Part of the southeast Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, this archipelago country is an independent member of the British Commonwealth. English is widely spoken, alongside Vincentian Creole and local culinary specialities include red snapper, curried goat, kingfish, queen conch, callaloo soup and arrowroot. You’ll find the clear blue waters, pale sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation typical of the Caribbean, in abundance here. But these islands have a more barefoot, relaxed and off-the-beaten-track feel than many of the larger, more touristy ones. St Vincent and the Grenadines offers some gorgeous idylls to call home for the duration of your holiday.
Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
Located on the powder-white Godahl Beach in Carenage Bay, Canouan Island, this Mandarin Oriental property accommodates just 26 suites and 13 villas. Each “room” comes with iPad controls, a marble bathroom and 24-hour butler service; some (perched on the edge of the beach) allow you to fling open French doors and take a breath of direct sea air, or to dine on your private terrace. Take a four or eight-hour journey at Castaway, a restaurant without walls, or six other eateries, including a seafood restaurant, a grill, a pool diner and a lounge modelled on the Hamptons. The hotel also has a cocktail bar, a hillside spa and shops onsite.