While white sand beaches and turquoise waters are de rigueur at Caribbean resorts, at St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, the reality might even be more spectacular than the photos filling your social media feed.
Perched on a picturesque island you rarely hear about, the Canouan resort retains its authenticity thanks to minimal development, intimate crowds and a healthy turtle population — “Canouan” is the Carib word for “island of turtles,” after all. Mandarin Oriental adds its signature touch to the island with a boutique-sized hideaway complete with butler service, fine-dining venues and an infinity pool perfectly punctuated with pink umbrellas in a stylish nod to the property’s former life as the Pink Sands club.
Beloved for its privacy and exclusivity, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan’s crescent-shaped shores invite you to explore as much (or as little) as you desire, which is just how a Caribbean escape ought to be.
- The all-suite Mandarin Oriental, Canouan’s accommodations are some of the most spacious in the business, starting at a palatial 1,300 square feet. Among the luxurious trappings are walk-in closets, marble dual-vanity bathrooms with large bathtubs and multi-jet showers, and extra-large outdoor spaces.
- While its location certainly can’t be beaten, the Canouan hotel’s service is second to none. From the welcome drink in a coconut carved with your name to a cube of frozen aloe vera left in your room after a long day at the beach, the staff here goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.
- Sea-inspired pampering is made even more luxurious thanks to oceanfront treatment villas built into the resort’s mountainside. Two overwater villas that debuted in 2022 elevate the spa experience with private balconies, steam showers and glass floors that look onto turquoise waters that lull you to sleep.
- The luxury resort provides a front-row seat to the Caribbean’s largest living coral reef, making snorkeling excursions a must.
- Land-loving adventurers can opt for a self-guided e-bike tour of the resort’s 1,200 acres or a hike up Mount Royal for gorgeous views from the island’s highest peak. Either way, be sure to end your day with a dip on one of the property’s five white-sand beaches.
- Start your day with ocean breezes and breakfast classics at airy Asianne, where specials range from light avocado and prawn toast to indulgent Vincentian chocolate pancakes.
- Succulent steakhouse fare gets a Caribbean twist at Tides Bar + Grill. The signature dining venue is a swanky spot for cocktails and small plates (surf and turf gnocchi) or larger cuts (the impressive Dedham Vale tomahawk steak).
- Savor fresh Mediterranean-inspired bites just steps from Godahl Beach at Lagoon Cafe. Fresh salads, pasta and light bites provide the perfect pick-me-up between dips in the turquoise waters.
- Beachside, Turtles offers a chic respite from the island sun. The Hamptons-inspired lounge specializes in elevated tropical tipples, like the Pepper Bliss (Sunset light rum, bell pepper syrup, basil, pineapple and lemon juices and orange bitters) and the #3 (cilantro-infused vodka, caramelized onion syrup, ginger syrup, lemon juice and Cointreau).
- For the ultimate in private dining, book a multi-course Castaway experience. Simply select your perfect location and choice of menu and you’ll be whisked away to your chosen sandy spot for a beachside lunch or starlit dinner.
Babysitting services
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Golf
Gym
House car
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
If you fly into BGI or SVD, you will need to take an inter-island SVG Air transfer to Canouan (it’s a one-hour flight for the former and 15 minutes for the latter). The hotel recommends fly via Barbados, where a VIP airport concierge team will meet you before immigration and expedite your arrival.
