By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
Divided between the territories of St Vincent in the north and Grenada in the south, 32 enchanting islands (only nine of which are inhabited) are strung like pearls in a sapphire sea. These Grenadines, as they’re called, have long attracted sailors, snorkelers anddivers with their fish-filled waters and reefs teeming with sea life, as well as beach bums in search of deserted white-sand stretches to claim as their own. But beyond its abundant natural assets, there’s more to discover in the awesome archipelago. Read on for our seven favorite reasons to visit the Grenadines.
Palm Island Five beaches, three hiking trails and more than 1,800 coconut palms spread over just 135 acres of land make this all-inclusive private-island resort one of our favorites.
The Tobago Cays In the center of the Grenadines, these five uninhabited islets (Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby) float in warm Bombay Sapphire-blue water and are a delight for sailors, snorkelers and swimmers alike.
Goatie’s Bar You can soak up the barefoot-casual vibe – and spring for a frosty Hairoun (the local beer) – at this convivial water’s-edge drinkery, which is open to all, but calls the Petit St Vincent private-island resort home.
Happy Island Since 2002 drinkers from near and far have flocked to Janti Ramage’s unique island/bar in the shallows off Union Island, where good times are built on a foundation of discarded conch shells and found rocks.
Mount Royal It only takes 30 minutes – and a decent level of physical fitness – to hike to the highest point on the 3.5-square-mile Grenadine, Canouan. And once you reach the summit, you’ll be richly rewarded with a stunning panorama of islands, including Mayreau, Union Island, Carriacou and Petit St. Vincent, shimmering on the horizon.
Petit St Vincent Depending where you’re coming from it takes a least two flights and a boat ride to reach this posh but unpretentious private-island resort. But superb service; 22 comfy cottages spread over 115 beach-fringed acres; and those baby-blue beach buggies called Mini Mokes make it worth the journey.
Atelier Turquoise On the tiny Grenadine of Union Island you’ll find this even tinier trove of Caribbean art and craft, packed to the rafters with vibrant Haitian acrylics; “paintings” made from banana leaves; T-shirts; locally made Christmas ornaments; and a great selection of boho-chic jewelry from Fidel, a Grenadines’-based brand.