If you’re going to Saint Vincent, you need to add this to your itinerary! 

I recently had the opportunity to visit the wonderful private island island of Young Island – not once, but twice and I’d go back in a heartbeat and here’s why –

Young Island Resort is located less than a five minute boat ride from the southern end of the island of Saint Vincent. Spanning 13 acres and featuring just 29 beautiful bungalows, this is the privacy and seclusion everyone craves while still being close enough to enjoy the activities of the main island of Saint Vincent. 

During my travels through Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, I was heading down to Union island and while there are various different ways to get there, the most cost effective way is to go by one of the many ferries that frequent the island. I had previously taken the 8am flight from Grenada, landing at the Argyle international airport just past 9am. It was a Sunday and the only ferry heading down to union island left at 4pm, leaving me almost an entire day on Saint Vincent to kill. Having previously visited the island just the year before, I had already completed some of the island’s top attractions – hiking Soufriere volcano, visiting the botanical gardens, exploring Kingstown and some of the many beaches on the island (all of which I highly recommend!).

I began researching if I could purchase a day pass at any of the hotels on the island. There was not much information online that I could find, and of the snippets of previous visitors’ recollections, most of it was outdated. I reached out to five hotels on the island inquiring about day passes and while all but one did not reply, I was ecstatic that Young Island Resort was extremely responsive and more than happy to have me on my transit day. I had heard of Young Island and on our previous visit to St Vincent I recalled our taxi driver pointing it out and gushing about how it was paradise. So as you can imagine I was thrilled the day I finally got to visit. 

The cost of the day pass is $90 for one person or $150 for two, and an extra $15 for each additional person and includes the following:

• Day use of a bungalow with ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, mini refrigerator and coffee/tea making facilities 
• Four course lunch with a rum/fruit punch (Sundays are buffet style)
• Return ferry transfers from the mainland 
• Use of hotel’s facilities – beach, pool, grounds, loungers, etc.

During my interactions with the front desk through email prior to my stay, they had been more than accommodating in organising our taxi transfer to the resort on the day of our arrival. Not only this, but it was our exact taxi driver we had used the previous year.  It was a wonderful surprise to see another friendly and familiar face!  If you haven’t been to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines yet you need to know that it really is a welcoming place. I find myself planning to go back frequently not only for this but for the breathtaking beauty of its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical landscapes.

On meeting Desmond at the airport, he updated us on some of the things that had changed on the island since our last visit, mainly the arrival of a Sandals resort and an increased number of cruise ships which will undoubtedly bring in much more tourism to the island. We were dropped off at the pier where the boat was waiting for our arrival (Desmond had called ahead to ensure the boat would be ready) and we quickly boarded the small vessel that would take us to paradise. 

Upon docking, we were warmly greeted by a member of staff before being whisked off to reception to complete check in and were given a short tour of the grounds. Our luggage was already in our bungalow by the time we reached our room. The bungalows are scattered around the property and all offer stellar views. Our first stay was right towards the south of the island, a little higher up on the hill with breathtaking views of the shades of blue waters below. On our second trip we stayed in one that was closer to the beach whereby you could literally take steps from the patio and be in the water! Both were beautiful views and I would choose to stay in either of them! 

Each room offers a double bed, air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom complete with an outdoor shower! There is ample storage and tea/coffee making facilities as well as a mini refrigerator and bucket of ice. Having access to a private room was definitely one of the best aspects of the day pass at Young Island. Having a space to just relax, decompress and freshen up in the air conditioning was such a welcome relief after a day of travelling. I have done day passes before and the majority do not offer this, resorting to you scrambling through your luggage looking for a swimsuit in the hotels communal bathroom. 

During our visit at Young Island we explored the beautiful grounds – there are a number of trails to explore with various look out points, a tennis court (albeit it is in the full sun and I would imagine you’d get VERY hot playing tennis here) and a gorgeous swimming pool lined by tropical plants. The beach also is absolutely breathtaking – think white sand and crystal clear blue waters. There is also a floating tiki bar not far offshore that would be easy enough to swim (or wade to depending on the tides) however, much to our disappointment, it was not open during our two visits. 

The food and drink we sampled during both of our visits was nothing short of exceptional. You receive a four course meal and a drink (either rum or fruit punch) included in the cost of your day pass. Our first visit was on a Sunday which was the day where they offer a buffet style lunch – all the options were fantastic, and you could easily go back if you wanted more. There was a huge selection of different flavoured fresh bread loaves, all homemade on the island. There was a salad and dessert station and a number of delectable main course choices such as sweet potato and breadfruit gratin, curried beef, stewed peas in coconut milk, baked chicken and rice. 

On our second visit we were offered the four course menu – which began with the soup of the day (on our visit it was callaloo soup, somewhat of a common ingredient on the islands, you must try it) followed by a salad then a choice of main – I picked the grilled catch of the day with garlic roasted potatoes, lemon and parsley butter. For dessert I chose to sample one of their homemade ice creams – rum and raisin. 

It is worth noting here that if you wish to order anything else, – drinks, food etc. you are more than welcome to, and you can just pay your bar bill before checking out. The service we received was very attentive and timely, which is somewhat unheard of at hotels in the Caribbean – where the term “on island time” is not just a saying so much as it is a way of life. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my two visits to Young Island – The day pass guests are welcomed just as warmly as the overnight guests. I look forward to the day when I can return as an overnight guest on the island! 

Book a stay at Young Island Resort!

You can find out more about my trip on my “Young Island” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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