There are so many places in the world with unique identities and offerings. So, what is special about St. Vincent & the Grenadines?

After all, the multi-island state has a capital city considered less than hassle-free to walk through, and a public transportation system which leaves much to be desired.

Its major infrastructure is only now coming on stream, for instance, international air access was only just opened in 2017 with the commissioning of the Argyle International Airport in February 2017 and a Jet Port in Canouan, a few years before.

Amidst these factors holding back St. Vincent’s attractiveness as a major tourist destination, here are five (5) reasons why St. Vincent and The Grenadines are special and worthy of your bucket list:

The country is big on natural beauty: from the Huffington Post to Forbes Magazine, to the Telegraph Newspaper, beaches, especially in the Grenadines, have repeatedly made lists of some of the world’s best beaches. To add to that, the natural beauty of the Islands of the Grenadines and the eco-tourism and adventure-filled offerings of mainland St. Vincent make the destination every traveller’s wish.

Rich in history: St. Vincent has one of the oldest botanical gardens in the western hemisphere. Created in 1765, the more than 250-year-old gardens boasts of several plant species which will capture the interest of nature lovers. The gardens also house the Amazona Guildingii, a parrot endemic to St. Vincent and The Grenadines and one of the rarest bird species on earth. The Garden, however, is simply one of several notable historical sites of interest found on St. Vincent.

The country is big on conservation: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has one of the oldest forest reserves in the western hemisphere and one of the oldest conservation laws in existence. According to Discover St. Vincent & The Grenadines, “the King’s Hill Reserve, established in 1791 is one of the oldest Forest Reserves in the Western Hemisphere. With an elevation of 600 feet, it provides a habitat for protected wildlife and a home for more than 26 identified species of tropical trees and shrubs”.

The country also has its first climate compliance centre, fully powered by renewable energy and dedicated to conservation. The centre is privately operated by an NGO – Richmond Vale Academy and hosts students and visitors from all over the world teaching them climate compliance.

The world’s best Rum: believe it or not, St. Vincent and the Grenadines boasts of producing an award-winning Rum. Both the Sparrow’s Rum and the Sunset Strong Rum captured top awards in the 2016 and 2017 World Rum Awards. The rum produced by St. Vincent Distillers Ltd, received best overproof rum (2016) and World’s best rum 2017. Gold was also captured in 2015.

Some of the most beautiful sailing waters in the world: a paradise for scuba divers, sailors and snorkelers is what is found in The Grenadines and some coastal parts of mainland St. Vincent, such as Richmond beach and Questelles bay. If you’ve ever had that friend who hides where they vacation, but you always see stunning underwater pictures, then chances are, they don’t want you to experience the underwater heaven which exists in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Places such as the Tobago Cays Marine Park are a yachtsman paradise.

Beauty, rich history and culture abound throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but this hidden gem in the southern Caribbean is about to be a secret uncovered, as more persons are discovering the uniqueness of the destination.