Canouan: Where the Billionaires Go to Escape the Millionaires

You’ve probably never heard of this little Caribbean island. But then again– not many have…

The uber-rich love to escape to this practically deserted Caribbean island to chill and relax undetected.

It’s called Canouan, and it has only around 2,000 inhabitants. Located in the Lesser Antilles, it’s one of the least-visited Caribbean islands. And that’s for a good reason– many of the accommodations aren’t accommodating to anyone with less than a billionaire’s paycheck.

As one of the 32 islands that make up the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Canouan has long been known for posh villas and exclusive clubs. The tag “the place where the billionaires go to escape the millionaires” comes from Patrice Van Isacker, the director of sales and marketing of The Raffles, a 5-star luxury resort that once stood on the island.

Nevertheless, the fact that The Raffles has been replaced (twice) by other hotels doesn’t make the island less luxurious. However, it certainly doesn’t mean that Canouan is exclusively for billionaires. The resort that currently stands in the The Raffle’s stead, The Mandarin Oriental Canouan, has a starting rate of $1,300 per night. Expensive, but it’s not just in the reach of the super rich.

Billionaires, on the other hand, can find luxury rental villas to their taste on the island that can go for around $10,000 per night. During the tourist busy season, these get reserved extremely quickly.

What to do on Canouan

Canouan is a luxurious island. — Villas on Canouan. (Source: Vladi Private Islands)

The Mandarin Oriental has five restaurants, a spa, kid’s club, a golf course, and even an Anglican church for events. However, there’s plenty to do outside the resort. The same activities that are favorites in the rest of the Caribbean are available in Canouan– swimming, boating, hiking, relaxing poolside, and water sports. In addition, the untouched, unspoiled coral reefs surrounding the island provide excellent snorkeling opportunities.

There are a few souvenir shops selling beachwear and other goodies, and more hotels under construction. However the island’s real claim to faim is its top-notch beaches. They are reportedly some of the best in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Near the main town of Charlestown, you’ll find Grand Bay Beach, which is one of the biggest and most popular sandy spots. Visit Windward Bay to lounge among volcanic rocks. Another beach called South Glossy Bay is known for its calm, clear waters.

Getting there

It’s time to plan your vacation to this secret billionaire hangout before the rest of the world finds out! To get there, note that you’ll most likely need to take several flights when arriving from the US or Europe. There are no direct flights from these countries. The most popular way to get there is to fly to an airport in St. Vincent, Grenada, Barbados, or St. Lucia and then take a short flight on a propeller plane or private jet.

Looking for a Caribbean rental villa that’s a little less pricey, but just as luxurious? We’ve got you covered! (After all, not everyone is a billionaire…)

Main image credit: Pink Sands Club

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