Your essential guide to Canouan

DIP

The big decision? Which of Mandarin Oriental, Canouan’s five private beaches to choose. Protected by the Caribbean’s largest natural coral reef, Godahl Beach is idyllic, with its white sands and glinting waves, while the curving Shell Beach, on the southeast coast, is accessible by golf buggy or boat.

FEAST

Freshly landed by local fishing boats, the seafood is a highlight here. Lunch on flawless sashimi at the Pool Bar, overlooking the sweep of the bay, or order a whole grilled lobster 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, try the Canouan Hurricane, which tempers dark rum and amaretto with passion fruit and lime.

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 the most challenging: to calm your nerves, ask the concierge about sunset cocktails at the 13th.

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 – fish tacos and sushi 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 small fry hit the Pirates of Canouan Kids’ Club, with its pools, pirate ship and gaming room, grown-ups can sign up for a masterclass in Vincentian cooking and craft cocktails. On the menu: jerk chicken, scotch bonnet-spiked callaloo soup and boozy dark rum cake.

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.

DRINK

Just off Union Island, ‘Happy Island’ has to be seen to be believed: a tiny isle, built on a foundation of stones, cement and conch shells. It’s home to a singular rum bar, only accessible by small boat, where you can meet its hospitable creator, the larger-than-life Janti Ramage.

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. Our nature expert, Kezroy, has created a turtle sanctuary with an elevated platform to care for hatchlings that need help. Guests are welcome to visit it.

- The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan.