Your essential guide to Canouan

DIP

The big decision once you’re landed at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan? Which white-sand beach to hit first. Protected by the Caribbean’s largest natural coral reef, Godahl Beach is idyllic, with its pristine sands and glinting waves, while the curving Shell Beach, on the southeast coast, is accessible by golf buggy, boat or kayak.

FEAST

Freshly landed by local fishing boats, the seafood is a highlight here. Lunch on flawless sushi rolls at the Pool Bar, overlooking the sweep of the bay, or sample the crab cakes and catch of the day on the terrace at TIDES BAR + GRILL.

HIKE

Climb the 877ft Mount Royal, Canouan’s highest peak, with the hotel’s resident nature guide. It’s a short but steep trek, rewarded with panoramic views of neighbouring Mustique, Union Island and Petit St Vincent – all the while spotting local wildlife, from tiny, crested hummingbirds to tree-climbing hermit crabs.

TASTE

Wherever you go in the Caribbean, rum is part of the culture. Try a tasting flight at Turtles with a side of local chocolate, or indulge in the Pool Bar’s expertly mixed rum punches. Alternatively, sip a Caribbean Mule, which swaps out vodka for rum, and is laced with passionfruit and mango.

PLAY

Designed by Jim Fazio, Canouan’s championship golf course is pure drama, skirting the ocean then rising to a ridge around Mount Royal. Holes 12 to 15, overlooking the Grenadine islands, are particularly challenging: to calm your nerves, ask the concierge about sunset champagne and canapés at the 13th hole.

SNORKEL

Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed at nearby Tobago Cays, an archipelago of five uninhabited islands. With its crystal waters, green sea turtles and vivid reefs, it offers world-class snorkelling. Zip over on a catamaran or power boat, then swim up to the miniscule Mayreau island for lunch.

DISCOVER

Commandeer a golf buggy and head for Sandy Lane marina for shopping and a laidback lunch – grilled shrimps on the beach at Shenanigans, perhaps. Later in the day, Scruffy’s draws yachties and residents with cold beers, front-row sea-views and addictive popcorn chicken.

RELAX

While the grown-ups bask on the beach or try some paddleboarding, small fry can hit the Pirates of Canouan Kids’ Club, with its dedicated pool, teen-friendly gaming room and pirate ship for swashbuckling toddlers. Activities are equally varied, running from crafts and nature walks to snorkelling adventures.

SAIL

The neighbouring island of Mustique makes for a memorable day trip. Horseback riding and tennis are both a joy here – and no trip to the island is complete without a Hairoun beer at Basil’s Bar, which has lured in fishermen, rock stars and off-duty royals for half a century.

DISCOVER

The Southern Grenadines are a great place to snorkel and scuba. Head for Mayreau Gardens, with its coral gardens and sea turtles, or scope out the wreck of the Puruni, a British patrol boat that sank in 1918. Prefer to hook a bonefish or tarpon? Grenadines Fishing is happy to arrange private charters.

ENJOY

Make time for the daily ritual of afternoon tea, served at Turtles Bar from 3pm and complimentary for all guests. Sip an earl grey, fragrant oolong or refreshing peppermint tea, paired with sweet and savoury snacks, or cool down with an iced coffee.

ESCAPE

For desert-island dining at its most romantic, sign up for the hotel’s Castaway experience. With a boat and staff at your disposal, options range from handsome picnics to dinner on the beach: think barbecued tiger prawns and lobster tails below a canopy of stars.

This island is famous for its resident red-footed tortoises, who you’ll definitely encounter. There are also a lot of turtles – ‘Canouan’ is derived from the Arawakan word for turtle. Learn more from our nature specialist Kezroy Charles, who gives lively, interactive talks on the local flora and fauna, and can also show you round our turtle sanctuary.

- The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan.

The Spa is an exercise in escapism, with luxurious treatment suites hidden on a wooded hillside (take the funicular, then follow the winding walkway). Its signatures run from the Golfer’s Tonic massage to the Blissful Sea experience, which centres on a tension-melting Himalayan salt-stone massage.

The hotel is set in a 1,200-acre estate, best explored on electric bikes. Look out for the 17th-century Anglican church brought over from England, and reconstructed stone by stone.