Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has always been a desirable Caribbean destination. But the world has only recently begun to catch on to her charms.
Air Canada now flies direct to Saint Vincent from YYZ, always a major factor for Canadians that don’t like stopovers on their way to a sun destination.
Sandals is opening a 301-room resort on Saint Vincent in March. There also is a 250-room Marriott on the way for the west coast of Saint Vincent, just north of the Sandals property.
All told, tourism officials say they expect up to 1,000 new rooms in the next two to three years, with an emphasis on sustainable, eco-friendly, boutique properties.
Young Island Resort is a family-friendly, upscale place to stay on a private island just south of Kingstown. If you’re looking for something colourful but casual, the nearby Beachcombers Hotel is a fine option with a small pool and a beach with nice sunsets.
Pretty Wallilabou Bay was used to film a good deal of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and you can still visit and see movie memorabilia.
The Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens in Kingstown is a lovely, luscious spot for nature lovers, while Dark View Falls is a gorgeous waterfall on the north end of the island.
On the island of Bequia, which is just a short ferry ride from Saint Vincent, you’ll find a sleepy waterfront village called Port Elizabeth. It’s got a wonderful, laid-back vibe and small, narrow streets packed with fresh fruit stands and, ramshackle shops and restaurants. Take the waterfront walking path past a series of small bars to pretty Princess Margaret Beach, where you’ll find a cool, waterfront spot called Jack’s Beach Bar. The Bequia Beach Club is one of the island’s top hotels.
Mustique attracts wealthy vacationers such as Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams and Prince William and family, while Prince Harry and Meaghan Markle were spotted last year on remote Canouan.
Palm Island is home to the Palm Island Resort and Spa, an upscale, all-inclusive property with a gorgeous beach.
DON’T MISS
Mayreau is another super-quiet island in the chain and features one of the world’s most beautiful beaches at Salt Whistle Bay.
