Palm Island Resort & Spa by Elite

Firstly a big thank you to everyone for making this one of the best trips ever!! – Seriously the island gets better with every visit, more so under Katie the manager. I cannot believe 10 years on we have just got back from our 15th visit to Palm Island!! This is truly a beautiful island that continues to amaze us every time we visit. On each visit we bring different members of the family or close friends to try and promote the that Palm Island experience and many of these ‘Guests’ have now become ‘Repeaters’ in their own right and continue to thank us for our introduction to your wonderful island. This island also has some of the best staff and management team who genuinely believe in the collective dream of having the perfect island for guests to visit. Everyone greets us with a smile and nothing seems to be too much trouble. Both of us are now in front of our computers to start looking to book our next trip to Palm next April 😊

We began our visits to Palm Island in 2007. Over the years we have seen the property under the supervision of numerous managers and with that have experienced the differing visions of each. Our first visit was during the era of natural air conditioning for all units, no phones in the units, and a non existent mosquito management program. The island felt very remote, charming, and an absolute retreat from everything and everyone. Palm Island became our favorite spot to just share time as a couple in the most beautiful environment possible. Over the years the island remains our happy place. We have seen many improvements to the property take shape. Air conditioning to rooms certainly has added to the comfort for night time sleeping. The mosquito management has greatly improved. And we are delighted the rooms are still without TV and the WiFi access is limited to the reception area and the library. New to us this visit are the renovations of ocean front rooms 1-6. The outside appearance of units 1-6 is much more contemporary with pink roofs, white front facades, and canapé double beds on the porch, which differs from the rustic bungalow style of the other units. While the renovations are a plus for updating, the exterior contemporary appearance is a change from the island vibe we found so inviting. The food and beverage service continues to be wonderful and the hospitality shown by all employees is superb. Bed and bath linens are very comfortable, the in room robes are a nice amenity, as is the daily restocking of in room beverages in the under cabinet refrigerator. The new spa and the expanded gym are an added luxury for maintaining a healthy body and spirit while soaking up the incredible island experience of trails to explore, reefs to snorkel, sand paths to bike, kayaks for paddling, beaches to walk, and hammocks to sleep upon. Currently they are having a trial run with an on site activities coordinator. We have mixed emotions about organized activities. While it is nice to have someone show us the perfect place to snorkel, having a posted schedule of beach volleyball at 3, or paddle boarding at 10:15, or yoga at 8, takes away the element to the island that we have most loved - that of being completely unplugged from any expectation of having to be on a schedule. Sure one can opt not to participate, but just the presence of a scheduled program on island does change the atmosphere from this being a remote get away to an atmosphere of a scheduled retreat. For us there is a difference and we prefer the remote getaway. This is still our happy place and we will be back! The Pink Lady remains a wonderful day trip unique to Palm Island. Local entertainment from Union Island adds live music to the evenings. Rum is plentiful and served so many delicious ways. Local fresh fish is on every menu. The lobster is fantastic if you’re lucky enough to be here in the season. Who knew iguanas would become your vacation pet. The marine life is absolutely beautiful just yards off the beach. Sunrise and sunset are stunning and easily viewed from the beaches. The return guest sunset sail was a lovely event. Love the large thatched umbrellas on the beach that covered us from both the sun and the brief rain events! Six rainbows over Palm Island in one visit! We found the pot of gold. The crab races are exciting. Even better, the money raised from the betting is split between the winners and several charities on Union Island. Ginger sorbet is amazing. Nightly pillow notes lead to sweet thoughts for sweet dreams. A friendly smile is always only a glance away. We send our special thanks to Katie, Cyril, Alaska, Kashi, Cordill, Antoine, Keith, Olive, Nia, Trevor and all the wait staff for another amazing holiday! Cheers!

From the outset when we were met by Katie (the manager) and her staff at the dock it was fantatstic! Hotel (and island) was wonderful and kept very clean. Room was big could have been refreshed a bit, but no real complaint. Food was great. Staff wonderfully frendly. Bar only real complaint especialy in day time sometimes no one manning the bar, had to serve myself! Only one big problem for those flying with Virgin from UK. Flight from St Lucia was sheduled for 4.30pm and we landed at around 1pm. On way back left island at 9.45 landed in St Lucia at noon, for our flight at 19.35. A lot of haning around! I mention this as I could get no information from Virgin holidays on these transfers. On way back booked at a place called the Reef, not great but it had a beach.