Petit Saint Vincent

A 115-acre tropical paradise with a rhythm all of its own. A boutique beach resort where low-key luxury meets high-end service. A place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other. This is Caribbean living as you dream it can be.

An enchanting hideaway in the heart of the Caribbean, where unspoiled sugar-white sands, acres of fragrant, tropical greenery, and unparalleled privacy await.

Petit St. Vincent is legendary within travel circles for its stunning and secluded villas, the five-star service and food, and for not changing a thing in 50 years.

It all began with a bold vision
Upon leaving the Air Force in 1962, Hazen K. Richardson II, (known as Haze to his friends), and his flying buddy, Doug Terman, purchased the 77-foot schooner, JACINTA.

Together they went into the charter business and their first customer, Mr. H.W. Nichols of Ohio, expressed interest in purchasing an island. The following year, Haze and Doug sailed the Grenadine chain and anchored at the then uninhabited Petit St. Vincent.

The island belonged to a woman who lived on the neighboring island of Petite Martinique. Although it was rumored that she would never sell, a deal was struck and arrangements were made for Haze, Doug and Mr. Nichols to purchase the island and build a small hotel.

Work begins on the island
In May 1966, Haze and Doug returned to Petit St. Vincent to clear the necessary land. There was no water, electricity, food or means of communication. They lived on JACINTA for seven months, plucking their meals fresh from the sea.

The Swedish architect, Arne Hasselqvist, who just so happened to be sailing in the area at that very time, met with Haze and agreed to design the 22 cottages and main pavilion.

Though the initial plan had been to find a manager for the hotel before completion in December 1968, Mr. Nichols asked Haze to stay on as a “temporary” manager. He did, and as time wore on, he eventually became the full owner of Petit St. Vincent.

Over the years, the hotel gained a loyal, repeat guest base. It was the first hotel in the Caribbean to become a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World and one of the first hotels to be featured in Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report.

The resort you see today
In January 2007, Robin Paterson was sailing through the Grenadines on his yacht, ZANZIBAR, and immediately fell in love with the island. By coincidence, Robin’s friend Philip Stephenson sailed past Petit St. Vincent two years later on his yacht, GALILEO, and also became infatuated with its charm and beauty.

Phil and Robin purchased Petit St. Vincent in 2010. They wanted to further invest in the island while also preserving its legacy. They renovated the cottages and added a new beach bar and restaurant, and the hillside spa.

Often described in many “Top 10” lists as the perfect hideaway, the two friends continue to ensure the resort remains a place for those who appreciate life’s little luxuries and the true beauty of nature.

One bedroom villa
Built from hand-quarried native volcanic stone, these open-plan villas have been designed with comfort in mind. The interiors channel the natural beauty of the island and combine locally sourced woods with soft Italian linens and pastel hues.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors flood the spacious living area with a gentle ocean breeze and the sounds of birdsong, while the wooden sun deck, complete with loungers and hammocks, will help you make the most of beautiful sunlit mornings, balmy starry nights, and stunning panoramic views.

Two bedroom beach villa
Our two bedroom beach villas span over 1500 sq. ft. They feature vaulted ceilings crafted from local purpleheart wood, smooth marble stone flooring, and beds dressed in crisp white Italian linens.

The two bedrooms provide plenty of space for families or groups of friends, and the outdoor lounge with large pavilion ceiling offers ample room for relaxing, dining, or soaking up the sights and sounds of the nearby ocean.

Rent the entire island

Make Petit St. Vincent exclusively yours for an upcoming celebration, destination wedding, or a long-awaited get together with your closest friends, family and loved ones. Available all year round, and able to accommodate parties of up to 56 guests, the island offers the ultimate private island experience.

The two restaurants and bars, extensive wine cellar, Balinese-managed hillside spa and wellness center, and seven pristine beaches will be all yours to enjoy for the duration of your stay. And you’ll also have a team of 130 staff members dedicated entirely to you.

Global cuisine with a Caribbean influence

Private island picnics, vibrant beach barbecues, or al fresco fine dining with a side of sea views. Petit St. Vincent is a place for unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate ingredients grown, fished, and foraged from nearby lands and shores.

A fresh take on fine dining
Follow the curved stone staircase and scent of fragrant tropical flowers and you’ll find our main pavilion bar and restaurant – the perfect place for romantic dinners come sundown.

Our internationally-inspired dishes celebrate local ingredients, from fresh fish and hand caught lobster to home grown salads and vegetables. And all of this is complemented by the finest imported meats, including Black Angus beef and New Zealand lamb.

Our menus change every day, but always feature meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, amongst the delicious choices of appetizers, main courses and desserts. Special dietary needs are easily taken care of, and low carb and gluten free items are always available for each course.

From freshly grilled seafood and authentic Trinidadian curries to decadent desserts infused with locally distilled rum, the dishes are inspired by traditional flavours and the timeless beauty of the island.

Sunset views and food for the soul
On the leeward side of the island, surrounded by swaying palms and sugar-white sands, lies our beach restaurant and bar.

The open-air restaurant is where you can dine on chargrilled locally caught seafood, vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salads, or choose from our selection of freshly baked clay oven pizzas.

Those craving comfort food can tuck into juicy Black Angus burgers or Caribbean jerk chicken. And, between November 1 and April 30, all of our guests can feast on complimentary fresh lobster.

Stretching over over the water’s edge is Goatie’s Bar. With a traditional grass thatched roof, low-cushioned sofas, and round rattan loungers, there’s nowhere better to enjoy a drink or two come sundown.

Choose from a selection of locally brewed beers, chilled wines from the cellar, or ask the team to mix up one of their signature rum punches.

Goatie’s Bar is affectionately named after the most senior member of our team, Goatie, a.k.a. the grandfather of Petit St. Vincent. He was instrumental in helping to build the resort back in 1966, at a time when there was no electricity or island infrastructure.

Fine wines, barrel-aged rums, and exquisite champagnes
Our walk-in wine cellar houses over 6,000 Old World and New World wines. With an emphasis on regional styles and terroir, our collection features multi-award winners such as Joseph Phelps Insignia, Penfolds Grange and Domaine Ott to name but a few.

We’ve also curated an exclusive collection of champagne, barrel-aged rums from all corners of the Caribbean, and a selection of world-famous whiskeys, cognacs, and gins.

Join our sommelier on a tasting journey across the globe, discover which of our smooth, Cognac-style rums marry deliciously with our chef’s chocolate desserts, or simply let us pop open a bottle of your favourite champagne.

The hillside spa at Petit St. Vincent
Nestled amongst the trees of Marni Hill, a place where hummingbirds dance in the treetops, a warming ocean breeze surrounds you, and scents from fragrant essential oils fill the air.

Nurture mind, body and spirit
Managed by a highly skilled team of therapists from Bali, the hillside spa is a tranquil hideaway that is dedicated to nurturing mind, body and spirit.

Home to four open-air treatment rooms, the spa is where you can indulge in everything from deeply relaxing massage treatments to smoothing, all-natural body scrubs.

Harnessing the healing power of nature
Our traditional Balinese-inspired treatments harness the power of all-natural botanicals. Each one combines a unique blend of aromatherapy oils with healing herbs, spices and plants sourced from the Caribbean and Asia.

Island Haze
A gentle but thorough massage specifically devised for sensitive skin. After using long palm strokes and thumb pressure, warm aromatherapy oils are then poured onto the center of the body and massaged into the skin to relieve tired muscles.

Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi
Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi is a deep, full body massage performed by two therapists using four hands simultaneously.

Using coconut oil to loosen stressed muscles, graceful strokes are then applied with the thumbs, palms, and elbows in a synchronized rhythm over the entire body, leaving the body completely relaxed, refreshed and revitalized.

Peaceful moments of meditation
Our resort is home to two open-air yoga pavilions: one facing Conch Bay looking out to the Atlantic and the other on the leeward side of the island facing Caribbean Beach.

With hardwood floors, thatched roofs, and nothing but the sounds of swaying palms for company, both are ideal for early morning yoga sessions or practising solo meditation.

Our two on-site instructors offer individual and group yoga sessions for all skill levels, with yoga mats and accessories provided. You can also supplement your yoga session with a soothing treatment from our Balinese hillside spa.

Explore the waters that surround the island
With a water temperature of around 84°F, a moderate breeze all year round, and an entire underwater world just waiting to be discovered, Petit St. Vincent is the ideal place for a wide variety of water sports.

Take out one of our kayaks and spend a few peaceful hours searching for sea turtles, elegant eagle rays and the many other beautiful fish that call our surrounding waters their home.

Master the art of windsurfing, witness the beauty of an offshore sunset on a deep sea fishing trip, or, take a short boat ride to Ashton Lagoon – one of the top places in the Caribbean for kite surfing.

There is no need to book any of our activities in advance. Simply speak to our team when you arrive and we will take care of all the arrangements.

Sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding
At Petit St. Vincent, we offer a whole host of non-motorized water sports including stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, and Hobie Cat, Sunfish, and Laser sailing. All equipment is complimentary and our staff water sports team are always stationed around the dockhouse to offer instruction or just a helping hand.

Kayaking
As we are protected by our own barrier reef, the calm, turquoise waters which surround Petit St. Vincent are perfect for kayaks. Embark on the 2-mile tour around the island an spend a few hours discovering mile-long stretches of pristine sandy shoreline before watching the sun set over the ocean horizon.

Kite surfing
The steady offshore breezes make for great kite surfing. If you are already a keen kite surfer, you are welcome to bring your own equipment. For those who wish to learn, single and multi-day courses can be arranged at the nearby Ashton Lagoon (Union Island) – a “top 10” spot in the Caribbean for kite surfers.

Snorkeling
Complimentary snorkeling gear in all sizes is available at the dockhouse. As well as exploring the natural reefs, be sure to also check out our coral garden where we are growing elkhorn and staghorn corals on tables as part of our ongoing commitment to replant, repair, and preserve local sea life.

Deep sea fishing
Head out early morning or late afternoon and try your luck at catching supper. Our experienced crew will take you offshore and help you fish for mahi mahi, jacks, great barracuda, Spanish mackerel and bonito. Once you return to the island, our team of chefs will prepare your catch for dinner.

Uncover the secrets of the sea
Petit St. Vincent is home to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Center. Founded by the son of the legendary explorer and conservationist, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the state-of-the-art PADI 5 Star center offers diving courses, certifications, and guided trips to some of the area’s best dive sites.

The team are passionate about protecting the planet’s oceans, and enable our guests to safely discover the dazzling displays of coral, colorful collections of fish, and majestic sea creatures that call our surrounding waters their home.

Beginners can take advantage of introductory discover diving courses, while certified divers can embark on one or two tank diving expeditions from the spacious twin engine dive boat. For those looking to advance their training, there are specialist courses such as night diving and nitrox.

Embark on an island hopping adventure
Petit St. Vincent feels a whole world away. However, we’re just a short boat ride from some of the most beautiful islands in the Grenadines.

Explore hillsides covered with lush, tropical greenery and climb magnificent mountains offering inspiring views. Relax on pristine white sands and make friends with the locals in beach bars serving punchy, rum-infused cocktails.

Meander through colorful fruit markets, sample seafood from traditional lobster shacks, and experience what is undoubtably some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Tobago Cays
Cruising time: 25m | Distance: 7nmi
Declared an official wildlife reserve in 2006, the Tobago Cays Marine Park is teeming with everything from bright and colorful fish to majestic sea turtles. Spend some time relaxing on the sugar-white sands under the shade of the palms before snorkeling among the shoals of fish and intricate coral reefs.

Union Island
Cruising time: 20m | Distance: 6nmi
With just a few lobster shacks, quaint local markets and colorful houses, Union Island is the perfect place to enjoy a taste of traditional West Indian life. On the windward side is Happy Island (an island made entirely out of conch shells) where you’ll find a quirky bar serving rum-infused cocktails.

Mayreau
Cruising time: 20m | Distance: 5nmi
Mayreau is home to a beautiful stone Catholic Church. It sits high on the hill and offers magnificent views of nearby Tobago Cays. Stop by the Rasta Righteous Bar for a delicious rum punch and pay a visit to Saltwhistle Bay – a picturesque spot where Caribbean sailors anchor their yachts.

Canouan
Cruising time: 55m | Distance: 8nmi
Canouan has the same authentic Caribbean feel as Carriacou and features a picturesque 18-hole golf course. Simply let our team know if you wish to play a few rounds and we’ll arrange everything.

Carriacou
Cruising time: 10m | Distance: 13nmi
Residents of Carriacou make their living from seafaring and farming with little reliance on tourism. Discover more about the centuries-old boat building traditions of Windward village and, afterwards, be sure to try the pizzas at the Lazy Turtle Restaurant.

Mustique
Cruising time: 90m | Distance: 28nmi
The island of Mustique is home to palm-fringed beaches, azure waters, and over 120 privately-owned villas. It is also where you’ll find the legendary Basil’s Bar – the perfect place to enjoy a traditional rum cocktail and watch the sun go down.

Discover the true beauty of the archipelago
With so many mile-wide sandy bays, spectacular coral reefs, and lush tropical islands to explore, the Grenadines is best explored by boat.

Set sail on the beautiful stretch of water and fish for barracuda, mahi mahi and yellowfin tuna. Drop anchor at some of the best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving before barbecuing freshly caught seafood on deck. Or, enjoy a romantic picnic, just the two of you, on a secluded private beach at sunset.

Day sailing trip
Set sail on the traditional Windward Islands 49 ft. sloop, BEAUTY, for a day trip to Tobago Cays – home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the area. Our skipper, Jeff Stevens, will take you to all the best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

And should you stumble upon a spot you particularly like during your trip, Jeff will be happy to drop you off with a picnic and collect you a few hours later.

Caribbean fishing trip
Board the sailing sloop, BEAUTY, or one of our power yachts and try your hand at deep sea fishing. The Grenadines are home to many species of fish, with regular catches of Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, great barracuda, mahi mahi and yellowfin tuna.

Bring your catch back to the island and one of our chefs will be happy to cook it for you. Or cook it yourself, buccaneer-style, on the boat’s barbecue grill.

Private yacht charter
For an additional fee, you can charter a yacht and venture further afield to explore the surrounding Caribbean islands. Our three sleek Tiaras – Hera, Poseidon and Artemis are ideal for more intimate cruises.

Working towards a better future
We are proud to be fully committed to making sure our planet is healthy for present and future generations. We are conscious about our waste, the beautiful ocean and all its creatures, the fuel and resources we use, and our local community.

Fresh water
Our state-of-the-art reverse osmosis desalination plant processes ocean water to supply us with safe fresh water from every tap. We also have a water bottling plant which allows us to bottle our own drinking water into reusable glass bottles.

Electricity
All of the power on the island is supplied by a soundproof, energy efficient diesel generator. It not only ensures our power supply stays reliable, but will always exceed demand.

Recycling
Glass containers and metal cans are crushed and transformed back into sand and small particles. Fallen leaves, cut grass and seaweed provides natural fertilizer for the chef garden’s delicious organic produce.

Landscaping
Our nursery enables us to grow more colorful flora to later plant around the island. Most of the island’s landscape is left to naturally evolve, however, we have spent time removing poisonous Manchineel trees and replacing them with banana, almond, papaya and citrus trees.

Our chef garden
In line with our “farm-to-fork” philosophy, many of the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in our dishes are grown in our organic chef garden. With over four hundred chickens on the island, there is no shortage of fresh eggs for our morning breakfasts or, more importantly, our homemade ice cream!

Children’s Scholarship Fund
Our scholarship fund supports the children of our employees with their education. The financial support helps children as young as three years old, up to university undergraduates.

Reef restoration
Reef regeneration is a crucial step towards creating a designated marine protected area around Petit St. Vincent.

As part of our coral restoration project, in partnership with the Philip Stephenson Foundation and CLEAR Caribbean, we have constructed a coral nursery using fragments of Elkhorn coral collected from around the island. Once grown, the outcrops of juvenile coral will be used to repopulate nearby reefs on the Atlantic side of the island.

Website: www.petitstvincent.com

Rooms: 22

Price: from 1.177 EUR per night