Tiny, arid, privately owned and nearly forgotten Mayreau Island, The Grenadines, is just 1.5 sq mi/4 sq km. Some of its fewer than 200 residents do double duty as anglers and staff for the only hotel on the island. Cruise ships anchor for three- to four-hour stays either in the sweeping arc of Salt Whistle Bay or off Saline Bay to the south, both on the western side of the island.
Although there is little going on in Mayreau, one of the island's saving graces is that both bays have powdery white-sand beaches fringed with coconut palms—in fact, almost every inch of coastline is a white-sand beach.
Climb the hill from Saline Bay, stopping for a drink at Robert Righteous in the friendly village, then visit the Catholic church on the peak. Its interior is both nautical and mystical, a museum displays local finds, and there's a breathtaking view of the Tobago Cays from out back. If you decide to walk farther—over to Salt Whistle Bay, for instance—wear long pants or high socks: The island's vegetation is thorny.
You can get to Mayreau via a 30-minute boat ride from Union Island.
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