BVIShuga, I have been to St John. I had been going to St John every year until I found Virgin Gorda and fell in love with that island. It would be hard to compare Bequia with St John. Bequia is nowhere near as Americanized as St John, we loved it and if it wasn't so difficult to get there we would go back next year for the 3rd year in a row. Town on Bequia has a very local flavor, the rasta market, local crafts people selling from tables on the walkway. Lots of small stalls selling all kinds of fresh fruits and veggies, local fishermen selling whatever they caught that morning. If you have any specific questions let me know.