When it comes to amazing tropical getaways in the Caribbean, there’s no shortage of island locations that offer views of paradise and provide a fantastic backdrop for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. In fact, with hundreds of miles of azure waters, the biggest challenge when choosing a Caribbean getaway is often where to go.
I’ve made it my quest the past few years to visit as many Caribbean islands as possible without a cruise ship and one of the standouts has been St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This country in the Lesser Antilles actually consists of 32 separate islands that stretch southward like a string of shiny pearls. Given the nation is made up of such a collection of smaller islands, this country is one of the best choices for travelers looking for quiet, secluded resorts with ocean views. It’s also an easy place to island hop and take quick boat trips between different islands.
Here’s a look at the 9 best resorts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, from north to south.
St. Vincent
St. Vincent is the largest island in the nation and home to the international airport. Most travelers will decide to use the island as a starting point and venture onwards to the smaller and more scenic islands further south.
1. Young Island Resort
Though it’s technically located on a private island offshore, Young Island Resort is the most luxurious option in all of St. Vincent. A small harbor ferry runs back and forth to this private resort which is shaped like a heart in true romantic fashion.
With just 29 villas set on 13 acres of tropical gardens, the resort has a truly private feel. Check-in and then spend the day wandering the colonial streets of Kingstown or visiting a local market and then make it back well in time for a romantic view of sunset with a cocktail.
Why Young Island Resort is a Great St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort
- Located on a private island
- Short drive from international airport and capital of Kingstown
- All rooms are stand-alone cottages
- Some rooms have private plunge pools
Bequia
Bequia, often rated as the best island in the country, sits directly south of St. Vincent and is easily reachable from the mainland via the Bequia Express ferry, which runs several times a day.
2. Bequia Beach Hotel
Friendship Bay is an intimate crescent-shaped section of paradise just 1.5 miles from Bequia’s main town of Port Elizabeth. Situated right on the sand, Bequia Beach Hotel is steps away from the azure ocean as well as Bagatelle, a popular local restaurant with fresh seafood.
Set on a 10-acre estate, the rooms, suites, and villas at this boutique hotel all look out at the nearby island of Mustique. There’s free wifi. Villas have private pools and a yacht is also available for hire.
Why Bequia Beach Hotel is a Great St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort
- Luxury accommodation on a private stretch of sand
- Walking distance from the town of Port Elizabeth
- Yacht available for day excursions
- Locally owned
3. Bequia Plantation Hotel
Located in Admiralty Bay, a popular destination for yachters, Bequia Plantation Hotel has a beachfront location that’s highly desirable. The historical main house has six rooms while the property’s villas are more spacious and can accommodate up to four guests.
The resort offers yoga several times a week and is also family-friendly. Popular excursions include the nearby turtle sanctuary and Ma Peggy Rock, the high point of the island and popular hiking location.
Why Bequia Beach Hotel is a Great St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort
- Beachfront property
- Historical architecture
- Quiet location on Admiralty Bay
- Family-friendly
Mustique
Mustique Island is known as a “playground for the rich.” Limited accommodation options make it a more popular day trip, leaving those who are spending the night on the island to experience the breathtaking beauty all to themselves.
4. Cotton House
On an island full of beachfront property, one beach stands above the best when it comes to regal beauty: Endeavor Bay. Cotton House, the only hotel on the island of Mustique and one of the Caribbean’s finest luxury hotels, leads straight down to the bay.
With just 17 rooms, Cotton House is secluded and quiet, making it an ideal escape for honeymooners looking for privacy, space, and views of paradise. The hotel is set in an 18th-century sugar plantation, bringing a touch of history to the beachside beauty.
Why Cotton House is a Great St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort
- Only hotel on island of Mustique
- 5-minute walk from Endeavor Bay
- Historical architecture
- Home to an award-winning spa
Canouan Island
Canouan is another island that’s overflowing with beauty and white sand beaches but short on accommodation options. One hotel dominates half the island, making it the obvious choice for those who want to experience the island’s best offerings.
5. Mandarin Oriental Canouan
One of the top luxury hotels in the entire Caribbean, the words “ultraluxurious” and “megaresort” are often associated with Mandarin Oriental Canouan, a five-star gem. Pink palm trees line the stretch of crystal sand on the private beach. With award-winning restaurants, a spa, and golf course, there’s truly no need to leave the property.
For an extra taste of the high life, stay in one of the six Lagoon villas, boasting three stories with sea views. The ultimate hideaway, the property is also near some amazing stretches of ocean for snorkeling.
Why Mandarin Oriental Canouan is a Great St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort
- Top luxury option in the entire Caribbean
- Private beach
- Golf course
- Award-winning spa
Union Island
With an airport that offers direct flights from Barbados, a charming small town, and secluded coves, Union Island is where I personally chose to base myself during my visit to the Caribbean. The southern island also serves as the closest gateway to Tobago Cays Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl was filmed. Palm Island Resort is another popular day trip.
6. Tenuta Chatham Bay
Chatham Bay is a secluded cove on the opposite side of Union Island from the airport that has long been a popular destination for yachties. Tenuta Chatham Bay opened a small luxury resort on the cove in 2016 to offer a shoreside accommodation option for boaters.
The intimate property houses just four palm-thatched villas complete with Italian design features, making it a very private place to enjoy the sun and sand. A swimming pool is set right next to the sand and the resort’s house reef boasts an enormous amount of coral and wildlife.
Why Chatham Tenuta Bay is a Great St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort
- Intimate property with just four villas
- Location set on a secluded cove
- Private house reef
Petite St. Vincent
The southernmost island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines offers one last stop for visitors looking to soak up the Caribbean vibes of this vibrant nation. With a remote location and just one hotel, the island is known as one of the most private in the entire region.
7. Petit St. Vincent Resort
A stone driveway leads up to the open-air lobby and tree-top spa. The 22 cottages and villas at Petite St. Vincent Resort are as private as they come and the lack of televisions and wifi make the property the perfect place for a digital detox.
While the island may be small, wine flows aplenty; the resort’s restaurants are home to a 6000-bottle wine cellar. Or, enjoy a glass of famous rum punch. The onsite dive shop also supplies guests with all they need to experience the best underwater vistas in the region.
What Makes Petit St Vincent a Great St Vincent and the Grenadines Resort
- Private location on a secluded island
- Digital detox
- Stonework details
- Onsite dive shop
Which St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort Will You Choose?
Off the beaten path from cruise ships and brand-name all-inclusive resorts of larger Caribbean nations, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the perfect destination for private island getaways. With 32 islands boasting azure waters, sugary sands, and billowing palm trees, paradise abounds.
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