How do you like the sound of white powdered beaches, personalised luxury service, fabulous food and a secluded Caribbean hideaway surrounded by magical marine life? Escape to Mandarin Oriental, Canouan - one of the world's most sought-after, private island escapes - and get set to enjoy all of this and much, much more.
For... Families
For a luxury family holiday that is filled with memories, laughter and alfresco adventures, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is hard to beat. Choose one of the Italian-designed Patio Villas for up to three bedrooms, an infinity pool and panoramic ocean vistas, while the hillside Lagoon Villas are set across three storeys, home to four bedrooms, a den, living room, full-service kitchen and private infinity pool with - you guessed it - beautiful views. Little travellers are sure to be delighted at The Pirates of Canouan Kids' Club, offering everything from games consoles and Mac computers, to cooking classes, beach games and locally inspired t-shirt painting. There's also a fantastic play area featuring a sunken trampoline and a pirate ship with climbing frames, ideally located just steps from Godhal Beach. Babysitting services are available upon request allowing parents to enjoy a child-free evening, and for teenagers, the spa offers dedicated treatments.
For... Lovers
Nowhere quite says romance like a secluded private island surrounded by idyllic beaches and cobalt-blue lagoons... luckily, that's exactly what Canouan offers. Romantic days may begin with a lazy breakfast in the privacy of your suite or villa, before a scenic boat trip, side-by-side a massage or simply lounging with a cocktail beside the infinity pool. The perfect chance to toast to the two of you or even pop the question, the Castaway dining experience encourages you to forget all about the rest of the world and truly connect with eachother. Maybe you'd like to enjoy a barbecue as the only guests on a beach as far as the eye can see, or perhaps you'd prefer a true Robinson Crusoe-style picnic on a private island? Whatever your dining dreams, they will be made a reality.
For... Foodies
From impressive breakfast spreads to light poolside lunches to elegant dinners, dining is a huge part of any memorable luxury holiday. Though a tiny island - measuring just five square miles - Canouan is home to ten restaurants, five of which are located within the Mandarin Oriental property. East meets West in fine-dining favourite Asianne, where menus combine rich Thai and Indonesian flavours with the zest of the Caribbean. TIDES BAR + GRILL is the place to head for all things seafood - from locally sourced conch salad to salt-baked whole fish carved right beside you - while the Lagoon Café celebrates the fresh flavours of the Mediterranean, serving tasty tapas with a side of stunning sea views.
For... Wellness Seekers
Be enveloped by sense of calm as you head towards the magnificent Mandarin Oriental Spa, home to seven serene treatment suites that nestle into the hillside. The menu of treatments combines modern wellness technologies and premium ESPA products with the natural bounty of the Caribbean, incorporating natural ingredients such as coconut, ginger, frangipani and sea-salt. Listen to the sound of the rolling waves as you unwind with a massage, facial or soothing scrub, adapted by the expert therapists to suit you perfectly. Soak up stunning sea views as you enjoy guided yoga and meditation, or head to the fitness centre for a heart-rate boost with the latest equipment.
For... Active Travellers
Such serenity, stunning scenery and wonderful wellness facilities make Mandarin Oriental, Canouan ideal for a relaxing escape, though there is plenty for adventure-seekers here too. Part of the gorgeous Grenadines archipelago, the island offers access to some of the planet's most picturesque locations. Snorkel directly over the house reef, take to the waves with windsurfing, or head a little further afield on boat trips, diving excursions and swimming with turtles! The fun continues on land at the only championship 18-hole golf course in the Grenadines, which rises dramatically from sea level to the 840-foot-high rim of an extinct volcano. Considered one of the world's top ten fairways, the par-72 Jim Fazio course offers epic views of the beaches and reef. More glorious views await atop Mount Royal, the highest peak on the island at 240-metres tall. A guided hike will take you to the summit, from which you can soak up simply spellbinding panoramas over the islands of the Grenadines - including Mustique, Union Island and more.
Getting There: Just a 20-minute flight from St Lucia and Grenada, and 45 minutes from Barbados, Canouan is within easy reach of many Caribbean destinations. The island's 5,900ft runway can also host private jets if you want to arrive in real style.