Savouring St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Embark on an unforgettable journey through St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where each day brings a new island adventure. From the charming allure of Bequia to the stunning landscapes of St. Vincent, this multi-island experience is perfect for those seeking variety. Discover the hidden gems of this Caribbean paradise, where tranquility meets exploration. Ready for a diverse vacation? Read Liz Fleming's review below.

Enjoy the wonders of a multi-island

experience in a single vacation

A BEACHSIDE HOLIDAY can be wonderful. Endless sunshine, warm ocean breezes and pina coladas on repeat. It doesn't take long to slide into the routine, dining at the same restaurants at breakfast, lunch and dinner and strolling the same strip of sand each morning and afternoon. There are endless long, lazy days spent lolling on a lounge chair, either overlooking the ocean or perched by the pool. It's fabulous, but maybe you might find yourself wishing for a bit of variety instead of being confined to a single resort.

Choosing St. Vincent and the Grenadines for your getaway puts an end to ennui simply because you're able to enjoy the delights of a collection of different, and equally lovely destinations all in one vacation, with minimal travel between stops. It's the best of all holiday options.

Nestled in the Lesser Antilles, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a charming archipelago comprised of 32 islands and cays. It's a tropical escape minus the throngs and overpriced cocktails that can often be prevalent in the | ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Caribbean. This, instead, is a place where the only thing more relaxing than the gentle sway of palm trees is the unhurried pace of island life. While you likely won't have time to do justice to all 32 of those islands and cays, I'd suggest that starting in Bequia is a great idea.

The Island of Bequia
 

This is where you'll find island life at its most charming. Bequia is a place where the simplicity of life can truly be celebrated even if the island's capital, Port Elizabeth, is a friendly hub of activity with its vibrant market, cozy cafes, and waterfront views. Just around the corner is the loveliest stretch of sandy perfection imaginable – Princess Margaret Beach – named for the British royal family member who loved it most.

Bequia spans seven square miles and has a coastline that alternates between slopes, white sand beaches, bluffs, and lush vegetation. Its history is rooted in age-old traditions that are still practiced today including boat building, fishing, and whaling. (Note: that particular activity happens just one day per year and involves a single whale, later shared by the whole island. It's difficult for tourists to accept, but it represents an ancient part of the island's culture.)

A drive around the island will introduce you to local artisans and fishermen at every turn. A favourite location for scuba diving and snorkelling, Bequia is popular with yachties, "cocktail cruisers", and travellers in search of the o¿eat Caribbean. Be sure to book a stay at the Bequia Beach Hotel where the carefully chosen, mid-century modern furnishings and vibe will transport you to the West Indies of a gentler era.

The island of St. Vincent itself offers not only fascinating black beaches but also the La Soufrière Volcano that created the dramatic sandscape. A hike to the summit will make you feel as if you've wandered into a sci-fi film, complete with an otherworldly landscape, sulfur springs and volcanic craters that provide a glimpse into the earth's fiery heart. Stunning views of the island below top off the whole experience and are a great reward for the walk up.

And speaking of walking up, no visit to St. Vincent is complete without a visit to Dark View Falls. Although the trail is a relatively easy hike, it can be a hot one, so plan to wear your bathing suit so you'll be ready to run into the beautiful pools at the base of the waterfalls. Don't forget your bug spray and a pair of solid sandals!

Dark View Falls
 

Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is another great spot to spend a day. The beautiful old port city is best known for its Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765 and still abloom today with an incredible variety of lush tropical plants and aviaries filled with jewel-toned birds. Make your St. Vincent time perfect by staying at Young Island Resort, a venerable property just a few metres from the shore. You'll be entranced by the luxurious hotel itself with its charming hillside suites that make you feel as if you've landed in your own beautiful treehouse, complete with private plunge pool. All fabulous but what you'll remember for years afterward will be the selection of home baked breads that accompany every meal. Cinnamon and coconut were my favourites but there was another half dozen varieties to choose from, all brought to the table to be freshly sliced and slathered with butter.

Kingstown
 

Though Bequia and St. Vincent are by far the best known, there are many other islands you could easily fit into a week's stay in the Grenadines. A fast ferry ride will take you from Kingstown, St. Vincent to Bequia, to Canouan, to Mayreau and to Union Island and then back again. (One word of warning – the speed of the ride means that guests must stay inside for safety reasons. If you are prone to motion sickness, and generally need a bit of fresh air when you're on the water, take some preventative ginger pills before you embark and you'll be fine.) Other islands, as well as the famous Tobago Cays Marine Park – a group of five small islands surrounded by an exquisite lagoon where you can snorkel among the colourful coral reefs, swim with sea turtles, and bask in the tranquility of this pristine little patch of paradise – can all be reached by short boat trips.

Tobago Cays
 

Even with 32 fabulous islands and cays to choose from and a stunning array of welcoming hotels, if I were to choose a favourite spot in the Grenadines, it would be Mopion, a tiny, exquisite island near PSV (Petit St. Vincent Island) just big enough for one beach umbrella and two happy people. No bar, no music, not even a beach chair – just utter tranquility in an endless sea of blue. It's my idea of the perfection that is St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In July 2024, the islands of Canouan, Mayreau and Union in the southern Grenadines were severely damaged by Hurricane Beryl. While most of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is quickly recovering from the storm damage, those islands are still working to rebuild.

When thinking about your next holiday, the beautiful islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are a wonderful choice. Showing confidence by travelling there is an important way to offer much-needed support.

Written by Liz Fleming for Cruise and Travel Lifestyles (Fall 2024)