Montserrat

Monserrat is a small island in the Caribbean, known for its lush green landscape and Irish flavor. Called the “Emerald Isle of Eden”, Montserrat was settled by Irish, the first Europeans to arrive here. St Patrick’s Day is big here, and these modern-day Irish-Caribbeans celebrate their heritage every way they can. Imagine St Patrick’s Day celebrated with steel drum parades!
Montserrat has volcanoes, and ancient volcanic ash has made the soil so fertile the foliage is spectacular here. Actually, not all volcanic eruptions in Montserrat are ancient! The Soufriere Hills volcano erupted recently, but Montserrat’s citizens are recovering nicely. It’s a chance to build new, better villas and hotels, with a leaning toward ecotourism and the environment. A chance to be more green, in this already very green country, in so many ways.
Montserrat is also called the Island of Villas because so many retirees have built second homes here. There are woodlands in Montserrat, and combined with the tropical setting, makes for the perfect spot for retirement or for a vacation home.

For dining, even the local specialty is green. Giant frog legs can be found on many menus of Montserrat, sometimes called Mountain Chicken for the squeamish.  This dish does kind of taste like chicken. 

With town names like St. Peter’s, St. John’s, and St. Patrick’s, Montserrat reminds you at every turn that this island was settled by the Irish.  Take a look at the architecture, too.  You will see building made of large square stones, like towns in Ireland.  Montserrat is dependent on Great Britain for survival, after the volcano and Hurricane Hugo.  There are endless opportunities on this small island for responsible development and ecotourism.  You won’t find flashy casinos and upscale boutiques lining every street like on some other Caribbean islands, but the natural beauty and charm of the remaining population will make you fall in love with this Emerald Isle.

Top