Island nation of spreads out across the Caribbean’s most vivid azure water. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is notoriously hard to reach—unless you have a jet. The Grenadines are so exclusive that even islands like Mustique The following are some examples of how to get started: Canouan Even billionaires are known to go there to escape from the millionaires.
Mayreau is a tiny island, located between private islands resorts and harbors that accommodate mega-yachts. This island has been untouched by development, making it a rare exception. Mayreau is surrounded by the protected waters of Tobago Cays Marine Park, and anchorages such as Salt Whistle Bay. It’s no wonder that it has escaped the attention of developers.
Mayreau, a town of only 300 permanent residents, is working hard to recover from Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in 2024. Natesha Alexandra, a community organizer and local teacher, says “The island had been hit very hard.” “But seeing the rebuild was inspiring.” The first-of its-kind villas and new homes are raising walls. Windward Mayreau Resort The new models are expected to be released this year.
Mayreau is a great destination for those who want to relax and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere. “Mayreau’s relaxed atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway. The area appeals to people who love swimming, seafood, and a Caribbean-style atmosphere, away from the crowds.” Marcia Sandy, reservations manager at Canouan Estate Resort & Villas.
Top 5 Must-Sees
- Carved out of the green hillsides on the island’s Caribbean coast, Mayreau Beach Club & Villas is a plush, private escape that marries the island’s off-grid feel with the upscale luxury of the Grenadines.
- Tobago Cays Marine Park offers some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the area.
- Salt Whistle Bay has a stunning crescent of white sandy beach and a brilliant blue sea. It is one of Caribbean’s most spectacular anchorages.
- Island Paradise Restaurant, a quiet local establishment with a glimpse of the ocean, offers a classic Caribbean menu that is full of flavor.
- Climb the hillside or catch a ride to the only village on the island—a must-visit for a taste of local life on tiny Mayreau.
Best Hotels & Resorts
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Mayreau Beach Club & Villas
Mayreau is a small island with few accommodations. Mayreau Beach Club & Villas The upscale hideaway is perched above all others on a tranquil bay. This boutique property on a hillside has just 10 rooms and villas. Many of them have their own plunge pools and gazebos. The beach club has a three-tiered, dramatic infinity swimming pool as well as a small restaurant.
The Best Things to do
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Sail to Tobago Cays Marine Park.
Mayreau is nestled on the western edge of a 1,400-acre property. Tobago Cays Marine Park, the crowning jewel of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Five uninhabited islands surround the sheltered lagoon with a sandy bottom. Visitors can snorkel or swim with turtles, then disembark for picnics and hikes hidden under towering palms. Charter companies offer multiday sailings to the protected waters. Dream Yacht WorldwideMayreau visitors will have easy access to this area and can take daylong tours with local guides.
Relax on Salt Whistle Bay.
Salt Whistle Bay is a protected, peaceful anchorage that offers spectacular views as it separates the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean at the northern tip Mayreau. The heart of the Island is a cluster of casual, cool beach bars and restaurants along the seaside. Popular from sunrise to sundown, the sky turns every shade of pink and orange.
Take a snorkeling and scuba diving trip.
Mayreau Gardens offers a coral reef that is home to marine life and corals in vibrant tropical shades. The Puruni wreck is a British gunship which has been submerged under 40 feet off the Grenadines coast for over a century. Alexander explains that Mayreau does not have its own dive shop. “But most tourists schedule excursions with Grenadines DiveUnion Island is located. They will pick up snorkelers from Mayreau and take them on excursions.
Best Restaurants
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Island Paradise Restaurant
Get away from the beach and enjoy a delicious bite at Island Paradise RestaurantA simple place overlooking a garden with palm trees in the middle of the village. Conch cooked in curried or creole styles is a popular dish, but the succulent barbecued ribs with grilled lamb, lobster, and other ingredients are also delicious.
The Ranch Escapade
The less-frequented windward side is the place to go for a drink or eat on Mayreau, away from the more crowded beach bars of Salt Whistle Bay. The dinghy can be towed to the beach. The Ranch EscapadeThe pristine white sand of the Caribbean invites you to relax with some ice cold drinks and some simple Caribbean cuisine.
Dennis’ Hideaway
The hillside is a great place to hike. Dennis’ Hideaway In the center of the village, you can enjoy freshly caught lobster and fish straight off the grill. You can also order local dishes such as callaloo soup and pumpkin soup. There are also a couple of simple, spacious rooms available for rent overlooking the tranquil pool and patio area.
Explore the Areas Around You
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The Village
Mayreau’s only town is so small that it does not even have a name. However, this doesn’t make it any less interesting. Enjoy sweeping views of the island from this hillside location and visit local hangouts such as Robert Righteous, which is known for its colorful Caribbean décor.
Caribbean Side
From small speedboats up to mega-yachts bound for Mustique, vessels of all sizes stake out space on the Caribbean shores of Mayreau. They anchor primarily in Salt Whistle Bay where they enjoy a day with sun and sand. Take a break at one of many toes-in-the-sand locations before heading to Saline bay for a sunset at D-View. Ferries from St. Vincent Island and Union Island arrive here a few days a week.
Windward Side
The Tobago Cays are a stunning sight. Skirt to the north of Mayreau, and you’ll find the lesser-visited, windward side. The untouched beaches of this area of the island are worth a stop, even though it is only accessible by a few hiking paths. Kamran Mohsenin is the developer and founder behind the Windward Mayreau Resort. He says that it’s one the best kitesurfing locations in the entire world.
The Best Time to Visit
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Mayreau’s best season is between December to April. Sandy says that if you want to enjoy the best weather, December and April are the months to visit. The summer months in the Caribbean are ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports. However, hurricane season runs from June to November, which is marked by warmer temperatures, more rain, even if there aren’t any major storms.
Mayreau, a small but mighty town, is the perfect place to visit late April. Mayreau Regatta It’s a four-day festival that combines the sun, sand, local food, and a lot of fun. You can also plan your visit to coincide during the late June or early-July holiday. Vincy MasThe nation’s Carnival celebration is held in St. Vincent.
How to get there
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Mayreau is a tiny island with a small permanent population. Its tourism industry, which is still in its infancy, makes getting there an adventure. Mayreau’s beach-lined bays are accessed by private or small group charters departing from nearby Canouan Island or Union Island.
Alexander explains that Mayreau, which is serviced by three different ferry firms, is accessible to those who do not own a vessel five days a weeks. More frequent, faster passenger-only ferries can make the trip to mainland St. Vincent within two hours. But more frequent ferries carrying both cargo and passengers may take up to five.
SVD, the Argyle Airport in St. Vincent, is where you will begin your visit to Mayreau. This airport receives seasonal flights from New York City, Charlotte, Miami and Toronto as well as several Caribbean islands. Tradewind Aviation offers private charter flights that allow you to bypass St. Vincent and fly directly into Canouan or Union Island.
How to Get Around
Mayreau is impossible to get lost: only one road runs across the island, from Salt Whistle Bay all the way to Saline Bay. It passes through the village. The majority of visitors reach the island’s bays, beaches and waterfront accommodations via boat. This makes getting around easy. It can be steep to get to the village, so stay in the shade. Or you can hitch a lift from a local driver.