5 places to check out in St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Toronto Star

Petit St. Vincent Resort on Petit St. Vincent, the most southern Grenadine island, offers the ultimate in privacy. ( Charmaine Noronha ) Argyle International Airport, the island's first international airport, had a soft opening in February to much fanfare. When fully operational, the new airport will offer non-stop jet service from North America, Central and South America, and Europe to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ( St. Vincent and The Grenadines Tourist Office ) For lush views of Young Island and a slice of serenity, consider checking into Young Island Resort. ( Charmaine Noronha ) Slip into a hammock or grab a bike from Palm Island Resort (if youre a guest) to head to a secluded beach on the island. ( Charmaine Noronha ) Swim with sea turtles in tri-hued blue water at Tobago Cays, a protected wildlife reserve consisting of five islets. ( Charmaine Noronha )

By Charmaine NoronhaSpecial to the Star

Tues., May 16, 2017

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a collection of 32 unspoiled islands and cays in the eastern Caribbean. To get a full and awe-inspiring experience, island hop to a few of its gems and secluded resorts.

Argyle International Airport:

The island buzzed with joy and pride this February when it opened its first international airport, Argyle International Airport (AIA) in Argyle, on Valentines Day. This new airport is the largest capital project that has ever been undertaken in the country and will replace the existing E.T. Joshua Airport once it is fully operational, hopefully by June or July, say officials. The new airport will offer non-stop jet service from North America, Central and South America, and Europe to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, drastically changing the islands tourism game. Air Canada plans weekly flights to St. Vincent from Dec. 14, 2017 to Apr. 12, 2018. Details: svgiadc.com

Young Island:

Young Island is the most northerly island in the Grenadine chain, just south of mainland St. Vincent. Head to Young Island Resort for a lush getaway on the 5.3-hectare private island. Each private cottage has an ocean view, with some offering private plunge pools and gazebos. Prep your palate for its famous freshly baked six loaves of breads presented to you at your table daily at lunch and dinner. The breads include white, coconut, banana, raisin, cinnamon and wheat. (My vote is for the cinnamon.) Details: youngisland.com

Palm Island:

Palm Island, formerly Prune Island, was renamed after the former owners of the private island, the late John and Mary Caldwell, planted hundreds of palms, transforming the deserted spot into a Caribbean paradise. Palm Island Resort capitalizes off of this palm-blanketed oasis by offering an eco-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive experience. Grab a resort bike and pedal to one of its secluded hammocks for a beach picnic for the ultimate relaxing afternoon. Or slip into the spa and into nirvana with a Balinese massage. Details: palmislandresortgrenadines.com

Petit St. Vincent:

Welcome to paradise, says a smiling Petit St. Vincent Resort employee when I arrive on this private island, the most southern of the Grenadines. And he aint lying. This slice of heaven is all about privacy. You wont be disturbed in your remote hillside or beach villa until you hoist a yellow flag outside of your room, alerting staff that your rum punch needs a top-up or youd like to grab snorkelling equipment to scope out the sea life outside your door. Details: petitstvincent.com

Tobago Cays:

Hop on a catamaran to head to the remote and unblemished Tobago Cays, a protected wildlife reserve of five islets bordered by a giant horseshoe reef. Slipping into the warm turquoise waters is like touring a natural sea turtle sanctuary I swim by at least 15 shelled beauties. And though Ive snorkelled my fair share, its the first spot where I get to hold my first sea urchin and starfish. Details: tobagocays.org

Charmaine Noronhas trip was sponsored by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines tourism board, which didnt review or approve this story.

The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5E1E6. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please contact us or see our privacy policy for more information.

Go here to read the rest:

5 places to check out in St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Toronto Star