Canouan Reinvented

The green and peaceful island of Canouan is surrounded by dazzling beaches, while the east coast is protected by a lagoon and barrier reef that would be sensational in French Polynesia. But despite the amazing natural beauty — the view from the hilltop 13th hole of the Jim Fazio-designed golf course is truly sublime — hotel companies, including Rosewood and Raffles, have found the island challenging.

Now it is the turn of Dermot Desmond, billionaire financier and owner of Sandy Lane in Barbados. The Pink Sands Club comprises just 26 suites and six villas; a marina for 
superyachts is under construction; and the island’s runway has been lengthened to accommodate large private jets (which allows those unfortunate guests without their own wings to be flown in from Barbados by Citation CJ3). The resort is expected to debut in time for the 2014-15 winter season. Desmond’s aim is to make this the most luxurious property in the Caribbean. He may even succeed.