One of the most striking impressions of St Vincent and the Grenadines must be from the air flying between St Vincent and the other islands. You behold a breathtaking panorama of the sea in a multitude of shades of green, turquoise and blue and dotted here and there islands of varying sizes, frequently enveloped by white sandy beaches. Although much in demand by yachtsmen and favoured by the aristocracy, St Vincent and the Grenadines in particular are quite off the beaten track and uncommercial. St Vincent is a lush, tropical mountainous island of fishing villages, bananas and coconuts. Most of its beaches are of black volcanic sand. The Grenadines each have their own character. Bequia in particular is charming, relaxed and very pretty with gingerbread houses, flamboyant trees, bougainvillaea and caters well for the visitor. Canouan is still quite natural and is only starting to be developed. Petit St Vincent in particular and Palm Island to a great extent are both occupied exclusively by the hotels we feature. The Grenadines provide an away from it all luxury holiday destination, with glorious natural scenery and great sailing and snorkelling opportunities.
Facts
Capital
Kingstown
Airport
About 30 minutes by hotel boat from Union Island, reached by private shared charter plane from Barbados
Size
18 miles by 11 miles St Vincent with the other islands totally just 17 square miles
Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar (£1 = 4EC$)
Population
110,000 approximately
Temperature
26 degrees Centigrade
Local highlights
Botanical gardens in Kingstown. Vincy Mas carnival at the end of June. Port Elizabeth on Bequia with its coconut palmed fringed waterfront and gingerbread houses. Tobago Cays for sailing, snorkelling and diving. Yachts in Port Elizabeth harbour. Hairoun is the local beer. On Bequia cricket is played with four stumps. Captain Bligh is the local rum and fried jackfish and breadfruit the national dish. Silk screened fabrics and garments at the Crab Hole on Bequia. Sailing into Saltwhistle Bay, Mayreau for a beer or lunch. Spice cake at the Frangipani on Bequia.
Getting out and about
On St Vincent taxis will take you on island tours and for shorter distances too. In the Grenadines travel from island to island is usually by boat or Air Mustique. The islands are very small and on Palm Island and PSV there are no cars. On Bequia taxis are available if you want to see the other side of the island. Be prepared for lots of trips by small boats and planes.
Travel arrangements
Access to St Vincent and the Grenadines is via Barbados. Flying time London to Barbados is about 8 hours. British Airways has direct flights from London Gatwick to Barbados offering World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First. Virgin Atlantic has direct flights from London Gatwick to Barbados offering Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class. BMI has direct flights from Manchester to Barbados. Then there is an onward flight of about 50 minutes to St Vincent by LIAT and to the individual Grenadine islands by Grenadine Air Alliance shared charters.