Overwater bungalows have long been the stuff of Polynesian and Maldivian dream vacations, but in more recent years, Sandals Resorts has been bringing them to the Caribbean. The company started adding the eye-catching rooms at some of its locations in Jamaica, before opening two-story overwater bungalows in March 2024 at its resort in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. So when I was invited to experience one for myself, I obviously had to say yes (enticed, in part, by the fact that the 1,284-square-foot bungalows are larger than my house in Brooklyn).Upon arrival at the adults-only, all-inclusive Sandals Saint Vincent (after a nonstop flight and scenic boat ride from the island’s main harbor), we were greeted by our butler and escorted to our bungalow, the last one at the end of the row and thus the most private and coveted. We walked into the room, past a kitchenette and bathroom with an enormous walk-in shower, through the nautical-themed bedroom, straight out to the patio to take in the view of the endless blue-green water before us. Our room came with floaties, so we could hop right in off our private dock for a dip. At sunset, we headed upstairs to relax on the spacious covered deck that featured a king-size bed, a telescope for stargazing, a wooden outdoor shower, and a Sandals-signature soaking tub built for two.With 12 restaurants, four large pools, and a gorgeous white sand beachfront, there’s little reason to leave the Sandals Saint Vincent, but here’s what to see, and where to eat and drink, both at the resort, and elsewhere on the island when you can manage to pull yourself away.What to SeeMustique and BequiaThe Mustique CompanyMustiqueOne of the best parts of coming to Saint Vincent is island-hopping around the Grenadines. You can spend the day cruising on a catamaran to the nearby islands of Mustique and Bequia. From the water, you’ll have a great view of Mustique’s stunning coastline and mansions (one of which belongs to Tommy Hilfiger), stopping off at coral reefs and beaches along the way. After spending some time snorkeling or shopping in Bequia, you’ll visit its famed Princess Margaret’s Beach for a seaside lunch before heading back.The Botanical GardensRogerAlanLee//Getty ImagesFounded in 1765, Saint Vincent’s Botanical Gardens are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. They sprawl across 20 acres and feature many native plant species. (Fun fact: Prince Harry planted a tree there in 2016.) And keep an eye out—the gardens are also an important sanctuary for the country’s distinctive national bird, a multicolored parrot, known as the Saint Vincent Amazon.Red Lane SpaCourtesy Douglas FriedmanNo beach vacation is complete without a trip to the spa. At the Red Lane Spa, you can choose from a wide variety of treatments inspired by the island, like a papaya-pineapple salt mousse scrub, a neroli jasmine candle massage, and a tropical glow facial. It even offers a 60-minute “sunburn rescue” should you overdo it. Enjoy the sounds of the small river adjacent to the spa while you get your treatment, and then linger in the relaxation courtyard after, which has hot and cold pools and comfy daybeds.Rat & BoaBrasilia TopRat & BoaBrasilia BottomRat & BoaBrasilia SkirtWhere to EatBuccanCourtesy of SandalsBuccan served up my favorite meal of the trip. The restaurant takes its name from the South American and Caribbean word for the wooden hurdle, or grill, on which meat is slow-roasted or smoked over a fire. Its 10-plus-course set menu, much of which is charred to perfection Vincentian-style over an open flame, is served family-style at a shared table and features local ingredients and dishes like breadfruit, callaloo, pumpkin, and lamb curry.ScrimshawCourtesy of SandalsSeafood is the star of the show at Scrimshaw. The menu boasts a conch section with the local specialty prepared four different ways, along with broiled spiny lobster right from the tank, and delicious scallops, hamachi, tuna crudo, and popcorn shrimp.VerandaThe Mustique CompanyVeranda’s menu is inspired by the West Indies, with many dishes prepared local-style over a fire, and includes a wide range of small individual plates and larger dishes meant for sharing. Among the offerings are squash and coconut arancini, jerk shrimp with pineapple, and baby back ribs with a soy, honey, sesame glaze. And as the name suggests, the restaurant is set in a beautifully-designed veranda.ELLE Escapes St. Vincent: EatAgolde Poppy Tank TopCredit: AgoldeViX Paula HermannyRosie PantsOtra EyewearMaddy SunglassesCredit: Otra EyewearWhere to DrinkBasil’s BarThe Mustique CompanyYou can’t visit Mustique without stopping off for a drink at the island’s legendary Basil’s Bar, which is known for entertaining everyone from British royalty like Princess Margaret to fashion royalty like Kate Moss. Perched on a wooden jetty over the turquoise water, the bar is a great spot for watching yachts sail by as you take in the sunset and enjoy fresh seafood and colorful cocktails. The bar also often has live music, and hosts the island’s Blues Festival.The Three Jewels Rum BarCourtesy Douglas FriedmanThis bar may have just three jewels in its name (for the three gems on Saint Vincent’s flag), but it has an incredible 32 different rums on its menu, inspired by the 32 islands that make up Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The vibes are good here—cozy, chill, and it has cards and board games you can play while you sample all of the tasty varieties. Also, if you need a late-night snack, it offers jerk smash and oxtail sliders, and my personal favorite, pimento grilled cheese.Jack’s Beach BarCourtesy of Jack's Beach BarJack’s has an unbeatable location, centered on the pristine white sands of Princess Margaret Beach in Bequia. It offers all the classics—lobster rolls, nicoise salad, and coconut shrimp, along with Caribbean chicken arepas and ceviche made with local fish.ELLE Escapes St. Vincent: DrinkDonde EstebanLa Sierra Midi DressCredit: Net-a-PorterMargauxThe Palermo SandalCredit: MargauxCos Curved Wooden CuffCredit: CosWhere to StaySandals Saint VincentCourtesy Douglas FriedmanThe Sandals Saint Vincent is nestled in a quiet cove on the western side of Saint Vincent, the largest of the country’s 32 islands. Set in the middle of a green valley, with lush cliffs on both sides, the setting gives the resort a bit of The Land Before Time vibe. (On cue, I saw rainbows arc over the property several times during our stay.) The landscape, filled with tropical flowers and palms, immerses you as you wander the sprawling property, past rooms, suites, and villas of all kinds, and three pools, each offering a different experience. There was a tranquil, two-level infinity pool overlooking the beach, a long Romanesque pool in the center of the property that had a DJ, bar, and party atmosphere, and finally a heart-shaped pool, another Sandals signature, that was quiet and romantic. The resort also offers any number of activities, on land—pickleball, golf, etc.—and at sea—scuba, sailing, tubing, kayaking to a bat cave—and also a butler service to ensure you don’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to.Cotton HouseThe Mustique CompanyThe Cotton House is Mustique’s only hotel, and its 17 luxury suites and charming cottages, many of which feature private plunge pools, are set in 13 acres of tropical gardens on the island of Mustique. Best of all, the hotel is located on Endeavour Beach, which has both calm, clear waters and a café where you can eat with your toes in the soft white sand.Grenadine HouseCourtesy of Grenadine HouseGrenadine House is located in Kingstown and is frequented by those looking for a stopover on the main island of Saint Vincent before heading to the Grenadines. The boutique hotel has quite a history: It was built in 1765, originally as a residence for the British administrator when the island nation was a British colony (the country gained independence in 1979). In more recent years, the hotel was home to cast and crew members during the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean in 2002. Today, you can stay in one of the 20 luxury guest rooms and take a swim in the pool while enjoying views of the sea below from the verdant property. While you’re in Kingstown, be sure to check out the spice market.ELLE Escapes St. Vincent: StaySlip Pure Silk Contour Sleep MaskNow 86% OffAerieReal Soft Short Sleeve Pajama ShirtCredit: AerieAerieReal Soft Pajama Boxer ShortsCredit: AerieBeauty PicksBeauty PicksSulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing FoamSunscreen, makeup remnants, and sweat are all thoroughly washed away with ease, thanks to this mousse-like foaming cleanser. With Sulwhasoo’s signature ginseng amino complex, which combines ginseng extract and 17 forms of amino acids, skin is left hydrated, supple, and comfortably clean.Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50Credit: Laura GellerWant to stay protected from the sun while looking photo-ready? This hybrid formula offers light but buildable coverage and a naturally radiant finish.Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening BalmCredit: Laura GellerNot just another buzzy beauty trend, this lip balm truly lives up to its claims. Nourishing, slightly exfoliating, and smoothing, it means you’ll never have to worry about chapped lips.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below