The Grenadines
Score: 62

A string of several hundred islands that once ranked near the top of our ratings has fallen precipitously in the past two years due to dubious land deals with foreign firms and commercialization catering to cruise ships. Still, it is "a beautiful place that overall remains appealing."

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful place, encapsulating varied vistas in a small space. The threat of overdevelopment in a few locales remains high, but the destination overall remains appealing."

"The Grenadines have long fought mass tourism, and so far have not sold out or succumbed to the temptation, despite a few islands falling into private hands for the development of retreats for monied gentry."

"What a pity that the government has sold land owned by future generations to private foreign individuals! Several islands have been sold outright, while islands such as Canouan have over half of their land under private foreign control."

"A mixed bag. Although Mustique is an artificial villa community with virtually no authentic Caribbean character (and a number of homes with absurdly grandiose footprints), the company overseeing the island is making interesting moves regarding waste disposal and runoff. The Tobago Cayes have been markedly improved by the establishment of a marine park. Residents of nearby Union Island are actively involved in protection of the park, recognizing that their future tourism income depends on the islands being pristine. But other islands in the St. Vincent-governed archipelago are not so forward-looking: A major part of 3-square-mile Canouan is consumed by a golf course that leaches chemicals into the reefs. Much of the land on sweet little Mayreau has been purchased by expatriates, putting the character of this 200-inhabitant island at risk. And on St. Vincent, a hair-brained scheme to build an airport large enough for jets from Europe is underway, with construction funds coming from questionable sources."