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Privacy is at a premium these days, but you can escape most of the pressures of our connected culture at Petit St. Vincent, the island resort in the Grenadines that reopened last November after extensive refurbishment. That's because the retreat is unwired — there are no TVs, wi-fi networks or external telephones in the 22 cottages.

Petit St. Vincent became a resort in the 1960s and is today owned by American oilman Philip Stephenson and British property entrepreneur Robin Paterson. In 2011, they decided to upgrade the 47-hectare island's facilities, which were too simple for some. Guests previously had to trust the trade winds to cool rooms, but air-conditioning has now been installed. The old practice of summoning room service by raising a flag won't be around for much longer — house phones are being introduced — and luxurious new bathrooms are already in place. There's also a new beach bar and a Balinese spa.

It's a resourceful island. Some of the food is produced there: lobster abounds in local waters, and the resort rears its own chickens and grows vegetables. Even the Mini Mokes that transport guests and staff are locally made, using a body mold to adapt old Mini chassis. If you feel active, tennis, hiking and numerous water sports are on offer.

Food and nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cottage price ($1,350 per night and up in busier times), with accommodation either located hillside or on the 3 km of beach. See petitstvincent.com for details.

• Anwer Bati
• The Grenadines' unwired resort