Why not spice up your next holiday?
It’s a place where a turquoise sea, meets pristine beaches of both black and white sand.
It also has a riveting history - Grenada retains a colonial charm, that is evident not only in the vibrant culture and traditions of its people but also in the eighteenth-century architecture, that still defines its capital, Saint George's.
The island measures just 133 square miles, with a population of just 100,000. But this little jewel in the Caribbean Sea packs more than many of the Caribbean islands. It’s also less commercialised than many other islands: In Grenada, communities still raise children, and common courtesy is not for gain, it’s a way of life.
Located in the Southern Caribbean, southwest of Barbados, its lush interior is populated with trees laden with fruit and spices, tropical gardens and over 164 species of tropical birds. It’s known as the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’ for its piquant cuisine. In fact, there are more spices in Grenada per square mile than anywhere else on the planet. Nutmeg is the most abundant spice, and Grenada produces about a third of the world's supply. The production of spices is complimented by fine, organic cocoa, and exquisite, world-famous chocolate.
The island is also famous for world-class diving, with bright reefs, thrilling drifts and dramatic shipwrecks all in ample supply, including a luxury liner sunk in 1961 and an underwater sculpture park that provides a home to prolific marine ecosystems including whip corals, sea fans, rainbow runners and Creole wrasse.
But this beautiful gem of an island has more to it than just beach and sea.
Hikers love Grand Etang National Park with its towering mahogany trees, shivering ferns and colourful flowers, criss-crossed by a network of trails for all levels, some passing the park’s central crater lake. If you feel brave enough, you can stand at the mouth of the dormant volcano. The park is also the home, outside of West Africa, of the ever-playful Mona Monkey.
One ninth, of Grenada’s land mass is preserved as parks and natural wildlife sanctuaries. This lush interior is also blessed with cascading waterfalls, plunging into refreshing pools - perfect for a quick dip. Relatively untouched, and under-commercialised, most of these picturesque landmarks are nestled in Grenada’s interior.
Levera Park, is a 450-acre park, with a reputation as Grenada’s most scenic and spectacular coastal area, It’s a lagoon, consisting of an extensive mangrove swamp, and home to exotic bird species.
Within the park, lies Levera Beach, home to Leather Back Turtles which surface ashore from as far away as Ireland and West Africa, between March and August to lay their eggs.
Grenada is also home to a number of sulphur springs, each with its own character. Noted for their health and wellness benefits, a soothing bath in the spring, complemented by an invigorating scrub of sulphur, will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and renewed.
The island may be known as the Spice Island, but it’s also a chocolate-producing island. The Grenada Chocolate Company, Diamond Chocolate Factory, Belmont Estate, and Crayfish Bay Estate, all produce exquisite, organic chocolate, showcasing the island's deep, cocoa farming roots. Be sure to visit House of Chocolate!
Getting around can be done by Taxi, Mini Bus or Car Rental. Taxies can be hired for specific tours, or simply to get you from A to B. Local buses have zone stickers conveniently placed at the front of each bus to guide you – and there is always a conductor on board to ask if you are unsure of your stop.
Looking to spice up your next holiday? Then venture with me to Grenada.
Just call me at 01234 581066 or e-mail me at marco.williams@travelcounsellors.com