I scoured the Internet for a small, quiet, beachfront hotel and Bigsand on Union really seemed to fit the bill. We were not disappointed.

Yes, Union (like the other Grenadines) is not easy to get to. We flew from Ottawa (via Toronto) on Air Canada to Barbados. At the Barbados airport we were met by reps from SVG Air who took care of all our transfers. Everything went smoothly and according to plan. (our return flight with Air Canada is another story!)

Union is a very quaint 'old fashioned' caribbean island. You won't find 5* hotels, or casinos, nightclubs or shopping malls. You will see more goats than people during your stay. It is a wonderful place to go to recharge one's batteries.

Bigsand Hotel is a small (20 rooms) charmer right on a lovely white sand beach.

We booked the honeymoon suite and were given room #3. We had more space than we needed with a living room, kitchenette, full bathroom, bedroom and large balcony. The views from our balcony were mesmerizing.

The hotel has a full service restaurant and bar. You can take all your meals there, or simply walk to Clifton (about one mile away). We enjoyed all our meals at the hotel. We did eat out one night (our anniversary) at the Bouganvillia in Clifton. The Bouganvillia has a lovely selection of fresh fish and lobster (in season).

If lying on the beach is too 'strenuous', there is excellent snorkeling right off the beach, with some amazing reefs to the left side of the hotel. Or, you can walk pretty much the entire island in less than one day, or you can rent a bike at reasonable cost right from the hotel. Need a drive? Just ask the front desk.

The staff were always extremely accomodating and eager to please.

We did only one organized trip, and that was the day sail on the wooden schooner, the Scaramouche (of Disney pirates fame). This day trip takes you to Mayreau, Palm Island and the Tobago Cays. A light breakfast and lunch as well as open bar are included. (their rum punches are surprisingly good!). We really enjoyed this day as it gave us the opportunity to see some of the other islands and do some great snorkeling.

Weather in April was hot, sunny and dry; perfect.

If you want to check out Union Island, or simply spend a few days while you island hop, do check out the Bigsand Hotel. It is very reasonably priced and you cannot beat its gorgeous beach location.

If you have further questions, email me at: ivona_lancaster@hotmail.com.