A short ferry ride from Villa takes you to an island escape where ocean views, tropical gardens, beautiful cottages, good food, and laid-back Caribbean hospitality come together.
Sometimes the best vacation experiences are closer than you think. Just off the coast of Villa in St. Vincent lies Young Island, a private island retreat that offers guests an opportunity to step away from the everyday routine and enjoy a different pace of life.
Recently, The Vincy List had the pleasure of visiting Young Island, where we met Director Ms. Porter and had the opportunity to explore the property, walk its grounds, and get a closer look at what makes this destination worth discovering.
Our first impression? This is the kind of place that reminds you why people travel to the Caribbean in the first place.
A Ferry Ride to Your Own Island Escape
One of the first things that makes Young Island special is getting there.
Rather than simply driving up to a hotel entrance, guests take a ferry from Villa and cross the water to the island. It's a short journey, but it creates a wonderful sense of anticipation. As the mainland begins to fade into the background, the experience starts to feel like an actual getaway.
Young Island has also recently acquired a new ferry boat as part of its ongoing improvements, helping prepare for the next chapter of welcoming guests.
There is something appealing about having that little separation from the mainland. You can leave the traffic, errands, and everyday responsibilities behind and settle into an environment where the ocean becomes part of your surroundings.
Beautiful Cottages Surrounded by Nature
Walking through Young Island, one of the most noticeable features is the natural beauty of the property.
The cottages are nestled into the tropical landscape, creating an intimate island atmosphere rather than the feeling of being in a large, conventional hotel.
As we walked the grounds, we encountered fruit trees, lush greenery, and beautiful butterflies moving throughout the gardens. There are plenty of opportunities to slow down, appreciate the surroundings, and enjoy the natural character of the island.
Ocean views appear throughout the property, adding another layer to the experience. Whether you're relaxing in one of the lounge areas or simply taking a stroll, the water is never far from sight.
It's a setting that encourages you to put your phone down for a moment, take a deep breath, and appreciate where you are.
The Floating Bar: Where the Island Comes Alive
One of the highlights of our visit was seeing guests enjoying themselves near the floating bar.
There's something unmistakably Caribbean about relaxing on the water, enjoying the sunshine, and having a refreshing drink while surrounded by beautiful ocean scenery.
The atmosphere was happy and relaxed, with guests making the most of their time on the island.
Young Island also has an extensive indoor bar, offering another place to unwind and enjoy the hospitality. We encountered a friendly bartender who added to the welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely afternoon drink, socializing with friends, or simply enjoying the scenery, the island offers several spaces to settle in and enjoy the moment.
More Than Just a Beautiful View
Young Island isn't simply about lying in a hammock and watching the ocean, although there is certainly enough scenery to make that tempting!
The property also offers recreational and leisure amenities for guests who enjoy having activities available during their stay.
Among the features we explored were tennis courts, a swimming pool, and the island's restaurant.
The restaurant provides another reason to spend time on the property, allowing guests to enjoy dining without having to leave the island.
There are also numerous lounge areas throughout the grounds. These spaces give visitors options for relaxing, socializing, reading, or simply enjoying the surroundings.
The combination of amenities creates an experience that can appeal to different types of travelers. Some may want an active getaway, while others may prefer to spend their days moving between the pool, the restaurant, the bar, and a comfortable place overlooking the water.
And for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for somewhere different to spend quality time together, having all these options within one island setting is certainly appealing.
The Ultimate Away-From-Home Work Zone?
Here's something we particularly appreciated about Young Island: its potential as a remote-work escape.
With beautiful ocean views, plenty of lounge spaces, and an atmosphere removed from the distractions of everyday life, the property offers an appealing setting for anyone looking to combine a change of scenery with a little productivity.
Imagine answering emails with the ocean in view, taking a break to walk through tropical gardens, enjoying lunch at the restaurant, and returning to your work with a completely different perspective.
For remote professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who works independently, the idea of changing the scenery without necessarily taking an entire week off can be attractive.
Of course, anyone planning to work remotely should confirm internet availability, connectivity, and suitable workspace arrangements with the property beforehand.
But the setting certainly makes you imagine the possibilities.
A New Chapter for Young Island
During our visit, we also learned that Young Island is undergoing renovations as it continues working on improvements to the property.
The recently acquired ferry boat is another sign of preparations for the future, and there is an evident sense of looking ahead to welcoming guests.
Renovation periods are important opportunities for hospitality properties to refresh their spaces, improve the guest experience, and prepare for new and returning visitors.
For Young Island, this is an opportunity to build on what already makes the property distinctive while preparing to welcome guests to an enhanced island experience.
We had the pleasure of meeting Director Ms. Porter, who welcomed us during our visit. It's always refreshing to encounter people who are part of the hospitality industry and to see the work that goes into maintaining and improving destinations like this.
As the property progresses through its renovations, prospective visitors should contact the team directly for current availability, facilities, and booking information.
Why Young Island Deserves a Place on Your SVG Must See List
Young Island offers a different way to enjoy the destination. Its location just off Villa, the ferry crossing, tropical surroundings, cottages, ocean views, recreational facilities, restaurant, and bars create an experience that feels like stepping into another world without traveling far from the mainland.
For visitors arriving in SVG, it offers another destination to consider when planning their Caribbean stay.
For locals, it presents an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of our own backyard.
And for anyone who simply needs a break from the usual routine, the thought of spending a little time surrounded by sunshine, ocean breezes, and tropical gardens is certainly inviting.
Our visit left us with a positive impression of the property and an appreciation for the experience Young Island is working to offer.
As renovations continue and the team looks forward to welcoming guests, we look forward to seeing the next chapter unfold.
Sometimes paradise isn't a plane ride away. Sometimes it's just a ferry ride across the water.
Discover Young Island
Young Island Resort
Villa, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Planning a visit or interested in learning more about the property's accommodation, dining, and available experiences? Contact Young Island directly for current information and reservations. www.youngisland.com
Explore more places worth discovering in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at TheVincyList.com.
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