Canouan: The Untold Story
Meet Hemal Jain of Mandarin Oriental Canouan and Batu Erem of Soho Beach House Canouan. These two fabled General Managers recount the story of Canouan Island, a remote, breathtaking gem in the Caribbean.
Hemal Jain, General Manager, Mandarin Oriental Canouan:
With over 18 years of hospitality and executive leadership experience, Jain brings a wealth of expertise to the five-star Caribbean destination. Hailing from India, Jain's international background includes roles as General Manager at Alila Villas Uluwatu and Alila Manggis in Bali. Most recently, Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific honored him as one of the Best "Hotel General Managers in Indonesia" in 2023.
Batu Erem, General Manager, Soho Beach House Canouan:
Batu originally hails from Istanbul, Turkey. After completing his studies in Sustainable Tourism in Canada, Batu embarked on a career dedicated to rebranding boutique hotels and working for several renowned brands. For the past year and a half, Batu has been at the helm of the first and only Soho House outpost in the Caribbean, a role that underscores his commitment to sustainable tourism development. An avid kitesurfer and diver, Batu finds solace in the tranquillity of underwater worlds. His passion for the ocean complements his professional life, infusing his work with a deep appreciation for natural beauty and sustainability.
What brought you to Canouan Island and how has your island life experience been so far?
Mandarin Oriental
My decision to join the Mandarin Oriental brand stemmed from its reputation for luxury, and Canouan Island particularly caught my attention due to its status as a hidden gem in the Caribbean. The island's remote location off the beaten path intrigued me, as it's not a destination commonly heard of. The breathtaking landscape of Canouan, the perpetual summer atmosphere that captivates travellers worldwide, and the unmatched luxury offered by this property all contributed to my fascination. Living on the island has been nothing short of incredible. The warmth and authenticity of the Caribbean people, coupled with the island's rich biodiversity, create an environment that truly surpasses expectations. Not to mention the pristine, crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, which delight guests from around the globe. Overall, the island life experience here has been absolutely delightful and not many times in your career you get to set up a "Destination" and this is exactly what we are doing here.
Soho Beach House
While I've had the pleasure of exploring several Caribbean destinations like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, etc., it was my five-year stint living and working on the Turks and Caicos Islands that truly captured my heart, making it one of my cherished home bases. This was when I knew that Caribbean will be forever lasting home. Thus, when Canouan & Soho House emerged on my radar, I embraced the opportunity without hesitation, eager to discover all it had to offer in my ongoing journey.
What is the best way to travel to Canouan from the East and West Coast of the U.S?
Mandarin Oriental
There are several convenient ways to reach Canouan Island. Many guests opt for commercial flights, such as JetBlue or American Airlines, which typically involve a smooth transition in Barbados before connecting with SVG Air. This route is popular among our guests due to its seamless process.
For those seeking a more private and exclusive experience, we offer a private jet service, with Canouan providing comprehensive ground services to assist with arrangements prior to arrival.
Additionally, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan offers the option of a shared jet service, allowing guests to travel alongside others. Rates for this service start from USD 1600 for a round-trip journey."
Please also note that Canouan's runway is the only 2km long lit runway in the Eastern Caribbean which makes it safe and easy for Guests to land at any time of the day. This unique advantage of Canouan helps Guests to connect to other nearby islands as well.
Soho Beach House
To reach Canouan Island, fly to a South Caribbean hub like Barbados or St. Vincent, then take a 40-minute flight to Canouan. Daily flights from Miami, New York, and New Jersey are available. Alternatively, private plane pick-up can be arranged from Grenada, St. Lucia, or Martinique.
Who is your ideal guest?
Mandarin Oriental
All are invited to explore this #offthebeatenpath destination, whether you're craving complete seclusion or embarking on a multi-generational family adventure. Mandarin Oriental, Canouan provides a diverse range of experiences tailored to suit every age and interest.
Soho Beach House
Soho Beach House Canouan is an ideal destination for travelers seeking unmatched experiences and pure satisfaction. Our beachfront property offers romantic escapes for newlyweds and seasoned partners alike. We also cater to adventurers and wellness enthusiasts, providing a slower, more soul-nourishing pace. Whether you're a golfer, scuba diver, kite-surfer, yogi, or spa aficionado, come discover your own slice of paradise at Soho Beach House Canouan.
How would you describe the vibe at your property?
Mandarin Oriental
Peaceful, quiet and relaxing
Soho Beach House:
Boho-chic luxury
Where is the postcard shot on property?
Mandarin Oriental
Located by the beach and in our lobby
Soho Beach House
View from the beach during the sunset hour with the backdrop of Upper Palapa restaurant and Jetty. As the golden sun begins its graceful descent into the tranquil sea, casting a warm glow over the horizon, immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of this magical moment.
Can you share what makes your accommodations unique?
Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental, Canouan’s elegant accommodations are designed with impeccable attention to detail. From the 26 suites to 8 Villas, this intimate yet expansive resort provides spacious accommodation with luxurious touches and captivating ocean views. My personal favorite is the Beachfront suites which feature private terraces with pathways to the sand. I also personally recommend the Oceanview suites featuring expansive furnished terraces with panoramic sea views. Our accommodations have been designed by a leading team of Italian architects and highlights include a Patio Villa offering an exclusive interpretation of a luxury vacation home and the Lagoon Villas which boast a private infinity pool and full-service kitchen.
Soho Beach House
In addition to the unmistakably chic and iconic design synonymous with Soho House, every unit, regardless of category, boasts uninterrupted views of the turquoise waters and is mere steps from the pristine beach. From rooms located on the lower level, stepping out onto your balcony means sinking your toes into the soft sand just beyond. Moreover, each room is thoughtfully appointed with premium amenities, including luxurious Cowshed and Soho skin products. This attention to detail caters perfectly to the modern-day traveler who seeks nothing more than to pack a swimsuit and a lightweight cover-up, embracing the simplicity and sophistication of island living.
What are a few of the not-to-be missed experiences at Canouan?
Mandarin Oriental
Canouan abounds in diverse activities. From snorkelling at Godahl Beach to sunset views from the golf course's 13th hole, guests can also enjoy turtle spotting at Tobago Cays, morning hikes to Mount Royal with surprise breakfast on the top of the mountain, tennis, archery, and rejuvenating spa sessions, this island provides unforgettable experiences for all.
Soho Beach House
Explore Tobago Cays, a stunning marine park and film location for Pirates of the Caribbean. A half-day boat excursion from the House offers a chance to swim with turtles and uncover the secrets of this cinematic paradise. Don't miss the breathtaking hike to Mt. Royal, offering mesmerizing panoramas of neighboring islands. Tobago Cays and Mt. Royal promise an unforgettable experience. Insider tip; for the adventurous souls, coconut tree harvesting with Kellon, our grounds manager takes fun to new heights, literally!!
Can you tell us a little about your culinary offerings and favorite dishes?
Mandarin Oriental
We are passionate about gastronomic experiences, particularly at Tides Bar + Grill. Under the guidance of our Executive Chef, Gerardo S. Colmenares, guests embark on a tantalizing culinary journey meticulously crafted to meet their every expectation. Our commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures the highest quality dining experience.
Soho Beach House
Our commitment to sustainability and freshness results in fact that 80% of the menu items are from locally sourced ingredients. We keep the Caribbean at our core yet enjoy being creative and having fun! The Omakase Carib experience is a must-try!
Signature dishes include succulent lobster tail and freshly caught fish, each reflecting the essence of our local coastline. For those with dietary preferences, we offer an array of gluten-free options, vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that every guest's palate is catered to with care and consideration.
What are you most proud of at your resort?
Mandarin Oriental
For nearly seven years, our hotel has graced this property with its breathtaking decor, sophistication and luxury. The embodiment of Caribbean hospitality and cultural charm elevates every guest's experience to new heights. This year, our resort passed the Forbes five-star certification, a solid acknowledgment from a prestigious establishment. The resort also has garnered prominent nominations from Travel + Leisure and the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, solidifying our position as a prominent destination in the Grenadines.
Soho Beach House
The thick curtain between resort and local life we tend to see in other destinations does not exist here. The vibrant local life enhances the resort experience, and vice versa, adding richness and depth to one another. It's a special harmony that truly enriches the overall experience of being in Canouan.
What do you want the Four Hundred members to know about your property?
Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental is an #OffTheBeatenPath and should be on your 2024 #bucketlist. Guests can feel the summer all year long and nothing is more gracious than experiencing the gem of Antilles.
Soho Beach House
Canouan is an island that is immune to the rest of the world’s problems! Come and experience the magic of Canouan for yourself – a place where the stresses of life melt away amidst the beauty of nature.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design