TRAVEL
PARADISE FOUND CONT.
‘Prisoner-esq’, mini mokes - the island’s charmingly
unique transportation that has been in use since the
resort’s incarnation in the 60’s - ready to dispatch
us to our secluded abodes.
In fact, the whole backstory to PSV is as charming
and endearing as its clear turquoise waters, w hite
sand beaches and glorious sunrises and sunsets.
Unlike many Caribbean islands, PSV has managed
to escape over-commercialism, over-development
and the air of over-the-top all inclusive resortness
that stifles many a tropical escape. To this day
it remains privately owned, having been bought
from a neighbouring islander (who used it for her
goats!) in the 60’s and changing hands only once
since, in 2010.
Scattered over the 115-acre terrain there are just 6
two-bedroom villas and 16 one-bedroom cottages.
Constructed in traditional West Indian style from
bluebitch stone (harvested from the island itself), in
the days pre-air conditioning, the design - cool
surfaces, peaked roofs, wide decks and numerous
windows; as well as the positioning - some right on
the beach, some on hillsides and some, including
my own, up on the cliff-top ocean bluff; were all
purposeful measures to utilise the tradewinds as well
as the spectacular views.
This interesting layout also means that each of the
cottages, which were originally designed in
62
cooperation with Swedish architect Arne Hasselqvist,
who built many of the original homes on the nearby
island of Mustique, has its own USP; direct beach
access, panoramic island views or, like mine,
spectacular sunsets. All offer absolute privacy. cookie-jar - a magic jar of cookie happiness that
is constantly replenished by the discreet, yet
immediately available, staff.
An island refurbishment, by Miami-based D’Amico
Design Associates in 2011, transformed the interiors
by adding a new colour scheme of blues and
island-inspired textures, local artwork and teak
accents, whilst keeping the original design structure
true to form and the traditional understated luxury
vibe intact. If you are desperate, you can wave your wifi-enabled
goods around reception to pick up a signal should
you absolutely need to, or you can risk connecting
to 3G. But due to the island’s positioning, you can
jump from country providers quicker and costlier,
than you can shout digital detox - and frankly with
the allure of deserted beaches, restorative yoga,
hilltop hikes, treetop massages, diving, sailing trips
and an abundance for fine food and drinks - why
would you bother?
Opening the heavy wooden gate to my private
terrace, the cottage was simply breathtaking.
Outside a hammock swaying the breeze, sunloungers
offering full views of the yachts sailing below, the
table perfect for early morning breakfasts, late
afternoon teas, pre dinner cocktails…
Inside a cosy lounge with coffee-table reading, a
huge bedroom with a king size bed, and the bathroom
with shutters open to offer uninterrupted sounds of
the ocean crashing below.
Today the villas and cottages are equipped with air
con, as well as Italian linen, Mascioni towels, Bvlgari
toiletries, Bose sound systems, Nespresso coffee
machines, a well-stocked mini-bar and the legendary
And there is, of course, NO WIFI!
There is still communication on the island though,
via a quirky, and amazingly efficient, flagpole system.
Outside of every cottage and villa, and alongside the
beachside hammocks and palm-leaved-thronged
palapas, is a hollowed out bamboo letter box with
red and yellow flags. Don’t wish to be disturbed?
Raise the red flag and wallow in your utter,
interruption-free privacy. Need something? Then
raise the yellow flag and leave a note to request
anything from a mini-moke ride to dinner, to
breakfast in bed, lunch by the beach or pre-dinner
cocktails - all delivered by the villa butlers who arrive,
trays hanging out the side of their mini-mokes, like
desert-island heros.