Montserrat is a true hidden gem in the Caribbean. In our exclusive interview with our Island Insider, Stedroy Cabey, we uncover insider tips, hidden gems, and much more. Our conversation gives you an insider look into this beautiful island and provides a comprehensive Montserrat travel guide.
Stedroy Cabey, British-Montserratian actor, speaks to Anjali Datwani, Founder of Urban Journey
Stedroy Cabey is a dynamic individual whose journey spans from Montserrat’s volcanic landscapes to London’s bustling streets. At 17, he ventured to London, pursuing opportunities that led him through Westminster Kingsway College and De Montfort University, earning a degree in Accounting & Finance. However, his true passion lies in the arts, particularly acting. Trained at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where he earned an MA in Classical Acting, Stedroy has built a notable career as a British-Montserratian actor, currently performing in Disney’s The Lion King on London’s prestigious West End.
Beyond his professional achievements, Stedroy is known for his social charm, charisma, and genuine care for others. He deeply values family and proudly represents Montserrat wherever he goes. His life motto, “Envision It, Believe It, Claim It,” reflects his unwavering determination to turn his dreams into reality. Stedroy Cabey exemplifies resilience, talent, and a boundless spirit, embodying the essence of a small-island dreamer with global aspirations.
Join us as we explore the beauty and charm of Montserrat through his lens.
On hidden gems in Montserrat…
There are some simple things in life we enjoy in Montserrat. You can get fresh bread, butter, and cheese from Awe Shopping Centre or Economy Bakery. One can also enjoy Coconut water, roasted corn and breadfruit from the beachfront at Carr’s Bay. There’s a local delicacy we call Cassava Bread, which is very much a part of our culture. You can have it on its own or with some tea or meat of your choice. If you fancy it, enjoy a sip of our locally made ‘Bush Rum’ or some Breadfruit Liquor from CathRonMNI. There are also loads of local drinks made from fresh fruit that you can choose from.
In terms of places to see, you may want to take a visit to some of the less frequented beaches and water streams like Lover’s Bay, Bunkum Bay, and Soldier Ghaut just to name a few. Those aren’t the typical things visitors would do but a part of the authentic Montserrat experience.
On Stedroy’s favorite restaurants in Montserrat…
Marine Village
I use this hashtag quite often in life, ‘#foodislife’, and being in Montserrat gives me that life with the food.
Restaurants I tend to frequent are:
- Grand Phoenix serves a lovely breakfast with great views
- Olveston House serves delicious meals surrounded by beautiful gardens
- The Attic has roti and local drinks that are to die for.
- Isles Bay Beach Bar is on the beachfront and features American-inspired cuisine.
- Summer Breeze in the Marine Village has a vast menu and a signature drink called ‘Summer Breeze’ that is an addictive creeper.
Cafes I adore include:
- I also like Bellyful Bagels which delivers freshly made bagels to you with lovely, thoughtful messages for your day and/or week.
- Buss-A-Lyme Beach Bar at Little Bay has my heart. The food is delicious and the vibes are always ace with views to die for, especially the sunset.
- The Cotch is a cool bar with quick and easy food and great cocktails.
- The Boiling Point, The Treasure Spot Bar, Dessert Storm, The People’s Place, Nadine’s Grill Takeaway, and Moose’s Bar are also great chill spots with scrumptious food.
- Sand Shells Ice-cream Parlour which has the best ice cream on Montserrat and the owners are just so lovely!
On any insider tips to Montserrat…
Runaway Ghaut
Montserrat is also known as ‘the nature lover’s fantasy’. If you love nature you’ll appreciate Montserrat differently.
You can take different hikes that would take you to some spots like Bransby Point via Foxes Bay which gives great views. Others include Hell’s Gate which is behind Silver Hills, Silver Henge at the top of the mentioned Silver Hills which is our version of Stonehenge, and the Bat Caves between Little Bay and Rendezvous Bluff. There is also Killiecrankie which is a spring/river that flows all year round.
Outside of the nature bits, just practical things like securing accommodation and rentals way in advance if you’re coming during festival times are always recommended! Oh, don’t be alarmed by folks saying good morning, afternoon, or night each time they see you as that’s pretty normal. It’s the Montserratian way.
And you can drink from the tap! It’s natural spring water.
On some off-the-beaten-path activities or excursions that you would recommend to adventurous travelers seeking unique experiences…
View from Rendezvous Beach Trail
Outside of the usual tours and hotspots that one should do, I would recommend bird watching, snorkeling/diving, and kayaking to Rendezvous Beach which is our only white sand beach. You can also hike there; the dry waterfall where some petroglyphs were recently discovered and the hidden beaches that I’ve mentioned before are not to be missed. Plymouth is also a must!
Buried Building in the old capital Plymouth which is now referred to as The Buried City
On the best vantage points or viewpoints on Montserrat for capturing stunning photographs or enjoying panoramic vistas…
A view of Soufriere Hills Volcano from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)
Montserrat is very scenic and one will be able to capture beautiful views and photos throughout. You can capture beautiful sunsets from most beaches like Little Bay, Isles Bay, and Woodlands Beach, or sometimes even from your balcony. Views of the volcano from the MVO (Montserrat Volcano Observatory) or Jack Boy Hill each showcase different sides of Lady Soufriere. There are beautiful views whilst on the Rendezvous, Centre Hill, or Silver Hills hiking trails. Garibaldi Hill showcases some lush greenery on the south side of the island, and Hill Top which is located at the top of the famous ‘S corner’ gives another view of the island’s lush greenery. One of my favorite views is from St George’s Hill which is both breathtaking and heartbreaking, as you see the volcano even closer and you can look down on what was our devastated capital. If you get an opportunity to do a boat tour you can also see the island through a different lens.
On some authentic experiences or events that visitors should participate in to better understand Montserratian culture…
If I’m honest you will feel the Montserrat culture and experience once you’re on the island. The way of life, the way we speak, our friendly and calm but yet joyous nature, the mountains that showcase the greenery, and let’s not forget the food! All of that will give the authentic Montserrat experience.
However, if you want an even deeper immersion into our heritage and culture, you can get that from some of our major festivals in the year. They all showcase different elements of our deep roots as Montserratians.
Are there any seasonal events, festivals, or natural phenomena that visitors should time their trips around to make the most of their stay…
Oh yes, for sure! We have major festivals and events throughout the year that have offerings for all.
At the top of the year in March, we have our St Patrick’s Festival which is a 10-day celebration highlighting Montserrat’s rich African and Irish heritage. The main purpose is to commemorate the attempted slave uprising which was planned on March 17th, 1768. This festival is quite popular seeing people come in droves.
In July we have our Calabash Festival that showcases the Arts & Crafts made from the Calabash fruit which is one of Montserrat’s cultural items from our African heritage. One of the main highlights of this festival is the P.R.I.M.E (Produced In Montserrat Expo) event ‘where locally created goods and services are given the spotlight treatment.’
Cudjoe Head Day is in August which is centered around celebrating a brave slave, ‘Cudjoe’ who allegedly tried to run away but was caught and beheaded. This event happens in the village of Cudjoe Head with live music, steelpan, masquerades, and food.
November is when we have our Alliouagana Literary Festival. Just for context, Alliouagana is one of Montserrat’s nicknames, officially our ‘Amerindian name’ and means ‘Land of the Prickly Bush’. If you’re a book lover then you will enjoy this festival. Historians, authors, and avid readers from all over the world meet and have readings, discussions, lectures, and workshops.
Our year-end Carnival then happens in Mid-December to January 1. This has always been a major festival and main festival since I was a child. It coincides with Christmas so there tends to be a mass influx of Montserratians and visitors who visit to celebrate this cultural event with family and friends. It’s a beautiful display of Montserrat’s culture and talent with calypso competitions, pageants, costumes, and of course our masquerades which are cemented in Montserrat’s culture.
On where visitors can find locally made arts and crafts and artisans or workshops that offer unique insights into Montserratian craftsmanship…
Kelvin ‘Tabu’ Duberry – A Visual Artis
There are quite a few places to source local arts, crafts, and souvenirs. From memory, you have The Montserrat National Trust, Kelvin ‘Tabu’ Duberry, Last Chance Souvenir & Gift Shop, Wade’s Leather, EasiLiving Gallery, and Luv’s Cotton Store.
The Montserrat National Trust has keyrings, fridge magnets, postcards, drinks, and other memorabilia. Tabu is a well-known visual artist who has many paintings of post and present Montserrat – you would see many of his murals across the island. Last Chance Souvenirs can be found at the airport and they have keyrings, tees, and other collectibles. Wade’s Leather has a plethora of items made from leather such as sandals, belts, and keyrings. EasiLiving has garments designed and made on Montserrat and Luv’s Cotton Store uniquely makes items like table mats, scarves, table runners, and tops, using a traditional hand-woven technique. She is known to have made items from Montserrat sea cotton.
On practical tips would you give to visitors regarding safety, transportation, and navigating the island…
Montserrat is one of the safest, if not the safest place in the world!
If you can drive I’d always recommend renting a vehicle which is quite straight-forward. We drive on the left-hand side so bear that in mind as that’s quite important.
If you don’t drive there are many options for taxis and also we have a simple bus service that will pick you up at any point on the main roads. You can get from one end of the island to the other in about 20 minutes so you need not worry.
And yes, Google maps works on island!
On personal favorite aspects of Montserrat that you believe every visitor should experience at least once?
This is a very difficult question as I just want people to experience Montserrat period! Do the beaches, hikes, museums, and botanical gardens. Visit one church if you can as faith is a strong aspect of Montserrat’s DNA. Hang out with and talk to the locals as they’re quite friendly and you’ll learn a lot. Enjoy the fresh fruits that are especially plentiful in the summer!
You can’t leave Montserrat without having a nice bowl of goatwater, our national dish! Don’t let the name put you off, it’s a delightful stew that’s often served with rolls that will assault your taste buds in the best way possible leaving you with a wonderful Montserrat memory.
