The island of Montserrat was home to tens of quaint towns and picturesque villages, most of which were buried under tons of lava and volcanic ash forever, including the once bustling Plymouth and a total of 53 more settlements that are now abandoned and from the Exclusion Zone. However, inside the 1/3 of the island that is inhabitable the towns that surely stand out are as follows.
Brades – Casual Atmosphere & Idyllic Landscapes
Sitting comfortably on the northwest end of Montserrat, Brades (also called Brades Estate) serves as the de facto capital of the island after the massive volcanic eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano destroyed its former capital, Plymouth. Before it slipped into the colourful and jaw-dropping attire you now see, though, it suffered several blows from nature’s elements, as it took direct hits from tropical storm impacts, besides the volcanic activity. Although still licking its wounds, Brades can make your heart stop with numerous natural attractions and the scenery surrounding it.
Do consider heading to Jack Boy Hill for spellbinding views of the volcano, all the way to the old airport, or visit any of the nearby beaches for some water sports fun. Its close proximity to Little Bay, Carr’s Bay, and Bunkum Bay offer superb opportunities for relaxed and quiet beach experiences that can include anything from basking in the sun to swimming and from snorkelling to diving away from the bustle of tourism of other Caribbean islands or feeling crushed for space. As for those who choose to go underwater, they will definitely be mind blown by the richness of marine life, featuring nurse sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, and many more.
As for accommodation options, you are, once again, spoiled for choice, with anything from guest homes to wooden cottages and elite resorts at your disposal.
Salem – With a Touch of Spark
Nicely tucked on the western coast of Montserrat, Salem has become a popular pole of attraction on the island for the renowned AIR Studios that were built here. Founded in 1979 by the infamous Sir George Martin, the record producer of the equally legendary Beatles band, AIR Studios saw numerous colossus artists visiting Salem to record or write music – names such as Elton John, Steve Wonder and so many more from the rock and roll and pop music scene.
Sadly, the luxurious studio building on Friths Road was severely damaged after Hurricane Hugo struck the island in 1989, leaving nothing but derelict ruins in the place of the once glorious venue. As expected, the recording studio closed. As for the place Sir George Martin used to live, namely Olveston House, it now operates as a top-rated guest house.
That aside, though, Salem Town also experienced several setbacks that almost brought it to total extinction after the 1997 volcanic eruption. Although it was evacuated to protect residents’ lives, it has managed to stand up on its feet again and has been successfully resettled.
While here, you may also hear people mention the Salem Oval. It is a cricket ground that was built to give the locals the pleasure of watching and playing their favourite sport, after the main Montserrat cricket ground in Plymouth was completely destroyed by the 1997 volcanic eruption. If you happen to be around the area during a cricket match, you will surely find its precise location by just following the cheers!
Now, when it comes to the entertainment factor in Salem, you can choose between several places to have a delicious cocktail or drink and pamper your palate with great local dishes. Also, dance and have fun, while enjoying superb views of the island, from venues close to the Volcano Observatory. However, the place usually becomes even more lively on Fridays, the nights of which are full of ex-pats, tourists, and locals alike drinking and singing until well into the night.
Saint Johns Village
Saint Johns Village is a beautiful small town in Saint Peter Parish with a few hundred residents. The charming destination lies around 9 kilometres (5 miles) north of Plymouth, the former capital of Montserrat, and is very close to some of the most breathtaking attractions and natural scenery, including Soldier Ghaut. Soldier Ghaut is considered to be one of the most significant sites in Montserrat for the petroglyphs discovered in 2016 by hikers in the ghaut. Dating to around the Late Ceramic Age, meaning between 600 CE and 1500 CE, the Montserrat petroglyphs are one of their kind, although similar ones are found throughout the Caribbean islands. This is because their size is much larger than the ones discovered in rocks in other Caribbean destinations, and even includes a 93-centimetre-tall (36.6 inches) anthropomorphic (human-looking) complex.
Another landmark also worth exploring while around Saint Johns Village is Quashie Spring, a scenic location with impressive lush vegetation that is much preferred as a great fishing spot. Even if you don’t fancy the idea of spending your day fishing, you can certainly come here to unwind and relax amidst jaw-dropping natural terrains.
Little Bay
Although primarily industrial in nature, Little Bay is the only port on Montserrat and an under-construction port town that is intended to take the place of Brades as the Montserrat capital in the future. Sitting almost adjacent to the current de facto capital of the island, Little Bay is an ongoing project seeing major developments taking place year after year, as a means to turn it into a full-scale tourist area in the forthcoming years. Tucked north of St. Peters, the palm tree-lined harbour and the port town is also crisscrossed by the Collins River as it heads toward the sea and the sandy beaches within the area.
What is also noteworthy about Little Bay is the fact that the project for its reconstruction and development is funded by both the UK Department for International Development and the Montserrat Government. Plus, after the death of Princess Diana (Princess of Wales) in 1997, the island authorities filed a claim wanting to change the name of Little Bay to Port Diana. When the developments are finished, chances are the name-change request will be approved and the world may as well know Montserrat as Princess Diana’s Port!
The island of Montserrat was home to tens of quaint towns and picturesque villages, most of which were buried under tons of lava and volcanic ash forever, including the once bustling Plymouth and a total of 53 more settlements that are now abandoned and from the Exclusion Zone. However, inside the 1/3 of the island that is inhabitable the towns that surely stand out are as follows.
Brades – Casual Atmosphere & Idyllic Landscapes
Sitting comfortably on the northwest end of Montserrat, Brades (also called Brades Estate) serves as the de facto capital of the island after the massive volcanic eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano destroyed its former capital, Plymouth. Before it slipped into the colourful and jaw-dropping attire you now see, though, it suffered several blows from nature’s elements, as it took direct hits from tropical storm impacts, besides the volcanic activity. Although still licking its wounds, Brades can make your heart stop with numerous natural attractions and the scenery surrounding it.
Do consider heading to Jack Boy Hill for spellbinding views of the volcano, all the way to the old airport, or visit any of the nearby beaches for some water sports fun. Its close proximity to Little Bay, Carr’s Bay, and Bunkum Bay offer superb opportunities for relaxed and quiet beach experiences that can include anything from basking in the sun to swimming and from snorkelling to diving away from the bustle of tourism of other Caribbean islands or feeling crushed for space. As for those who choose to go underwater, they will definitely be mind blown by the richness of marine life, featuring nurse sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, and many more.
As for accommodation options, you are, once again, spoiled for choice, with anything from guest homes to wooden cottages and elite resorts at your disposal.
Salem – With a Touch of Spark
Nicely tucked on the western coast of Montserrat, Salem has become a popular pole of attraction on the island for the renowned AIR Studios that were built here. Founded in 1979 by the infamous Sir George Martin, the record producer of the equally legendary Beatles band, AIR Studios saw numerous colossus artists visiting Salem to record or write music – names such as Elton John, Steve Wonder and so many more from the rock and roll and pop music scene.
Sadly, the luxurious studio building on Friths Road was severely damaged after Hurricane Hugo struck the island in 1989, leaving nothing but derelict ruins in the place of the once glorious venue. As expected, the recording studio closed. As for the place Sir George Martin used to live, namely Olveston House, it now operates as a top-rated guest house.
That aside, though, Salem Town also experienced several setbacks that almost brought it to total extinction after the 1997 volcanic eruption. Although it was evacuated to protect residents’ lives, it has managed to stand up on its feet again and has been successfully resettled.
While here, you may also hear people mention the Salem Oval. It is a cricket ground that was built to give the locals the pleasure of watching and playing their favourite sport, after the main Montserrat cricket ground in Plymouth was completely destroyed by the 1997 volcanic eruption. If you happen to be around the area during a cricket match, you will surely find its precise location by just following the cheers!
Now, when it comes to the entertainment factor in Salem, you can choose between several places to have a delicious cocktail or drink and pamper your palate with great local dishes. Also, dance and have fun, while enjoying superb views of the island, from venues close to the Volcano Observatory. However, the place usually becomes even more lively on Fridays, the nights of which are full of ex-pats, tourists, and locals alike drinking and singing until well into the night.
Saint Johns Village
Saint Johns Village is a beautiful small town in Saint Peter Parish with a few hundred residents. The charming destination lies around 9 kilometres (5 miles) north of Plymouth, the former capital of Montserrat, and is very close to some of the most breathtaking attractions and natural scenery, including Soldier Ghaut. Soldier Ghaut is considered to be one of the most significant sites in Montserrat for the petroglyphs discovered in 2016 by hikers in the ghaut. Dating to around the Late Ceramic Age, meaning between 600 CE and 1500 CE, the Montserrat petroglyphs are one of their kind, although similar ones are found throughout the Caribbean islands. This is because their size is much larger than the ones discovered in rocks in other Caribbean destinations, and even includes a 93-centimetre-tall (36.6 inches) anthropomorphic (human-looking) complex.
Another landmark also worth exploring while around Saint Johns Village is Quashie Spring, a scenic location with impressive lush vegetation that is much preferred as a great fishing spot. Even if you don’t fancy the idea of spending your day fishing, you can certainly come here to unwind and relax amidst jaw-dropping natural terrains.
Little Bay
Although primarily industrial in nature, Little Bay is the only port on Montserrat and an under-construction port town that is intended to take the place of Brades as the Montserrat capital in the future. Sitting almost adjacent to the current de facto capital of the island, Little Bay is an ongoing project seeing major developments taking place year after year, as a means to turn it into a full-scale tourist area in the forthcoming years. Tucked north of St. Peters, the palm tree-lined harbour and the port town is also crisscrossed by the Collins River as it heads toward the sea and the sandy beaches within the area.
What is also noteworthy about Little Bay is the fact that the project for its reconstruction and development is funded by both the UK Department for International Development and the Montserrat Government. Plus, after the death of Princess Diana (Princess of Wales) in 1997, the island authorities filed a claim wanting to change the name of Little Bay to Port Diana. When the developments are finished, chances are the name-change request will be approved and the world may as well know Montserrat as Princess Diana’s Port!