City Matters 158

CITYMATTERS.LONDON October 11 - November 07 2023 | Page 13
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TRAVEL
At Madeira Valley Forest Park on the east side
of St Vincent all funds received from admissions
are reinvested in the park, preserving the
coastal rainforest of the lower Massey Valley
and agro-forestry in Biabou. Agricultural life
can be explored in further depth on a local
farming tour, including explanations of rainwater
harvesting techniques and fantastic
views of passion flower fields.
Visitors can also savour an elegant afternoon
spent in the Montreal Garden and
Botanical Gardens, where they can admire
the endemic flora and landscaped terraces
against a dramatic backdrop of rainforestclad
mountains. The banana plants are
particularly impressive and the raised altitiude
of 1,5000 feet affords wonderful views.
Diving and snorkelling in the
Caribbean
If you’re wondering where to go for diving and
snorkelling in the Caribbean, then you’re in
luck because St Vincent and The Grenadines
is the perfect place. Beneath the surface of
the glistening waters are coral reefs and
gardens, dramatic cliffs and caves to explore,
as well as marine life ranging from turtles and
tropical fish to rays, starfish and reef sharks.
Image © DiscoverSVG
Whether snorkelling from white-sand
beaches or heading out in a boat for an offshore
dive there is something for everyone
to enjoy.
Tobago Cays
The five islands that make up the Tobago Cays
all form part of the National Marine Park that
protects these waters. Four of the five islands
also lie within a horseshoe-shaped reef,
ensuring excellent reef diving and snorkelling
excursions. Here there are abundant green
turtles, with sightings almost guaranteed
thanks to conservation efforts. Shallow waters
make it ideal for snorkellers as well as divers,
and they can expect to see angelfish and
stingrays, banded butterflyfish and lobsters.
Mayreau Island
This idyllic island is a hot spot for snorkelling
and scuba diving. With a vibrant reef,
which comes close to shore in the north, it
is home to coral gardens, turtles, sharks and
stingrays. Mayreau Gardens is considered
the most beautiful attraction, a deep reef
that can be reached by boat and offers drift
diving as well as snorkelling to spot colourful
sponges, sharks and hawksbill turtles.
Canouan
In the southern Grenadines, this island offers
some of the best shore snorkelling with long
reefs fringing the coast and calm waters.
With a small population of less than 2,000
people, it is unspoilt, mainly visited by boats
during the day to explore its bays. Here snorkellers
can expect to see colourful reef fish
as well as brain coral and green turtles.
The ideal yachting and sailing
destination
Away from the hubbub of the Caribbean
tourist spots, St Vincent and The Grenadines
offers the ultimate island-hopping adventure.
An arc of 32 mostly uninhabited volcanic
islands within the Lesser Antilles, this Caribbean
hideaway is of the world’s most desirable
yachting destinations for travellers seeking
the serenity of sun, sand and seclusion.
Landscapes encompass jungle-clad volcanoes,
lagoons and white-sand beaches, while
under the glinting Caribbean waters there are
coral reefs, turtles and reef sharks to discover.
Steady winds make St Vincent and The
Grenadines an ideal location to learn to sail
year round and with temperatures a balmy
25 to 33 degrees centigrade its the ideal
temperature for nautical pursuits.
With so many bays and beaches to explore,
it is easy to find a secluded spot, and the
small-scale hotels and resorts that dot the
islands provide a welcome spot for lunches
and dinners with sea views.
Vibrant marine life
When dropping anchor, holidaymakers can
plunge right into the warm waters to enjoy
excellent snorkelling and diving conditions
with good visibility and dazzling marine life.
Swimming among green turtles feeding
on seagrass in the secluded lagoon of
Tobago Cays Marine Park is a highlight, and
the reefs surrounding these virgin islands
are home to everything from stingrays and
butterflyfish to reef sharks and starfish.
Pristine beaches
Every sailor can find their dream beach in
St Vincent and The Grenadines, there are
perfect stretches of powdered white sands,
or even black-sand bays. Fringed by swaying
palms, lapped by calm shallow waters,
they are perfect for swimming, with some
offering other watersports such as kayaking,
standup paddleboarding and snorkelling.
Beachfront restaurants serve up grilled
catch of the day and rum punches, while
other beaches are completely deserted,
perfect for a castaway experience.
Nature meets culture
Mooring up in the harbours dotted
throughout the nine inhabited islands, visitors
can explore the riches on land as well.
Hiking trails along the volcanic peaks
enthral walkers with a cacophony of birdsong
beneath the canopy of majestic trees
and epic views across the Caribbean Sea.
There are horse riding expeditions and visits
to waterfalls tucked within rich jungles, not
to mention lush gardens to explore, filled
with exotic species.
The still active La Soufriere Volcano on St
Vincent island is a unique hiking experience,
while the walk to the Dark View Waterfall
includes a stop off at the Walliabou Site,
where Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean was
filmed.
Old World port towns have retained their
rustic tropical charm, populated with small
hotels, beach bars and cafes. Admiralty Bay
on Bequia, is known as one of the most beautiful
anchorages, while capital Kingstown is
famed for its colonial architecture, botanical
gardens and vibrant fish market.
The perfect place to stay
Introducing the all-new Sandals Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines, opening in Spring 2024.
Tucked away on its own private cove and
bordered by a lush forest and gently flowing
river, you’ll find Sandals’ newest all-inclusive
resort - the ninth Caribbean destination and
the 18th Sandals resort in their portfolio.
From stunning two-storey Overwater
Villas to Beachfront Butler Villas, the unique
rooms and suites at Sandals Saint Vincent
truly capture the natural beauty and
secluded feel of the island.
Basting 12 restaurants and five bars,
Sandals Saint Vincent offers everything from
a dock-to-dish upscale seafood restaurant
to healthy grab-and-go options like green
bowls and sushi handrolls.Guests can also
dive into five captivating swimming pools,
including a 300-ft linear pool, and take
advantage of unlimited land and water
sports - all included during their stay.
•Learn more at sandals.co.uk
or call 0800 742 742.