Cassava announces itself quietly. Elevated above Lower Bay on Bequia’s southern shore, this four-bedroom residence was designed by Thomas Dehen — the Mustique-based architect whose work defines the aesthetic of considered Caribbean living across the Grenadines — and the provenance is evident in every decision. The design draws on two distinct traditions: the relaxed elegance of classic English architecture and the warmth of the Caribbean vernacular, resolved into something that feels entirely at home in its setting without being of any one place. Materials were sourced both locally and from further afield, each chosen with care, and the result is...
The Villa
Cassava announces itself quietly. Elevated above Lower Bay on Bequia’s southern shore, this four-bedroom residence was designed by Thomas Dehen — the Mustique-based architect whose work defines the aesthetic of considered Caribbean living across the Grenadines — and the provenance is evident in every decision. The design draws on two distinct traditions: the relaxed elegance of classic English architecture and the warmth of the Caribbean vernacular, resolved into something that feels entirely at home in its setting without being of any one place. Materials were sourced both locally and from further afield, each chosen with care, and the result is a house of real refinement and genuine character.
Set across two levels, the layout moves from a principal bedroom and grand entertaining room on the upper floor — opening directly onto a covered oceanfront terrace that spans the full length of the house — down to two further bedrooms and the pool terrace below. The orientation is commanding: the Caribbean Sea and the Grenadine islands beyond fill the view from almost every room, and the trade winds move through the house with an ease that makes the climate feel like part of the design.
The Location
Lower Bay is among the most quietly coveted addresses on Bequia. The beach — a calm, sandy arc of pale sand and clear water — is a short stroll downhill from the villa, and its unhurried character sets the tone for the surrounding neighbourhood. Swimming and snorkelling are excellent directly off the shore, and the small beach bars and local restaurants that come alive at weekends give the bay a particular charm that belongs entirely to Bequia.
Port Elizabeth, Bequia’s main settlement, is close enough for provisions, restaurants and local culture, while remaining far enough away to preserve the sense of seclusion that Lower Bay offers. The airport is fifteen minutes away. Cassava’s elevated position above the bay ensures both panoramic views and the constant cooling presence of the sea breeze — privacy without isolation, in one of the Grenadines’ most singular settings.
The Bedrooms
Four en-suite bedrooms are arranged across the two levels of the villa, each finished with the considered warmth that characterises the rest of the house. The principal suite occupies the upper floor off the main living room, its four-poster bed and French doors opening directly onto the terrace and the view beyond. On the lower level, two versatile rooms share the pool terrace, their twin beds interchangeable as doubles to suit the group’s configuration. A fourth bedroom offers a king bed — calm, private and restful after days spent on the water.
Air conditioning runs in the three main bedrooms; ceiling fans circulate throughout the rest of the house, keeping the interior cool and the atmosphere unhurried.
Bedroom by bedroom:
- Primary Suite — Upper floor, off main living room, four-poster king bed (6’6″ x 7′), French doors to oceanfront terrace, ocean view. En-suite shower and WC.
- Bedroom Two — Lower level, pool terrace aspect, twin beds (convertible to 6’6″ double). En-suite shower and WC. Air conditioning.
- Bedroom Three — Lower level, pool terrace aspect, twin beds (convertible to 6’6″ double). En-suite shower and WC. Air conditioning.
- Bedroom Four — King-size bed (5ft), garden aspect. En-suite shower and WC. Air conditioning.
Indoors
The main living and dining space is generous and open — a room designed for gathering, with ceiling fans overhead and views of the sea framed by the terrace doors. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering: a gas range with electric fan oven, fridge freezer and everything needed for cooking well on island time. Cable TV, DVD players and Wi-Fi on both floors provide the practical comforts without intruding on the atmosphere. A washing machine completes the domestic picture. The house carries the easy confidence of somewhere that has been lived in properly — there is nothing performative about it.
A note on suitability: the main terrace has a low wall with a drop beyond, and steps lead down from the terrace to the pool area. The villa is not recommended for families with very young children.
Outdoors
The covered terrace is the heart of Cassava’s outdoor life — an exquisitely furnished, full-length space that runs the breadth of the house and looks directly out over the Caribbean Sea. It is equally well suited to long lunches, sundowners as the light changes across the water, and evening dining under the stars. Below the terrace, the private pool sits bordered by tropical gardens, with sun loungers for the slower hours of the afternoon. Steps connect the two levels, and the lower bedrooms open directly onto the pool terrace, making it a natural extension of those rooms throughout the day.
Lower Bay Beach is a short walk downhill from the villa — close enough to visit on a whim, private enough to feel like a discovery each time.
Services
Cassava is managed by a wonderful house manager, who coordinates initial provisions and is available throughout the stay for any requirements. A housekeeper visits each weekday morning during the high season to maintain the villa, with linen changed every three days. The gardener tends the tropical grounds two to three times a week, and the pool is cleaned early each morning. On weekends, staff take time with their families unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
A private chef can be arranged at additional cost; pre-booking is strongly advised during the high season.
Life Here
- Four en-suite bedrooms across two levels of a Thomas Dehen-designed oceanfront residence above Lower Bay
- Covered full-length ocean terrace, private pool and tropical gardens with views across the Grenadines
- Primary Suite with six-foot four-poster bed and French doors opening directly to the sea view
- Lower Bay Beach a short stroll downhill; calm water, excellent snorkelling and local beach bars
- House manager, weekday housekeeper, gardener and pool attendant included
- Private chef available at additional cost — pre-booking advised in season
- Airport transfers arranged; Port Elizabeth and its provisions, restaurants and marina within easy reach
