Our Head of Caribbean & Mexico, Pip, recently visited Canouan and in this journal she shares her experience of this very special island. 

Just a short 30-minute flight from Barbados is the stunning island of Canouan, part of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Canouan has been on my bucket list for years, so I was incredibly excited to finally visit – and it certainly did not disappoint!

I flew over on Executive Air, a private charter service, which makes the transfer completely seamless. Landing next to the iconic Sandy Lane Marina, with superyachts moored up, gives you your first hint of the luxury that awaits on Canouan.

I spent two nights at Mandarin Oriental Canouan, and, from the moment you walk in, it is simply gorgeous. As you enter the lobby, your eye is instantly drawn to the sweeping ocean views. You're handed a personalised coconut as your welcome drink and immediately feel like your every need is going to be taken care of.

I stayed in a One Bedroom Oceanview Suite, which was incredibly spacious and beautifully appointed – the room just kept going! A large bathroom and separate dressing room lead into the bedroom, where the TV is cleverly hidden within a mirror, before opening into the living area. Throw open the balcony doors and let the lovely Caribbean breeze drift through, making the space feel even bigger.

After a leisurely lunch at Lagoon Café, I did a full site inspection of the property, quickly learning that my enormous room was actually on the smaller side compared to some of the others! As you walk around the resort, you can tell it was previously owned by Sandy Lane; the signature pops of pink and exceptional attention to detail really stand out. That evening, we dined under the stars at Tide Bar + Grill, enjoying outstanding dishes inspired by flavours from around the world with a Caribbean twist.

After a wonderfully restful sleep in one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in, we enjoyed breakfast at Asianne (top tip – ask for some extra watermelon, then head over to feed the baby tortoises... they absolutely love it!) before beginning our site inspection of Canouan Estate Resort & Villas, with a quick stop at the impressive Pirates of Canouan Kids Club. This huge kids' club has something for every age, and you can see why parents often end up spending time there too, with ping pong, table football and even two pools. It's a great place to relax while the children make new friends.

Canouan Estate Resort & Villas is the perfect option for larger groups or families. Every villa is individually designed, so there is something to suit every taste. Each one comes with two golf buggies, making it incredibly easy to get around and take advantage of the island's 'invisible key' concept. This means guests staying at any of the properties on Canouan can use the facilities across them all – an excellent perk! We then enjoyed a spectacular lunch prepared by a private chef in one of the villas, complete with panoramic views. It was the perfect way to escape the Caribbean sun for a while.

Next up was a trip to the spa. The open-air treatment rooms allow you to leave the double doors open, so you can hear the waves gently lapping the shore alongside the soothing sounds of nature. It was, without doubt, one of the best massages I have ever had (I may have even nodded off for a little while!).

After a quick dip in the pool, it was time for dinner. We enjoyed cocktails at Turtles Bar beforehand (the Sunset Rum is not to be messed with) before another beautiful beachfront dining experience. The staff really could not do enough for us. I was blown away not only by their attentiveness but also by how genuinely warm and friendly everyone was.

I was sad to leave Mandarin Oriental, but next up was a catamaran trip to Tobago Cays. These were some of the most turquoise waters I have ever seen in the Caribbean, and it's easy to understand why the area featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean films. The snorkelling here was unlike anywhere else I've experienced in the Caribbean. It also became immediately obvious why Canouan's name comes from the Arawakan word for turtle – there were so many of them! Along with rays and an abundance of colourful fish, I could happily have stayed there for hours.

We then moored at our hotel for the night, Soho Beach House Canouan, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring some of the highlights from the menu alongside a couple of signature cocktails. The hotel is a brilliant addition to the island. Located close to the village, you can easily cycle in to explore or simply spend your time enjoying the beautiful beach and watersports on offer.

Soho Beach House has a rustic yet luxurious feel. I stayed in a Medium Room, but don't let the name fool you – it was incredibly spacious, with a very comfortable four-poster bed, separate living area and a large balcony overlooking the beach. The rooms include everything you would expect from Soho House: luxurious bath products, the signature cookies and décor that makes you feel as though you've stepped into an interior design magazine.

Our final dinner was, once again, another feast of incredible food (and cocktails!) with a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable trip to Canouan.

I will definitely be back, and I couldn't recommend a visit more highly.

- Pip, Head of Caribbean & Mexico