Discovering the Tranquil Charms of Petit St. Vincent

A thoughtful retreat and haven on a private Caribbean lsland

by patrick janelle

Nestled in the southern Caribbean, as part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Petit St. Vincent stands as a testament to tranquility and exclusivity. This private island and resort welcomes travelers seeking respite from the clamor of everyday life and the pursuit of thoughtful luxury—without any of the glitz and glamour that is often associated with the region. I made a recent visit, accompanied by my boyfriend, Matt, to investigate the island’s promise of refined indulgence.

To reach this hidden gem, we hopped a direct Jet Blue flight from JFK to Barbados and a ten-seater to Union Island, followed by a quick, 15-minute boat ride to the shores of Petit St. Vincent.

From the moment we set foot on Petit St. Vincent, it became abundantly clear that this was an island dedicated to preserving nature’s own form of luxury. The absence of televisions, telephones, and Wi-Fi in the cottages ensured a blissful escape from the technological clutter of the modern world.

While a select few of the twenty-two private villas offer direct beach access, our hillside cottage provided us with an even more breathtaking experience: panoramic views of the mesmerizing Caribbean Sea. The blend of rustic elegance and modern comforts seamlessly complemented the island's natural surroundings. With a keen emphasis on privacy and seclusion, our thoughtfully designed accommodation featured a private terrace and a cozy living space.

Each of the cottages is equipped with one of our favorite quirks of the island: a charming flag system that elegantly replaces the need for phones in the rooms. Outside each cottage is an rustic flagpole equipped with two flags: raise a yellow flag when you need room service or transportation, and a red flag when you wish to not be disturbed.

The island offers a couple of culinary options fit for the ambience that suits your mood. The beach bar, an oasis of laid-back charm, offered grilled fish and hearty burgers alongside refreshing piña coladas and local beers. Meanwhile, the island's main restaurant, perched atop a hill overlooking the sea and neighboring islands, was a slightly more formal affair: the menu, featuring international cuisine like aromatic curries and fresh pastas, changed nightly, ensuring that no two meals were alike.

Among the many activities of Petit St. Vincent, such as its multiple beaches, a swimming dock, bicycles, scuba diving, a treehouse-like spa, and a scenic hiking trail, one place stood out as our favorite: the secluded West Beach. With its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, it became our chosen haven of serenity on the island.

Petit St. Vincent, with its beauty and commitment to preserving the natural environment, creates an atmosphere of tranquility that is both rare and precious. From the captivating cottages overlooking the sea to the culinary delights of the beach bar and the serenity of West Beach, our experience was a relaxing delight. Petit St. Vincent provided the perfect backdrop for us to unwind and reconnect—piña colada always in hand.