Raffles Resort Canouan opens

The much-anticipated Raffles Resort Canouan Island, the Caribbean’s newest luxury destination, is now open. Located in the heart of the Grenadines on the secluded island of Canouan, the new resort is Singapore-based Raffles International’s first venture in the Caribbean.{{more}}
Special opening rates start at US$298 and are available now through November 12 (regular rates start at $345 for the same time period).
Raffles Resort Canouan Island joins the company’s exclusive collection of award-winning luxury hotels, including the flagship Raffles Hotel Singapore, Raffles L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia.
Jennie Chua, chairman and chief executive officer of Raffles International Ltd., stated, “We are very excited to bring the Raffles brand of luxury and hospitality to the Caribbean. The unique team of partners that have come together to create this luxury destination – Canouan Resorts Development, Ltd. (CRD), Donald J. Trump, The Moorings and Raffles International – are among the most respected in the luxury travel industry, and we’re confident that Canouan Island will be the Caribbean’s most sought-after elite destination.”
The resort has created more than 250 jobs for residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines – more than half going to residents of Canouan – which is expected to reach 400 positions by Christmas. The developers, Canouan Resorts Development, Ltd., have created more than 700 total jobs for local residents, which include positions in construction, infrastructure management and at the resort, golf course and spa.
The development has also provided residents access to some of the Caribbean’s most modern infrastructure and services including a medical clinic with a full-time physician and part-time dentist, a new preschool, elderly support services, a water management system, paved roads, garbage collection, and an airport with daily scheduled flights.
Louis Sailer, general manager of the new resort, stated, “Raffles Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to creating elite destination resorts with great sensitivity to the environment, culture and local community. We are confident that we’ve succeeded in achieving that goal, and are pleased to be a part of the St. Vincent and Grenadines community.”
Designed by the Italian architect Luigi Vietti, the resort’s 156 accommodations are a mix of one-bedrooms, suites and villas. The resort features four restaurants and bars, offering a range of fine dining, casual and beachfront choices.
Additional resort amenities include Raffles’ signature RafflesAmrita Spa featuring specially designed indoor/outdoor treatment palapas – two of which are set over the water and accessible only by boat; Trump Club Privee, a European-style gaming casino; and the Jim Fazio-designed Trump International Golf Club at Raffles Resort, a par 72 course with breathtaking sea vistas from every hole. The course’s most spectacular hole is #13, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of Canouan, as well as neighbouring islands.
Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Canouan Island is located in the heart of the Grenadines, less than 20 miles south of Mustique and 110 miles west of Barbados. Known for their beauty, the Grenadines were named the top island destination in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda by Travel + Leisure in its August 2004 “World’s Best” issue.
The three square-mile island is rimmed with small bays and coves, secluded white sand beaches and one of the world’s largest coral reefs, offering incredible diving and snorkeling. To retain the island’s natural beauty, most of the 1,200-acre resort estate will remain undeveloped, including a 300-acre protected preserve.
The Grenadines have long been considered one of the most pristine sailing grounds in the world. The Moorings, one of the top yacht charter companies, established a base on Canouan last year, which has already become their third largest in the Caribbean.
American Airlines/American Eagle currently offers daily service to Canouan Island via San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia. Trans Island Airways (TIA) also services Canouan daily from Barbados.
Raffles will also offer its own private executive jet with club seating for eight passengers to transport clients from any of the Caribbean islands beginning in December.