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Sea Spa: A Family-Friendly Retreat at The Mandarin Oriental, Canouan

20 January 2020 • Written by Sophia Wilson

Where is the Mandarin Oriental Canouan?

Even the saltiest Caribbean seadog might struggle to locate Canouan on a map, an unassuming speck in the Grenadines between Mustique and Carriacou. But with the island's Mandarin Oriental hotel gaining a stellar rep and a recently opened superyacht marina ready to welcome boats, this Caribbean gem won’t stay a secret for long. Inquisitive sailors keen to try a new destination will find the Mandarin Oriental’s first foray into this region along the east coast, overlooking the glorious Godahl Beach.

The marbled lobby of the Mandarin Oriental in Canouan.

What's it Like?

The Mandarin Oriental is inspired by Barbados’s Sandy Lane, so is resplendent in cool marble, sparkling chandeliers and sweeping staircases. And while this sophisticated set-up might not scream child-friendly, the beaming staff and extensive complimentary kids club – based around a shallow pool with fountains and slides – tell a different story.

While your offspring are entertained with beach Olympics, cricket and yoga, you can escape to the spa, which is set on the tropical hillside at the far end of the beach. Reached via a pretty funicular, its seven treatment villas open on to private balconies so that the lapping waves below can provide the soundtrack to your treatment.

Hot pink umbrellas add a pop of colour to the spa-side pool.

Treatments at The Mandarin Oriental Canouan Spa

Make the most of the island’s natural ingredients with the two-hour Emerald Enchantment ritual, which includes a coconut and ginger infused body scrub and a massage using coconut oil infused with ginger, lemongrass and frangipani. The treatment concludes with an Indian head massage so that by the time you descend back to sea level you will be as relaxed as the thousands of sunbathing tortoises that call the island home.

Best by Boat

On the western tip of the island, a 15-minute drive from the hotel, the new Sandy Lane Yacht Club marina has berths up to 100 metres. It is adjacent to Canouan Airport’s runway, which has been extended to allow Boeing 737s to land.

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