Mandarin Oriental, Canouan

Overall, we had a very relaxing and enjoyable time at the M.O. Canouan. While there were several kinks to iron out throughout our stay (which would have resulted in a 2-3 star rating), they were handled by the manager, Michael, and the staff went above and beyond to remedy and make sure that we were more content with our visit upon departure. So, overall, the experience and property get 4 stars from us. Good to know in advance/suggestions: 1. THE LOW SEASON IS DEAD: If you are fine with just a few other people at the hotel, and limited restaurant options & activities, low season is for you. Low season tends to coincide with hurricane season. If you like more variety and a more lively atmosphere, the high season (winter months for U.S./European citizens) gives a more typical resort experience. 2. PLAN ACTIVITIES AND DINING IN ADVANCE: The hotel does not have great onsite communication — there are no guest guides, such as a leaflet or binder, in the room. Rather, everything is seemingly online. However, I was not able to get specific information online, except for the spa and a few activities such as "sunset on the 13th hole" for added prices. Finding out specific contact information onsite was a bit confusing if the butler doesn't offer much information over text or in-person. I found this to be a bit cumbersome and time consuming to chase down (meaning I want to be on my phone less, rather than more, on vacation). I received an email introduction from our reservations manager, Karen, to the M.O. Canouan team prior to our trip, but did not hear much about dining options, menus, activities available, etc. Karen did send a couple of 'PDF brochures' that are a general overview, but not detailed information about each restaurant, nights open, etc. I mentioned to Michael, the manager, that it would be more helpful to guests to have: 1) Advance detailed information rather than just a web link to 'generalized' PDF booklets -- and that more information via email from the activities & dining team in advance might help prevent onsite slow-down during the vacation; and 2) When guests arrive, make this information more handy even if it is a one-pager slipped under the door each morning — this would prevent any lack of communication from the butlers regarding offerings, availability, and prices from being a detractor. His answer was that due to “sustainability efforts,” this kind of information was not printed on paper. In this situation, “sustainability” takes down the 5-star experience, in my opinion. And that seems to be a Corporate decision, unfortunately. 2. TRAVEL: Using SVG/Grenadines Alliance as the commuter aircraft was *not* pleasant. While this is completely separate from Mandarin, it is the most frequent type of transport to the Mandarin other than private charter. The SVG plane is very old, has no air conditioning, is very loud and smelly, and turbulent even on a good day. The tires of the plane were completely bald! I don’t consider myself a queasy flyer at all, but I highly recommend *not* using SVG. Other reasonable options include boat transfer, however there are a very limited number of ferry trips available to Canouan. If private charter is price-prohibitive and ferry is not an option with your transportation needs, then this may not be the hotel for you, unfortunately . 3. CASH AND GRATUITY: As is typical for island hotels as part of a chain company, the staff are paid a very small amount of money as a base salary (they certainly deserve more as a salary, in my opinion, for a 5-star hotel). The staff relies heavily on gratuity and they are very grateful for anything you can give in cash. American dollars are favored if you are traveling from the U.S. (rather than Eastern Carib dollars). Note: tips written in on the credit card statements are given to an overall group of workers and so your individual server might only get a portion of your gratuity. **If you need to obtain more cash, the front desk will give you an advance of currency with a 5% surcharge. There is a bank in the main village, but I opted for doing the hotel surcharge instead, for convenience sake. The hotel accommodations: The rooms, villas, and common areas are a 6-star (out of 5) property! The buildings are incredibly designed and built -- and are complete with high-end decor, building materials, and amenities. I say “6 star” because this Mandarin tops most of the 5-star hotels we have stayed at in the U.S. and internationally. The beach: The beach is not as ideal in that it was affected from Hurricane Beryl in 2024, and is also very choppy compared to any beach on the Caribbean side. It is not impossible to swim in the beachfront surf area if there is a green flag out, but it is not a calm ocean setting, if this is what you are looking for. However, the view is lovely and listening to the waves is very relaxing. A lot of seaweed comes in with the storms and rain, but seems to be maintained by the workers as much as possible. The staff is also happy to take you to another calmer beach in another area (such as Shell Beach), but that involves a shuttle or golf cart ride. The pool area: The pool area is beautiful and well kept. The pool bar area is well-staffed and has lots of yummy drink and food options. The staff made sure to accommodate every request of mine. If you see “Kashi” (her nickname), ask her to make you the "special Kashi tropical mocktail" as I called it - or make it a cocktail with some rum (she used ginger, mint, cucumber, and passion fruit juice)! Staff also comes by the loungers often to bring water, more towels, and ask if there are food requests. Sunscreen is also available at the pool. Note that this can be a pretty windy area at times, but we didn't mind it. The spa: This is the most fantastic spa experience my husband and I have ever had -- and we have traveled a lot! We purchased the "Emerald Enchantment" 120-minute couples treatment package and it was worth every penny. The treatments are not inexpensive, but very worth it. I did not see locker rooms or a larger relaxation area, but we went on our last day and would not have had time for a larger lounge area anyway. The spa therapists have top-notch level training. The food and dining: Definitely 5-Star level. Dining is pricey (US $50-100 for the nicer Tides dinner entrees and around US$ 25-40 for Lagoon entrees), but I cannot say enough about the chef, the offerings, and the wait staff who make the prices very fair. They accommodated every request of ours. My only wish is that there was not just one dining option open at a time, but during the low season, this is how it is. As suggested above, you can work with your M.O. concierge, in advance, to make sure that you ask which ones will be open each night so that you do not miss a particular restaurant being open during your stay. Be sure to ask about to-go meal offerings on the day you leave. The kitchen will pack up a lunch or whatever you ask, to take on your journey, for a charge. It is worth it! We found that transportation off site is around $30/couple round-trip for a restaurant such as SOHO beach house. Amenities / Technology: The amenities are an M.O. designed brand. Shampoo, conditioner and gel are the dreaded community-style dispensers, but at least the M.O. versions seem more sanitary than some of the easy-access community bottles, like a lot of hotels have gone with now. Brand new boxed soap is available, at the sink and tub area, that is packaged and not a community dispenser. Lotion is also still individually packaged and brand new - so at least a couple of items in the bathroom are how it used to be with 5 Stars!! (The "eco/sustainability" reason is a popular excuse with toiletries now and it is clear that it is a money-saver, rather than a true expectation from guests. It is silly that for these prices, guests no longer get sealed, brand new individual toiletries. I hope Mandarin changes this back at some point). Linens are very high end and thankfully, a real duvet cover is still used for the beds. There are no top sheets, however. You would have to ask for one. Towels and robes are high end. Slippers are put out with turn-down service. Technology can be glitchy - we had to change rooms because the high-tech iPad-controlled items weren't working (climate, lights, TV, etc). Excursions and guided activities: Because our visit was in the low season, there were very few activities to choose from. And some of this "low season" ghost town is not just because of the hotel, but because the island itself is also very small and remote — access to traditional island activities were not available. There was no live music or anything of the sort at the resort. It was a skeleton staff. However...one of the highlights of our M.O. stay and trip was that one of the employees, Erasto (ask for him!), went around to the guests on property, and was kind enough to offer a fun hike to Mt. Royal. Erasto brought everything we needed for the hike…towels and water were most welcome along the way. While it is a *rigorous* hike (steep and fairly rugged), it is well worth going to the top to see all of Canouan and beyond, on a nice day. **I do not recommend this hike if it rained the day before or even sprinkled the morning of - it is very slippery. Special additions: The management went out of their way to welcome us with fruit, beverages, and sweets. Thanks to the team for all of the special touches in honor of our anniversary. And I highly recommend the chocolate cake!! Suggestions for Corporate: - Give the optics that the hotel still provides plenty of entertainment and variety during the low season, even if it requires keeping additional staff and investing a little more. You won't get guests in the low season if it continues as is. - Provide more detailed information in advance and in the room itself. - Provide a reasonably priced, safe, and comfortable way for people to get to Canouan from either St. Vincent or Barbados. This is the biggest detail hurting your hotel's business. An old SVG airplane and a couple of ferries are not going to keep the hotel viable. As wonderful as the hotel is, noone will come if they have to fly on a really old smelly SVG airplane and pay $1,200 roundtrip per couple to do so.

The pool overlooking beach is the place to enjoy the day . We spent the entire day here . Stunning views the most amazing service and outrageously great service . No one else was there and this place is HUGE . The beach is not the best , but the water is the Caribbean turquoise and crystal clear . Amazing place !

My boyfriend and I visited Lagoon Café at the Mandarin Oriental Canouan for what was meant to be a really special evening — a rare treat for us, and something we were really looking forward to. While the staff were warm and welcoming when we arrived for our 8pm reservation, the overall experience sadly left us feeling disappointed. We were one of only two tables there when we arrived, and although the service started off well, by the time our main courses arrived (around 9:30pm), it became clear that the staff were ready to close up. The other table had already left, and as we were still eating — with full plates in front of us — we were asked twice if we were finished. It made us feel incredibly rushed and uncomfortable, so much so that we decided to take our $50 dessert to go. To add to the awkwardness, the bill included an extra $80 for water we never ordered or received. I had to ask for it to be removed, which felt uncomfortable and a bit frustrating given the setting and price point. In total, we spent nearly £300 on two small glasses of wine, a starter each, a main each, and one dessert. The food was good, but not remarkable — and certainly not enough to justify the cost, especially given the service experience. What was meant to be a memorable and romantic evening left us feeling sad and let down.

The resort was helpful in making island airplane transfers from Barbados. The rooms are nice a large with great porches and views. They greet you by name and remember your preferences. I want to give a shout out to so many great staff like Landy, Feiona, and Jada who did so many thoughtful things. I know I’m forgetting lots of others. We are both vegetarians and the chef at Lagoon created special meals for us that were not on the menu that were AMAZING. The service at all the restaurants was outstanding. Also several managers stopped by to touch base. The main beach at the hotel was battling the seaweed coming in which is becoming a common problem all over the Caribbean. We were able to get a few days of good beach weather and clear water. We did the hike up Mount Royal with Erasto. He is so full of energy and made the hike fun safe and enjoyable. He was always checking on us at the pool and beach frequently to see if we needed more towels or drinks. Above and beyond. The only thing I think I that needs improvement was the room cleaning. It was kind of inconsistent in the quality. The toilet was dirty upon arrival and few other things I found not clean . The turn down service did a great job. The resort itself is very clean. I love that they do not use plastic bottles. I had minimum contact with the butler. I would at least expect a a daily check in by text see if I needed anything. We often just ended up making our own arrangements with front desk staff or to find out info about the resort. It was the easier option. We also took the Island tour with Gideon. So informative. The greatest thing about this hotel is that it is staffed mostly by the local community.

The accommodation, staff and property were a delightful experience. The food was amazing and we were able to balance fun and rest during the stay. It’s perfect for kids as well; kids club is a must for the children. The staff is very attentive to details and go above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.

Beautiful hotel with exceptional grounds. Very private. Butler service was fantastic. Staff at the beach especially were phenomenal with our little one. Great kids club. The only downside was breakfast service where there was consistant mistakes made in what we ordered and billing. Also reception staff were not friendly at all. Overall, a really lovely stay. Highly recommend.

Mandarin Canouan is paradise. Extremely private hotel on a large, mostly natural resort. Great for hiking. Three beaches to choose from. At times, we were the only people on the beaches. The Caribbean side has flat, turquoise blue water perfect for snorkeling & paddle boarding. The Atlantic side has the most beautiful sunrise, while the restaurant on the Caribbean side has dramatic sunsets. We’ve been all over the Caribbean and this is hands down our favorite destination. We will be back!

Defiantly the best service and hotel I have ever stayed in, from the moment the plane touched down to the time we left, the Island and people stand out in all of the Caribbean Island we have visited as kind and generous and giving. A most peaceful and stress free environment and beautiful scenery you could not wish for. we will be back as soon as we can.

My Husband & I have just come back from Mandarin Oriental with friends. What a wonderful experience from the transfer from Barbados to the Hotel. All the staff from management to housekeeping, waiting staff & both our butlers were exceptional. Attention to detail in all areas was exceptional also. We loved our tour of the village & our little boat trip over to shell beach. Thank you to all involved. We will be back as soon as we can. Dawn & Bryan

The Mandarin Oriental Canouan is the best kept secret in the Caribbean for luxury travelers. The resort reopened only a few weeks ago after recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Beryl. The island is friendly and accommodating to tourists. The 1,200-acre Canouan Estate property is mostly a nature preserve with two private beaches in addition to the main beach at the resort. Shell Beach is still under repair. It is a vigorous 2.5-mi walk from the hotel, and offers a calmer Atlantic-side beach for swimming and water sports. L’Ance Guyac Beach, a short van ride to the Caribbean side of the island, features a quiet, protected cove for snorkeling as well as an open air French-inspired restaurant. The Mandarin staff will arrange excursions pretty much anywhere you wish to explore on the island. There is also an 18-hole golf course on the estate, but we did not play during this trip. We were delighted to be assigned a butler upon check-in. Our butler, Rayshorn, was incredibly helpful, and it’s clear that the Mandarin prioritizes customer service training for all of its associates. Our suite had a stunning ocean view with the ability to open the massive terrace doors to the enjoy the tropical breeze. We enjoyed a relaxing couples massage at the spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. While the property and amenities are 5-star, it’s really the people that make the place truly special. We will be back again and again.

Never have I felt more at home while being away. The warm smiles from every staff member, the cozy reading nooks scattered throughout, and the incredibly comfortable beds made this stay unforgettable. The evening social hours were a wonderful touch, allowing us to meet fellow travelers. The location was perfect, and the concierge's recommendations were spot-on every time.

We have lived all over the world and traveled a lot in the areas we have lived... the week we spent here stands out to each and every member of our family. And we can't wait to go back. For my husband and I, what differentiated the MO Canouan was the service. Phenomenal team, exceptionally trained to anticipate your every need in the most natural and unobtrusive way possible. Our unassuming family, much in need of some quiet R&R when we arrived, felt completely cared for here. We were beyond impressed. The kids, aged 7 and 8 at the time, loved everything about Canouan. What they continue to mention (and write about at school!) is the "turtle farm", which hosts rescued baby sea turtles that you can handle, snorkeling near deserted cays, and just the overall family experience and bonding. They went to a cooking class one day and adored it! I can't say enough good things about our experience. It was perfect for a busy family to just chill for a week, immediately post-relocation/stress. Thank you again to the amazing team and hotel! (NB we went in 8/23, but the earliest date I could select in the drop-down was 9/23)

The level of professionalism here is truly outstanding. Every interaction, from check-in to check-out, was handled with efficiency and grace. The staff are clearly well-trained and take pride in their work, which shows in the flawless execution of their duties. Yet despite this high level of professionalism, there's also a warmth and friendliness that makes you feel genuinely welcomed.

Our family vacation was made extra special by our stay at this hotel. The kids were thrilled with the pool and the game room, while we parents appreciated the spacious rooms and the helpful concierge who guided us to family-friendly attractions. The hotel restaurant even had a great children's menu, which was a lifesaver after long days of sightseeing. It's not easy to find a place that caters to both adults and children, but this hotel nailed it.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and recharge, look no further! This place is like a little slice of paradise. The grounds are gorgeous - I spent hours just wandering around and taking it all in. The wellness classes were top-notch (yoga at sunrise? Yes please!), and the spa treatments were heavenly. Food was healthy an

yo listen up fam, this spot is straight fire! 🔥 no cap, from the second we rolled up it was nothing but good vibes. the staff? cooler than a polar bear's toenails. our room? cleaner than my grandma's kitchen (and that's saying something). the food? chef's kiss, my dudes. and don't even get me started on the pool situation - absolute paradise! bottom line, if you're not staying here, you're doing

This was our third stay in Canouan and our first time under Mandarin Oriental management. Our family had a fantastic time, and this remains one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean. Mandarin has lifted the quality of accommodation, food, and service to an entirely new level as this beautiful island deserver. Definitely a place to keep coming back to.

The family holiday over Christmas break was truly magical. Canouan is a true gem. Kids club was expansive. The resort was full, yet there was no crowd. Rooms are a bit dated but overall beautiful. Staff and management friendly and attentive - true to Mandarin style.

Hidden Gem, beautiful island beautiful property I loved it, access to the island is a bit challenging but you forget everything once you reach the Mandarin property, beautiful sandy beaches with turquoise water with turtles and the golf course had one of the best views, perfect place for families and very friendly vincy people

This is far and away the most beautiful resort we have ever visited. The rooms are beyond spectacular and the views are sublime. It is very remote so you do have to get on well with your companion! Every one of the staff are there to make your stay perfect and nothing is too much trouble. All you have to do is message your Concierge and the job is done! Food at breakfast and lunch was excellent and we ate a couple of times at the Lagoon Cafe in the evening, which was also very good (if empty) This is a stunning location and perfect if you need to just “flop”. Stand out Staff wise were Gideon, who gave us a fantastic tour of the island and our two delightful Concierges….Iola and Kia. Highly recommend ,

An absolutely incredible experience; start to finish! Pre-departure, the hotel staff ensure smooth airport transfers as well as a full menu of daily activities to consider. Upon arrival and throughout our stay, Mandarin's hotel staff exceeded our expectations. There is plenty to do on the premises and the food was excellent. The surrounding restaurants are also terrific and everything is a short drive from the hotel. Highly recommended.

Perfeito!!! Serviço maravilhoso!!!

Stayed in late November in the penthouse suite on a short trip, was travelling around the Caribbean with my girlfriend and spending few days in each island. we were at bequia before coming to canouan so the property was far better than the options available in bequia. for this kind of hotel, just stay inside the property, no need to travel outside the resort. it used to be a different resort before Mandrain acquired it. it has only suites or villas, all beautiful views. what we like about it : quiet, beautiful, peaceful, luxurious. what we did not like : butler was almost non existent, we stayed for 2 days only and he did say he is going away on holiday and mentioned he will leave the direct butler phone with another butler for us to contact him, we tried doing so several times and the phone was always off. communication was not clear, even there was a letter that was inviting us to a trip during our stay was placed in the living room table and we did not even see it, a staff member came to our room to escort us for the event and we told her we don't know what event she is talking about, she did not bother to explain and just left. preferably these notifications should be placed under the door, by the entrance or I have seen hotels attach it in a small leather case by the door handle to catch the attention of the resident. Overall staff is friendly and helpful though and I would like to return again to explore the property further and stay longer.

Our trip to Pink Sands was beyond expectation. If you are looking to get away from it all, this is the place to be! We strategically choose shoulder to low season to avoid the crowds and we ended up with a private resort to ourselves (about 30% occupancy). The Pink Sands is in transition to be under Mandarin Oriental operations but even pre-transition the service was impeccable and all the staff always had a smile on their face and would say Hello! The resort is on the windward side of a windward island so there is always a 15+ mph wind blowing from the east. The waves will be stronger as a result which make it great for sailing but not everyone may appreciate the wind and you may find warmer clothing to be necessary at night. The protected reef in front of the hotel is beautiful and amazing. We took the Hobbie Cat sailing through the reef and Shell Beach and we both learned how to harness the power of the wind. I now understand why sailing is so addictive. We also rented the Splendid Adventure catamaran for a day and went to Tabago Cays to snorkel with turtles, see iguanas on one of the small cays and then had lunch on Union Island at Sparrows and also took a quick stop at Mayreau to complete the day. Beachfront suite room is a dream. Loved the pink color spread throughout. The TV hidden in the sliding door mirror is something I want in my master BR. The Barbadian chocolate that is stocked in the food pantry is some of the best chocolate I have ever tried.