What’s the next “it” destination in the Caribbean? It could be St. Vincent. Though it’s in between St. Lucia and Grenada, the island has long been overlooked by the Grenadines. People would fly into Kingstown, the capital, and immediately fly or sail south to the smaller, remote islands. This volcanic island is beautiful, though. It’s mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches are largely untouched. The economy is based on agriculture—mostly banana plantations—not tourism. And now a new resort is trying to change your opinion of Vincy.

You, too, land in Kingstown. But unlike your fellow passengers, this is your final destination. You head northwest along the coast to Buccament Bay. Lush greenery is to your right; sparkling water is to your left. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the calm, protected bay that is home to the new Buccament Bay Resort.

The first thing you’ll notice is the pool. Or, in this case, pools. Two tiered pools overlook the white-sand beach and the turquoise bay. You’re ready to drop your bags, quickly change, and relax on one of the cushioned wicker beach chairs. And then you see your room. The one-bedroom villa has a vaulted ceiling, a separate living room, and modern “necessities” like an espresso maker and an iPod dock. You open the doors to the deck to find a plunge pool and a view of the bay. Now you may just stay in your room.

The next morning, join the group doing planks and forward folds on the beach. Cool down with an iced coffee or a banana smoothie at HQ. Learn how to swing a cricket bat or join a pick-up soccer match. Have a deep relaxation treatment with hot volcanic stones at the spa. Find your spot on the beach. Order your first fruity drink of the day when a steel drum band starts playing on the sand. Cool off in the pool or try to find seahorses in the bay with your snorkel gear. Join a sunset cruise for a rum punch, canapés, and dolphin sightings. Decide where to go for dinner: Safran for Indian curry or the Ginger & Co. Sushi Bar for sashimi. And return to your plunge pool for a late-night dip.

You could repeat this schedule for the rest of the week, but your gaze keeps settling on the green mountain behind the resort. Then the bartender at the Bay Beach Club mentions the nearby Vermont Nature Trail. That settles it. You’re leaving your perfect beach—just for a little while—to go hiking. The trail starts in the Buccament Valley. It’s easy at first, but it quickly begins getting steeper and slipperier. You pass bamboo and towering ferns. A Grenada Tree Anole scampers up the side of a tree. You see Whistling Warblers, Green-capped Tanagers, and even an Antillean Crested Hummingbird. It’s getting humid, so you stop for a drink of water. And you can already hear the trumpeting St. Vincent Amazons ahead, though you can’t see them yet.

Eventually, you do see one of the long parrots. He’s a colorful bird with a yellow head, a green-and-gold body, and bright purple, blue, and green wings. Soon, he’s not alone. Two more join him. Three more are up ahead. And then you’re surrounded by beautiful birds. You’ll return down the hillside to the beach soon. But for now, you’re happy seeing a side of Vincy that few people take the time to visit.