Known as the Isle of Spice, Grenada is seventh heaven for heat-seekers.
Found at the southernmost tip of the Windward Islands, it has a year-round average climate of 23ºC or 80ºF, and grows more spices per square mile than any other place on the planet.
This means the aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger bathe the island, heightening the beauty of a land with over 40 picturesque white sand beaches.
The people are smart here, preserving the impact of Grenada's natural beauty with sympathetic architecture and an admirable law that says no building may be bigger than a palm tree!
The clear, turquoise waters invite you to explore the extensive reef formations and a vast range of marine life such as morays, angelfish, octopuses, sharks and sea-horses (plus the odd large shipwreck).
You may see some of them again on Fish Friday, when the fishing village of Gouyave is transformed to welcome visitors with local seafood delicacies cooked over open fires.
Sightseeing is plentiful too. Hike amid mahogany trees and dew-dropping ferns in the Grand Etang rainforest; enjoy the hillside colonial heritage of St. George's, which shows the area's melting-pot history dating back to Columbus; and tour a rum distillery before enjoying its produce, synonymous with Caribbean relaxation and all part of the perfect holiday.
What to See
Pure Grenada Music Festival
This is an all-embracing party taking place around the country. It showcases the diverse beauty of the island's music and aims to establish a legacy for Grenadian performers.
More details about artists and venues can be found at the official website: www.grenadamusicfestival.com The Grenada Chocolate Fest Beans there, done that. Pure Grenada created the festival in 2014, and it's now a must-see. Held at the True Blue Bay (see below), visitors can indulge in the nation's pure, organic and sustainable cocoa and chocolate. Producers will be on hand to show how hand-made, small-batch, ethical chocolate makes it from tree to bar. Of course you can get stuck in too, with lessons in tempering, moulding and truffle making. Irresistible.
Visit their website for more info: www.grenadachocolatefest.com
Where to Stay
There is a good variety of accommodation on the island, to suit any budget or preference. Here's a small selection of our recommendations – please contact us for further information. Spice Island Beach Resort
Elegant luxury is the watchword here, with 32 beachfront suites of pure indulgence.
True Blue Bay
Sited with an exquisite view of the island's south coast, this boutique hotel is set among tropical gardens. Its rooms, suites and villas are tucked into a hillside, and the True Blue hosts the annual Grenada Chocolate Festival.
Mount Cinnamon
22 luxury villas and hacienda suites are set in acres of colourful tropical gardens and two miles of white sands at Grand Anse Beach.
Flamboyant Hotel
3-star, split-level property with 67 rooms and excellent, friendly staff.
Blue Horizons Garden Resort
Eco-friendly, family-owned and operated, just 10 minutes from the historic city of St. George.
Where to Eat
Again, here's just a small selection of recommendations of both our own and our friends at Pure Grenada. The Beach House
One of the best independent restaurants (as in not not affiliated with a hotel) on the island. Its dreamlike setting on Portici Bay has tables set up behind palm trees. It serves a fusion menu of Caribbean and Asian influences, with simpler dishes available at lunchtime for beach dwellers.
Laluna
An air of mellow romance is part of the charm of this open-air, thatched-roofed, Italian restaurant at the Laluna Hotel. Portions are generous, and the young Italian chef Daniele Gaetano is a charmer, dividing his time between working the room and creating a vivid menu blending local produce with the best Italian imports.
The Aquarium
A beach bar and sun loungers makes this an ideal place to hang out during the day, and light lunches such as fish sandwiches and seafood salads are on offer. The food is Caribbean/international, with lots of fresh fish available, as well as local specialities such as a West Indian beef pepperpot stew and a bitter Grenadian chocolate mousse. Sunday lunch is a popular barbecue, with live music.
BB's Crabback
Possibly the best lunch in Grenada can be had in this unpretentious gem where you dine on the waterfront of the Carenage. A big selection of Caribbean specialties on the menu courtesy of the magnificently sociable, cricket-mad owner, Brian Benjamin.
Bananas
Lively nightspot with a choice including fast food al fresco and a relaxed sports bar. On Fridays and Saturdays, it's transformed into a nightclub.
Gouyave Fish Friday
Gouyave, up on the north-west coast, becomes the focal point for a brilliant night, every Friday. Stalls are laid out along two backstreets, with ladies cooking fried, steamed and grilled fish, along with other local dishes such as crab backs (land crabs) and fish cakes. You eat off plastic plates at communal picnic tables, and can purchase beer, rum drinks and local juices.
Create your own special Grenada getaway with us.
Contact info@abbottstravel.com, book an appointment online, call 0208 989 9445 or visit the shop at 134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA.