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YOUNG ISLAND
Resort Information & Details
 
Young Island
  
ABOUT YOUNG ISLAND 
 
Young Island was established over 30 years ago as one of the first exclusive Caribbean resorts.  In 1980, it was acquired by its current Vincentian owners, Mr. Vidal Browne and Dr. Fred Ballantyne.  Since its beginning, this 35 acre island near the coast of St. Vincent has continuously been a hotel resort of international standing and a popular vacation destination. 
 
St. Vincent's native tongue is English, having been a British Colony until 1979, and encompasses 144 square miles.  Population is approximately 108,000.  The Young Island Dock is a 20 minute taxi ride from the Capital, Kingstown, and 8 minutes from the ET Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale. 

BARS:   Our Coconut Bar is a swim up bar located a few yards off the beach. It is opened most days from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. while the Captain Bligh bar (Main bar) operates from 9:00 a.m. until... Hors D’hoeuvres are served at the main bar between 6:30p.m and 7:30p.m daily. 
 

Main bar with Coconut Bar floating in the water
 
BOAT EXCURSIONS:   Young Island owns and operates Two (2) yachts, which can be chartered for a day sail to Bequia or Mustique. Please inquire at the front office for current rates and availability of our yachts.  In the event that one of our yachts is not available we can try to arrange a chartered yacht at the prevailing rates. 

A ferry service is also available to and from Bequia. The journey from Jetty to Jetty is one hour. 

CAR RENTALS:   Can be arranged through the Front Office.  If required for weekends, please make arrangements before 4:00 p.m. on Fridays.  A local driver's license is required to drive on St Vincent and is obtainable at Police Headquarters in Kingstown. You will have to present your valid driver’s licence to get this local licence. Please note that this service is not available on Saturday’s, Sunday’s or Public Holidays. 
 
CHECKING OUT:   Guests departing before 8:00 a.m. are requested to settle their accounts by 9:00 p.m. the evening before. At that time you can order a taxi, wake up call, and a continental breakfast. 
 
CHILDREN:   The informality of Young Island is ideally suited to families. The services of a baby-sitter are required for children under SIX years and may be easily obtained by contacting the Front Office, before 12:00 noon.  Dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. but an early meal hour can be arranged for children.  If you wish to join your children for an earlier dinner, please inform the Front Office. Please note that Baby-sitting and Early kids meals forms are provided in your in-room folder. 
 
CHILDREN BABY-SITTERS:   Please check with the Front Office before 12:00 noon to have arrangements made for you and to obtain prevailing rates.  After 11:00 p.m. guests are responsible for the homeward transportation of the babysitter. 

CHURCH SERVICES: 
Anglican 
   Calliaqua -  7:00 AM Sundays 
   Kingstown -  5:30 and 7:00 AM Sundays 
Methodist 
   Arnos Vale - 9:00 AM Sundays 
   Calliaqua - 7:00 AM Sundays 
   Kingstown - 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM Sundays 
Roman Catholic 
   Kingstown - 7:00 PM Saturdays - 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM Sundays 
 
In addition, we would be happy to enquire about other church services for you. 

CUISINE:  Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, and local seafood have world renowned West Indian flavors combined with Continental Cuisine.  Our famous freshly baked bread delights guests with six different flavors available at lunch and dinner. 
 
CURRENCY EXCHANGE:   US $1.00=EC $2.60. Other currencies may be exchanged at the Front Office.  In addition local banks in Kingstown are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 
 
DOCTORS: Should you need to see a medical doctor we would be happy to arrange an appointment on St. Vincent for you. If a medical emergency occurs while you are on the island, please contact us promptly so that we can call a doctor to the island. 
 
DRESS CODE:  We are totally informal.  Barefoot is the mood - swimsuits with a top or a cover-up or shorts are perfect for breakfast and lunch. Jackets or ties are never required for dinner.  Swimsuits, shorts, blue jeans, baseball caps and men's tank tops are unacceptable for dinner. DINNER ATTIRE:   A collared shirt and casual slacks are acceptable for men. Slacks, skirts and blouses or elegantly casual dresses for ladies. In addition, swimsuits and other beach gear should not be worn at the bar from 6:00 p.m. onwards. 

ELECTRICITY:   Electricity is 220 volts 50 cycles, however, some cottages are wired with both 110 and 220 volts.  If unsure, first consult with the Front Office or the housekeeping department before you plug in any electrical appliances. Please be aware that adapters are neither converters nor transformers and should not be used as such. 

E-MAIL:   E-Mail can be sent or received at our e-mail address which is: youngisland@vincysurf.com   At present we do not charge for this service. There is however a 15 minutes limit. 

ENTERTAINMENT: 
Friday:  Manager's Cocktail Party with Bamboo Melodian Band 
Saturday: Steel Band Music & Barbecue Dinner 
Wednesday: Musical Entertainment (in high season only) 
 

Reception office in the gardens
 
FLORA AND FAUNA:   Young Island  is a national wildlife reserve, all animals and plants are protected under this act of Parliament. The following are a few of the animals on Young Island. 

AGOUTI (DASYPROCTA AGUTI):   The Agouti which originated in South America, and ranges from Mexico to Argentina is a short-tailed, short-eared, rabbit like creature with short front legs and long hind legs for jumping.   They were introduced by Siboney Indians. 
 
The Agouti  belongs to the same group of animals as the guinea pig. They grow to about sixteen inches long and weigh around ten pounds when fully grown. 
 

Agouti
 
The Agouti lives in holes in the ground, which it scratches to remove the soil.  This burrow houses a pair of individuals, in which the multiple young are born.  The gestation period is relatively long and the young are virtually independent at birth, being active and able to fend for themselves. 

The Agouti is a vegetarian eating mainly fruits and flowers. 
They run uphill at an incredible rate, but downhill, if pursued, they are apt to tumble head over heels.  At other times, if frightened they leap away over an incredible distance, making one wonder at the explosive burst of muscular energy required to accomplish this. They are an endangered species on St. Vincent, and Young Island is proud to have created a natural sanctuary for them, enjoying the delight of visitors and guests on first sighting them. 

IGUANA:   A large harmless lizard, growing up to 3 to 5 feet long, (including the tail). The beautiful variations of green that they assume are in sharp contrast to their natural pre-historic look. If seen, they may at first startle you, but, enjoy this rare privilege of seeing one and do not harm it. It will not, and cannot, harm you. 
 

Iguana
 
IGUANA:   A large harmless lizard, growing up to 3 to 5 feet long, (including the tail). The beautiful variations of green that they assume are in sharp contrast to their natural pre-historic look. If seen, they may at first startle you, but, enjoy this rare privilege of seeing one and do not harm it. It will not, and cannot, harm you. 
  
LIZARDS:   Part of our "island insect control program" and they are totally harmless. In fact, they avoid being trapped in your cottage. They are insect eaters and tend to remain close to foliage. The lizard population is quite small for the tropics. 
  
PLANTS:   There are several hundred different plants on our Island.  Please ask any of our Gardeners for assistance in identifying them.  The grounds are free of harmful plants and animal life. 
 
ST. VINCENT PARROT (AMAZONA GUILDINGII): 
St. Vincent parrotOld friends to many guests who return to Young Island. They are very high on the endangered list and those housed on Young Island can look forward to a long, healthy life. Reproducing and keeping alive the hope that there will always be a St Vincent parrot colony. 

TREE FROGS:   Again, you'll hear them but rarely see them. Their "chirps" are beautiful to hear, starting  at around sunset with a "chirp" or two, then swelling into a chorus until after dark. 

GAMES:   These are available at the Bar or the Front Office. 

GRATUITIES:   Our staff is a team and we are proud of them.  If you feel there are individuals who have provided outstanding service and you would like to leave tips for them, this may be done at your discretion on check out from the hotel. 

HAIRDRESSING:   Please contact the Front Office to have an appointment arranged on St. Vincent. Alternatively, we can make an appointment for a hairdresser to come to your cottage. 
 
HAIRDRYERS:   These are provided in your cottage. 
 
HISTORY of YOUNG ISLAND:  Read the article by Caribbean Investment Profiles of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
 
HORSEBACK RIDING:   This can be arranged on St. Vincent at the prevailing local rates. Please check with the Front Office. 
 
ICE:   The ice bucket in your cottage is filled daily.  If you require additional ice, please ask at the bar. 
 
ISLAND TRIPS:   See "TOURS." 
 
LAUNDRY:   We maintain a hand laundry.  This is a two-day service unless required earlier. Dry cleaning is available in Kingstown, at prevailing local rates. 
 
MAIL AND POSTAGE STAMPS:   Mail is posted and delivered daily.  To mail a letter, simply put your cottage number in the upper right hand corner where the stamps are placed and take it to the Front Office.  The cost of the stamp will be charged to your account. Local postage stamps are also available at the Front Office. 
 
Thatched dining hutsMEALS: 
Breakfast  - served in the gazebos from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. In addition, a limited room service breakfast menu is also available. 
 
Lunch – a la carte 5 days a week from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.. 
Buffet lunches: 
Tuesday's: Barbecue and buffet lunch 
Sunday's: Local curry buffet lunch 
 
Dinner – A five-course menu is served 5 nights per week from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Dinners on the other nights are as follows: 
Wednesday's: Local buffet dinner (subject to change without notice) 
Saturday's: Barbecue and buffet dinner 
 
MENUS:  Extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus give guests a taste of the islands.  Review samples of our outstanding menus by taking this link. 
 
MANAGER and STAFF:  Some of our managers and staff have been with the resort for many years.  All are from St. Vincent and you'll find us friendly and happy to share our beautiful island with you.  Resort Manager Bianca Williams Porter is pictured below. 
 

Manager Bianca Williams Porter
 
MANICURES AND PEDICURES:  Our spa provides these services; check with our front desk to set up an appointment. 

MASSAGES:   Our spa provides these services; check with our front desk to set up an appointment.  Advance notice is required as these services get booked up rather quickly. 

NEWSPAPERS:   The New York Times Fax is available free of charge every day at the Front Office. In addition one of our local weekly newspapers is delivered to your room, free of charge, every Friday evening. 
 
OFFICE HOURS:    6.30am to 10.00pm daily. 
 
PICNIC BASKETS:   Picnic lunches are available.  Please give at least half a days’ notice by placing an order at the Front Desk. 
 
POOL:   Our Swimming pool is brimming with fresh water, and is open 24 hours a day. Guests using the pool at night must  be considerate of other guests in nearby cottages. We have NO lifeguards, swimming is at your own risk. 
 

 
REEFS:   Nearby reefs offer spectacular marine scenery; please exercise caution not to come into contact with them since they are very fragile. 

RETURN RESERVATIONS:   We hope you’ll wish to make a return reservation. Please advise the Front Office of your request date. If a new room reservation is made upon checkout, to show our appreciation we will confirm next year's stay at this year's rate, to you directly or to your Travel Agent. 
 

Fort Duvernette lit by torches
 
ROCK FORT: (Fort Duvernette) - This 250 foot high rock offers a magnificent view of Young Island, the Grenadines, and St Vincent.  English cannons and remnants of the Fort still remain. The Fort was commissioned during the reign of George III, (1760- 1820), mainly as a deterrent against Napoleon's expansionism in the Caribbean, however, it never saw any action.  The fort can be viewed from the lookout point beyond the tennis court. We no longer visit the fort as it is now considered unsafe by government engineers. 

ROOM SERVICE:   Room service is available for breakfast.  Simply fill out an order form, available in the folder in your Cottage or at the bar and leave it with the head barman or the restaurant staff by 9:30 p.m. the night before.  For room service lunch or dinner please make arrangements in advance for the appropriate menus to be delivered to your room. 

SAILAWAY/GETAWAY:   See “BOAT EXCURSIONS” 

SCUBA DIVING:  Diving in the waters of St Vincent is like diving in a huge, well stocked Aquarium. Clear, unspoiled waters provide an enormous range of diving conditions. Many dive sites are within 20 yards of shore. Dive St Vincent, an independent dive operation, offers dive sites to suit any level of experience. For Non-Divers, they offer a four (4) hour introductory course on Young Island. The Front Office will assist you in contacting Dive St Vincent, or you may speak with a Dive St. Vincent representative any evening at the bar between approximately 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 
 
SECURITY:   We provide 24 hour security for our guests. Our security booth is the thatched hut near to the main dock on Young Island. 
 
SPA:  Our Spa has a full range of services.  Take this link for more information. 
 
SUNBATHING:    Please note that we do not allow topless sunbathing on the beach, at the swimming pool, or at other public areas. 

SUNBURN:   A WORD OF CAUTION - Do remember that Young Island is about 13 degrees north of the equator. Take the sun in SMALL DOSES and you will enjoy every minute of your vacation. 

TAXIS:   We will be happy to arrange a Taxi for you.  Simply inquire at our reception desk. 
 
TAXES:   St. Vincent & the Grenadines introduced a Value Added Tax on May 1st 2007. 10% VAT is payable on the room portion of accommodation rates and 15% VAT is payable on the food portion of these rates. All other services at the Resort attract a 15% VAT. 
 
DEPARTURE TAX - This is EC $40.00 (about US $16) per person payable at the airport. Since EC currency is preferred we suggest you obtain same from the Front Office upon check out 
 
TELEGRAMS AND TELEXES:   Telegrams and Telexes can be sent and received through Cable & Wireless on St. Vincent. Please check with the Front Office. 
 
TELEPHONES:   Full telephone service is available at the office. After office hours, see the head bartender. 
 

Tennis court with a view 
 
TENNIS:   Use of the tennis court is complimentary both during the day and at night.  For night playing however, lighting tokens must be obtained from the Front Office. Sign up for play at the Front Office. If you require a Tennis Pro for lessons or a partner, our Front Office staff would be happy to make these arrangements with Peter Nanton for you. 

TOURS:   St. Vincent offers a variety of hiking, snorkeling, sailing, and adventure tours.  Our front desk will be happy to arrange your trips.  Take this link for more information. 

TRANSFORMERS: These are available for your use from our Front Office. 

TRANSPORTATION TO ST VINCENT:   Our ferry runs 24 hours on demand.  However, if you plan to be in St Vincent later than midnight, please inform security and the boatman. 

VALUABLES:   For the mutual protection of guests and management, we request that cash and valuables be placed in the hotel's office safe.  For your added convenience safes are also provided in each cottage. 

WAKE UP CALLS:   If you require a wake up call, please inform the Front Office the night before. When the Office is closed contact the head barman, or security. 

WATER:   Our source of water is high in the mountains on St. Vincent.  It is pure, unadulterated, and perfectly safe to drink from any tap on Young Island. Please use it conservatively. 

WATERSPORTS:   Our Beach Attendant is a qualified Windsurfing Instructor and arrangements for lessons can be made with him. 

Snorkel equipment, Sailing dinghies, Pedal boats, & Windsurfers are available with our compliments, for use of these, arrangements must be made with the Beach Attendant.  While the foregoing are all on a complimentary basis, a charge for all items will be entered on your account  when you receive them and full credit will be given  on their return in original condition to the Front Office. 

Scuba diving and water skiing can be arranged, at the prevailing rates. 
 
WEATHER:  Year round temperatures average between 77°F and 86°F (25 to 30°C), moderated by cooling trade winds.   Average rainfall is 60 inches on Young Island in the form of brief tropical showers.  December through May are our driest months. 
 

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RESERVATIONS
1-800-223-1108
reservations@youngisland.com