off due to past volcanic activity, known as the “exclusion zone”.

During its highpoint in the 1950’s, Montserrat had a population of over 12,000.  Today, the population is one-third of that, sitting at just over 4,000 residents.  Most of the population departed following the 1995 eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano.

With its warm climate and welcoming atmosphere, Montserrat remains a hidden gem for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the Caribbean. If your idea of vacation is unlimited chain restaurants, high-rise resorts and clubs open until sunrise, Montserrat is not for you.  While there is some nightlife, particularly in Brades, the majority of the activities end by 10:00 PM.

The people of Montserrat are the core of why the island remains “the Caribbean as it used to be”.  You will not pass someone on the street or in a market that doesn’t say good morning, good afternoon, or good evening.  They will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and make sure your experience is a great one.

And the views!  They don’t stop giving either.  We always joke that on Montserrat, even the gas station has a great view.

National Dish of goat water (16.75530, -62.22131)
Royal Montserrat Police Force’s Heliconia Star (16.803288, -62.206144)

The national dish of Montserrat is goat water.  Goat water is a Caribbean stew of peppers, herbs, cloves, onions and of course, goat meat.

As a British Overseas Territory, the defense of Montserrat falls under the responsibility of the United Kingdom.  The home defense force for the island is handled by the Royal Montserrat Defence Force, which has been in existence since 1899.

Police services for the island are handled by the Royal Montserrat Police Service, which until 1967 was part of the Leeward Island Police Force which maintained police services for the seven British territories in the Caribbean.  Montserrat is consistently ranked as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with its last homicide recorded more than two decades ago.  There is also zero history of gang violence, gun violence, public assaults or any street-level violence.

Fun Facts

Capital

Plymouth (de jure)
Braids (de facto)

Government

United Kingdom (British Overseas Territory)

Currency

Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC)

Users Users

Population

4,375

Outlets

Types A & B

Time Zone

GMT – 4 (Atlantic Standard Time)

Area Code

+1-664

Language

English

Voltage

120v

Drive On

Left

National Flower

Red Heliconia

National Tree

Hairy Mango

Appstore Appstore

National Fruit

Hairy Mango

National Bird

Montserrat Oriole

Note-beamed Note-beamed

National Anthem

Motherland (wikipedia)

Montserrat Posts

Garibaldi Hill

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Garibaldi Hill is a scenic vantage point, renowned for offering unobstructed, panoramic views of the coastline, the lush Centre Hills, and the majestic Soufrière Hills Volcano.

Where to Stay on Montserrat

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You will find no chain hotels or sprawling mega-resorts.  You will only find meticulously cared-for homes or estates, many with an incredible history behind them.

Getting Around on Montserrat

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So you made it to Montserrat, now what? What options are there for moving about the island?

Fort Saint George

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The fort itself was built in 1782 during the French occupation and consisted of two gun batteries and a central magazine

Lime Kiln Beach

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Lime Kiln beach is a small, secluded beach at the end of aptly-named Lime Kiln Beach Rd in Salem.

National Museum of Montserrat

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The National Museum of Montserrat serves as the island's primary cultural repository and is managed by the Montserrat National Trust

Villa Kurtena

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Ocean view at it's best from Villa Kurtena in Woodlands

Old Road Bay Beach

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Old Road Bay Beach, much like Isle Bay Beach, is new ground formed after the 1995 eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano

Little Bay Beach

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Little Bay Beach is a great place to relax and/or watch the activities of the port. 

Isle Bay Beach

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Isle Bay Beach is a perfect beach for spending the afternoon swimming and relaxing

Rendezvous Beach

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Rendezvous Beach is one of the more secluded beaches you will come across, accessible only by boat or a 45 minute hike.

Olveston House

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Olveston House was once the historical home of Sir George Martin.

Saje Cafe

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Saje Cafe offers vibrant cuisine and warm hospitality in Montserrat.

Carr’s Bay Battery

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Carr’s Bay Battery, built by French in the 1660s.

Grand Phoenix

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Grand Phoenix offers Caribbean cuisine in a casual yet refined atmosphere, perfect for that special occasion.

Vue Pointe Hotel

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Vue Pointe Hotel symbolizes Montserrat's resilience and history since 1961.

Montserrat Cookbook

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Montserrat Old People's Welfare Association cookbook

Jack Boy Hill

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Jack Boy Hill offers scenic views and hiking in Montserrat.

Ziggy’s

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Ziggy's is a hidden fine dining restaurant in Plymouth.

Villa Trelawney

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A stunning vacation home with breathtaking views.

National Trust

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Montserrat National Trust preserves environmental and cultural heritage on the island.

Uncle’s Place

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Uncle's Place offers great rum, conversation, and views.

Watermelon Cottage

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Watermelon Cottage offers intimate dining with seasonal Caribbean cuisine.

The Attic

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The Attic offers delicious breakfast and lunch options Monday through Friday.

Summer Breeze World Cuisine & Wine Lounge

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Caribbean and Indian fusion restaurant and bar on the shores of Little Bay

Hilltop Coffee House & Air Studios Tribute

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Hilltop Coffee House is now Hilltop Cafe Lounge & Bar, open Mondays through Friday with live music.

Isle Bay Beach Bar

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Award winning restaurant and bar on the black sand beaches of Isle Bay

Andrea’s Takeaway

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A must-stop location in Salem for authentic Jamaican and local favorites.

Scuba Montserrat

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More than a scuba shop, stop in for your morning coffee and stories, or afternoon drinks on the shores of Little Bay

Montserrat Volcano Observatory

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The MVO is a dedicated monitoring station for the volcano of Soufrière Hills on Montserrat and is open to the public.

Woodlands Beach

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A peaceful and secluded black sand beach on the west coast of Montserrat

Runaway Ghaut

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A natural spring with a famous legend

Plymouth

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The de Jure capital of Montserrat has been buried under several feet of ash.

Villa Avalon

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You cannot beat this private ocean front villa located in Old Town.

Getting to Montserrat

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What are your options for getting to Montserrat? If it were easy, everyone would do it.