Moonhole

Moonhole is the eccentric architectural community on the south-western tip of Bequia, founded by American architects Tom and Gladys Johnson in the 1960s. They built a series of stone-and-coral houses into the cliffs, each one different, all using local volcanic stone and incorporating natural rock arches, driftwood beams, and whalebone fittings. The result looks like something between Gaudí and a Caribbean cave.

The houses are privately owned and not open to walk-up tourists, but small guided tours can be arranged through the Bequia tourism office or local hotels. The walk down through the residential community gives a sense of the place even from the road. The cliffside views over the Caribbean toward Mustique and Petit Nevis are spectacular.

things to do sight architecture
A story
The original house was built around a natural rock arch — the 'moon hole' — through which the full moon could be seen at certain times of year. The Johnsons reportedly used no straight lines, no plumb bob, and no electricity for years; the houses grew organically out of the local volcanic stone. Most are still privately owned and require permission to visit.