New eco-lodge and campsite opens in Montserrat

Travellers to Montserrat now have a wider choice of value accommodation with the opening of the island’s first campsite and new eco-lodge.

The Mount Pleasant Eco Lodge and Camp Site is located in the lush forest of Woodlands, with direct access to many of the island’s walking and nature trails that criss-cross the Centre Hills region.

Accommodation at Mount Pleasant incorporates twelve camping pitches plus Harmony Cottage, a self-contained unit based on the design of a Mongolian Yurt. Harmony Cottage is circular in shape and contains a queen sized bed, an eco bathroom and kitchenette. A see-through panel in the centre of the circular roof gives guests a perfect view of the night sky.

Twelve wooden platforms of varying dimensions have been built under the trees as campsite pitches. Visitors to Montserrat can pack light as Mount Pleasant provides most equipment, including tents, which are available up to family size and tall enough to stand inside. Other amenities provided are self-inflatable beds and cots, lamps, iceboxes, cookware and stoves. Shower and compost toilet facilities are available for guests staying in tents.

Mount Pleasant owner David Payne has created the accommodation with sustainability in mind. Solar panels generate the on-site electricity and water comes directly from the Centre Hills region (Montserrat has some of the best fresh water in the Caribbean). Guests are encouraged to share Mount Pleasant’s home-grown vegetables (when available) and enjoy the produce from its fruit trees, which include mangoes, paw-paws, oranges and limes.

Harmony Cottage is available for US $90 per night, while camping pitches range from US $20/night for a pitch-only site to US $35/night for a platform and tent, and US $45/night for a platform, tent and other amenities. These rates are based on two sharing, but prices for additional guests, plus group discounts, are also available.

For further information and reservations, see GreenLivingMontserrat.com.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Montserrat. Travellers should fly to Antigua with BA or Virgin Atlantic, from where connecting flights are available with Winair (fly-winair.com). Charter flight services from Antigua can also be booked through Fly Montserrat (flymontserrat.com). The flying time from Antigua to Montserrat is under 20 minutes.

For further information on Montserrat, see visitmontserrat.com.