Canouan, located in the heart of the Grenadines, isn't your typical beach getaway. With 3 miles of secluded white sand beaches and access to one of the largest coral reefs in the Tobago Cays, this idyllic island is the Caribbean's best-kept secret.
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Where: The Grenadines, comprised of 30 small islands covers 150 square miles in the Southern Caribbean between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. Canouan Island, less than 20 miles south from celebrity-filled Mustique is 110 miles west of Barbados and can be reached via a quick 40-minute charter flight from the Barbados airport. Don't forget your camera; the views as you fly to the island are beyond spectacular.
Unlike its larger Caribbean counterparts, Canouan (meaning “Island of the turtles” in Carib-Indian) spans a modest 3.5 miles by 4.25 miles; a tranquil respite much of which is surrounded by lush vegetation, private coves and gleaming white beaches. Charlestown, its capital village with a population of 1,200 is an eclectic fusion of old-world heritage and untouched landscape.
Where to stay: Indulge your travel itinerary by experiencing luxury at its finest at Raffles Resort. Situated on a sprawling 300 acres of a 1,200-acre private estate, the intimate retreat (which was built in an amphitheatre style around the rolling hills of the island) offers its guests inviting, yet chic villa suite accommodations that would make even the most seasoned urban girl feel like an island princess. Pamper yourself with the RafflesAmrita Spa amenities before taking a dip in your private plunge pool. Then, jet off on your very own golf cart(the main form of transportation around the resort) to tour the island while taking in the panoramic views of the protected bays and coral reef. After sightseeing, pop into Bellini's Bar located in the Galleria where you can sip a cool cocktail under their cozy terrace.
What to do: Whether you're an active athlete or a languid lady of leisure, the Resort offers a multitude of possibilities to explore the island's unique beauty. Snorkel gear, wind surfing and hydro-bikes are all complimentary to guests while scuba diving excursions and day sails can all be arranged. An absolute must? Book a snorkeling trip on the Splendid Adventurer; a catamaran owned and operated by the oh-so-affable British couple Phil and Nicola Jones who will take you through the Tobago Cays to swim with sea turtles. Perfect your swing by going for a round at the Trump International Golf Club; a challenging championship par 72 course. Not to be missed is the redesigned #16 hole which is one of longest par 3 golf holes in the Caribbean.
