Another installment from our trip to Saint Vincent and The Grenadines (SVG) as part of Liming Live week, here are a few highlights from our time exploring the island of St Vincent…
I wasn’t entirely sure what day it was, but I was lying, wide awake, in a bed once slept in by Johnny Depp, wondering when I would ever sleep again. I had hoped to sleep soundly after the tough ascent and descent La Soufriere Volcano, but it didn’t seem to be happening. I listened to the incredible noise of the night; animals and insects croaking and calling, and waves crashing against the beach. Sleep suddenly seemed underrated.
My cottage on Young Island – along with its celebrity endorsement – was a beachside retreat, with a private deck, a hammock and a mini pool. Young Island is separated from the St Vincent mainland by a tiny strait of water, and the on-call boat zips guests across in no time. On arrival we were warmly welcomed by Ivan holding a tray of rum punch cocktails – something we became quite accustomed to by the end of our week.
Young Island is a lush tropical private island with a swim-up bar, sandy beaches and fantastic outdoor dining. The friendly staff serve up the best of Vincy cuisine, and mix fine drinks. With only 29 cottages, a tennis court, lagoon pool and small spa, the island feels remote, but not cut off.
Our St Vincent tour took us to Dark View Falls – a 100ft waterfall dropping into a shallow pool on the leeward side of the island. Crossing the rope and bamboo bridge over a fast flowing river, we walked the short trail to the falls and cooled off in the water.
The lush vegetation surrounded us, giving a secluded feel to the place, and we spotted a beautiful – almost luminous – blue snail on the rocks, temporarily diverting our attention from the volcano-formed falls behind us.
Back on the coastal road, we weaved our way around the island, with taxis and trucks swerving in and out as traffic slowed. For a nation well-versed in the art of Liming, the Vincy people like to get to their destinations quickly.
Kingstown, the capital of St Vincent is a bustling town and main port – hot and noisy, it buzzes with cars, buses, carts and a constant soundtrack of booming bass, engines and horns. Cruise ships drop passengers for a few hours, but the town is mainly frequented by locals – trading and shopping. Kingstown is known as the ‘City of Arches’ and its colonial past is evident, not just in the architecture.
St Vincent’s rustic charm is very easy to love – the laid-back way of life, the fine food, and the stunning scenery all make for a perfect alternative to the usual Caribbean haunts.
13 Comments
Agness
29 May, 2013 at 8:49 amWow, this place is so lovely.You guys are so lucky to see the waterfalls!
Graham
29 May, 2013 at 8:00 pmThanks Agness yes we felt very lucky when we were there! 🙂
Scott
28 May, 2013 at 8:03 pmGreat work guys you’ve really captured the feel of the place.
Graham
29 May, 2013 at 8:00 pmThanks Scott!
Emma
28 May, 2013 at 8:01 pmAnother post with beautiful photos (and video too)!
Graham
29 May, 2013 at 8:01 pmThanks Emma!
Jess
28 May, 2013 at 6:52 amThe waterfall is beautiful – and I love that little snail! That seems like such a relaxing place.
Graham
29 May, 2013 at 8:02 pmHe was pretty cute! It was very relaxing, a great place to kick back for a while!
Sofia
27 May, 2013 at 8:03 amLooks beautiful, a perfect place to recharge.
Graham
27 May, 2013 at 12:17 pmDefinitely worth a visit 🙂
lola
26 May, 2013 at 4:55 pmi don’t know which photo is my favorite…the sand photo or the adorable snail. i miss the Caribbean and really need to get myself back down there STAT!
Graham
27 May, 2013 at 12:18 pmthanks! loved that little snail 🙂
Stephanie - The Travel Chica
25 May, 2013 at 6:15 pmNot knowing what day it is is the best feeling on a trip.