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The Grenadines
Bequia: This island lies 14km (9 miles) south of St Vincent and is the largest of the Grenadines, measuring 18 sq km (7 sq miles). Little changed by time, it is an island on which life is completely oriented to the sea. It can be reached by boat, although an airport, JF Mitchell, was opened in May 1992. Its seclusion has ensured it retained its age-old traditions of boat building and fishing. In the marine park, spearfishing, snares and nets are prohibited. The islanders themselves are the world’s last hand-harpooners and their activities do not affect marine stocks, unlike the mechanised fishing of some fleets. The centre of the island is hilly and forested, providing a dramatic backdrop to the bays and beaches.
Admiralty Bay, the island’s natural harbour, is a favourite anchoring spot for yachtsmen from all over the world, and here visitors can watch men building their boats by hand on the shores. The attractive region around Lower Bay has good opportunities for swimming and other watersports.
The quaint waterfront of Port Elizabeth is lined with bars, restaurants and craft shops. Bequia is encircled by gold-sand beaches, many of which disappear into coves, excellent for sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Lodgings vary from luxurious resort cottages to small, simple West Indian inns. Much of the nightlife centres on the hotels and beachside barbecues, invariably accompanied by a steel band.
Mustique: Heading south, the next port of call is Mustique, a gem in the ocean taking up only 4.5 sq km (2 sq miles). Mustique is privately owned, with a landscape as gentle as its lifestyle – verdant hills roll into soft white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. This island has long been a hiding place for the rich and famous, including members of the British Royal Family. A sprawling 18th-century plantation house has been converted into the island’s only resort. Elegant accommodation is available in several stone houses, widely separated for seclusion. The public rooms of the Main House are beautifully decorated with antiques, and afternoon tea is served daily on the veranda. There is a hilltop swimming pool with a magnificent panorama, as well as tennis, horseriding, motorcycling and all watersports.
Canouan: The island claims some of the best beaches in the Caribbean – long stretches of powder-white sands, wide shallows and coral. The island stretches over 11 sq km (7.9 sq miles) and has two hotels: the Tamarind Beach Hotel and Canouan Beach Hotel. There are also three guest-houses: Crystal Apartments, Rebecca’s Place and the Anchor Inn. The recently established Carenage Bay resort is a plush 5-star resort boasting two private beaches and excellent sports facilities including its 18-hole golf club, scuba diving, wind-surfing and tennis.
Tobago Cays: South of Canouan are the Tobago Cays, numerous islets and coves guarded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Visitors can sail, snorkel and beachcomb in complete seclusion. The only way to get here is by chartered yacht.
Mayreau: East of the Cays is Mayreau, one of the smaller Grenadines, which has few residents. The island has one hotel, Salt Whistle Bay Resort, and can be reached by boat from Union Island. There is one guest-house, Dennis’ Hideaway.
Union Island: Mount Parnassus on Union Island soars 275m (900ft) from the sea – guarding the entrance to the southern Grenadines. The 850 hectare (2100-acre) mountainous island is fringed by superb beaches and is the stopping-off point for yachtsmen and visitors heading to some of the smaller Grenadines. Clifton Harbour, the main town, is small and commercial. There are several beachfront inns with a relaxed atmosphere.
Palm Island: The 44.5 hectare (110-acre) flat Palm Island acquired its name from the graceful coconut palms that line the beaches – 8000 in all. This private island has been turned into a resort, the Palm Island Beach Club, made up of 20 beachfront stone cottages. Here it is possible to dine in the open air and all watersports take place off the wide, white shores.
Petit St Vincent: The southernmost Grenadine governed by St Vincent is Petit St Vincent, a 45.7 hectare (113-acre) resort set on beaches. The luxuriant foliage and the 22 villas of Petit St Vincent offer guests the ultimate luxury and seclusion, including private patios and seaside vistas. Visitors gather for meals in beachfront pavilions and the ambience is carefree and festive.
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