2 Best Hotels in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent's only true resort (so far) is actually 200 yards offshore on its own private 35-acre island, ringed by powder-soft beaches, and offering 29 airy, hillside cottages and a pool, spa, tennis court, and superb alfresco restaurant. Access is via a private ferry from Villa Beach, a two-minute "voyage." Rooms and suites have bamboo and rattan furniture; walls of stone and glass have louvered windows surrounding the sitting areas. Each cottage has a terrace, bathroom with garden shower, and water views despite being hidden in lush tropical vegetation. There are also two beachfront cottage suites and three on the hillside, each with separate sitting rooms and private plunge pools; the top-of-the-hill Duvernette Suite has its own infinity pool and a furnished sundeck. Swim up to the floating Coconut Bar, 30 feet offshore, for a refreshing thirst-quencher; then dine on fresh Continental-Caribbean fare either on the terrace or in a private thatch-roof gazebo. There's also a small open-air spa, plenty of hammocks, a tennis court, a lagoon pool, and a water-sports center for your amusement. Sail-away packages include two nights touring the Grenadines on a 46-foot crewed catamaran.

With an ideal location on pretty Friendship Bay, this stunning boutique property is a great choice for a relaxing beach getaway or family vacation. Large "classic rooms," some family suites that accommodate four, and a penthouse suite with a Jacuzzi and the ultimate sea view are set back on the hillside and surround a second pool; 14 beachfront suites are also near the main pool. All rooms have unique decor, evoking a 1930s-style adventure-travel vibe (period wicker furnishings, antique travel posters, leather trunks, four-poster beds). Nearby, six gingerbread-style, self-catering cottages, painted in Caribbean colors, offer either one or two bedrooms; three have a kitchenette and private plunge pool. A four-bedroom Presidential villa has a private infinity pool. The Blue Tropic Restaurant, open only in the high season, features Italian cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting; Batagelle, the main restaurant open year-round, is a more casual beach bar with live music and entertainment. VIP air transfers from either St. Lucia or Barbados can be arranged on the resort's own Bequia Air charter service.