Petit Saint Vincent Strand

We spent 7 nights at PSV for two main reasons: the promise of ‘world-class dive facilities’ and glowing recommendations from friends who had visited multiple times and loved it. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to our expectations. Let’s start with the diving and the claims made on their website: “Beginners can take advantage of introductory discover diving courses, while certified divers can embark on 1 and 2 tank diving expeditions…special courses such as night diving and nitrox.” So, what’s wrong with these statements? Not a single word is true. There is no dive center, no courses, no nitrox, nothing. The dive center is closed. We had to book with a dive center off-property, from Union Island. They picked us up every day, and while they were very nice and the diving was pleasant, it wasn’t exceptional. The kicker…wait for it…for 2 people for 2 tank dives, totaling 4 tanks…$750.00 USD a day…OMG…we have been diving for a long time and have never paid that much…why so expensive? Probably because they had to come to and from Union Island. Moving on: - Arrival and greetings at the Barbados airport and at PSV? Very nice and welcoming…5 stars for this part. - Our room - unbearably hot because it had only one ductless a/c unit and needed two. It’s extremely hot in PSV and a/c is critical. A few days later, we moved to another cottage with two ductless units…thank goodness! The rooms are tired and in need of renovation. - Food, service, and staff - 5 stars - Activities - there are kayaks, Hobies, etc., BUT it is far too windy to use any of them…if you head out on a kayak, you will be swept away with the wind and current, and good luck paddling back…it’s no surprise that not a soul used any of these crafts the whole week. There is a nice guy named Jeff who can take you out for a sunset cruise on his nice sailboat. - Places to relax on the beach - there are a few but not enough for everyone…and there is no service - not a single staff member comes over and asks if you would like something to eat or drink…seriously…it’s hot here…how about some water? - The spa - very nice and tranquil - Cost - food is included - alcohol is not

During a sailing trip, we attempted to get a drink at the beach bar. Upon arriving on the island, we noticed a sign indicating it was a private island, but visitors were welcome at the restaurant, bar, and boutique, as long as they didn't go beyond signs marked "hotel guests only." When we reached the bar, we were informed that we would need to pay $100 USD for "access" just to have a drink. Naturally, we declined. The bartender suggested we could use a dinghy to reach the beach, as the area 66 feet from the high water line is public. However, security guard Olvon approached us and insisted we couldn't walk on the beach without paying the $100 USD, which is not legally required. This place is a COMPLETE SCAM. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

Terrible experience. We were on a charter yacht and made a stop at this island. Although the law and their own signs indicated that the beaches were public, a security guard named Olvon harassed us until we left. He attempted to charge us $100 to use a public beach. Despite their sign stating that the beaches, bar, restaurant, and boutique were open to the public, when we tried to spend money there, they again tried to charge us $100 per person just to have a drink at the bar. Complete rip-off.

They charge $100 US per person to access a public beach, despite the sign indicating you only need to avoid going past the resort boundaries. Olvon, the security guard, forced us to leave a public beach. DO NOT GO HERE! TOTAL SCAM.

If you find yourself at this disappointing location thinking you can grab a drink at the bar and dip your toes in the water, think again. Despite the large sign at the entrance welcoming you to enjoy the beach and use the bar, the security guard will stop you and demand $100 USD to step onto that government-owned beach. If you refuse, you will be harassed by a security guard named Olvon, who will intimidate you until you either leave or pay. After speaking with others, we have even heard of physical altercations with the guards for simply sitting on the beach. I recommend heading around the corner to a little place called Tenuta in Chatham Bay. The staff there are very nice, the view is better, there are no security guards to harass you, and it doesn’t cost you $100 just to go to a bar and buy more drinks.