Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Holidays

From Kingstown, the Windward Highway runs up the scenic west coast through coconut plantations to Richmond Beach, a delightful swimming spot, from where you can take a catamaran trip to the spectacular Falls of Baleine at the northern tip, accessible only by boat or on foot. Kingstown is also home to the oldest botanical gardens in the western hemisphere, displaying exotic native trees, flowers and tropical plants, as well as the St Vincent parrot. There is even a breadfruit tree said to be grown from a seedling brought to the island by Captain Bligh in 1765.

Magical Grenadines

South of St Vincent are scattered the magical Grenadine Islands, which offer an even more tranquil pace of life. They are a prime destination for yachting enthusiasts, who are attracted not just by the serene waters, but by the wealth of uncrowded anchorages and delightful ports of call. Despite the tiny area covered by the island group, the eight inhabited Grenadines are very diverse, each island having its own unique character, both in its landscapes and in the culture of its people.

By far the best known of the Grenadines is the privately-owned Mustique, which has long been a sought-after hideaway for the rich and famous, including the British royal family. Despite its popularity with celebrities, it has retained its natural tranquillity and beauty and protected its pristine environment, allowing its guests to experience one of the most secluded and unspoilt islands in the world. It is framed by nine beaches of the purest white sand, fringed by gently swaying coconut palms, the most famous being Macaroni Beach to the east.

Between Mustique and St Vincent lies charming Bequia, often said to recall the Caribbean as it used to be, with its warm, friendly, laid-back lifestyle. Its delightful seaside town, Port Elizabeth, is full of attractively coloured houses clustering round the harbour, and is surrounded by lush bougainvillea-covered hillsides tumbling down to the boat-filled bays. At the south end of the town, a trail leads over a gentle rise to the beautiful Princess Margaret Beach, a paradise for snorkellers.

Further south is Canouan, the island whose beaches are considered exceptionally gorgeous, even by Caribbean standards -- the best known is Carenage Bay, within the exclusive Canouan Resort, while South Glossy Bay has sensational views over the South Grenadines. Extending along the windward coast from north to south is Grand Cois, a visually stunning barrier reef. From here you can sail to Mayreau, a tiny island accessible only by boat, where yachts can be moored in idyllic Salt Whistle Bay, an arc of white palm-fringed beach.

Southern Islands

The entrance to the Southern Grenadines is guarded by the mountainous Union Island, with its soaring Mount Parnassus rising straight up from its dazzling white beaches. A short boat ride away is beautiful Palm Island, named for its abundant coconut palms, which fringe white sand beaches with excellent snorkelling. Not far away is tiny Petit St Vincent, a luxury resort island, which you can rent in its entirety for an overnight stay.

There are many uninhabited islands sprinkled among the inhabited ones, including Tobago Cays, an exquisite group of low-lying islands and lagoons where you can see some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, and which has been designated a National Marine Park. Here you can sail, swim and snorkel in complete seclusion, and be enchanted by the shimmering lagoons full of green turtles, and the colourful fish in the crystal clear waters. The cays can only be reached by chartered yacht.

In fact, there is no better way to experience St Vincent and the Grenadines than to charter a boat and island-hop round the archipelago. The islands have some of the world's most legendary sailing waters, and you can experience the diverse cultural traditions and idyllic landscapes while staying a night or two in some of the delightful resorts or cottages on the inhabited islands. This is surely the ideal way to escape a hectic lifestyle and live the Caribbean dream.