Raffles Canouan Island is set to become the region’s hottest new destination. Saturday, 14th August 2004 Source : Raffles International

Raffles International opens its first resort in the heart of the Caribbean today. Raffles Resort Canouan Island, located in The Grenadines, a hundred miles (161 kilometres) west of Barbados, is the perfect hideaway for a serious indulgent, romantic holiday.

Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Canouan Island is one of the most up and coming luxury destinations. The three square-mile island is surrounded by small bays and coves, secluded white sand beaches and one of the world’s largest coral reefs, offering incredible diving and snorkelling.

Raffles Resort Canouan Island is set on 300 acres of a 1,200-acre private estate surrounded by green hills, secluded white beaches and the Caribbean Sea. Designed by the Italian architect Luigi Vietti, the resort’s 156 accommodations - a mix of one-bedrooms, suites and villas - have breathtaking views of the sea.

The resort will be part of the exclusive Raffles collection of award-winning luxury hotels, including the flagship Raffles Hotel Singapore, Raffles L'Ermitage Beverly Hills and Raffles Le Montreux Palace, Montreux.

Raffles Resort Canouan Island showcases four restaurants and bars, offering a range of fine dining, casual and beachfront-fare choices. Raffles International prides itself on offering exceptional food and dining experiences and its new island property will enforce this tradition with special signature delicacies such as a full champagne bar, degustation menus and Raffles’ private-label caviar.

Raffles International is also operating RafflesAmrita Spa and the new Trump International Golf Club at Raffles Resort Canouan Island, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jim Fazio. RafflesAmrita Spa will feature specially designed indoor and outdoor treatment suites – two of which will be set over the water and reached by boat. The other beachfront treatment suites will be located on the hillside and offer stunning views of the Caribbean. Spa treatments are inspired by the Eastern philosophies for which RafflesAmrita Spas are known.

Mr Markland Blaiklock, Managing Director, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, said, “Travellers can now experience the service, comfort and luxury of Raffles in the heart of the Caribbean. While most people know this region as a resort destination, we bring with us an unparalleled level of service in a dramatic setting Canouan Island has to offer.”

Mr Louis Sailer, General Manager of Raffles Resort Canouan Island added, “Raffles hotels and resorts are well-known not only for its excellent quality of service, but also the warm and generous staff who pay attention to every detail. I want the residents of Raffles Resort Canouan Island to enjoy that standard of intuitive service.”

Near the resort and overlooking the sea is the Trump Club Privee, a European-style casino managed by Donald J. Trump. Mr Trump will also spearhead the island’s villa real estate development, which comprises luxury villas and estate properties set on 1,000 acres of lush mountainous terrain.

The Grenadines have long been considered one of the most pristine sailing grounds in the world and The Moorings, one of the top yacht charter companies, established a base on Canouan in 2003. It has already become their third largest in the Caribbean.

American Airlines/American Eagle currently offers service to Canouan Island via San Juan, Puerto Rico four times a week, as well as four flights a week from Barbados. American Airlines services both Puerto Rico and Barbados from major gateways throughout North America.