Grenada - The Spice Island
The most southerly of the Windward Islands, Grenada is known as the Spice Island, an affectionate nod to its trading history; the air is filled with scents of abundant nutmeg and cinnamon. Here powdery white and black sand beaches are lapped by the most azure of cerulean waters; perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, and perhaps the best wreck-diving in the Caribbean.
Beautiful Beaches, Harbours & Wildlife - The island’s interior is rich with rainforest, waterfalls and, within volcanic craters, high lakes and coastal mangroves are home to birdlife. Wildlife includes the mona monkey, armadillo and mongoose and, unique to the island, the Grenada dove and endangered hook-billed kite. In the south the beaches are sheltered and colonial British and colourful Caribbean buildings lead up from the harbour to line the narrow streets of the capital, St George’s, where there is a lively market, and numerous forts with panoramic views. Close by is the long stretch of sand at Grand Anse. More secluded beaches include L’Ance Aux Epines and Morne Rouge. The north has a wilder, windswept Atlantic coast and the Levera National Park covers 450 stunning acres whilst Lake Antoine hosts a huge variety of birdlife. The west offers black-sand beaches, fish markets and nutmeg tours.
Local Spices Pack Flavour - Hotels host excellent Sunday brunches, and beach shacks serve fresh fish daily. There are elegant beach bistros and sophisticated award-winning waterfront restaurants. Enjoy a fish sandwich lunch with spectacular views at BB’s Crabback. Oildown, the national dish, is a hearty combination of salted meat, breadfruit and dumplings steamed in coconut milk. Cocoa tea with local spices is a popular breakfast drink, rum is everywhere, and Carib is the traditional beer of choice. Over & Under Water Treasures - As the shipwreck capital of the Caribbean, with amazing wrecks and an underwater sculpture park, there’s great snorkelling and numerous PADI-certified dive centres. Inland, there’s Mount Saint Catherine’s peak and hiking in Grand Etang National Park.
When to visit - December to May is the best time to visit as these are, typically, the driest months. The last of the turtles hatch between the end of June and the beginning of July. Although the climate is wetter April to November, the rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts leaving sun for much of the day. Thanks to its location at the edge of the tropical storm and hurricane belt, Grenada is rarely affected by the storms that pass through from July to November.
Where to stay - Whether you’re an adventure seeker, business traveller or visiting Grenada with your family, there is a wide range of accommodation options available for you, private villas, all-inclusive hotels, boutique resorts and self-catering apartments, there really is something suitable for everyone. Why not call me so I can share some personal recommendations to suit exactly what you are looking for on your holiday to Grenada.
I’m a Travel Counsellor and with us it’s personal. If you want to travel with peace of mind get in touch with your holiday plans however near or far away.
Thank you to my clients who continue to book with me, knowing they have me at the end of the phone available every step of the way when they travel in the UK and rest of the world, for leisure and for business.