Smiley25

I am trying to plan my honeymoon to the Grenadines. We are getting married in August and that is how we decided on the Grenadines....since it's out of the typical hurricane belt. We have narrowed it down to either Palm Island, or the Tamarind on Canouan. Both seem extremely beautiful and relaxing. We don't need to have a ton of things to do or any big clubs....looking forward to just relaxing and socializing with others at the resort. Any advice on which place you think is better, or what you thought of Palm or Tamarind would be greatly appreciated.

blamona

Grenadines are not out of the hurricane belt.
I've stayed at Tamarind, vistited Palm a couple of times. It was nice, people were friendly, there was no tv's in the room, so I was a little bored at night. At the time there was no AC in the rooms, and I didn't like that, but it seems that they added that to some rooms. The rooms themselves were nice and comfortable. The people that worked there were super and the excursions to Tobago Cays, Palm, etc were fantastic. At the time, Tamarind was a sister resort with what is now Raffles, so they offered free shuttles between the 2. Raffles has a golf course, and a small casino. I don't know if they still do that between the 2.
Palm seems pretty, gorgeous views from their beach, however I have not seen the rooms. From there you can also do excursions.

Smiley25

Well I know they are not totally out of the hurricane belt, but the chances are much less likely there, then say if we were to go to the Bahamas or USVI. We really want the carribean beach atmosphere for our honeymoon....if anyone has any other suggestions I would love to hear them.

lizz

I'd be interested to find out which island you eventually decide upon as we are due to go to the Tamarind in the spring of 2006. One of the reasons we chose Canaouan/Tamarind over Palm island was that Canouan is a little larger than Palm island and from what i've read it looks possible to walk all round Palm in less than 1/2 an hour We thought we might get 'cabin fever' after a few days!!! I'm hoping that Canouan will provide a bit more choice for walks and scenery?

Smiley25

lizz: I am worried about that as well...running out of things to do at Palm Island. But I go back and forth on that issue....we want something really removed and quiet for our honeymoon, and they do offer the day trips to go sailing, snorkeling, etc, so that should help. The Tamarind looks really nice...one thing I noticed though is they don't have a pool. Not sure if that matter or not since the sea is so warm and calm. Also, both places seem very difficult to get to, like you spend a full day traveling. How much do you anticipate to spend on meals and stuff while there? Their room rates are pretty competitive.

lizz

Hi Smiley 25, Having no pool doesn't really bother us. My husband prefers to swim in the sea anyway and i don't mind either.
Not sure about the price bit, we have booked through a travel co. for 1/2 board so will just pay out for drinks and lunches etc. We've only ever flown straight to the Caribbean before with maybe one stop on the way but with no change of planes so this will be a first for us with the extra 'hop' from Barbados. Presumably if you opt for Palm island you'll have a boat journey as the last leg of your journey? As for things to do, well,we're just happy to read/swim/take a boat trip/ walk,generally relax and of course the odd drink or three!!

blamona

Most airplanes to Canouan or Palm go like this:
from Barbados or Grenada, then a small plane to Union Island, then a boat to either Canouan or Palm.
Or, and this is actually harder to do, is to St. Vincent, then a small plane to Canouan. AA had flights to Canaoun, but I think they stopped them. AA sometimes has $200 airfares when staying at Palm Island. It's always advertised in Caribbean Travel and Life magazine. It does take a while to reach your destination.
Get insurance, and make sure they can find out about hurricanes, as to they may have to evacuate you. A couple of years ago a hurricane blew through Raffles in Canouan and did some damage. Carriacou which is in the Grenadines (You can see it from Palm) was demolished this year by a hurricane.
Keep in mind, that this destination is more off the beaten path, a little harder to get to, a little harder to get out if you have too. Palm is small, you can walk around in less than an hour, Canouan is a little more hilly, but really small too. Remember Grenada got devestated by IVAN last year, and you can see it from Palm. You can see Palm from Canouan too, they are fairly close together.
I'm not trying to scare you, and when there is not a hurricane the weather is gorgeous, but hurricanes have been extra active in the last couple of years. Last August, I flew down in a hurricane to Bhamamas, flew back in 2 hurricanes, and the week we were there the weather was perfect.
The islands are beautiful, good luck!

croix

Smiley25, we were just in Bequia. It does take a while to get there---atlanta to St lucia then next day to St Vincent then ferry at the end of the day to Bequia-----we could see Canouan and others from where we were way off in the distance. For natural beauty, friendly people and good water they are great. But it is some work to get there.

curiousx

American Eagle still flies to Canouan from San Juan. Here's the web page with more info about who flies (including Raffles own $$$ jet), http://www.caribbeantravelmag.com/article.jsp?ID=38024

Frankly, I think Canouan sucks since the resorts took over but different strokes for different folks...

ejcrowe

curiousx, I just found this older thread and thought I might trespass on your time once more. Can you tell me why you think Canouan sucks now because of the resorts? Just because of Raffles, or because of Tamarind too? Is there just a different vibe to the island now? I'm curious to know your thoughts on the matter. Thanks!

curiousx

I first visited Canouan when it truly belonged to the locals. Now they are on the outside looking in. The resort developments have marginalized them in their own country. Shamefully, the bovernment of the day in St. Vincent was a full participant in this.

At one time there was an option for Canouan to become another Bequia. No more.

There's quite a long thread on this on the SVG board at www.tripadvisor.com with many different views expressed.

vinceygirl

ej have to agree with curiousx. It doesn't have the same island feel as Bequia or Mayreau. People were friendly but there isn't much to do. Nothing has been set up to encourage tourists to visit unless you have mucho bucks. Not that I want any of the Grenadines to become "touristy" Heaven forbid. Raffles is basically the only game in town. Tamarind is nice but outside of relaxing not much to do.
Smiley25, have you checked into Young Island? Mixed reviews but if I was honeymooning in the Grenadines that's where I would go or some place on Bequia. Actually I'd spend a few days on each. Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau is another option that seems to fit your criteria.
Getting to the Grenadines is no easy task. I fly from PIT to Philly or Charlotte then to Barbados connecting to St. Vincent via LIAT. Other times the itinerary was PIT/JFK/SJU/connecting on Caribbean Sun or Star to St. V. Recently I have been on line looking for fares and flights around Thanksgiving. They aren't cheap or convenient. In fact this year the flights are the worst ever in terms of convenience.
No matter which you choose have a wonderful honeymoon and congatulations.

ejcrowe

thanks again, curiousx and vinceygirl. I value and trust your input in that one. I had been tempted by a nice 4 night package deal at Tamarind that included a day trip to Tabago Cays, not least because I could fly American Eagle to Canouan and possibly use FF miles.

But it sounds more and more like Bequia is the island aside from Grenada that I want to explore. I ran across an amazing special from Creole Garden on Bequia last night for $60/night, inclusive of tax and breakfast. Either of you know anything about this place? I really like the look of Frangipani, but it's about 2.5 times more expensive than Creole Garden. Also, do you have any input on Travellers Inn?

Again, many thanks to you!

vinceygirl

ej I would defer to curiousx on this question. He is better qualified to suggest accommodations.

vinceygirl

Smiley25 if you visit travel talk on line's website there is some chatter regarding the Grenadines and Young Island in particular.

ej that might be another resource for you too. curiousx also posts there.

ejcrowe

thanks, vinceygirl. I just registered over at TTOL and posted my first message. I scanned some posts reequia and am getting very excited about it as a destination and may have to add some nights there.

can you tell me which area of the island you personally find most desirable for staying? The Lower Bay area? Or in the little town? Elsewhere? Thanks!

sandyjoy

I wouldn't go to Canouan if you are looking for things to do. The Tamarind is nice but low-key, no frills. The others are right, outside of the resorts, nothing much doing. BTW, Canouan doesn't "suck". The Raffles hotel, despite all the criticism, has invested in training locals for employment -- which for young people is extremely limited on Canouan. It is also committed to improving the island's infrastructure.

vinceygirl

ej,
I stay on St.Vincent at Indian Bay. Friends of mine have a very small no frills apt/hotel property. I have been going there for almost 15 yrs. Personally if I was to stay on Bequia I find the area around Spring beautiful. It's a bit off the beaten path, quite serene in setting. If you want to be closer to restaurants etc I would suggest staying in Port Elizabeth.

With regards to sandyjoy's comment re Canouan, the island itself is beautiful. The unfortunate part is Raffles has taken over so much of the island and made it private. Residents are restricted as to where they can go on their own island. Unless there has been a dramatic change sources tell me they are none to happy with how things are on the island. Educational opportunities are limited. If what you say is true then Raffles is at least trying to make an effort to give something back. We'll see what they plan to do for the island's infrastructure. I won't hold my breath.

I saw it happen here in the US. 20 years ago St. Augustine, FL was a quaint, beautiful friendly place to vacation. Much of Anastasia Island was natural. This is not the case anymore. IMO over developement has ruined much of the natural habitat which made the area so appealing. It has turned into another tourist attraction with all the hokey traps to entice you to spend your money. Tacky souvenior shops,& large chain hotels have taken over what made it so unique. The city no longer has that small town down home appeal. I still visit once a year but miss what it was that drew me there in the first place. I feel the same way about the Grenadines. I sincerely hope the government plans wisely. If not Raffles is just the beginning.

curiousx

ejcrowe, Dawn's is a real gem. It combines the best of German cleanliness and efficiency (Dawn's husband) with warm Caribbean atmosphere (Dawn) and great German/Caribbean fusion menu (da 2 a dem).

Ask for one of the rooms higher up as some of the lower ones have obstructed views. Do not get the comfort room unless your budget is very tight - it is quite large but lacks any views.

DAwn's is a steep but short walk up from the beach.

The only drawback (fos some) is that Dawn's hard beside Coco's which jumps to live music twice a week, normally shutting down around 10 at night. For others this is a definite plus !

The Frangi has some less expensive rooms in its old main house - about $40-65US a night. These are simple and quaintly furnished. All rooms have access to a porch that overlooks the people traffic on the Belmont walkway and the comings and goings of boats in the harbour. My favourite has a four poster bed that is actually a family heirloom.

ejcrowe

again, many thanks to vinceygirl and curiousx for your input and perspective.
It's very reassuring to read your impressions about Dawn's Creole Cottage. It was hard to believe that at $60/night it would be worth it.

I've just put on hold two AA FF itineraries, but only for 10 nights each rather than the 2 weeks I was hoping for.

The first FF itin. is flying into and out of Barbados. In your opinion, is it just as easy to book interisland flights from BGI as GND? And I just happily learned that AA and LIAT have a ticketing agreement, which makes me breathe a sigh of relief.

curious, at the end of July, which rooms will feel cooler, the rooms at Dawn's or the house rooms at Frangi? I know neither has a/c, but which one is better situated for catching the breezes?

how easy is it to get from Dawn's to Port Elizabeth for browsing, eating, etc? Do you think we should plan to rent a car or just try to get by on taxis and the dollar bus route? And what exactly is the dollar bus route?

Many thanks!