GRENADA
The Caribbean’s Spice Isle.
GETTING THERE:
Air Canada Vacations Direct charters flights from Toronto during high season. www.aircanada.com
Air Jamaica Four times weekly flights (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) from New York City. www.airjamaica.com
Delta Air Lines Non-stop twice weekly flights departing from New York City. www.delta.com
American Airlines Offers daily flights from Miami. www.aa.com
Liat Offers connections via several Caribbean islands. www.liatairline.com
GETTING AROUND:
Mandoo Tours ‘Mandoo’ Seales regularly gives tours of the island or specific tours can be tailored. Known to school children across the island for his informative award winning (473) 440-1428; www.grenadatours.com
Port Louis Marina Located in the Lagoon, on the outskirts of St. George’s, it is owned and operated by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas. With 160 berths for yachts up to 300 feet, the marina boasts facilities including fresh water, electricity, wireless broadband, cable TV, shower and laundry, grey and black water discharge and refuse disposal. The marina village is home to the Victory Bar & Grill, The 1782 Restaurant, as well as a sail-maker, boat maintenance and provisioning services, and shops for leisure wear and crafts. P.O. Box 3838, Lagoon Road, St. George’s; www.cnportlouismarina.com, www.portlouisgrenada.com, www.cnmarinas.com/marinas/port-louis
Yacht Charter Services at Port Louis Marina Charter services are available through the Moorings and Sunsail (beginning in November 2010) and Horizon Yacht Charters. www.moorings.com; www.sunsail.com; www.horizonyachtcharters.com
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT:
Spice Island Beach Resort Owned and operated by Sir Royston Hopkin and family and situated on 8 acres of grounds on Grand Anse beach, the 64 suite hotel (32 of which are beachfront) offers three categories of accomodation ranging from the Garden/Pool suites with living room and balconies to the Royal Collection mini-villas and the Cinnamon and Saffron Suites complete with connecting suites, living room and wet bar. Artistic direction from Kobi Karp Inc. of Miami and Talma Mills Studios of Barbados transformed the resort in 2005. An inclusive pricing (meals and drinks) and 21-day meal cycle ensure guests plenty of choice at Oliver’s beachside gourmet restaurant. Other dining facilities include the Sea & Surf Terrace and the Sea & Surf Bar. Janissa’s Spa and Fitness Center, Omnicourt® tennis court, Gatsby Boutique, wedding facilities conference space, and The Nutmeg Pod Children’s Activity Center are also available. In season single from $914 (US), off season single from $733 (US) festive season single from $1,180. Grand Anse Beach, St. George’s; (473)444-4258 ; www.spiceislandbeachresort.com
La Source Situated on Pink Gin Beach the 100 room inclusive resort offers complimentary daily spa treatment, (Oasis Spa), four restaurants (Garden Restaurant, Cafe Deli, Oscar’s Beach Bar and Restaurant and Great House Restaurant), three bars (Oscar’s bar, Terrace Bar & Lounge and Piano Bar), golf course, exercise classes, and yoga. Day or evening passes available for non guests. Luxury rooms from $330 (US). Pink Gin Beach, (473) 444-2556 or 1 (888) 527-0044; www.theamazingholiday.com
La Luna In Morne Rouge Bernardo Bertucci has created a 16 cottage (one and two bedroom) resort that combines Indonesian and Caribbean style. The Santuary area includes an organic garden, Asian Spa, and Yoga pavillion. With dining by Italian chef Daniele Gaetano, guest services include mountain bikes, snorkeling, hobie-cat sailing and kayaking. Morne Rouge, (473) 439-0001 or 1 (866) 4 LALUNA; www.laluna.com
Coconut Beach Restaurant Creole and international dishes served on Grand Anse Beach. (473) 444-4424
Le Phare Bleu Marina & Resort Swiss couple Dieter Burkhalter and Jana Caniga have created a full-service marina and resort in Petite Calivigny Bay on the south coast. A highlight is the historic light house ship turned restaurant Västra Banken. Petite Calivigny Bay, St. George’s; (473) 444-2400; www.lepharebleu.com
Blue Horizons Garden Resort Owned and managed by Arnold Hopkin, this 32 room (26 deluxe suite and 6 superior studios) offers self-catering accomodation, freshwater pool, poolside bar and lounge. Excellent dining at La Belle Creole. Grand Anse, St. George’s; (473) 444-4316; www.grenadabluehorizons.com
True Blue Bay Resort & Villas With 29 guestrooms and five tower suites the resort also boasts a family pool, restaurant, snack bar, onsite dive center and dock. Winter, $120-$515, Summer, $140-$340; www.truebluebay.com
Mi Hacienda Hotel Restaurant and Bar Merle McEwen invites guests into her home with spectaular views of Grand Anse beach. Sunday afternoon features live Jazz, and Wednesday night is Caribbean night showcasing local fare. From $90 (off season), $120 (on season), pricing in US dollars. Pick up and drop off available. Jean Anglais, Grand Anse, St Georges, (473) 439-2799; www.mihacienda.gd
WHAT TO DO:
Aquanauts Snorkel Grenada Diving and snorkeling tours for all experience levels from beginner to advanced diver. Snorkel trips take four hours and visit two sites. Diving certification also available. Two locations at Spice Island Beach Resort, (473) 439-2500 and True Blue Bay Resort , (473) 444-1126; www.aquanautsgrenada.com
First Impressions Whale and dolphin tours, sunset cruises, deep sea fishing tours and other tours available. Allamanda Hotel, Grand Anse, (473) 440-3678, www.catamaranchartering.com
Gouyave Fish Friday Grenada’s fishing capital hosts a weekly, lively event beginning around 7p.m. where local vendors sell fresh seaffod dishes, and Grenadian fare.
Seven Sisters Waterfall Accessible by a thirty minute hike through rainforest.
Telfor Bedeau Guided hiking tours through Greanda’s interior from the island’s most well recognized and respected outdoorsman. (473) 442-6200.
Hog Island Accessible only by boat, the island is noted for Roger’s Bar and comes alive on Sundays when barbeques abound.
Concord Waterfall Three falls accessed by turning off the Western Main Road at Concord-Black Bay Junction. Small fee.
Veronica’s Versions Celebrating the island’s history of spice this unique shop with designs from local artist Jessie-Ann Jessamy includes clothing, canvas bags, postcards and more. Concord Nutmeg Station, St. John’s; (473) 437-8154; www.grenadaspicecloth.com
Dougaldston Spice Boucan Discover how spices are grown and processed at this historical estate.
Gouyave & Grenville Nutmeg Processing Stations The largest nutmeg processing factories on the island. Tours available for $1 (US).
Grenada Chocolate Company Founded in 1999 produced organic dark chocolate from locally sourced cocoa through a cooperative. The deliciously addictive chocolate can be purchased at stores throughout Grenada and Belmont Estate.
Belmont Estate The 400 acre agri-tourism site still operates as a working plantation. It has belong to the Nyack family since 1944 and offers conference room, wedding facilities and tours. Dining availalbe. (473) 442-9524; www.belmontestate.net
River Antoine Rum Distillery The oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the West indies has been producing rum since the 1800s. (473) 442-7109
Grand Etang National Park Centers around Grand Etang Lake which fills are former volcanic crater. Visitors centre and restrooms available.
Fort George, Fort Matthew and Fort Frederick High above St. George’s these forts are remnants of Grenada’s colonial past.
TOURISM OFFICE:
Grenada Visitors Bureau www.grenadagrenadines.com
CARRIACOU
One of Grenada’s main sister islands.
GETTING THERE:
Osprey Express Daily ferry service between the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Adult Return ticket between Carriacou and Grenada, $62 (US); www.ospreylines.com
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT:
Carriacou Grand View Hotel 14 room apartment hotel with views of Hillsborough harbour. From $80 (US). Beausejour, (473) 443-6348 or (473) 443-8659; www.carriacougrandview.com
GETTING AROUND:
Linky Taxi Service Available daily. linkytaxiservice@hotmail.com
USEFUL WEBSITES WHEN PLANNING YOUR TRIP:
Grenadian couple Neil and Monja offer great information on the island, including webcams, photo albums, newsletter and travel tips. Best of all their websites are updated often.
grenadaexplorer.com
webcamgrenada.com
grenadaguide.com
grenadatravelforum.com
grenadaphotoalbum.com
MORE GRENADA:
Read More including an original article on the island in City Style and Living Magazine’s Fall 2010 issue.
