Mandarin Oriental, Canouan Achieves GSTC Certification,
a First for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
a First for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
UCSL United Certification Systems Limited is proud to announce that Mandarin Oriental, Canouan has officially achieved Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification, placing the resort among the world’s leading examples of responsible luxury.
This landmark certification was awarded following a rigorous assessment conducted by UCSL, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, and reflects the resort’s steadfast dedication to environmental care, community engagement, and cultural preservation. It marks an important milestone for both the resort and the broader Caribbean region – the very first GSTC-Certified property in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Located on the pristine island of Canouan, the all-suite, all-villa luxury resort is celebrated for its refined guest experience, elegant service, and deep respect for the island’s character. Nestled along a white-powder stretch of Godahl Beach and sheltered by one of the Caribbean’s largest natural coral reefs, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan stands as a strong example of how luxury hospitality can operate responsibly in a sensitive island environment.
Throughout the audit conducted by UCSL, the resort demonstrated effective and well-structured sustainability management. Mandarin Oriental, Canouan operates with a dedicated Director of Sustainability, Silvina Miguel, and an active Sustainability Committee, ensuring that initiatives are coordinated across all departments. Regular internal meetings, detailed documentation, and performance monitoring through the Greenview platform reflect a clear commitment to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
This landmark certification was awarded following a rigorous assessment conducted by UCSL, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, and reflects the resort’s steadfast dedication to environmental care, community engagement, and cultural preservation. It marks an important milestone for both the resort and the broader Caribbean region – the very first GSTC-Certified property in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Located on the pristine island of Canouan, the all-suite, all-villa luxury resort is celebrated for its refined guest experience, elegant service, and deep respect for the island’s character. Nestled along a white-powder stretch of Godahl Beach and sheltered by one of the Caribbean’s largest natural coral reefs, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan stands as a strong example of how luxury hospitality can operate responsibly in a sensitive island environment.
Throughout the audit conducted by UCSL, the resort demonstrated effective and well-structured sustainability management. Mandarin Oriental, Canouan operates with a dedicated Director of Sustainability, Silvina Miguel, and an active Sustainability Committee, ensuring that initiatives are coordinated across all departments. Regular internal meetings, detailed documentation, and performance monitoring through the Greenview platform reflect a clear commitment to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
ⓒ Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
The resort’s integration into local community life and its contribution to social and economic well-being form an important part of its sustainability approach. Mandarin Oriental, Canouan partners with local schools and community groups on environmental education initiatives, supports youth development programs, and participates in island-wide cultural and community events. Organic kitchen waste is donated to nearby goat farmers, reducing their operational costs and supporting circularity on the island.
Responsible procurement forms another core pillar of the resort’s sustainability practice. Despite the challenges of a small-island context, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan prioritizes suppliers from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean region. Compliance with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Supplier Code of Conduct ensures that human rights, labor practices, and environmental considerations extend across the value chain, while strict food safety and quality processes are upheld throughout operations.
Environmental management is equally important within Canouan’s fragile ecosystem. The resort implements resource conservation measures such as high-efficiency equipment, improved insulation, and a seawater-cooled air-conditioning system that significantly reduces freshwater demand. Waste separation and recycling are in place, food waste is monitored, and hazardous materials are managed according to robust safety procedures. Wastewater treatment complies with regulatory requirements, and staff receive training on biodiversity protection, wildlife interaction, and conservation principles.
Responsible procurement forms another core pillar of the resort’s sustainability practice. Despite the challenges of a small-island context, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan prioritizes suppliers from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean region. Compliance with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Supplier Code of Conduct ensures that human rights, labor practices, and environmental considerations extend across the value chain, while strict food safety and quality processes are upheld throughout operations.
Environmental management is equally important within Canouan’s fragile ecosystem. The resort implements resource conservation measures such as high-efficiency equipment, improved insulation, and a seawater-cooled air-conditioning system that significantly reduces freshwater demand. Waste separation and recycling are in place, food waste is monitored, and hazardous materials are managed according to robust safety procedures. Wastewater treatment complies with regulatory requirements, and staff receive training on biodiversity protection, wildlife interaction, and conservation principles.
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"Achieving GSTC Certification is a proud moment for our entire team at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan. It reflects the genuine care they bring to our guests, our island, and every aspect of our operation. We remain committed to raising the bar in responsible luxury hospitality and are grateful to UCSL for their professionalism throughout the assessment process.”
GSTC Certification underscores the property’s alignment with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s broader sustainability strategy as a GSTC-Committed entity – a strategy rooted in responsibility, transparency, measurable progress, and long-term commitment to cultural and environmental stewardship. UCSL congratulates the entire Mandarin Oriental, Canouan team on this meaningful accomplishment and looks forward to supporting their continued sustainability journey.
About Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
Located in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is Mandarin Oriental’s first Caribbean resort and a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Elegantly blending colonial and chic contemporary styles among its lavish suites and stylishly sophisticated villas, the resort is nestled on the hillside along a stunning stretch of Godahl Beach. Mindfully built with impeccable attention to detail, the resort features restaurants that serve a variety of international culinary delights in beautifully appointed settings. With Mandarin Oriental’s renowned reputation for legendary spas around the world, The Spa doesn’t disappoint with sea-view, en suite treatment palapas and therapists meticulously trained to relax, soothe and decompress. Canouan Island’s immaculate beaches, championship 18-hole, Fazio-designed golf course and luxury super-yacht marina provide guests with a range of activities to be enjoyed with Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service and warm welcoming smiles that bring a new level of hospitality to the Caribbean.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Each outstanding property reflects the Group's dual Asian heritage, while proudly distilling the Essence of the Destination, reflected in every hotel's own fan carefully crafted by local artisans. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group's mission is to craft time-enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 45 hotels, 12 residences and 27 exclusive homes in 27 countries and territories with many more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is an independent certification body, headquartered in the EU and operating worldwide. Proud to be one of the first GSTC-Accredited certification bodies, we provide certification services that align with the highest standards in luxury hospitality, bringing unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, we transcend the traditional role of a certification body, emerging as pioneers in research and education, spearheading positive change within the tourism industry.
About GSTC Certification
GSTC Certification is the globally acknowledged mark of sustainable tourism, awarded to hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that meet the GSTC Standards – the world’s leading criteria for responsible travel. It confirms that a business has undergone a rigorous and impartial assessment by a certification body accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international non-profit organization established through a strategic coalition including the United Nations Foundation, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and UN Tourism.
Holding GSTC Certification demonstrates a business’s genuine commitment to sustainability through a process that is credible, transparent, and globally consistent. The term "GSTC Certification" specifically means certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited, ensuring full alignment with the world’s highest standards for sustainable tourism.
Located in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is Mandarin Oriental’s first Caribbean resort and a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Elegantly blending colonial and chic contemporary styles among its lavish suites and stylishly sophisticated villas, the resort is nestled on the hillside along a stunning stretch of Godahl Beach. Mindfully built with impeccable attention to detail, the resort features restaurants that serve a variety of international culinary delights in beautifully appointed settings. With Mandarin Oriental’s renowned reputation for legendary spas around the world, The Spa doesn’t disappoint with sea-view, en suite treatment palapas and therapists meticulously trained to relax, soothe and decompress. Canouan Island’s immaculate beaches, championship 18-hole, Fazio-designed golf course and luxury super-yacht marina provide guests with a range of activities to be enjoyed with Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service and warm welcoming smiles that bring a new level of hospitality to the Caribbean.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Each outstanding property reflects the Group's dual Asian heritage, while proudly distilling the Essence of the Destination, reflected in every hotel's own fan carefully crafted by local artisans. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group's mission is to craft time-enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 45 hotels, 12 residences and 27 exclusive homes in 27 countries and territories with many more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is an independent certification body, headquartered in the EU and operating worldwide. Proud to be one of the first GSTC-Accredited certification bodies, we provide certification services that align with the highest standards in luxury hospitality, bringing unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, we transcend the traditional role of a certification body, emerging as pioneers in research and education, spearheading positive change within the tourism industry.
About GSTC Certification
GSTC Certification is the globally acknowledged mark of sustainable tourism, awarded to hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that meet the GSTC Standards – the world’s leading criteria for responsible travel. It confirms that a business has undergone a rigorous and impartial assessment by a certification body accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international non-profit organization established through a strategic coalition including the United Nations Foundation, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and UN Tourism.
Holding GSTC Certification demonstrates a business’s genuine commitment to sustainability through a process that is credible, transparent, and globally consistent. The term "GSTC Certification" specifically means certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited, ensuring full alignment with the world’s highest standards for sustainable tourism.
December 19, 2025