BELIEVE IT
Why St Vincent and The Grenadines is the Caribbean paradise to add to your bucket list
IT’S THE Caribbean, so you’re guaranteed sun, sea and sand. But what if you’re looking for something more, something extra? Welcome to St Vincent and The Grenadines.
This tropical gem, located among the southeastern Windward Islands, is a secluded paradise for sun worshippers and adventure seekers alike.
Its 32 islands and cays feature lush landscapes fringed with a stunning array of palm tree-lined beaches. And they’ve got food and culture, including a world-famous carnival, that are the envy of the Caribbean.
SHARE
There’s plenty to keep every kind of traveller happy, like diving in pristine coral reefs, sailing the turquoise seas or simply lying back with a rum punch.
Pick one of St Vincent and The Grenadines’ nine inhabited islands – St Vincent, Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, Petit St Vincent – or island hop to discover its many charms.
With year-round warm temperatures and flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic, what are you waiting for?
Catch of the day: straight from the surrounding waters, the seafood couldn’t be fresher
‘Anchor Reef is a spectacular wall dive where you can spot eels, squid and seahorses’
A relaxing retreat
If a holiday spent horizontal sounds like your idea of heaven, then St Vincent and The Grenadines is just the ticket. This collection of islands has bucket loads of options for some serious R&R.
When it comes to picking a beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice. As a volcanic island, mainland St Vincent itself has striking dark, sometimes black sand, while The Grenadines have soft, white-sand beaches.
To live out that Robinson Crusoe fantasy, book into the Palm Island Resort & Spa, a secluded 135-acre private island where slowing down and truly relaxing are the order of the day, every day.
®
Virgin Atlantic flies between London Heathrow and St Vincent and The Grenadines, with return fares from £579 per person*
Book now at virginatlantic.com
Perfect escape: one of the many uninhabited tropical islets to be found
Life’s a beach: enjoy idyllic turquoise seas and white-sand coves on Mayreau
did you know?
St Vincent and The Grenadines’ beautiful coastline measures 84 kilometres (52 miles) – that equals a lot of beaches.
For an even more intimate and romantic experience, Young Island is an enchanting paradise of just 13 acres and 29 traditional Caribbean cottages.
Looking for a beachside stay on a bigger island? Beachcombers Hotel on the St Vincent mainland and Bequia Beach Hotel on Bequia’s Friendship Beach both make lovely options.
If you fancy relaxing onboard a boat, then you are also in luck. Steady winds and balmy temperatures mean there are perfect sailing conditions whatever the month.
Spend a relaxing day cruising between bays or indulging in some island hopping on a shared or private yacht. Each of the islands offers something special and they are a short distance from each other, meaning you can travel easily between them.
fun fact >
Take a dive: the clear waters are a haven for underwater adventures
A chance to embrace your inner mermaid
fun fact >
Whether it’s diving or snorkelling that floats your boat, the warm, clear waters that surround the islands of St Vincent and The Grenadines are a haven for underwater adventures.
There’s no shortage of well equipped dive shops to get you kitted out, and there are 100 dive sites across the 32 islands – featuring 168 sq km of coral reefs playing host to 400 species of fish – which cater to all skill levels and interests.
There are areas with crystal-clear visibility at 30m thanks to the island’s heavy lava-laced sand, as well as options for muck diving amid the sediment.
Shell suit: there are turtles to swim with and caves to explore
did you know?
St Vincent was originally called Youloumainby, a name in the native Carib language that honours the “spirit of rainbows”. In 1498, when Christopher Columbus arrived on the island, he renamed it after Saint Vincent of Saragossa, the Spanish saint whose feast day coincided with his landing.
Whatever underwater landscape you’re after, you’ll find it, from adrenaline pumping drifts and uncrowded coral gardens to dramatic submarine lava flows that come together in a wonderland of caves, canyons and walls.
On St Vincent, expect sheer drop-offs and some of the world’s best forests of black coral. And don’t miss the Bat Cave. This half-submerged cave with hundreds of bats is an exhilarating diving experience and the perfect chance to practise your underwater photography.
There are four diveable wrecks around the island where you have the possibility of spotting reef sharks, tarpon, harlequin pipefish, batfish, basket stars and damselfish.
Anchor Reef is a spectacular wall dive that offers the opportunity to spot a variety of eels, squid and seahorses living among the gorgonian coral, while Mopion Reef is a good place to see sharks.
Put the protected Tobago Cays Marine Park on your must-see list. These five tiny, uninhabited islands are home to a turtle sanctuary – a haven for growing numbers of green and hawksbill turtles.
Warm welcome: visitors are guaranteed a friendly greeting in Kingstown
An active adventure
fun fact >
Active travellers will be pleased to know St Vincent and The Grenadines is an adventure playground.
Hiking is covered thanks to the extensive network of trails across the islands – with both easy strolls and challenging climbs.
On Union Island, follow the coastal path that circles the perimeter and take in the fishing villages with colourful painted boats, a 17th-century French fort and sweeping views of the Grenadine chain.
Alternatively, head out on the enchanting Ashton Lagoon nature trail, or try your hand at watersports such as kite surfing.
Wildlife and waterfalls: exotic birds and plunge pools abound throughout the islands
did you know?
Standing at 1,220 metres, La Soufrière is both the highest peak on the island of St Vincent and in the country of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines.
The western coast of St Vincent is home to some spectacular waterfalls, with Dark View Falls being the number one spot. The two falls cascade down a sheer cliff face into natural pools below.
An impressive line-up of wildlife awaits. Go in search of the famed St Vincent parrot and other tropical birds on a bird watching tour. The best opportunity to spot this parrot in the wild, or the whistling warbler, another rare native bird, is to hike the 3km Vermont Nature Trail.
An organised tour to spot the whales and dolphins that live in these waters – among them humpbacks, pilots and orcas – is recommended too.
Garden lovers and history enthusiasts should also note the beautiful Botanical Gardens located in Kingstown, St Vincent.
Taste sensation: callaloo soup is a St Vincent and The Grenadines delicacy
A foodie heaven
fun fact >
If food is a big priority on your holidays, then a trip to St Vincent and The Grenadines is just what the doctor ordered.
The islands’ location means there’s an abundance of fresh food and whether you’re after a slap-up meal or a chance to experience the street food, you know the quality will be high.
With a rich history and heritage, there are lots of local dishes to try as well as restaurants serving well-loved international favourites.
Local delicacies include callaloo soup, a hearty dish made with callaloo, a leafy green native vegetable, salted meat and potatoes; and madongo dumplings, a fried snack created from the indigenous arrowroot and flavoured with coconut and nutmeg.
‘If you have lunch or cocktails at Basil’s Bar, you never know which
A-lister you might run into’
You will likely spot roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish on many menus as it’s the national dish of St Vincent and The Grenadines.
Breadfruit, similar to jackfruit, is baked and served alongside this locally caught fish with a tomato sauce and vegetables for a lovely lunch.
In fact, on these islands, you are never far from fresh seafood and many restaurants serve just-caught fish of the day or seafood treats like lobster, squid, and octopus.
Colourful cuisine: you’ll find some of the finest Caribbean cooking on the islands
did you know?
Princess Margaret adored Mustique and said it was “the only place” she could relax.
She first went there in 1976 and usually returned twice a year, in the months of October and February.
Mustique was in the spotlight again when Netflix’s The Crown filmed storylines about Princess Margaret on the island.
The town of Barrouallie on the west coast of St Vincent holds a fish festival on the first Friday of every month. But for dedicated foodies, the last weekend in February is the time to visit – the two-day Union Island Conch Festival is the place to enjoy a variety of conch cuisine including stews, fritters, salads, curries and chowders.
In late June and early July, the biggest party of all comes to town and alongside 10 days of soca and calypso music, rum cocktails and parades, “The hottest carnival in the Caribbean” is a great opportunity to try local food with the streets lined with stalls serving up delicious seafood, Creole and Caribbean dishes.
To experience a slice of pure luxury, Mustique is the island to go to. The likes of Mick Jagger and Bryan Adams have houses there, while William and Kate are regulars. If you have lunch or cocktails at Basil’s Bar, you never know which A-lister you might run into.
And St Vincent and The Grenadines produces rum. From fancy cocktail bars to roadside shacks, you will never be far from this delicious drink.
fly to St Vincent and the Grenadines, Virgin Atlantic style
The VIP treatment
Those travelling in Upper Class can enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s flagship Clubhouse at London Heathrow. It’s more a five-star hotel than an airport lounge – the perfect place to relax before your flight.
Flying high
Before your trip to St Vincent and The Grenadines, join the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for free to unlock rewards and benefits. Click here to find out more.
Afternoon delight
In every Virgin Atlantic cabin, you can enjoy a whole new world of dining above the clouds, including Mile High Afternoon Tea.
Screen time
Virgin Atlantic’s inflight entertainment system, Vera, provides you with hours of the latest movies, TV shows and music to keep you immersed for your whole flight.
All wrapped up
Take the stress out of planning and let the experts at Virgin Atlantic Holidays create your dream trip to St Vincent and The Grenadines by visiting your local store or speaking to the team from the comfort of your home with a video call.
A relaxing retreat >
A chance to embrace your inner mermaid >
An active adventure >
A foodie heaven >
sea it to
The islands have very similar weather all year round. The hottest month is September, when the average maximum temperature is 31C – and the coolest month is January when the average maximum temperature is 29C.
Three Pirates of the Caribbean movies were filmed on the island. Wallilabou Bay and Tobago Cays both feature in the adventure films.
St Vincent’s capital Kingstown is nicknamed the “city of arches” thanks to the number of stony arches found there. You can count around 400 across this colourful city.
The most popular rum on the island of St Vincent is called Sunset Rum. The very strong spirit contains a staggering 84.5 per cent alcohol.
*Fare based on Economy Light and available for departure on June 2, 2024, for 7 nights. Prices given correct as of August 31, 2023, and are subject to change
SEE WHAT THE ISLANDS HAVE TO OFFER
