Heresy: a glowing trip report to Caribbean not St Barts.
We just got back from 2 wonderful weeks in the Grenadines at Petit St Vincent Resort (PSV).
We decided not to go to St Barts this year. Wanted something quiet, elegant for peace and quiet and, of course, good food. We got it in spades.
Getting there is more difficult even than St Barts. It takes 3 planes and a boat (from Boston).
You have to get to Barbados then fly to Union Island where boat takes you to PSV. Once you get to Barbados you are in thier hands, ie they give same service Premium IV, etc do at SXM. You don't touch your bags from Barbados airport to your cottage.
We could get there in 1 day but would have had to get up at 3am. Have done this many time to SBH and it usually wipes us out for a few days so we decided to overnight in Barbados. We flew AA (and were aided by Debo) via Mia, leaving at a civilized time of 9.30am and arriving in Barbados at 10pm. Spent nite at Silver Point Resort, near airport on beach. After leisurely breakfast watching Kite surfers, took a plane at 1pm (SVG air, a twin otter). Were met at Union airport by Maurice the skipper of PSV boat and taken to PSV, arring about 3pm. They meet you on the dock and take you directly to your cottage.
For great descriptions of PSV, check out Scubamoms website and the resort website.
This was our 2nd time there. Previously 12 years ago. The resort changed ownership in the last few years and has been undergoing upgrades. Significan improvement. Cottages now have king sized beds (previously 2 doubles, which we could not understand). Upgrades decor, now bright and airy. There are 22 units and they are 2 types, on the breach or on a bluff. The bluff units have great views, the beach units have the advantage of walking right out onto the beach.
Previously we were in a beach unit, this time a bluff unit. We loved it. Had a deck with loungers and table overlooking Atlantic (sunrise). The wall of unit facing Atlantic was all glass sliders. You could open up for the breezes, which were constant. No bugs. The units are now Airconditioned but also with ceiling fans. we used AC at nite to keep flying things from coming in. (During day birds would fly in and out, if you were unawares).
Modern first class amenities with 120 current for charges. Cell phone worked (with international plan).
They have no phones, TVs, etc. An IPod dock for music.
The communication system is a flag systen. Yellow pick up request, red stay away.
The island is small and walkable everwhere. No cars. Minimokes to get around if you wanted (had to request pickup). There is an Atlantic beach and a beach facing North towards Union Island ringed with wooded area and covered private areas with loungers, hammock table chairs (if you wanted a meal delivered there). We would go here every morning to "lounge",ie read.
There is a beach bar restaurant where you can take meals. Same menu every day but large enough for variety. Did I say all inclusive (except for alcohol drinks). Anything off menu. Lobster is so plentiful there that it is featured. Grilled. I had many, almost everyday. Dinner can also be taken in their main dining room. Excellent food and service. Different menu every day. In our 2 weeks, it never repeated.
Next to dining room is office, for requesting "excursions", sign up for spa (these are additional $). There is also computers to use and WiFi there (but not in rooms).
Outstanding service. all the staff very friendly. You get to know them. They live on the island and you see them every day.
Once a week cocktail party at owners villa. Get to meet owner and other guests. Once a week they set up screen and show movies on the beach.
One night (my birthday) we had dinner set up on the beach (sunset side) and were served a wonderful meal (regular menu, you preordered).
All in all outstanding time. Very restive. Lots of reading, etc.
We did one sail trip to Tobago Cays. wonderful "blue water" sailing.
They have other excursions and spa you can use. (for a fee).
so we loved it and signed up to go back (Don't worry we are signed up to return to St Barts too).
Comparing to St Barts, some advantages, and disadvantages. A little more expensive but all meals are included. No car rental costs. No airport transfer (ie ala Premium IV, etc). you walk everywhere. No shopping (saved much money there, we usually drop a lot at Laurent Effel and other apparel shops on St Barts).
Trip home, we made in one day. Jet Blue via JFK. Got home day before Super Bowl so we could watch and moan when Patriots lost.
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Originally Posted by John C
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