Palm Island Resort & Spa

St Vincent & the Grenadines

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.

palmislandgrenadines.com

12.58814 , -61.40052

1-866-237-2157

/palmislandgrenadines

/eliteislandresorts-caribbean

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 sits on a private island surrounded by pristine beaches and lush tropical gardens. Offering luxurious accommodations—including beachfront cottages and villas—guests can indulge in a variety of amenities, such as a sparkling infinity pool, gourmet dining, 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. Whether exploring the vibrant coral reefs or simply lounging in the sand, Palm Island Resort provides an unforgettable tropical getaway.

Traveling to Palm Island is one of those great adventures where you experience nearly every mode of transportation along the way: a car to the airport, a tram to the terminal, a flight to Union Island, a golf cart to the pier, and finally a boat to the resort. For us, traveling from Illinois, it was an all-day journey—up before dawn and arriving just as the sun dipped below the horizon. But it was worth every minute.

Aerial view of Palm Island (12.58808, -61.40076)

Pool area (12.587596, -61.399668)

Our 2016 trip is one no one will ever forget. Over the years, we have encountered flooding, wildfires, airline meltdowns, earthquakes, and fuel crises. In 2016, we added a hurricane to the list—and a massive one at that. Hurricane Matthew became the first Category 5 Atlantic hurricane since 2007, carving a path of destruction across the Caribbean before tracking up the East Coast of the United States.

When our trip began in Chicago, Matthew was 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 all in one day. At first, it looked like our timing would hold up.

However, the moment we touched down in Miami, we received a call from Elite Island Resorts: Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados had lost power, flooded, and canceled all inbound flights. We had two options: fly to Trinidad and Tobago for the night and continue to Palm Island the next day, or stay put in Miami and try again tomorrow. Since it was only 9:00 AM, we decided to kick off our vacation right then and there.

By 9:45 AM, we had checked into the InterContinental Miami downtown and headed straight up to the rooftop bar, Bluewater. I might not remember the sunset that evening, but I will never forget the five-star hospitality we received from the Bluewater staff—especially Clint, Xavier, and Chef Martha. We weren’t on Palm Island yet, but we were already having a blast.

The following morning, we learned that the Barbados airport had reopened, and we were rebooked on the next flight out.

Union Island Airport (12.60001, -61.41347)

Landing at Union Island Airport (12.60001, -61.41347)

Reaching Palm Island without a hurricane is already a master class in logistics. With our delay behind us, the sun was just beginning to set as our boat pulled up to the resort pier. Staff members lined the dock to welcome us, saying that after such a long journey, we should skip check-in, grab a cocktail, enjoy dinner, and settle the paperwork tomorrow.

Secluded beaches (12.587525, -61.401032)

Island viewpoint (12.583609, -61.395662)

Palm Island is expansive—135 acres of lush palms and pristine shores—yet remarkably intimate with just 41 rooms. Strolling the grounds or lounging on any of its five beaches, you rarely encounter another guest. It genuinely feels like your own private sanctuary, which was exactly what we wanted.

Gazebo (12.58808, -61.40076)

Hammock cabana (12.586579, -61.392403)

The property also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. You won’t find single-use plastic cups or bottles anywhere on the resort. Instead, guests receive insulated, reusable bottles to refill with their drinks of choice throughout the stay—a great way to keep cocktails ice-cold in the heat. (Pro tip: Pool kickboards double as fantastic floating drink coasters.)

The main dining venue, the Royal Palm Restaurant and Bar, sits directly on the beach and serves meals from breakfast through late evening. Just south of the gift shop, the Sunset Bar and Grill is open for lunch, afternoon bites, and dinner.

For a memorable experience, you can arrange a hammock lunch on one of the island’s secluded beaches. You select the time, the menu, and the drinks, and the staff delivers everything right to your hammock. Romantic private dinners can also be arranged at two dedicated beachfront settings.

The Pink Lady (12.587138, -61.401928)

Bikes free for use around the island (12.588285,-61.400178)

If ocean excursions are your speed, the resort organizes outings aboard the Yannis catamaran and the Pink Lady sailboat. Sunset sails and day trips for snorkeling around the Tobago Cays, Mopion, or Mayreau can all be arranged at the front desk. Taking a dip here is non-negotiable; it’s one of the premier marine habitats in the world. We spent a day swimming alongside sea turtles at the Tobago Cays Marine Park. Just as you reach out toward the majestic creatures, they effortlessly glide away, lingering just out of reach.

Super Yacht Venus (12.589617, -61.402453)

One afternoon, while walking along the beach, we spotted an extraordinary superyacht cruising by. We had previously noticed it from the air on our approach to Union Island while it was anchored off the Tobago Cays. It turned out to be Venus, the custom vessel commissioned by Laurene Powell Jobs and the late Steve Jobs.

When departure day finally rolled around, we gathered at the dock, lamenting our return to reality. Suddenly, the resort manager walked over to share some unexpected news: Miami International Airport had closed due to Matthew’s path northward. “Since you arrived a day late,” he smiled, “you might as well stay a day late!” Just like that, we were back in paradise.

Our second attempt at leaving was delayed by lingering storms, but our inter-island flight eventually landed in St. Lucia. As we made our approach over Hewanorra International Airport, we watched an American Airlines jet take off directly below us. That was our flight home—and the only departure to Miami for the rest of the day.

After clearing customs and collecting our bags, an Elite Island Resorts representative greeted us. She apologized profusely for our missed connection and explained that a private car was waiting outside to take us to a nearby resort for the night, with a return pickup scheduled for the morning. We were simply grateful they helped us coordinate accommodations for an issue completely outside their control. Only later did we realize they had paid for the entire stay.

The next day—departure attempt number three—went off without a hitch, and we were back to the daily grind before we knew it.

Never in all our travels have we faced so many cancellations and delays, yet walked away with such a wonderful experience. None of the hurdles were Palm Island’s doing, yet their team went above and beyond to take care of us without ever being asked. That level of hospitality is why guests return year after year.