A heavenly and exclusive hideaway, this island has a circumference of only one-and-a-half miles and is hemmed by hundreds of coconut palms and soft white sand. Explore nature trails and a cycle track around the island, and dive into the pristine waters where you can snorkel and swim, or try out one of the many watersports or excursions on offer. For complete isolation, take to the water in a kayak and find a quiet, secluded beach. If you’d rather lounge away the day, there are five beaches to choose from with hammocks for relaxing in and soaking up the views. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Royal Palm Restaurant & Bar has beautiful ocean views and a menu inspired by fresh ingredients, many of which are grown on the island. Further along the beach you’ll find the stylishly refurbished Sunset Restaurant, an ideal spot for a casual lunch with a touch of Caribbean flair – enjoy a pre-lunch cocktail at the spacious bar. For romance-seekers, there’s private beach dining under the stars, in the gazebo or by the romantic heart-shaped tree. Almost half of the resort’s rooms and suites are on the beach, with the rest merely steps away, and many come with sea views. Each of the rooms features rustic Caribbean décor. Palm View Rooms are in the gardens, while Beachfront Rooms have direct beach access from a private patio. The refurbished Sea Grape Suites have a living area and Island Lofts include plenty of additional space. For true privacy, choose one of the Villas – both the Sea Feather Villa and hilltop Southern Cross Villa with infinity pool come with their own golf buggy.
British Governor, Sir William Young exchanged his horse for this leafy Grenadines island nearly 300 years ago, and its name has stuck ever since. The eponymous and only hotel here is an exclusive retreat nestled in 13 acres of tropical palms and jasmine – it’s Robinson Crusoe-esque but never feels too remote, as you’re only 200 metres and a three-minute private ferry ride from St Vincent’s southern shoreline. Expect excellent service and a boutique vibe, with a 3:1 staff to guest ratio and just 29 cottages. These cottages are dotted along the beach or on the hillside and enjoy plenty of natural sunlight, with rustic-chic features like wicker furniture, signature wooden blinds, local artwork and open-air garden showers. For a separate sitting room and a spacious private terrace, we’d recommend upgrading to a Luxury Room – some even come with a plunge pool. Follow the path to cottage #15 for the spa, where you can enjoy a Couples Special package of aromatherapy massages, bubbly and chocolate fondue with local fruit bites. A stay on Young Island is designed to be restful and romantic, but there’s still plenty to do – head to the beach for complimentary watersports including kayaking and snorkelling. Dining is just as laid-back, in open-air thatched-roof huts near the beach – make a reservation to enjoy everything from freshly caught fish and lobster to local fruit and vegetables, before working your way through six flavours of freshly baked bread including banana, cinnamon and coconut. Enjoy the signature Coconut Delight Cocktail at the swim-up Coconut Bar and a sundowner at the quintessentially Caribbean Captain Bligh Lounge & Bar.
Palm Island Resort & Spa
Young Island
