Travel in Montserrat – Hotels, Montserrat Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide



Picturesque Montserrat: A Vacation To Remember

Vacation and Travel to Montserrat
The island of Montserrat seen in the distance from an Antigua beach

Montserrat is considered a British overseas territory and volcanic island that is in the Caribbean Sea, located in the Leeward Islands. It is often referred to as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean”, because of its resemblance to the coast of Ireland and the early inhabitants were European settlers. The island was claimed by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1493.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory was founded after the eruption of Soufriere Hills volcano on July 18th, 1995. There are three volcanoes on the island; the Silver Hills, the Centre Hills and Soufriere Hills. Soufriere Hills is the most active of all three volcanoes with eruptions in the 1890's, 1930's and 1960's and was then followed by a 30 year period of dormancy. From the observatory, guests have a great view of the volcano and may be able to witness pyroclastic lava flows rolling down the side of a lava dome. There are live seismographic readings of any volcanic activity on the island as they occur on the observatory “helicorders”. Visiting the observatory will give guests a first-hand understanding of how the Montserrat volcanoes work and how the island was formed.

Northeast of the island is the location of Jack Boy Hill, which is another excellent vantage point for viewing volcanoes on the island. The structure overlooks the old WH Bramble Airport, estate house and villages that were destroyed in the past by volcanic eruptions. There is a viewing platform, picnic area, a mini hiking trail and a landscaped garden.

The Runaway Ghauts, are a series of deep ravines that carry rainwater from the mountains to the sea. It has trails that take hikers westward through a lush winding trail that wraps around the island. There are a number of fruit trees and around twenty species of rare birds that can be seen along the trail. There is a legend on the island that says whoever drinks from the fountain at Runaway Ghaut will return to Montserrat again and again.

Because of its resemblance to Ireland and the nickname Emerald Isle, Montserrat is the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Patricks Day, March 17th, as a public holiday. The date is also celebrated as the day the slaves on the island held an uprising in 1768. In March, the country celebrates for an entire week, bringing together people from every culture to hold the annual festival complete with music, food, crafts and dancing. Events include a guided hike through the mountains, the Freedom Run from Cudjoe Head to Salem Park, a St. Patricks day themed dinner and a Junior Calypso Competition.

Another event every tourist will enjoy is the annual St. Peters Parrish Bazaar, which is held on the first Monday in August. The event has been held for over 50 years and draws families, friends and people from all over the world together. It is held on the grounds of the old Anglican Rectory of St. Peters and begins in the mid-afternoon.

Because of the climate, Montserrat is the ideal location for the traveler seeking seclusion and beautiful scenery. There are many fabulous villas, resorts and hotels where guests can find deluxe accommodations. One such place is the Tropical Mansion Suites, located in Sweeny or the Vue Pointe Hotel, located on the hillside in the Old Town area. These hotels offer a panoramic view of the Soufriere Hills and a pearl gray beach located right across the street. With breathtaking views of volcanoes and mountains, peace and tranquility, Montserrat is a place unlike any other on earth.

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