Petit St. Vincent

I have never been more insulted in a hotel resort. We’ve visited here multiple times previously and always had a lovely time. The staff were always pleasant and attentive and the food/drinks were delicious. Unfortunately though the hotel has been bought by an individual who I believe is desperate to create their own private island by pricing people out and pressuring people (illegally) to leave. Anyone who now visits is asked to pay $110 (US) per adult to set foot in the hotel. This is purely for the privilege of spending more money in their bar and restaurant. We arrived on a yacht and agreed to pay (for a party of 12) following a conversation with their reception team on the phone. However the moment we arrived we had a framed notice shoved in our faces telling us to pay immediately - which we were already on our way to do. It was abrasive and unpleasant. We made them aware we’d agreed to pay at which point they couldn’t wait to tell us that the beach restaurant was closed that evening (because they only had 2 guests in the whole hotel!) and that their main restaurant was $135 (US) per head. Again, we agreed to this but then they told us this would only be a 3 course meal and the menu was limited as they weren’t expecting an extra 12 people for dinner. The way we were spoken to was like we couldn’t afford to be there. Slightly odd given we’d said we were happy to pay. The staff were rude, arrogant and obnoxious. In the end we decided enough was enough and refused to pay and left the hotel instead. However, we found a spot on the beach because beaches in this area, across all the islands, are public and everyone is allowed to use them. It was fairly clear though that the staff have been told to pressurise people to leave the beaches. We had a member of ‘security’ tell us ‘we had to leave’. We immediately said we didn’t as the beach was public. He kept repeating ‘hotel management have told me you need to leave’ but we kept saying that’s not the law and he knows it to which he eventually broke and just said it’s his job to ask us to leave even though he knows we don’t have to. What an awful situation to be put in - being forced to intimidate people because ‘management’ have asked you to! We weren’t intimidated but I can only imagine lots of people leave without questioning it… The overall vibe has changed unfortunately. The staff are evasive and unhappy, the hotel is dead, they aren’t earning tips, it’s all falling apart and it’s such a shame as it used to be one of our favourite places in the Grenadines/St Vincent. Management need to get this place back on track quickly otherwise they won’t have a resort anymore. Maybe that’s what the new owner wants and it’s definitely working! Two guests in the whole hotel doesn’t sound like a thriving business to me…

Stayed over Christmas and it was a stunning place. Island is beautiful, and makes up for the generally very lazy and rude service. Would still return but bare in mind that you are paying for the islands natural beauty, not any of the hotel facilities or service.

This is a difficult review to write. Having been twice before we were expecting more of the same, but what we got was quite different. There has been a change in ownership and management which has really impacted on the island. There was a distinct lack of management and some of the staff were clearly quite demoralised. Quite a few of the staff apologised that new management was taking a little time to get things up to par and we never saw any of them around. Such a shame. The accommodation is good but the high price you pay has to cover more than just a nice cottage. Unfortunately the food is a big let down and has been dumbed down considerably. There was also a lack of people there, not something that you can say is the fault of the resort, but I wonder if the high price versus what you now get is putting people off. Breakfast has good choices and of course you can go the main restaurant gardens to eat or have it served to your room. Lunch and dinner is served at Goaties, the beach restaurant, and has an extensive menu but it doesn't change. .Previously if you went to Goaties there were always live lobsters available from the lobster well, but not this time. The only lobster that was available was in a wrap or tempura and quite frankly the pieces of lobster were grisly and chewy and inedible. The lack of people also meant that there was virtually no-one in Goaties in the evening. Clive and the staff were always pleased to see you therefore and were the friendliest staff around. The main restaurant is only open in the evenings and serves a 3 course dinner which is good and has a good atmosphere. Staff wise there should be a special mention for Gede and Primus who were always helpful and friendly and Kenroy who took care of us most days in the restaurants. I think all the staff did their best with what was going on there. The West End beaches are well looked after but the furniture is now a bit past its sell by date with tatty cushions and broken arms on loungers. Being in one of the most isolated cottages with a temperamental satellite phone, we relied on the flag system. Unfortunately for us this did not always work. When you put a note in the box outside your cottage and put the yellow flag up for service, the note is taken but not always actioned. Twice we requested evening transport and neither time did it come. Overall we were a bit disappointed with the trip.

We have been to PSV 10 or 12 times, but had not been back in 10 years. We found the place as always, beautiful and restful. The new ownership is still working things out, but promises to keep the spirit of this special place intact. There are improvements to be made -- west end beach is looking a little tired, with lounge chairs missing or needing to be replaced and thatch roofs that need work, and the dive shop won't open till next fall, which made my husband's diving days more complicated -- but the staff is wonderful and management seems committed to improving the resort without major changes. The food was the best we've had here, without exception. As has been said by others, this is not the place for you if you want to be active all day and party all night; but for those who truly want to unplug and clear their mind, read a few hundred pages of the books you've not had time for, and appreciate the beauty of the southern Caribbean, there is no better place. We're already planning next year's trip....

My wife and I visited PSV for a week in Spring 2023. TLDR: if you want to feel like you’re by yourself, this is the place to go. The resort itself is amazingly quiet - we may have seen 8-10 other adults each day… mostly at dinner. There’s many private beach spots where you’re in your own little world. It felt like being on a private beach. The people were kind, the rooms were pretty good, the food was ok. This isn’t the spot to go if you’re looking for the best food in the Caribbean. The rooms - while generously sized - had amazing views but were a bit “rustic”. The hot water barely worked in the shower and at night we had to spray for bugs. There wasn’t much to do - we did a few sailing / snorkeling excursions which were great. One strong positive note was the spa. My wife got the four hands massage and said it was one of the best she’s ever had. A few upgrades to the rooms and food and this place would be five stars.

My wife and I went for our honeymoon in November 2023 and it is by far one of the best places we have been too. The accommodations, food, service and staff were excellent and we will definitely go back. Petit St. Vincent is perfect for people looking to unplug and have a relaxing vacation away.