EAT
Star power For a laid-back evening under the night skies there’s L’Ance Guyac (above) at the Mandarin Oriental Canouan, where we stayed. It’s a barefoot-friendly spot on an idyllic secluded beach, serving up flavour-packed dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Fans include George Clooney – and us, now we’ve tasted its baked chocolate volcano cake with mango sauce.
Seaside service Tides Bar + Grill, also at the Mandarin Oriental, has a well-crafted menu featuring standouts like crab cakes, beef tartare, pan-seared scallops, rack of lamb, and jumbo prawns topped with smoked trout caviar. The setting is just as impressive – the dining room has peaceful ocean views, while the terrace is alfresco heaven (weather permitting). It’s an experience that perfectly encapsulates island luxury.
STAY
High-end haunt Adored for its exclusivity, the Mandarin Oriental Canouan (above) sits between turquoise waters and green hills (£1,061 per night, mandarinoriental.com). The suites and villas are super-spacious, with walk-in wardrobes and private balconies overlooking Godahl Beach and the Atlantic. The marble bathrooms, with their huge baths and multi-jet showers, feel like a personal spa.
Royal rooms Soho Beach House has direct access to palm-lined sands (£590 a night, sohohouse.com). Its 40 rooms are sleek yet unpretentious; and the design evokes a stylish friend’s ocean-view pad more than a typical resort. The vibe is warm, with delicious food in the restaurant, weekly pilates and yoga classes and a Cowshed spa. It’s easy to see why, a couple of years ago, it found favour with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
LOVE
Jungle nook The Spa at Mandarin Oriental (above) is like a secret jungle treehouse, tucked away amid greenery with views over the Caribbean Sea. Wandering down wooden walkways and through rustling trees to get there is half the fun. On arrival I was greeted with ginger-honey tea before my stress-busting Oriental Essence massage (£254 for 90 mins) soundtracked by real-life ocean waves and birdsong. A transporting experience.
Vitamin sea One of the best ways to explore the area is by boat. With 32 islands and cays close by you’ll get to immerse yourself in local natural beauty, marine life and quiet beaches. We snorkelled in clear blue waters, swam with sea turtles and cruised past settings where Pirates Of The Caribbean was filmed. The highlight? Alphonso’s, a relaxed beachside spot known for its grilled lobster.
