Long Weekend in Canouan Island

Once you leave the Canouan airport and take in the island's beauty, start your visit with a check-in to the Mandarin Oriental, located on the northern end of the island. Formerly known as Pink Sands Club, the Mandarin Oriental sits on 1,200 acres known as the Grenadines Estate and offers guests access to a pristine private beachfront. The Mandarin is my personal favorite luxury hotel on the island, but I can certainly recommend other hotel options if you’d like. 

Since it’s a travel day, take it easy by unpacking and heading down for breakfast or lunch at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, the Lagoon Cafe. At the Lagoon Cafe, you’ll find a superb Mediterranean-inspired menu serving seafood tapas, such as locally caught prawns and lobster. If seafood or breakfast isn’t your thing, don’t worry, the café serves classic breakfast fare too, such as eggs benedict and buttermilk pancakes.

Afterward, change into your swimsuit to relax at either the beach or pool. On Canouan island, the Mandarin Oriental is nestled alongside the Godahl Beach, whose golden sand is mere steps from the hotel’s villas and pool. At the beach, you can partake in activities like kayaking and paddle-boarding, as well as snorkeling and diving excursions. 

Because this is vacation and poolside cocktails are a must, slide up to the Pool Bar for Peruvian-inspired snacks (like fresh ceviche) and tropical cocktails (like a Barbados Rum Punch). For dinner, the Tides Bar + Grill serves up surf-and-turf dishes in a relaxed and romantic setting. After you’ve had your fill of conch salad and spiny lobster ravioli, head down to the Turtles Lounge and Bar for live music.

The next morning, head for breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Asianne. This Pan-Asian restaurant serves a stellar breakfast menu, including eggs royale on a croissant, salmon cocottes, and saltfish and coconut doughboys. 

Afterward, take a short ride to Tobago Cays for a snorkeling trip. Tobago is an archipelago with extensive coral reefs found in the southern Grenadines. This small cluster of uninhabited islands is home to some of the most beautiful underwater sites around. Here, you’ll get a chance to experience the majesty of swimming alongside wild sea turtles in cerulean blue waters. 

As part of your excursion, enjoy lunch at the sheltered Shell Beach, where a bar and grill awaits with Caribbean fare. 

Once back at the Mandarin Oriental, relax your muscles with a wellness treatment, like a full body massage or signature facial, or take a dive in the infinity pool on the terrace before heading down for dinner and cocktails over ocean views at the Lagoon Cafe.

On your third day, head out on a catamaran to the private island of Mustique, a celebrity favorite hideaway in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Mustique is home to dramatic hills, serene beaches, luxury villas and a slew of experiences to choose from. Whether it’s scuba diving, horseback riding down the beach or playing tennis at the world-renowned Mustique Tennis Club, a day trip to this island is sure to prove indulgent.

While here, don’t skip on grabbing a bite and a beer at the iconic Basil’s Bar. For 50 years, this beach bar has been a go-to spot for fishermen, pirates, locals and travelers to kick back and relax. 

After lunch, explore Mustique island by heading down one of the many hiking trails that weave their way through lush jungles and past scenic views. 

Once back at the Mandarin Oriental, take a late afternoon golf cart to tour the property, luxury Jim Fazio 18-hole golf course, and soak in the beauty of the on-site Anglican Church, dating back to the 17th-century. Consider booking the Castaway dining experience for dinner, which sets you up with a private and secluded outdoor dinner and menu.

On your last day in paradise, take a 30 minute guided hike up Mount Royal for panoramic views of Canouan and the surrounding islands. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, such as turtles, hummingbirds and hermit crabs. The hike can be a bit steep, but there is a flatter spot near the summit where you can sit and relax with a view. For those traveling with children or older adults, the hike is easy enough; just make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and a walking stick (if needed).

Afterward, take the Hobie cat (a sailboat with two pontoons that fit three to four people) to sail along the coast. There are various water sports to enjoy at the hotel, whether you want to snorkel, kayak, paddleboard or windsurf. For snorkelers, a quick stroll down the beach will treat you to hidden coves. 

Head to the nearby Canouan Estate Resort & Villas for a special meal at the L'Anse Guyac Beach Club for dinner. Here, you’ll find a beautiful restaurant overlooking the secluded L'Anse Guyac beach with fresh seafood dishes.