To escape to one of the Lilliputian islands of the Grenadines is to relinquish the pressures and irritations of 21st century living. These tranquil mini-kingdoms are all about the therapeutic wonders of the Caribbean Sea and whether you swim, snorkel, sail or simply surrender to its beauty from the nearest beach bar you can never quite avoid it.

On Palm Island and Mustique, for example, island-life has been transformed into an art form and what they do not have is just as important as what they do have. Their lack of sophisticated nightlife and shopping opportunities is more than compensated for by their stunning seascapes and unique flora and fauna, whilst their sailing excursions ensure any bouts of island-fever are kept well at bay. Intimate and personal, hotels here are almost ‘house party’ in style and will re-introduce you to the simpler pleasures of life such as reading bestsellers and dining by candelight. Of course, if you’re the kind of person who likes their ‘simple’ pleasures to come with plenty of style (not to mention a casino and golf course), turn your attention to Canouan. Here you’ll discover a full-service luxury resort that adds a whole new dimension to these escapist islands.

‘Sail & Stay’ holidays are also a wonderful way of exploring the dots in the ocean between St. Vincent and Grenada and whilst the term might imply that some work is involved, there is absolutely no need to back-peddle. Fullyexperienced captains and cooks crew the luxury yachts and catamarans, enabling you to do little more than lie back and glory in the translucent blue waters and pristine white beaches.

YOU REACH THE GRENADINES VIA BARBADOS SO YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AWIDE NUMBER OF FLIGHT OPTIONS FROM BOTH GATWICK AND MANCHESTER. INDEED, SOME PEOPLE CHOOSE TO SPEND THE FIRST PART OF THEIR HOLIDAY ON BARBADOS BEFORE CONTINUING ON TO THE
SMALLER GRENADINE ISLANDS, ALTHOUGH THE CONVENIENT INTER-ISLAND CONNECTIONS, NOT TO MENTION THE BREVITY OF THE FLIGHTS (JUST 45-MINUTES OR SO) DON’T MAKE THIS A NECESSITY.