The Story of Palm Island

Welcome to Paradise

Palm Island was originally known as Prune Island. It was leased in 1966 for 99 years by Americans, John and Mary Caldwell, from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government for US $1/year. The caveat was that they built a hotel to provide employment for local people. At that time the island was uninhabitable with a swampy, low lying interior, but with stunningly unspoilt white sand beaches on the shoreline.

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The Caldwells planted coconut palms to reclaim the land, a practice Johnny had learnt from previous projects, giving him the nickname “Johnny Coconuts”. And so Palm Island evolved and by leasing a few select building plots for private homes the funds were raised to construct a ten-bedroom hotel, The Palm Island Beach Club, which they ran for the next thirty years.

In 1999 the hotel was purchased by the current owners, James Lane, an Englishman, and Rob Barrett, an American. Extensive renovations followed to create forty-one luxurious rooms and suites, a sumptuous Spa and beautiful facilities for hotel guests. Two of the private residences were also purchased to create spectacular villas for small groups of friends or family. Whilst a plant nursery was crafted to cultivate fresh produce and herbs for the restaurants.

Although the geography of this area can sometimes be challenging, the ethos here is always to come back stronger. And so the story of Palm Island is ever moving forward
and it is this element which we hope you, as our guests, will love and appreciate and want to be part of, as much as we do. We are passionate about preserving the natural beauty, the flora and fauna, and of course the very important jobs for the local community, that we have inherited.

Getting Here

If you book your international flights to Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados (BGI), we can deal with all the other logistics. It is as easy as that. We will meet you on your arrival and take care of your luggage and your ongoing travel. Your next stop will be the short flight to Union Island. From here you will be whisked away on our launch for the ten minute ride to Palm Island Resort & Spa.

Location

Palm Island is just one of the stunningly beautiful, peaceful islands in the Grenadines, stretching between St. Vincent and Grenada. With Bequia, the largest island to the north, Palm Island is about ten minutes away from Union Island, the main local commercial center and transfer hub. Other neighboring islands include the Tobago Cays and Mustique. Click on the Location Map and the Resort Map here.

 

1 Main Dock
2 Reception/Lobby
3 Gift Shop
4 Sunset Bar & Grill
5 Royal Palm Restaurant & Bar
6 The Spa at Palm Island
7 Bicycle Area
8 Pool
9 Tennis Court
10 Fitness Center
11 Library/Billiards
12 TV Room
13 Volleyball Court
14 Water Sports
15 Palm View Rooms
16 Superior Palm View Rooms
17 Plantation Suites
18 Beachfront Rooms
19 Superior Beachfront
20 Island Loft
21 Beachfront Loft
22 Seagrape Suites
23 Southern Cross Villa
24 Seafeathers Villa
25 Hammock
26 Hammock
27 Lagoon
28 Iguana Nature Trail
29  Cactus Trail
30 Look Out Trail
31 Plant Nursery
32 Green House
   

Useful Details

Here are some useful travel tips and suggestions which we hope you will find helpful prior to your arrival here at Palm Island Resort & Spa.

Weather

The climate here is generally warm and sunny. The average temperature is around 27°C/81°F. Seasonal variations apply.

Currency

The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar, EC $. Bank hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are readily accepted including Visa and MasterCard. Travelers Checks are also acceptable. However, American Express is not accepted.

Time Zone

The Grenadines are on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the US and 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Passport Requirements

All passengers must travel with a valid passport with at least six months to the expiry date. All passengers must also travel with a return ticket.

Departure Taxes

A Departure Tax of US $40 per person must be paid at Immigration at Union Island Airport (UNI) on your departure. The tax must be paid in cash. There are no ATMs at the airport.

Check-In &
Check-Out

Your chosen accommodations will be ready on your arrival. Check-out is by 12:30 p.m. on the day of your departure. 

Internet

Complimentary WiFi is available in all the Resort; rooms and public areas.

Electricity

The voltage here is 110 volts 60 cycles. Dual voltage sockets are installed in all the bathrooms. Adaptors are available at Reception.

Luggage

The luggage allowance for the connecting flights between Barbados and Union Island is one checked in bag, not to exceed 20 kgs/44 lbs and one carry on bag. We recommend you bring one change of clothes and medication in your carry on.

Attire

We ask our guests to be island chic by day and elegantly smart in the evenings. Beachwear should be reserved for the beaches and the swimming pool area please.