Petit St. Vincent Helps Guests Tune Out Work

Like an overloaded computer in need of a reboot, stressed-out executives sometimes just need to disconnect from work.

Celebrities and CEOs have been visiting Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines for decades to work on their "not-to-do lists." Owner Lynn Richardson and her late husband, both Americans, turned this 113-acre island into a small resort in 1968. There are just 22 secluded cottages, some with their own private beach access and others on a hill with sweeping ocean views.

There are no scheduled activities. Unlike many Caribbean islands, it has no cruise-ship port, casino, nightclub, golf course or shopping district. There are no crowds at all. The only place you'll see other guests is at the main pavilion, where they serve simple fare made with local ingredients, or at its low-key bar.

Forget watching television in your room or playing on your laptop. There are no TVs or telephones in the rooms. You order room service, for which there's no extra charge, by hoisting a yellow flag in front of your cottage and leaving a note with your request. The red flag indicates "do not disturb."

There are several thatched shelters on the west side of the island, equipped with hammocks and stocked with fresh water. While the beach is cluttered with coral and rocks, the underwater terrain makes for great snorkeling, and equipment is always available. Loungers can use the flagpole system to order lunch, tea and cocktails to their hammocks.

Adventurous guests can dine on Petit St. Richardson, also known as Sandy Isle. It's a sandspit about 15 minutes offshore with nothing but a thatched umbrella and a few pelicans. The islands staff will bring you and your meal there in a little boat. Plan a visit for breakfast or lunch because it lacks lights for dinner.