We spent two weeks at Salt Whistle Bay and plan to return in '08. My husband and i have never been to an island like this. The proximity to the Tobago Cays is a huge draw but this small hotel and simple island are unforgettable. Our young boys loved the snorkelling, hiking, shelling and the food! Don't miss Mayreau.

I have travelled the world but still dream of this hotel. It is an escape from the world. It is paradise. The accomodation is simple but comfortable, the food excellent.

Nothing to do but relax and enjoy, swim, snorkel, dive, sail, jog and in the evenings sit at the bar, drink rum and meet people who have sailed in on their yachts.

Don't miss this if you can afford it!

is one of the most beautiful, peaceful beach locations in the world.

However, there is a coldness about the place that exudes from the Teutonic management on down. The bungalows are designed more like bunkers: for example, the fortress-like walls around the rooftop patios actually obscure the view of the beach from any comfortable sitting position. And for $500 per night there should be a change of matress every 10 years or so.

The food was quite good in general, but there is a regementation about the taking of meals that is quite at odds with the laid back vacation you may be seeking. First, you must order your dinner at lunchtime, which one might not be so much in the mood to do having just eaten.
Further, you must take dinner within a certain prescribed hour -- e.g.
between 7:00pm and 8:00pm. My fiance and I were unaware of the rule and came for dinner the first night at 8:45, and we were told that we almost missed it, and were served our pre-ordered food which must have been cooked at the beginning of the prescribed hour. Once we marched in step, though, we did find the food to be good.

I can't help but say that I also believe the manager actually lied to me twice -- once about the time of our departure and once about the origin of something I bought in the giftshop. In the first instance, she told us we were leaving on the 11:15 flight when I was certain I booked the later flight. When I questioned this, she said that the later flight would not allow enough time for a connection, and she absolutely refused to accept the fact that we wished to take the later flight anyway. I feel that she pushed us out early to save herself a few bucks in extra housekeeping hours, which I can't imagine are all that significant considering she is paying at Meyreau rates (very cheap) and charging at US rates. In the second instance I was looking at some frames in the giftshop and having travelled alot in Indonesia thought that they seemed like they were from Indonesia or the Phillipines. I didn't want to buy them if they weren't really from the islands I was visiting, so I asked the manager who assured me they were from St. Vincent. Well, after taking her word for it and buying them, at USA prices I might add, I learned that they were actually from Indonesia.

I also must mention it is a strange sight to be sitting on paradise beach, trying to enjoy yourself, with two enormous German Shephards barking their heads off. They were tied on two clotheslines near the managers bungalow, and when they barked past her liking she would tear out of her bungalow and start hitting them with a blue fly-swatter.
Maybe the humor in that sight was something to relish...but then again...maybe not.

As I mentioned, it is a truly lovely spot. However, there is no charm.
I am not the kind of traveller who requires everything to be "plush" and first world. However, I feel a bit taken advantage of because I feel that the high prices just don't reflect the comfort or service at all. For $500 per night I do expect more comfort and accomidation, rather than what seemed a little bit like East Berlin come to Mayreau.

What a treat! It definitely was worth the time it took to get there.
Everything was an adventure....the puddle jumper from barbados to the boat from Union Island....and once you arrive...it is like Fantasy Island.....the staff greet you at the boat with a tray of rum punch....take all your luggage and bring you to your accomodations...which are nothing like anything we have ever stayed in before. I can't wait to go back. The island is very hilly so you can get quite a workout if you choose to go exploring...and there is actually quite a bit to see! The locals are wonderful and very friendly. But the staff at Saltwhistle was beyond wonderful and the owners are an absolute delight to talk with. When you find out all that they have done over the past 30 years...you will be astounded! We can't wait to go back!