Mandarin Oriental Canouan is set on the northeast coast of Canouan in St Vincent and the Grenadines, within a leafy 1,200-acre gated estate. The small island measures five square miles and is surrounded by the Caribbean’s largest living coral reef. The resort has a chic, intimate and relaxed character, with clear seas, powdery beaches and vibrant greenery shaping the setting. It suits you if you want a quieter Caribbean stay with beach time, dining, sport and spa facilities close at hand.

The accommodation includes 26 elegantly furnished, ocean-facing suites alongside tranquil Lagoon Villas and contemporary Patio Villas. Suites and villas are spacious, light-filled and positioned on a quiet hillside or overlooking the white-sand beach, with ocean views and marble bathrooms. In-room Apple iPads allow you to manage your stay. Lagoon Villas have private infinity pools, while the Italian-designed Patio Villas feature private pools and outdoor patio living areas for more space outdoors.

Days can be as active as you choose. The resort has a Fazio-designed championship 18-hole golf course, tennis and a Water Sports centre with Hobie Cats, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment. Boat and snorkelling excursions are also available, along with hiking and excursions to nearby islands. The Kids’ Club provides a dedicated option for younger visitors, while the beach and infinity pool offer an easy alternative when you prefer a slower pace.

The resort has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, while the Kids’ Club has two additional pools. Private pools are also available with Lagoon Villas and Patio Villas. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is tucked into the hillside and has ten treatment suites overlooking the sea, with a wide range of holistic therapies. A fully equipped fitness centre is also available, giving you options for both exercise and quieter time during the day.

Five restaurants and bars are located within the resort, with another three within Canouan Estate, a short golf-cart drive away. Asianne’s serves breakfast with light, healthy choices as well as more indulgent dishes. TIDES BAR + GRILL focuses on food from land and sea, while The Lagoon Café specialises in Mediterranean-style seafood and tapas. Turtles Bar has maritime-inspired décor and is suited to a drink before or after dinner. You can also find fresh lobster, catch of the day and light bites by the pool.

Canouan is known as the island of tortoises and offers several points of interest beyond the resort. You can walk along the powdery white sands of Godahl Beach, while Mount Royal is the highest point on the island and is known for its panorama. A 17th-century church was brought from England in the early 1800s and reconstructed stone by stone. Commercial inter-island air transfers operate via Grenadines Alliance by SVG Air, and Canouan also has a 5,900-foot illuminated runway.