Canouan, micro-paradise

If the Caribbean in the past evoked unsettling stories of pirates and assaults on sailboats heading towards the New World, today they are the dream of those seeking summer all year round, white sandy beaches, and a stunning sea. Over the years, many islands have vied for the title of the most exclusive destination in the Caribbean, but Canouan, in the archipelago of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, has earned the top spot.
We arrive with a scheduled flight to Barbados, then continue with a private jet. What colors, what a landscape! 

Welcoming us is Jennifer, our butler, who leads us to the Mandarin Oriental where we will be staying. Along the way, we pass through Charleston, a village that has remained as it was to allow the islanders to live according to their habits, with the addition of some necessary services like a school. Donated by those who have recently acquired much of the island, it allows young people to study without having to move. It is an example of integrated and sustainable development that has made it one of the favorite destinations for those looking for unspoiled places with high-level resorts, villas, and services.

The resort has five beaches. To choose where to go, simply consult your butler, even at short notice. For a magnificent day like Robinson Crusoe, we recommend Manhault Beach with sun loungers and parasols prepared just for us. A solitary swim awaits us, followed by a cool rosé while we wait for the à la carte lunch to arrive. Walking around the island, you always come across some turtles that move slowly and discreetly. So, be careful with your speed and driving. Turtles go their own way, crossing the greens of the magnificent 18-hole golf course designed by Jim Fazio, which stretches over the slope of Mount Royal, and the trails of the nearly 500 hectares of property, amidst tropical vegetation. Hole number nine offers one of the most panoramic views: from the top, the view spans over many of the 32 islands and atolls of the archipelago. At this point, a toast with champagne is needed.

Having overcome the laziness of the first day, we went paddleboarding in the beautiful bay of Shell Beach, made of coral fragments and white shells. Walking barefoot can be a bit challenging, but just get yourself a pair of water shoes to forget about it and enjoy a light lunch in the shade of the palm trees. On the way back, Jennifer picks us up with the golf cart. Spending some time in the magnificent Penthouse is also enjoyable. As for the kids, they can play at the Pirates of Canouan Kids & Teens Club. Really, nothing is missing.
 

From our terrace, we can see the beach boys in charge of water sports. Among them, there is Kabin who takes guests on a motorboat to snorkel in the coral bay which, at 2 kilometers, is the longest in the Caribbean. Kabin is so enthusiastic about his job that one day, short of passengers, he timidly approached to inform us of the perfect view of the seabed and the excellent sea conditions. We immediately took his message and jumped on the motorboat. Indeed, the underwater spectacle, even close to the shore, was amazing: corals, sea fans, moraine formations surrounded by a colorful cloud of marine creatures. We had already met Kabin on the excursion to the Royal Mount. We climbed up the slope, following barely marked paths that he knew well. Along the way, he stopped to describe flowers and animals in the undergrowth. Of course, we encountered some turtles struggling as they climbed, slipping between foliage and roots, towards the top. An example to follow: one must have patience to achieve goals. Through stops, we reached the top of the Royal Mount (267 meters) and once up there, we understood it was worth it: a spectacular view, perhaps even more impressive than that from hole 9.

We tasted the cuisine of the numerous restaurants scattered on the island. In their diversity, they won us over with high-quality ingredients and techniques. In particular, we appreciated the breakfast, with unusual and balanced dishes. If herbal teas and fruit and vegetable extracts are not to your liking (try the exquisite soursop one), you can also start the day with a mimosa cocktail. Our day started very early with a sunrise greeting by the sea. Even if we don't like getting up at dawn, it's easy to do in Canouan.

Because everything is magical there

Gastronomy in Canouan. We cannot overlook the other culinary experiences, including the one at L'Ance Guyac Beach Club, on Shelona Beach. We arrived there by buggy at sunset, along a torch-lit driveway. The wooden structure has areas with sofas overlooking the sea and tables on multiple levels, ensuring guests cozy corners. While waiting for our table, we met a family of Italian origin living in London for some time. Island regulars, they told us why they decided to buy one of the villas managed by Mandarin Oriental. After the excellent Mediterranean-inspired dinner, to the rhythm of the warm waves of the bay, we ended the evening at the Turtles Bar with our new friends. It felt like being in the Hamptons, with sparkling wooden decorations with a nautical theme.
 

The next day we went to the Tobago Cays, five islets in the center of a protected marine area. We also brought with us a rich picnic divided into large packages closed with an elegant fuchsia ribbon. Together with the guide, we explored the seabeds and swam among the sea turtles. The air was clear, the colors sharp, between the white sand and the blue sky. A perfect setting that certainly did not escape the attention of Hollywood producers. In fact, some scenes of the Pirates of the Caribbean saga (2003-2017) were also filmed here.

The spa and fitness center. We ended the day as guests in the villa of our friends. Here we appreciated the innovative concept of the recently built Patio Villas. The contemporary architecture seamlessly integrates with nature through large panoramic windows that open up to the infinity pool and the sea below. We live outdoors, refreshed by the sea breeze. Carefully selected furniture, precious materials, natural colors, convey a sense of tranquility and well-being.

The villa has three rooms in the main building and an annex, to discreetly accommodate guests. The services are the same as those of the resort, including butler, golf cart, and private chef. For dinner, we were delighted with the Pan-Asian cuisine of the Asianne restaurant that we had already tried before.