Raffles Resort – Canouan Island, The Grenadines
Oh my! I think I’ve landed in heaven. A three bedroomed villa hune of rough stone and hardwood interspersed with rattan furniture and a plunge pool set amphitheatre style overlooking the Caribbean sunrise. A Pistachio flick away from the seventh tee; I can see the masts of the two hotel yachts docked in the little private bay swaying above the palm tree horizon.
The flight from Gatwick to Barbados was fine. We flew premium economy and I’d recommend you get the seats at the very front of premium economy for more leg room than business class and the seats, whilst they don’t lay flat they’re as good as any.
In Barbados we were graciously meet by Raffles’ concierge escorting us to the transfer lounge. The other two guests due to join the little 45min light-flight to Canouan seem to have disappeared and we fear they may have wandered off! However, when meet Wayne our amiable Ozzie island hopping flight-jock we are already on Caribbean time when, if we’re all ready, we just go
We chose the little island hopper charter in to Canouan but for those in the know, Raffles Canouan has its own private jet that halves the time and doubles the sense of occasion. Eye-candy was provided by an American model hopping in to join her pals at the hotel for a few days between photo shoots. I worry I may have to lay near some skinny beauty on the beach so make note to cover myself with a sack to avoid being rolled back into the water as an act of kindness!
Canouan is bigger than you think, 3 sq miles. Most islanders work on resort and the tiny private airport has perhaps 5 staff who all take their job very seriously, keen to be thoroughly efficient. We met a very official customs man – we called him “Ernest”.
At Raffles you can’t see your neighbours, the villas are perfectly spaced. Originally a colonial village it enjoys a beautiful 17th Century chapel. The private villas (Wow!) are dotted around the bay and golf course amphitheatre style. Each villa afforded its own golf cart and atop the hill on the peninsula overlooking the azure blue sea a white colonial clubhouse casino which I’m sure someone will try tell us Lord Nelson had a girlfriend who died of a broken heart there awaiting his return.
Whatever you expect we couldn’t anticipate the size and style of our villa, 3 bedrooms (including a four poster), 3 bathrooms, huge sitting room, dining room, terrace, plunge pool, sundeck, and all the technology. Anyone feeling they are missing the office is well catered for…
It’s only 7.30 on the first morning and I’m already talking too much, I’m going to see what there is for breakfast. I think I might have to test all 5 restaurants dotted around…
Ok I’m back! A bit later than anticipated…and a few mosquito bites extra from the beach party last night. They certainly know a good steak here when they see one!
We drove the golf course in a buggy today – It gets dark here around 5, so we made the most of the suns last rays. Don’t even think of walking the golf course! It’s the hilliest, most challenging I’ve seen so I get why professional golfers sneak out here to practice their short game.
You can tell the influence of Raffle’s management enjoying 28 different nationalities of staff and a quiet yet subtle efficiency whilst still maintaining the Caribbean spirit.
This morning Karen and I lounged in the plunge pool leaning across the infinity edge toward the sea with the sun punching through a haze of light rain giving a ten minute freshen-up. I found out today that you can buy some of the villas on the hill, the owners treat the resort as a private country club but I suppose that is to be expected at around a million dollars a bedroom.
The models last night were joined by a group of 3 boys and a girl having sailed in by catamaran. I can just see them heading off under motor to neighbouring Mustique. I can start to eat again!
Enough talking… the palm trees are stood to attention ready to guard my ample frame!
James and Karen travelled to Raffles Resort, Canouan Island, St.Vincent, Grenadines with British Airways and The Private Travel Company.