Some trips deserve to be told right away. My first visit to St. Vincent & the Grenadines wasn't just another vacation—it marked a new chapter in my healing journey and reminded me that sometimes the best things happen when we stop trying to control every detail.
Earlier this year, while recovering from a major health scare I experienced in December 2025, I found myself lying in bed with nothing to do but doomscroll TikTok. One video blended into the next until... I came across a travel video about St. Vincent and the Grenadines from @jevanajourneys. The video instantly caught and held my attention. It looked like everything I needed for my first trip once I healed: lush greenery, blue oceans, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and much more. I’d heard of the island before but it wasn’t high on my list. One of my life goals is to visit every Caribbean country, so I would've made it there eventually. But after coming across the TikTok video and doing my own research, it was moved to the top of my list! I also had a big flight credit from American Airlines that had to be redeemed by June, so why not?
April 1st: I head to the airport at the crack of dawn to make my way to St. Vincent and the Grenadines! I am excited and nervous at the same time as always. The flight was mostly smooth with a slight delay at Miami Airport. The customs process in St. Vincent was normal and quick, and they actually stamped my passport! The hotel I booked didn’t offer shuttle services so I booked an airport taxi through Viator. Before I knew it, I was winding through lush greenery, rolling hills, and colorful buildings on my way to my hotel!
I stayed at the Beachcombers Hotel on Villa Beach, a stunning black sand beach. My room didn’t face the ocean 😞 but the views from the large patio (palm trees, flowers, etc.) were still stunning. Unfortunately, when I first sat down in my room, I looked around, and cried. Not because the room wasn't beautiful. Not because I regretted coming. But because, for the first time in a long time, I realized I didn't want to experience beautiful things alone anymore.
Clearly, this wasn’t my first solo trip but I really wished I had someone with me. But I wasn’t going to let that ruin such a great opportunity and blessing. Just a few months earlier, I was in the hospital dealing with a near fatal issue. Now, I’m in a beautiful, new country and I was going to make the best of it. So I dried my tears, freshened up, and had a lovely dinner at the hotel.
For my first full day, I had originally planned to chill and explore the immediate area. But the island tour that I had booked for the weekend needed to reschedule because Saturday was unavailable. So I changed my plans, got up earlier than I wanted to, and headed out to tour the island. I’m glad I did actually. I got a chance to see just how beautiful the island was early in my trip. I felt like I was riding through a big botanical garden. The lush greenery was mesmerizing. It was everything I had imagined and more! I was in love! The first stop on the tour was to the Dark View Falls. It was everything! The rainforest, the exotic flowers, the waterfall, everything was stunning! I hiked a little, swam a little, and took in all the beauty around me. This was my first time engaging in any physical activity since getting sick in December. I paid for it a little later, but it was totally worth it! The next stop was Buccament Bay, which is another stunning black sand beach. I absolutely love black sand beaches. They’re elegant, sparkling, rare, and unique; just like me lol.
The Sandals resort is right next to Buccament Bay. They actually brought in white sand instead of keeping the original black sand. I don’t understand it. You can see white sand anywhere, black sand beaches are more rare. If you’re not a hotel guest, or a cruise ship passenger then you need a day pass for their beach. I’ve heard it’s between $300-$500! Thankfully, I was able to get in without paying. One of the other people on my tour wasn’t so lucky. I’m not sure exactly why I got in and she didn’t, but I will chuck it up to black privilege lol. Which is something I don’t experience in the U.S. often. The beach was cool, but it was too crowded with tourists and definitely not worth the day pass price. Don’t do it! The next two stops were Fort Charlotte and the site of The Pirates of the Caribbean filming. I had no idea the movie was filmed there. Those spots were cool but I’m glad we didn’t spend too much time there. The final stop was to the Botanical Gardens. It was nice but a little underwhelming. I was expecting to see a lot more exotic plants and flowers than I did. Overall it was still a beautiful and peaceful place. It’s also a perfect place to take pictures for the gram! The rest of the day was chill: dinner at Paradise Beach Hotel (highly recommend!), walk on the beach, and stargazing on the patio/balcony.
The next day, I planned to go on an island hopping cruise with Fantasea Tours. But because they didn’t meet their minimum number of participants, the tour was cancelled. I was disappointed because I really wanted to see some Grenadine Islands, and the next tour wasn’t scheduled until the following Monday (the day that I depart 🙁). It didn't take long for me to realize that St. Vincent truly operates on island time.. Things did not move on my time and I had to adjust to that. It was also Easter weekend and they truly celebrated. Everyone was off on Easter Friday, the ferry ran on a holiday schedule, and many bars were closed. We barely get the day off in the U.S. smh. Despite all of this, I did what I always do and made the best of the situation. Since there were other restaurants, bars, and hotels nearby, I decided to walk around and explore the immediate area. I started on the beach and then the boardwalk. I wasn’t looking for anything specific but I did find the boat to Young Island which was right across the way. I also ran into a group of men while walking. They were locals and I think they knew I was not. Sometimes I blend into Caribbean countries, sometimes I don’t. Most times I do lol and I use it to my advantage. Anyway, they spoke, and one in particular offered to help me get to Young Island. Unfortunately, since it was a holiday, they weren’t taking any more guests that day.
After talking to the man a little more (I’ll call him J), he offered me a drink at the nearby bar Captain Lanos. What I thought would be one quick drink turned into hours of us talking and laughing. We shared a few drinks, he introduced me to his friends, and we had good conversations. The bar itself felt like the neighborhood cheers bar, or a bar in old Brooklyn. Everyone knew everyone and I was the new girl lol. After hours of talking and laughing, the day was just getting started. J offered to take me out to Moonshine later that night and I said yes. Moonshine was on my list of places to go but I didn’t want to go alone. We met up later that night and started at Moonshine. It’s a nice rooftop bar/lounge with great views, strong drinks, good music, and dancing. I really enjoyed it. Then we went back to Captain Lanos for the rest of the night. We had a good time. There was a little drama (I'll keep those details to myself 😂). And there were some good looking men in there! I eventually went back to my room and called it a night. On my way back, I met another fine man named C from the Grenadine island. He and his friend were getting ready to go to another party and invited me to go with them. It was already super late, and I did not know these men. If it was just the one man I was attracted to, I may have gone. But his friend seemed a bit thirsty and made me uncomfortable so I declined and went back to my room for the night. I never saw him again.
Saturday morning, I get up early to catch the ferry to Bequia. I take a taxi from my hotel to the ferry port. I chat with the driver about the craziness in the U.S., moving abroad, and how I could live in St. Vincent if I wanted to. She was speaking my language because it definitely crossed my mind. I’m not sure if I would move there permanently, but I could definitely see myself returning for a longer stay. Once I reached the ferry, I brought my ticket and hopped on the boat. I’m still unsure about this but I think I was charged a lower rate because the attendant thought I was a local, even though I paid with USD (EC is the main currency but USD is widely accepted). Either way it was another win for me lol. The boat ride was great. It was about 45 minutes of beautiful views of the island and the Caribbean sea. Once we arrived at the port in Bequia, I had no idea where I was going lol. So I asked another tourist who looked like he was lost too. We talked a little and decided to find the beach together. I found out he was from Germany and split his time between Germany and Brazil. We talked about Germany, U.S., Brazil, travel, and more. He was an older man, but he was cool and funny. Once we found the beach, we chilled for a while and took a dip in the water. It was a lovely white sand beach with turquoise blue water, and lush green palm trees and forests. There were also restaurants and bars like Mac’s Pizza and Kitchen, and Bequia Plantation Hotel (the name throws be off but it’s a cute spot). We decided to keep venturing to find the main beach, Princess Margaret beach. To get there, we had to walk/hike the Princess Margaret trail which included a steep wooden staircase and a short hill climb over the bluff. We were a little tired, but it was worth the hike! The views were stunning and the beach was great! It was big enough for everyone to spread out. There were food and drink vendors on the beach. You will also find the popular restaurant and bar “Jack’s Beach Bar" on this beach. Light Caribbean music was playing in the air, and the water was perfect. I also saw a few crabs running across the beach. As a Cancer, I always find crabs so cute, and tasty lol.
My German friend and I talked more and he gave me some advice that is stuck with me to this day. He said he loved the life of travel, but that it came with a major cost. He sacrificed any long term relationships in order to travel. Now in his old age, he regrets not having someone to share life with and help take care of him. He wasn't trying to discourage me—he was simply sharing the lesson he'd learned.. And as someone who loves traveling, I took heed. I want to see the world, but I also want someone to experience it with. Sigh, why can’t I have both? After more frolicking on the beach, we headed back towards the port to catch the last ferry back to St. Vincent. We stopped along the way to get some rotis. I got a chicken roti and it was probably the best roti I ever had! Unfortunately, I don’t remember the name of the spot, but it was a small restaurant across the street from the port. After eating, we boarded the ship and headed back to the main island. My German friend was staying in an apartment close to my hotel so we decided to ride back together from the port in Kingstown. He suggested the bus since it was much cheaper and it was adventurous. It was definitely an adventure. The small vans pick people up on the streets after being flagged down. Everyone is cramped inside but more people keep piling in lol. The music is blasting and the driver is yelling out the window lol. But I made it back to my hotel in one piece. My German friend and I made plans to see each other the next day, but we never saw each other again, sigh. It was kinda my fault “shrugs” Once I returned, I freshened up, got dinner at Paradise Beach Hotel, and met up with J for another fun night out.
Sunday was my last full day and I was sad about it. For one, I initially planned a longer trip but decided to shorten it. I should've gone with my first plan smh. Two: I wouldn’t be able to go on the island cruise the next day if it was available. But I still tried to make the best of my time there. It was Easter Sunday so many places were closed for the holiday. I was also very tired because I was up until the wee hours of the morning the night before. So I didn’t do too much but chill on the beach, the pool, and with J. It was a beautiful, relaxing day on Villa Beach.
Although I was sad about leaving the next day and things not going the way I planned, I was still happy about the trip overall. I was forced to slow down and go with the flow. Which is something I really needed. I realized that everything doesn’t move on my time. I like plans. I like itineraries. I like efficiency. I like knowing what's next. St. Vincent cared about none of those things lol.
Only a few months earlier, I wasn't sure what my life would look like after my hospitalization. Standing on the shores of St. Vincent, I wasn't thinking about doctor's appointments or recovery anymore. I was simply grateful to be alive.
This trip not only allowed me to slow down, but it also helped me realize that I was ready to open my heart again. What surprised me most wasn't that I met someone. It was how quickly I remembered what genuine companionship felt like. My time with J was lovely. He really showed me what I had been missing. Companionship, protection, deep conversations, laughter, and the fun times that come with a great partner. Realistically, I know that he is probably not the one because of the distance. But I definitely made a good friend in St. Vincent. When I first arrived, I cried because I was alone. But after the first day, I wasn’t alone at all! Sometimes we're so focused on checking destinations off our bucket list that we forget to leave room for surprise.
My last day was bittersweet. I took one last dip in the ocean. It was great at first. But then, I saw the Fantasea Islands tour boat leaving for the island hopping tour. I was so sad, because I could’ve been on that boat had I not changed my flight smh. I considered changing things again but it would’ve been too much of a hassle so I just sulked in my room instead. In the middle of my emotional meltdown, I decided that I would be back. I plan to return to most places that I visit, but this was a little more personal. I had unfinished business lol. I didn’t know when but it was going to happen and I would make it to the other Grenadine Islands.
I did make it back! But I will save that for another post.. My first trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines was my first trip anywhere after my major health scare in December. It was exactly what I needed after such a scary time in my life. It was peaceful, relaxing, rejuvenating, beautiful, and included just the right amount of adventure that I needed. My only regret was not staying longer. But I made up for it on the next trip!...
When I boarded the plane home, I realized I hadn't just crossed another destination off my bucket list. I'd crossed something off emotionally. I slowed down. I laughed until my stomach hurt. I opened my heart again. St. Vincent didn't just give me a vacation. It gave me exactly what I didn't know I needed. Not everything happened according to my plans. But, that's what made the trip so special. Sometimes the best journeys aren't the ones we perfectly plan. They're the ones that teach us how to let go.
If you do go, I recommend staying a week to really be able to explore as much as possible. The island moves slow and everything won’t happen when you want it to. If you can stay longer than a week that’s even better. I also recommend staying in the Villa Beach area in St. Vincent. It’s easy to get around from there, and there are multiple restaurants, bars, and hotels in close proximity. Speaking of restaurants and bars, here are a few recommendations below:
Places I Recommend
Restaurants & Bars
Ada Restaurant
Paradise Beach Hotel
Mangoz Restaurant & Bar
Moonshine Lounge
Jack's Beach Bar (Bequia)
Young Island Resort
Hope you enjoyed this! If you make it to the beautiful islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, enjoy!!
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