Palm Island St Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel

Palm Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines

It’s rare for a hotel to be so integral to an island’s history – but when an American couple took on the lease to Palm Island in 1966, the US$1 per year deal was contingent on them building a hotel to provide employment for the locals. What started as a ten-bedroom beach club has evolved into an exquisite, 43-room hotel and spa accessible via private launch (from nearby Union Island). The resort welcomes only guests over the age 16, adding to a sense of tranquillity and with five white-sand beaches to explore on the 55ha island, as well as the chance to snorkel alongside turtles and stingray or request a private picnic, the overwhelming feeling is one of being happily marooned. Back at the hotel, there’s more of a buzz, with local culture reflected in proceedings from dawn to dusk. Dabble in some crab-racing, join a rum-tasting or listen to the rhythm of steel drums while rounding off dinner with a coconut parfait – the crème de la crème of a castaway experience.

All-inclusive doubles from £500 (5 nights minimum). 01245 459906, palmislandgrenadines.com

Words by Rachel Walker

This review was taken from the October 2023 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.