By:Marcia Abramson
I learned that this Nirvana was known by the vapid name of Prune Island. Contrary to most Caribbean Islands, there are no traces of Arawak or Carib Indians on this island, and the first inhabitants were believed to be 17th century hunters and fishermen from France. These speculators used this island as a temporary base while they gathered their take between the main islands of St. Vincent to the north and Granada to the south. In the late 18th century, Prune Island followed the rest of the world and had its own adaptation of the "industrial revolution." Sir De L'isle, a Frenchman, decided it was the ideal place for the production of lime for the growing construction business.| By burning the colorful corals on the pristine beaches, he also destroyed all Prune's natural forests. His business acumen attracted pirates who were looking for the island's bounty. The island was defended from these marauders by the 16 lb. Guns of Fort Hill from Union Island. Lime making was abandoned by the next century and Prune was used as a sea salt plant. This was another unsuccessful venture. It became clear that Prune was not to become an industrial center, but was to evolve into a delightful island refuge, after an American yachtsman, John Caldwell, stumbled onto what was a swamp. He felt this was his "paradise found" and in l966 he leased the 135-acre island from the government for the paltry sum of $1 a year. He proceeded to plant hundreds of palm trees and renamed the property Palm Island, as well as establishing a small informal hotel and selling some land for holiday homes. This enterprise lasted for 30 years until the death of John Caldwell when it was sold to an American businessman, Rob Barrett, and his English partner, James Lane. Both men are joint owners of several resorts throughout the Caribbean, including Palm Island's sister hotel, Galley Bay in Antigua. Barrett convinced his partner, Lane, to take up the cudgels of his fellow countryman Caldwell and develop Palm into one of the most elegant small hotels in the Caribbean. The former swamp was transformed into a saltwater lagoon preserve, the on-property bungalows were rebuilt except for some of the original stone walls. The resort reflects the relaxed tropical ambience of the Grenadines, but also that it is in harmony with its untouched natural surroundings. Thatch, bamboo and terracotta make up the décor in the public areas. The 37 rooms, cottages and suites are dwarfed by the stately coconut palms and blend into the island setting. The tropical setting is further enhanced with louvered windows, custom-made bamboo furnishings and woven rattan ceilings. But the standard comforts of air-conditioning, ceiling fans, hair dryers, clock radios, stocked mini-fridges, kettles and coffee makers are included in the all-inclusive rates with all meals. There is a deliberate omission of TVs and telephones, which further emphasizes the resort's escapist mood. This is indeed a haven for nature lovers as well as for lovers. There are three nature trails, including the Cactus Hill Trail, the Iguana Nature Trail and the Point Lookout Trail that yield not only interesting flora and fauna, but also magnificent views over the Grenadines archipelago. This includes the islands of Carriacou, Petit St. Vincent, Canouan and Mayreau, which can be seen in the distance. According to the readers of Caribbean Travel & Life magazine, Palm Island was named as "one of the most romantic resorts" anywhere in the Caribbean. The resort has been uniquely created for romantic stays and is ideal for honeymooners. It is large enough for couples to lose themselves during the day, but small enough to insure a distinctly sociable environment in the evenings. Picnic lunches on secluded beaches, bicycle rides through the palm groves and hiking along panoramic nature trails are all activities that couples can enjoy alone together during the day. They might also join in a scheduled powerboat ride or a sailing trip to the nearby Tobago Cays when they are in a more sociable mood. The ultimate in romance must be for couples to enjoy a dinner on the sands at a "table for two" next to a seagrape tree fashioned in the shape of a heart. Contact your travel professional for additional information.
© Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
