Try asking Alexa where Canouan is. Even she doesn't know. But, despite being relatively unknown, it's where billionaires, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models, and A-listers like George Clooney are vacationing.

The small island, located within the chain of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is just a 45-minute flight from famous Barbados. In the past, it lacked running water and paved roads but is now uber luxurious with a runway for private jets, a few luxury hotels, villas, and a marina for mega yachts.

Despite its transformation, Canouan still feels like a hidden gem. No high-rise hotels exist, nature is bountiful, and the local village is vibrant. But, of course, there are also crystal blue waters and lush green hills, as you would expect from a tropical paradise. Adding to its hidden gem nature is that you can only access the island via private charter, ferry, or commercial flight from a neighboring island, or the Mandarin Oriental offers private jet service from Barbados.

Speaking of the Mandarin Oriental, it is the most luxurious hotel on Canouan, situated within a stunning gated 1,200-acre estate. It features 26 spacious suites with marble bathrooms, ample closet space, and a terrace or garden just steps from the beach. Personal butlers are available to ensure a comfortable stay. The hotel's hillside villas are particularly lavish, with private infinity pools, outdoor patios, elevators (in some), and over 5,000 square feet of space. All accommodations offer beachfront views, making them the perfect place to relax and enjoy the island's natural beauty.

The Mandarin Oriental offers a wide range of amenities on-site, including an individual treatment cabana spa nestled against a mountain with water views and two overwater villas with outdoor balconies, steam showers, and glass floors. Active travelers can enjoy golf at the Jim Fazio-designed course, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and a challenging hike up Mount Royal, the highest point on the island, with tortoises and crabs as companions. In addition, you can take in breathtaking views of neighboring Mustique, Union Island, and Petit St. Vincent from the summit. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, you can request the team to set up cocktails on the 13th hole of the golf course for a relaxing evening with stunning views.

Though you don't need to leave the property, there are a few reasons you want to venture out. The Soho Beach House and Shenanigans are just down the road, and you can sail to Tobago Cays, a group of five uninhabited islands that you might recognize from "Pirates of the Caribbean." You can snorkel with sea turtles and sting rays as you make your way to the empty island.

With its luxurious amenities, stunning natural beauty, and private, exclusive atmosphere, it's no wonder that celebrities and other VIPs are drawn to Canouan. So naturally, they likely want to keep this hidden gem all to themselves, but unfortunately, it probably won't remain a secret for long. The island's growing reputation and development, combined with its easy accessibility from nearby Barbados, make it an increasingly attractive destination for travelers seeking a luxurious and private getaway. Yet, despite this, Canouan retains its sense of exclusivity and seclusion, making it a truly special and unique destination in the Caribbean.