3 minute read
Grenada
Located just 12 degrees north of the equator in the West Indies, Grenada entices with cooling trade winds, beautiful beaches, island romance and a touch of spice. With a centuries-old history as a leading exporter of nutmeg and mace, Grenada became known as the Isle of Spice, and plantations still produce fragrant spices today. The laid-back atmosphere of Grenada is complemented by friendly locals who offer a personal feeling to every visit.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
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Maurice Bishop International Airport, in St. George’s, is the main airport serving Grenada. Two official taxi companies operate at the airport and charge flat rates to various areas on the island. Car rental desks are conveniently located at the arrivals exit. The best way to get around Grenada is by car. Public minibuses circuit the island with limited service. You can also rent a car in the capital city of St. George’s and at Grand Anse Beach. Taxis are plentiful but expensive if you rely on them for every outing.
LODGING
Calabash Grenada
Indulge in the ultimate Caribbean escape at this family-owned Relais & Châteaux property where all 30 custom suites feature private balconies with ocean views. Rejuvenate with a yoga session and relaxing treatment at the spa.
L’Anse Aux Epines Beach, St. George’s, Grenada, tel 473 444 4334 calabashhotel.com
Laluna Beach Resort and Villas
The 16 colorful cottages with private verandas and plunge pools offer a truly romantic getaway at this secluded beach-chic boutique resort. Enjoy the Asian spa, beachfront yoga and a relaxed evening at the thatch-roofed restaurant. Larger luxury villas can accommodate families.
Portici Beach, St. George’s, Grenada, tel 473 439 0001 laluna.com
Spice Island Beach Resort All Inclusive
This luxurious beach resort offers everything you’d expect in a tropical paradise. Beachfront suites feature breezy terraces and private gardens with lemon, almond and sea-grape trees. Enjoy gourmet dining, a spa, pool and recreational activities.
Grand Anse Beach, The Lime, Grenada, tel 473 444 4258 spiceislandbeachresort.com
On the Waterfront:
The Carenage, St. George's
PHOTO: © WIKTOR WOJTAS | DREAMSTIME.COM
DINING
BB’s Crabback Caribbean Restaurant
Chef BB turns out the best Grenadian and West Indian dishes in town. Crabback (local land crab) is a specialty, but also try the curried goat or oildown (Grenada’s national dish, a hearty stew). Dine alfresco with spectacular views of harbor and sea.
The Carenage, Grand Etang Road, St. George’s, Grenada, tel 473 435 7058 bbscrabback restaurant.com
Coconut Beach Restaurant
Housed in a West Indian cottage at Grand Anse Beach, the restaurant serves a vibrant Caribbean spirit alongside French Creole cuisine. Enjoy an alfresco lunch, snacks at sunset or a romantic dinner by moonlight.
Grand Anse Main Road, Grand Anse, St. George’s, Grenada, tel 473 444 4644 thecoconutbeachgrenada.com
Rhodes Restaurant
Savor sophisticated, fresh and seasonal Caribbean fare in an elegant, upscale atmosphere at the renowned Rhodes Restaurant at Calabash.
Calabash Grenada, L’Anse Aux Epines Beach, St. George’s, Grenada, tel 473 444 4334 calabashhotel.com ATTRACTIONS
Belmont Estate
The fully functional, 17th-century cocoa and spice plantation welcomes guests to tour the organic farm, gardens, cocoa processing facilities and museum. Dine in the on-site restaurant serving traditional Grenadian cuisine, and shop in the gift shop and craft market.
St. Patrick, Grenada, tel 473 442 9524 belmontestate.net
Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
Snorkel, scuba dive or take a glass-bottom boat to see the 75 works situated between natural rock formations at depths of 10–15 feet. Depicting the folklore and history of Grenada, sculptures become part of the ocean floor to support coral, sponges and fish habitat.
Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, Grenada, tel 473 440 2001 underwatersculpture .com/projects/molinere-underwater-sculpturepark
St. George’s
Wander the narrow streets of the most beautiful harbor town in the Caribbean. Admire the brightly painted houses, sample local cuisine at restaurants along the marina, explore colonial history at Fort Frederick and Fort George, and shop for local spices at Market Square.