PSV Trip Report
Jun 30th, 2003, 12:22 PM
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PSV Trip Report
Just got back from a 3 week honeymoon in the Grenadines. Chartered a crewed yacht for 7 days, stayed 9 days in PSV and the rest of the time in Barbados. Following is a quick review of important observations:
PSV
To clarify some issues I've read here and elsewhere. There is NO comparison between PSV and Palm Island in terms of beauty. (We stopped in Palm, ate lunch and had a tour.) PSV is much, much more scenic, romantic, and private. Palm is much more like a typical resort, with rooms right next to each other in a row along the beach.
Another point, we were led to believe PSV had only fair food and service. This is NOT the case. The food was varied and delicious, for all meals, even by our urban, "foodie" standards. And we went during June when there was no lobster in season. The meat (lamb, filet, veal, etc) was especially well cut and prepared. The service too was excellent. The flag system is not as convenient as calling down to the front desk but it made the experience unique, fun, and memorable. Almost without exception the staff was warm, friendly, efficient, and fast.
A couple of things to consider. I would not consider PSV if you are deathly afraid of interaction with nature/"creepy crawlers". It is somewhat rustic in this regard. And you must be prepared for the interaction.
We found no mosquitos until the rains came and then there were some, but not as bad as we've experienced elsewhere in the islands.
The reefs/snokeling are not great but are ok and while there is pretty consistent reef surrounding the island, we found plenty of sandy spots to enter and go swimming.
Finally my impression of the cottages (and we toured several): We didn't prefer 6-15 as these were right next to each other on the beach; 1-5, 20-22 have great views but require a walk to any beach; 18 has privacy but it's "private" section of the beach is very narrow, especially at high tide. #19 has a sunset view, a very little but private beach facing the harbor and has an outside shower. The only cottage I saw that I wouldn't recommend is #16. This had a really pathetic beach area. #17 has the best private beach on the island by far. A thick rock wall separates it with #16 but you have a nice private deck and walk down to what is in essence your own nice-sized beach. The only thing missing here was the outside shower and only a limited sunset view.
PSV was excellent in all regards. It's not for people who want to party or go out. But there are plenty of things to keep you busy. We will definitely go back but in early May. We caught some rain going in early/mid June.
A few more things about the trip. We sailed on the 52' Meridian Splendor, with Sven and Jaimee Taylor. An excellent boat and crew. Would highly recommend them. A fabulous experience and a great way to see a lot of islands. Jaimee's cooking was outstanding. Sven was an excellent captain. They were both friendly and professional. No, we didn't get sea sick either.
Barbados was nice. Great people. Hellish airport experience. Call ahead the day of your flight and get there early. We stayed at The House at Tamarand Cove. Nice, very cool scene but not worth the price @$450 US per night, includes breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers. Would definitely go to dinner a the Clift, one of the most picturesque and excellent restaurants we've been to anywhere, but especially in the islands. Ask for table #52 (it's the best) or any one out by the water. Go early 6:30-7 p.m. and watch the rays feed.
PSV
To clarify some issues I've read here and elsewhere. There is NO comparison between PSV and Palm Island in terms of beauty. (We stopped in Palm, ate lunch and had a tour.) PSV is much, much more scenic, romantic, and private. Palm is much more like a typical resort, with rooms right next to each other in a row along the beach.
Another point, we were led to believe PSV had only fair food and service. This is NOT the case. The food was varied and delicious, for all meals, even by our urban, "foodie" standards. And we went during June when there was no lobster in season. The meat (lamb, filet, veal, etc) was especially well cut and prepared. The service too was excellent. The flag system is not as convenient as calling down to the front desk but it made the experience unique, fun, and memorable. Almost without exception the staff was warm, friendly, efficient, and fast.
A couple of things to consider. I would not consider PSV if you are deathly afraid of interaction with nature/"creepy crawlers". It is somewhat rustic in this regard. And you must be prepared for the interaction.
We found no mosquitos until the rains came and then there were some, but not as bad as we've experienced elsewhere in the islands.
The reefs/snokeling are not great but are ok and while there is pretty consistent reef surrounding the island, we found plenty of sandy spots to enter and go swimming.
Finally my impression of the cottages (and we toured several): We didn't prefer 6-15 as these were right next to each other on the beach; 1-5, 20-22 have great views but require a walk to any beach; 18 has privacy but it's "private" section of the beach is very narrow, especially at high tide. #19 has a sunset view, a very little but private beach facing the harbor and has an outside shower. The only cottage I saw that I wouldn't recommend is #16. This had a really pathetic beach area. #17 has the best private beach on the island by far. A thick rock wall separates it with #16 but you have a nice private deck and walk down to what is in essence your own nice-sized beach. The only thing missing here was the outside shower and only a limited sunset view.
PSV was excellent in all regards. It's not for people who want to party or go out. But there are plenty of things to keep you busy. We will definitely go back but in early May. We caught some rain going in early/mid June.
A few more things about the trip. We sailed on the 52' Meridian Splendor, with Sven and Jaimee Taylor. An excellent boat and crew. Would highly recommend them. A fabulous experience and a great way to see a lot of islands. Jaimee's cooking was outstanding. Sven was an excellent captain. They were both friendly and professional. No, we didn't get sea sick either.
Barbados was nice. Great people. Hellish airport experience. Call ahead the day of your flight and get there early. We stayed at The House at Tamarand Cove. Nice, very cool scene but not worth the price @$450 US per night, includes breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers. Would definitely go to dinner a the Clift, one of the most picturesque and excellent restaurants we've been to anywhere, but especially in the islands. Ask for table #52 (it's the best) or any one out by the water. Go early 6:30-7 p.m. and watch the rays feed.
Jun 30th, 2003, 07:31 PM
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Sounds like a great honeymoon!
I was especially interested in your review of The House. Can you elaborate on why you didn't think it was worth the price?
I am considering The House for my June, 2004 honeymoon. My heart is/was set on Sandy Lane, but it's soooo expensive. The House was suggested as a nice alternative...
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Anne
I was especially interested in your review of The House. Can you elaborate on why you didn't think it was worth the price?
I am considering The House for my June, 2004 honeymoon. My heart is/was set on Sandy Lane, but it's soooo expensive. The House was suggested as a nice alternative...
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Anne
Jul 1st, 2003, 07:44 AM
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Hey Murphy, what a grea trip report, thank you. What appealed to me was your crewed yacht (dream of mine) I love to sail. What charter service did you use? Anything you liked, disliked, would have done differenly?
Congrats on your nuptials!
p.s. Good pointing out the "must be one with nature" aspect of PSV, that was VERY useful info for me.
Congrats on your nuptials!
p.s. Good pointing out the "must be one with nature" aspect of PSV, that was VERY useful info for me.
Jul 2nd, 2003, 07:41 AM
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To answer your questions, The House has a very cool/romantic look/atmosphere, especially at night, with candles and torches, the staff all wears white, the rooms were nice, overly large really and we had the "junior ocean front suite". They were like two adjoining large-size hotel rooms. In terms of value for a little more per night (@$500 per night) we stayed at PSV with all meals in a private cottage on a private beach. Sandy Lane looked more posh, if less cool if that makes sense, but much, much larger -- a really huge resort. They seemed to have a nicer/wider beach as well. The House Ambassador thing really didn't work that well either. They're supposed to be on call 24 hrs but often no one picked up the phone when we called the operator. They rarely came around (like once per day) to see if we needed drinks, etc. And most of the promised beach amenities (cold towels, etc) were never present and even water had to be asked for. Sounds like I'm nit picking but when things are promised than not delivered you question. Just didn't seem worth it. The roundtrip transfers included were nice. Another thing. They never called to confirm out flight, which could have saved us a lot of wasted time. I met people from Sandy Lane who did call and they stayed to make sure the guests were taken care of with the delays at the airport.
The yacht was chartered through Ed Hamilton, who was good (at least in my limited experience). Depending on the time of year and boat you can try to negotiate costs also factor in 10-15% tip for the crew after the charter. I think you can get away with going towards 10% as oppossed to 15+ where we were. Grenadines is more open water sailing than the BVI so things can get a rockin'. We loved our boat (52' Stellar) because of the extended cockpit allowed us to stay comfortably out of the way. Cats can get closer into islands, reefs, etc because of their shallow drafts but for only 2 people we felt that you waste a lot of space. AC was key, it got hot down below. We were glad we went with a crew that was closer to us in age. I think going with an older crew might have been a little odd. The only island that we didn't explore down there was Canouan (didn't look inviting). Tobago Keys are fabulous. Little sand spits like Mopion and Sandy Island were really fun. We hit basically a different island every day. It was all fantastic. We might do New England or BVI next year (more in the way of fun beach bars, activity. Grenadines are very sleepy. Also we will go earlier in May. Just to be sure you understand PSV is not crawling with vermin by any means it that setting there is just no keeping the outside out. From my standpoint, PSV is the way to go, compared to Palm or Young Island.
The yacht was chartered through Ed Hamilton, who was good (at least in my limited experience). Depending on the time of year and boat you can try to negotiate costs also factor in 10-15% tip for the crew after the charter. I think you can get away with going towards 10% as oppossed to 15+ where we were. Grenadines is more open water sailing than the BVI so things can get a rockin'. We loved our boat (52' Stellar) because of the extended cockpit allowed us to stay comfortably out of the way. Cats can get closer into islands, reefs, etc because of their shallow drafts but for only 2 people we felt that you waste a lot of space. AC was key, it got hot down below. We were glad we went with a crew that was closer to us in age. I think going with an older crew might have been a little odd. The only island that we didn't explore down there was Canouan (didn't look inviting). Tobago Keys are fabulous. Little sand spits like Mopion and Sandy Island were really fun. We hit basically a different island every day. It was all fantastic. We might do New England or BVI next year (more in the way of fun beach bars, activity. Grenadines are very sleepy. Also we will go earlier in May. Just to be sure you understand PSV is not crawling with vermin by any means it that setting there is just no keeping the outside out. From my standpoint, PSV is the way to go, compared to Palm or Young Island.
Jul 3rd, 2003, 10:50 AM
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Howard, we did go to Bequia for the day, explored the main harbor. Cute, quaint, nice people. The model boats they are famous for are nicely done but expensive, they start at @$125 U.S. Unfortunately didn't get to venture further afield. They're supposed to have a turtle sanctuary that sounded nice. Didn't check out the Frangipani. Have fun.
Jul 8th, 2003, 06:04 AM
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PSV is my favorite resort.
My cottage recommendations are different. I liked 6 and 15 both, especially 6. I agree that 16 is the one truly disappointing cottage and that 17 and 18 are very nice (I will probably try to stay in one of those next). 1-3 would be great too if you want to go beyond mere privacy. 19 is nice except that there seems to be less breeze.
My cottage recommendations are different. I liked 6 and 15 both, especially 6. I agree that 16 is the one truly disappointing cottage and that 17 and 18 are very nice (I will probably try to stay in one of those next). 1-3 would be great too if you want to go beyond mere privacy. 19 is nice except that there seems to be less breeze.
Jul 8th, 2003, 07:35 PM
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Hello,
Had to chime in on PSV, too. We love it! Favorite cabin for us is 18 and would take 17 for location, too -- patio doesn't have the view 18 does, though. 18 is the one that is on the point - next to 16. 16 isn't the best but yet it has its own beach. First trip was in #22 and at first we didn't care for the location on a hill and close to the bar. But in the evening, having a private dinner on our patio with the clanking of the rigging of the masts and the view of the lights on the boats was truly memorable! Cabins 1-3 have spectacular views and very private.
Did you happen to sail on the Jambalaya? (its a new boat that sails to PSV from Barbados? or some island close by)
Sorry to hear about Palm Island. We are going there in November & have been kicking myself since I bought it for chosing it (for a discount) over going back to PSV. I hope someone has some good stories about Palm!
Oh, I'll be dreaming of PSV tonight!
Had to chime in on PSV, too. We love it! Favorite cabin for us is 18 and would take 17 for location, too -- patio doesn't have the view 18 does, though. 18 is the one that is on the point - next to 16. 16 isn't the best but yet it has its own beach. First trip was in #22 and at first we didn't care for the location on a hill and close to the bar. But in the evening, having a private dinner on our patio with the clanking of the rigging of the masts and the view of the lights on the boats was truly memorable! Cabins 1-3 have spectacular views and very private.
Did you happen to sail on the Jambalaya? (its a new boat that sails to PSV from Barbados? or some island close by)
Sorry to hear about Palm Island. We are going there in November & have been kicking myself since I bought it for chosing it (for a discount) over going back to PSV. I hope someone has some good stories about Palm!
Oh, I'll be dreaming of PSV tonight!
Jul 9th, 2003, 01:30 PM
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Hi Steve,
I'm not sure what the schedule allows for Jambalaya. Its a 70ft schooner that is owned by PSV. I know it offers sailing time (4days/7days??) before you arrive at PSV. But not sure of the details. Its fairly new (1yr old) and wasn't in the water yet in July '02. I remember asking Jeff (captain) about Barbados and from what I recall (we had been at the bar a while!) it was a difficult sail to or from Barbados. Below is copied from their website:
"You can charter day trips aboard Jahash, a 28 ft sport fishing boat, or cruise aboard the 70 ft. schooner "Jambalaya" with skipper Jeff Stevens."
E-mail Jeff thru the psv website and they will forward it on. www.psvresort.com
If you get a response, please post it. I'm anxious to know also!
Sheila
Sheila
I'm not sure what the schedule allows for Jambalaya. Its a 70ft schooner that is owned by PSV. I know it offers sailing time (4days/7days??) before you arrive at PSV. But not sure of the details. Its fairly new (1yr old) and wasn't in the water yet in July '02. I remember asking Jeff (captain) about Barbados and from what I recall (we had been at the bar a while!) it was a difficult sail to or from Barbados. Below is copied from their website:
"You can charter day trips aboard Jahash, a 28 ft sport fishing boat, or cruise aboard the 70 ft. schooner "Jambalaya" with skipper Jeff Stevens."
E-mail Jeff thru the psv website and they will forward it on. www.psvresort.com
If you get a response, please post it. I'm anxious to know also!
Sheila
Sheila
Jul 17th, 2003, 07:10 AM
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Jambalaya was indeed in the water when we were there and is quite a pretty boat. We didn't go out in her nor do I know for sure if she sails back and forth to Barbados, but I would guess not. I have heard that can be a difficult passage and is upwards of 90 miles or so -- anyway a long sail. It did go out for day sails, especially to the Tobago Cays. One more note, I was surprised to see how much it costs to go on day sails from PSV to the Tobago Cays, it's several hundred dollars US per couple. Wish I was there now of course!
Jul 21st, 2003, 02:10 PM
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I have read your trip review and I am thinking seriously about PSV for a honeymoon trip next year. I had planned on Caneel Bay until I read all the negative reviews. Can you tell me anything about the following?:
1. how do you book the plane flight from Barbados to Union for the ferry?
2. can you do any hiking on PSV?
3. what exactly do you pay extra for on PSV since I see that the meal plan is included?
4. I have heard that there is a small insect problem in the rooms. Is this true?
5. How do the rooms compare to standards of luxury to say maybe a Fairmont suite or something to that degree?
Thanks!!
1. how do you book the plane flight from Barbados to Union for the ferry?
2. can you do any hiking on PSV?
3. what exactly do you pay extra for on PSV since I see that the meal plan is included?
4. I have heard that there is a small insect problem in the rooms. Is this true?
5. How do the rooms compare to standards of luxury to say maybe a Fairmont suite or something to that degree?
Thanks!!
Jul 22nd, 2003, 06:52 AM
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When you book PSV, they will arrange the flight, either a shared charter or "regular" flight (small plane).
No swimming pool, the beach does very nicely. Little bug problem because of the breezes.
You only pay extra for drinks (alcoholic) and wine plus souviners, etc. All food, including delivery to your room or beach, included.
Rooms are what I would call "Rustic elegance". Very spacious and comfortable. Very private as well. Each unit has it's own "sundeck".
There is "hiking" up to the summit, worth a trip, great views, and around the island there is a trail.
No swimming pool, the beach does very nicely. Little bug problem because of the breezes.
You only pay extra for drinks (alcoholic) and wine plus souviners, etc. All food, including delivery to your room or beach, included.
Rooms are what I would call "Rustic elegance". Very spacious and comfortable. Very private as well. Each unit has it's own "sundeck".
There is "hiking" up to the summit, worth a trip, great views, and around the island there is a trail.
Jul 22nd, 2003, 07:27 AM
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Some additional responses to ZHillsSkydiver:
Hiking is pleasant, but will expose you to bugs more than the beaches and rooms do. 150 acres (or thereabouts) is big enough to take walks of a few miles, but you'd have to repeat yourself for a 10-20-mile hike. You can recruit one of the yellow labs to hike with you though and that's a plus.
There is no way to compare cottages there with any sort of standard hotel room. Although a few cottages are connected to another, all cottages are very self-contained little houses. You will have pretty close to 1000 square feet by my estimate. Rustic elegance is a perfect phrase, but you won't really know what that means until you are there. Both more rustic and more elegant than Peter Island, for example.
Bugs in rooms can exist, more during or immediately after rainy times. All rooms have repellant and killer and staff will come pretty much any time you need them if there is a crawling insect problem to spray more. Most noticeable in the shower, never were an issue for us. Flying insects are worse in cottages that are less exposed to breeze and more surrounded by taller, fuller vegatation. They are practically nonexistent in the breezier cottages.
Hiking is pleasant, but will expose you to bugs more than the beaches and rooms do. 150 acres (or thereabouts) is big enough to take walks of a few miles, but you'd have to repeat yourself for a 10-20-mile hike. You can recruit one of the yellow labs to hike with you though and that's a plus.
There is no way to compare cottages there with any sort of standard hotel room. Although a few cottages are connected to another, all cottages are very self-contained little houses. You will have pretty close to 1000 square feet by my estimate. Rustic elegance is a perfect phrase, but you won't really know what that means until you are there. Both more rustic and more elegant than Peter Island, for example.
Bugs in rooms can exist, more during or immediately after rainy times. All rooms have repellant and killer and staff will come pretty much any time you need them if there is a crawling insect problem to spray more. Most noticeable in the shower, never were an issue for us. Flying insects are worse in cottages that are less exposed to breeze and more surrounded by taller, fuller vegatation. They are practically nonexistent in the breezier cottages.
Aug 11th, 2003, 03:59 PM
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Has anyone ever seen families with kids at PSV? We are very interested in staying there with our three ages 7-13 next June. We wonder if they would feel out of place/be in the way. They love out of the way, wild places, and don't require "kids clubs" to be entertained. PSV sounds wonderful, particularly if you add a day trip to the Tobago Cays on that new sail boat. Just want to be sure it's right for us. I hear some cottages are connected like duplexes...I suppose that's where they'd put a family of five?
Aug 12th, 2003, 05:44 PM
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Yes, they have two duplexes, but some rooms are split into bedroom on one side and living (two day beds) on the other with a patio table in a connecting walkway of sorts. Go to my article about them at www.scubamom.com/grenadines/psv/ and go to the third page which has floorplans on it. A family of four would fit in one of these, but I'm not sure about a family of 5.
Aug 13th, 2003, 12:36 PM
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To be honest, however, other people staying at PSV may not appreciate the presence of kids. Maybe in summer, it isn't an issue, but I know that everybody was pretty unhappy with the presence of children about the age of yours in November and January when I've been there.
Nothing personal, I love children, but PSV is definitely one of those places where people go to get away from the sounds that children are really not capable of keeping from making. There are many other better options for families than PSV. It would be like taking children to a honeymoon resort.
I hope I've not offended.
Nothing personal, I love children, but PSV is definitely one of those places where people go to get away from the sounds that children are really not capable of keeping from making. There are many other better options for families than PSV. It would be like taking children to a honeymoon resort.
I hope I've not offended.
