St Vincent has miles of beautiful beaches (Image: Getty Images)Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines may have only opened in April this year, but this stunning adults-only, all-inclusive resort is already a firm favourite with lovers of the Caribbean. Nestled in the most unique setting in its own natural cove, not far from the famous volcano La Soufrière (you can organise a hike through the rainforest to explore the crater if you’re feeling adventurous), it’s surrounded by lush, green mountains cascading down to the sea and framed by crystal white sands – it’s no surprise that we saw couples enjoying romantic evening meals there at sunset. We stayed in one of the hotel’s spacious, top-end butler suites where your room – set in its own area of greenery with an outdoor tub (which we enjoyed a little too much…) – has its own butler phone. With three butlers assigned to each room ready to serve your every whim, from unpacking upon arrival to room service if you’re feeling peckish, we got far too used to one quick call meaning a bottle of chilled champagne was waiting for us at our own cabana by the pool. Dreamy.
Sunset at the Parisol Pool is a stunning way to spend an evening
Let your hair down
There are various pools at the resort – one with a lively swim-up bar complete with DJ
(Image: Shawn Talbot Photography)
This place is heaven for couples, but if you’re here with friends, there’s still plenty to do. Our favourite of the resort’s four pools was the lively swim-up pool, where friendly bartenders are a dab hand at mixing a tropical cocktail or three, and clearly enjoy the tunes from the DJ as much as the holidaymakers By night, there’s plenty to keep you entertained after a hard day’s sunbathing or enjoying the various water sports on offer. We loved the Rum Bar (try the super-strong local ‘sunset’ variety, if you dare), with DJs playing most nights. In the main Pavilion, there’s regular live music; on one memorable night, we were treated to an incredible display by local drummers and hold-your-breath feats by some very brave fire eaters. If you fancy something a little different, take a taxi to the island’s interior and about half an hour away you’ll find the fabulously chilled Bush Bar, an incredible little place set in the middle of the jungle. Enjoy delicious vegan food, a drink or two and, if you like, go away with some fabulous artwork from its owner. It’s a true hidden gem – and a real ‘Vincy’ experience. Explore other islands
Take a short ferry ride to the neighbouring island of Bequia with its colourful boats
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
With activities galore, numerous restaurants to choose from and a tranquil spa by the river that has you feeling zen as soon as you step in, it feels like everything you need is on tap at this Sandals resort. But if you fancy some exploring, a day trip to beautiful Bequia is a great option. One hour away by local ferry (which, on a choppy day, an experience in itself!) Bequia, meaning “island of the clouds” in the ancient Arawak language, is the largest island in the Grenadines. A wander around the main town, checking out some local wares or enjoying a lazy drink in one of its low-key rum shacks, gives a tantalising glimpse at authentic island life. For history buffs, the Bequia Heritage Museum offers a fascinating overview of the island’s unique whaling history. But our favourite experience was taking a boat out to the floating Bar One, just a few minutes from shore. Complete with swings and some creatively-named cocktails, the order of the day here really is to sip, float and relax as the gentle waves rock you, and maybe take a dip in the crystal-clear waters that surround you. Caribbean flavours
Get some real local flavour at new local resort restaurant Bucca
No trip to the Caribbean would be complete without some seriously good food – and Sandals Saint Vincent does not disappoint, with nine bars and 11 dining concepts, from Italian to surf ‘n’ turf and sushi. Our favourite for lunch with some serious spice was Jerk Shack (try the fish in foil, washed down with a glass of local Hairoun beer) and for dinner, Buccan, the very first Sandals restaurant to use communal dining. Here you’ll soak up delicious Vincentian dishes at long sharing tables as passionate chefs guide you through each dish while you chat to fellow travellers. Learning the history of ‘three stone’ cooking, our mouthwatering favourites were confit mahi mahi, curried lentils and lamb curry. For a beautiful sunset experience, try dining and drinks at the Panorama Bar after a dip in its infinity pool looking out to that azure water. How to book A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines staying in a Bamboo Palm Room with Balcony Tranquillity Soaking Tub costs from £2,479 per person. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return economy class flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. Price is valid for travel on 11 September 2024. A seven-night stay for two adults in a Garden Butler Suite costs from £3.959 per person, valid for travel on 11 September 2024. To book, call 0800 597 0002 or visit sandals.co.ukStory SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravel
