Interisland Portal

Head to the South Pacific via Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan.

by Lane Nieset

Aerial view of turquoise ocean water along a lush green coastline, with several wooden villas nestled on a hillside above a small sandy beach under a partly cloudy sky.

Carved into a lush hillside that spills onto pristine, eggshell-colored sands, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan (mandarinoriental.com) could be mistaken for being in Bora Bora or Bali—a deliberate design choice for this transportive Caribbean retreat. Perched above the sea, 10 thatched-roof, palapa-style treatment rooms set the stage for a spa experience that blends the best of island seclusion with Mandarin Oriental’s signature spoils.

Tropical beach with clear turquoise water, white sand, palm trees, and wooden cottages nestled on a lush green hillside under a blue sky.

Since rebranding in 2018, the property has cemented itself as one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations, rivaling nearby Mustique. Accessible only by yacht, ferry, private jet, or twin-otter prop plane from a major Caribbean hub, the three-square-mile island remains a haven for those seeking privacy and indulgence. Set within a 1,200-acre estate community protected by the region’s largest natural coral reef, the resort’s accommodations reflect its commitment to grandeur. All 26 colonial-style suites, adorned in marble, offer uninterrupted ocean views or direct beach access, while eight Italian-designed villas feature infinity pools and Jacuzzis.

A spa room with two massage tables, a staff member preparing the room, and two people on the balcony overlooking a turquoise ocean and lush greenery. Wicker chairs and a scenic view create a relaxing atmosphere.

Following a temporary closure after Hurricane Beryl, the resort reopened in fall 2024 with a fresh take on island wellness. The Spa Safari is a curated morning journey that begins with a sunrise hike up Mount Royal (the island’s highest peak) for panoramic views of Mustique, Union Island, and Petit Saint Vincent. Guests then visit the resort’s turtle sanctuary (an homage to the island’s Arawakan name, Canouan, meaning “turtle”) before indulging in a healthy breakfast of açaí bowls and spinach egg white omelets. The experience culminates in a spa day featuring a Balinese massage and a Jacuzzi ritual, complete with Champagne and canapés.

A massage therapist in a beige uniform is giving a relaxing back massage to a woman lying face down on a massage table covered with a white towel, in a calm, softly lit room.

Spring 2025 debuted the Elements of Tranquility retreat (from $2,500/room/night). The five-day, highly personalized program combines daily signature massages with curated wellness experiences, including yoga and meditation led by top-tier instructors such as Laura Dodd, founder of The Yoga Class, an award-winning app. Future retreats will feature additional wellness luminaries, with details available on the resort’s website.

A person with dark hair in a bun stands on a wooden deck, overlooking a lush green hillside, white sandy beach, and turquoise ocean under a bright blue sky. Some buildings are scattered along the shore and hillside.

With its evolving wellness offerings, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan continues to set a new standard for holistic luxury in the Caribbean—one that merges breathtaking nature with the art of rejuvenation.