Barefoot Luxury and Hidden Gems in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Barefoot Luxury and Hidden Gems in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

With its casual, unpretentious authenticity, friendly people and deep wealth of unspoiled natural attractions, the 32 islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) offer a life-renewing experience for those drawn to roads less travelled. Located in the southern Caribbean, the islands form a necklace stretching 112 kilometres from the main island of St. Vincent in the north to Petit St. Vincent to the south.

Those looking to escape the masses can choose from the verdant mountainous topography and black sand beaches on the main island of St. Vincent, the old world charm and golden shores of Bequia, half an hour away by ferry, or seek total seclusion on one of our island resorts in the Grenadines. Young Island, Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent offer that barefoot luxury that many crave in a resort without the crowds. Mustique and Canouan create the backdrop for the opulent villa experience, while Mayreau, with its 400-strong population, is blessed with one of the most pristine anchorages in the region. Union Island, the jump-off point to the smaller islands, is rich in local culture and bustling with small-island activity.

Though uninhabited, the Tobago Cays, five islets surrounded by the longest horseshoe reef in the Caribbean, is a yachter’s paradise. This protected marine park is home to friendly turtles, vibrant marine life, turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches.

Eco adventures abound for those looking to hike La Soufrière volcano or trying to spot the indigenous Amazona Guildingi parrot in its natural habitat on the Vermont Nature Trail.

A visit to one of St. Vincent's waterfalls will refresh the body, as will a dip in the waters of a black sand beach on the Leeward coastline. A stroll through the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the western hemisphere and home to a sucker of the original breadfruit tree brought to the island by Captain Bligh, will satisfy the soul.

Diving in the “critter capital of the world” will not disappoint those drawn to the underwater.

SVG boasts critter diving unparalleled outside the Coral Triangle. Among the 32 islands, scuba divers can explore more than 100 dive sites, including adrenaline-pumping drifts, blissfully uncrowded coral gardens and dramatic submarine lava flows, which coalesce into a wonderland of caves, canyons and walls.

This group of close-knit islands is one of the most sought-after sailing destinations in the world. Plot your course through tranquil atolls stretching 64 kilometres and explore islets populated by palm trees, seabirds and turtles. The state of art marina on Canouan and several well-stocked chandleries offer complete yacht provisioning.

Are the wedding bells ringing? Host your celebration, renew your vows or spend a memorable honeymoon on the romantic islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines—a backdrop like no other. New regulations allow you to tie the knot the day you arrive, and with a host of intimate properties to choose from, you can marry on one island and honeymoon on another.

SVG is a flight away with Air Canada offering non-stop flights from Oct. 30, 2023, three times weekly and four times weekly from Dec. 11 throughout the winter. 106,000 Vincentians are waiting to welcome you!