The private island resort of Petit St Vincent - located in the island nation of St.Vincent in the Grenadines - is undergoing a major upgrade to include the addition of a boutique spa.

First opened in 1968, the island hideaway is currently home to a boutique-style resort with 22 cliff-side or beach-front villas but there are major plans to overhaul the offering.

Now the property of Freedom Resorts Ltd, a company co-owned by the British property developer Robin Paterson and the Texan-based former oilman Phil Stephenson, the duo intend to create a high-end destination with new plans for the resort including a spa pavilion.

Work on the new development - which will also include significant upgrades to existing accommodations, a new restaurant and a children's club - will commence on 1 May 2011 for six months, while the resort will be open as usual until then. Details: www.psvresort.com