I was very fortunate to have been able to go to Raffles Canouan for my 40th birthday for 4 days. It really is a wonderful place. It is great for relaxation, pampering and delicious cuisine. We stayed in an Orchestra suite, very spacious and well equipped. I got to see the standard rooms and they are very nice as well. You really don’t need a suite unless you really want the extra space. There are two beaches, one is close to the main restaurant and pool, and the other is just over the hill. It was very windy so we couldn’t snorkel but the bottom is very sandy. You won’t have to get up to get a towel or a drink because they are very staffed up. There are 4 restaurants, La Piazza (Italian), Jambu’s (Asian), Godahl (beach fare) and La Varenne (Fancy). It’s a physically large resort so you do need the golf cart to get around. I also went to the spa which was terrific – private cabana rooms overlooking the water. I had a massage and pedicure – very relaxing. I don’t play golf but I hear that the golf course is “challenging”. There is not much else to see on Canouan – it’s a very small island so plenty of time to relax and recharge. If you have any questions, let me know.

What did it cost, what was included in the room rate, and what were the prices like for drinks/food/activites? I read it is extremely expensive and some reviews have been less than kind. Were you paying for it out of your own pocket (which usually generates the most meaningful reviews) or was the stay a comp, like a travel agent fam trip, company award, etc? Be honest now.

To be honest, my husband's pocket if that's enough honesty for you. Yes, it is very expensive, that's why it's best saved for a special occasion. Because of the time we went, the rooms rates were off season rates meaning $400 per room with breakfast included. Spa treatments are also on the pricey side. ($150 for a massage) However I did feel totally pampered and relaxed. I am sorry I can't tell you about the dinner prices, my husband wouldn't let me see the bill.

I was wondering the same thing but I would never be so nervy to ask. What about getting there? I heard it's expensive just getting there and long too.

It wasn't that bad. We flew direct from Toronto to Barbados and then we took the Raffles shuttle to Canouan. We had about an hour's wait in Barbados and then the flight to Canouan was about 45 minutes. It's definitely harder to get to than some other islands but it is more peaceful and unspoiled. Barbados seemed too developed and busy by comparison!

First time reading this post. Wow! Inquiring minds really want to know about the fin. details of this trip.

I've read about this property. Isn't it owned by Trump's organization?

I'm glad you had a great time. What a treat for a 40th birthday!

I think that Trump manages the golf course and is developing villas for sale on the property. The hotel is owned by an Italian and managed by the Raffles hotel group. I still think about how peaceful the place was and how spoiled we were. It was a real treat. I think it would be great for a honeymoon because you can basically stick to yourselves and see no one if you wanted. The villa rooms are probably the nicest I have ever stayed in. The layout of the hotel reminded me a bit of the Jalousie at St. Lucia (on a much smaller scale) but it is a physically large property. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

How was the flight from Barbados to Canouan? Was the plane small? was the ride bumpy?

The flight is rarely bumpy as it is over water the entire way.

The plane Barbados usually range from a 5 seater Aero Commander to a 19 seat Otter.

One of the US Airlines (I think US Air flys from San Juan to Canouan with a bigger plane.