Natural, untouched beauty beckons in St. Vincent
Go for a challenging hike, sail, snorkel or relax in quiet luxury in the Caribbean
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES— Vacationers seeking sun and a slice of paradise have been flocking to the Caribbean for decades.
But St. Vincent has gone relatively undiscovered, and it’s the perfect place to find unspoiled natural beauty, outdoor adventure and tourist-free secluded beaches, all in just three days.
Day 1: Hike the volcano La Soufrière volcano is the highest point in the country. The hike to the top is challenging and requires a substantial level of fitness, but the views from the summit are worth every gruelling step. On the way back, enjoy some local flavour with a mutton curry served with rice, beans and plantains at Ferdie’s restaurant in Georgetown.
Young Island Resort, just a short fiveminute boat ride from the main island, is the perfect base for your adventures on St. Vincent.
Day 2: Relax on Petit St. Vincent Petit St. Vincent is the ultimate in secluded luxury.
The island is a private resort of just 22 cottages and it’s only accessible by boat from Union Island (which you can fly to from St. Vincent), so you won’t be plagued by crowds.
Book an Island Haze treatment at the spa, a full-body aromatherapy massage.
You’ll sink into relaxation immediately in your individual treatment cabin, perched in a treetop canopy that captures the warm, calming breezes coming in off the sea.
Seafood lovers will be in their element here with two restaurants, one hillside and one beachside.
You can walk the whole island yourself in about 45 minutes or, if your legs are still sore from hiking a volcano, request pickup in one of the island’s golf-cart-style vehicles.
Day 3: Sail and snorkel the Tobago Cays Sail and snorkel the Tobago Cays with Capt. Jeff Stevens and his sloop Beauty. You can borrow flippers, a mask and a snorkel from the dock house. A barbecue lunch on board and must-try local drinks, such as a potent rum punch, are included in the trip.
Once you’ve reached the Tobago Cays, an inflatable dingy takes you the rest of the way to the best snorkelling spots. The cays are now a national park and wildlife preserve consisting of a sandy-floor lagoon dotted with coral and tropical fish. The five small uninhabited islands create the perfect archipelago of protection for rich marine life. The fish will eat bread right out of your hand.
You’ll spot sea turtles, too, right next to a rocky island outcrop known for its iguana population. Unlike many over-trodden marine habitats, the Tobago Cays is less frequented and well protected, which makes for a much richer snorkelling experience.
Those looking to take their marine exploration to the next level should book a dive with Jean-Michel Cousteau Diving Caribbean on Petit St. Vincent. Yes, that is the son of famous explorer Jacques Cousteau, the inventor of the modern scuba gear we wear today.
Everyone from beginners to expert divers are accommodated here, and where better to get your scuba feet wet or earn your PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification? Nicola Brown’s trip was sponsored by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines tourism board, which didn’t review or approve this story.