Palm Island Update
Sadly, the Palm Island Resort and Spa as well as the entire region suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The resort is now closed for an extended period of time. Please view their website or Instagram page for information and their progress rebuilding. They have also established a donation site to help the region with the rebuilding.
While this information below is no longer valid, we can use it as a remembrance of what it was and what we hope it will be again.
Palm Island Resort, nestled in the serene waters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, offers a secluded paradise for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. This exclusive resort is set on a private island, surrounded by pristine beaches and lush tropical gardens. With luxurious accommodations, including beachfront cottages and villas, guests can indulge in a variety of amenities, such as a sparkling infinity pool, gourmet dining options, and a range of water sports. The resort’s laid-back atmosphere, complemented by stunning sunsets and crystal-clear waters, creates an idyllic escape for couples, families, and anyone looking to unwind in a breathtaking setting. Whether exploring the vibrant coral reefs or simply lounging on the beach, Palm Island Resort provides an unforgettable tropical getaway.
Traveling to Palm Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of those great vacations where you can travel nearly every mode of transportation getting there. You take a car to the airport; a tram to the terminal; a plane to Union Island; a golf cart to the pier; and a boat to the island. For us, living in Illinois, it was a full travel day as we were up before the sun and arrived as the sun set. But it was worth every minute!
Palm Island 2016, is a trip no one will forget. Over the years we have encountered flooding, wildfires, airline issues, earthquakes, fuel crises, and in 2016 a hurricane. And a big one. Hurricane Matthew was the first category 5 hurricane since 2007 and was about to do extensive damage throughout the Caribbean before going up the East Coast of the United States.
As our trip began in Chicago, Hurricane Matthew was just crossing over Barbados in the Lesser Antilles. We had flights scheduled from Chicago to Miami, Miami to Barbados, and Barbados to St Vincent and the Grenadines for that day. It looked like our timing would work out.
As we landed in Miami, we received a phone call from Elite Island Resorts stating that Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados was without power, flooded and flights were canceled. We had two options. Option 1 was to fly to Trinidad and Tobago for the night and continue to Palm Island the following day or option 2; stay in Miami for the night and try again tomorrow. Seeing as it was 9am, we decided to kick off the vacation immediately and find a place to relax in Miami.
By 9:45am we were checked into the Intercontinental Hotel Miami downtown and making our way to the rooftop bar, Bluewater. I do not necessarily remember the sunset that evening, but I do remember the 5-star service we received from the staff of Bluewater; namely Clint, Xavier, and Chef Martha. We weren’t on Palm Island yet, but we were already having a blast!
The next morning we learned that the Barbados airport had reopened and we were booked on the next flight out of Miami.
Even getting to Palm Island is a master class in travel planning without the added delays from a hurricane. It’s a drive to the airport, three flights to Union Island, a golf cart ride to the pier, and a boat to Palm Island. By this time the sun was setting as our boat approached the pier. With staff lined up to greet our arrival, we were told that since it’s been such a long travel day, go enjoy some dinner and drinks and we’ll officially check in tomorrow.
Palm Island is vast. It is 135 acres of lush palm trees, and pristine beaches, all while maintaining that intimate feeling with only 41 rooms. Strolling the grounds or spending the day at one of their 5 perfect beaches, you will rarely see anyone. You will have the feeling that the entire island is your private sanctuary. Exactly what we are looking for.
Palm Island, along with the other Elite Island Resorts has a high commitment to safe environmental practices. As such, there will be no plastic cups or other single-use bottles found in the resort. You will, however, be provided a reusable bottle that can be filled with the drink of your choice throughout your stay. Using the bottle is a great way to keep your favorite cocktail cool. PS – Pool kickboards make great floating coasters.
The resort’s main dining experience takes place right on the beach at the Royal Palm Restaurant and Bar which is open from breakfast through late-night. Just south of the gift shop is the Sunset Bar and Grill which is open throughout the day and evening with the exception of breakfast.
If you’re up for a special treat, you can schedule a hammock lunch delivered to you at one of their beaches throughout the island. You pick the time, the menu, and the cocktails, and they will deliver your lunch to you.
Intimate dinners can be scheduled at either of two on-beach locations, perfect for a quiet romantic meal.
If sea adventures are your preference, the resort offers several options aboard either the Yannis Catamaran or the Pink Lady sailboat. Sunset cruises and day snorkeling trips to the Tobago Cays, Mopion, or Mayreau can be set up at the front desk. If you have the time, you cannot be in one of the best snorkeling locations in the world without taking a dip. We took a day trip to Tobago Cays Marine Park to swim with the turtles, and what an experience that was. Just as you reach out to touch the beautiful creatures they glide off just out of your reach.
One afternoon while walking around the beaches, we turned the corner to see this beautiful yacht cruising past. A yacht we had previously seen from the air while flying to Union Island while it was anchored near Tobago Cays Marine Park. The yacht, Venus, is the private vessel of Laurene and the late Steve Jobs or Apple fame.
On our departure day, we gathered at the dock depressed at our return to chaos just a few flights away, when the manager approached us to say that the Miami International Airport was closed due to Hurricane Matthew’s approach on Miami. But, since you arrived one day late just stay one day late! Woo hoo! And we were back to paradise.
Our second departure was again delayed by storms but the airplane did manage to arrive, just a little late. I remember our plane flying over the Hewanorra International Airport in St. Lucia in preparation to land as we watched an American Airlines flight take off just below us. Unfortunately, that was our plane, and the only flight out to Miami that day.
As we cleared Customs and gathered our bags, we were met by a very nice lady who said she was with Elite Island Resorts and they were extremely apologetic that we missed our flight. She stated they had ordered a car to take us to a resort in St. Lucia for the evening, and the car would return in the morning to bring us back to the airport. We were grateful that they thought of us when the delay was out of their hands and not their fault. It didn’t even occur to us at that moment that what they meant was they were picking up the bill.
The next day, the third departure attempt, went without issue and we were back to the daily grind before we knew it.
Never in all our travels have we been so canceled and delayed and had it been such a great and positive experience. None of our issues had anything to do with Palm Island yet they went out of their way to fix it for us without asking. It is experiences like this that keep the same customers returning year after year. To the staff at Palm Island Resort and Spa and Elite Island Resorts, thank you!
Anthony, answer your phone, man!
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