WHERE TO STAY
The paradise beach-front hotel
Of its 64 rooms, it’s the 32 beachfront suits that really sets Spice Island Beach Resort apart. Stepping off the sand straight into your own space makes the fully inclusive five star hotel feel very special indeed. Situated right on Grand Anse Beach, recently voted one of the best beaches in the world, the bright, spacious rooms (whitewashed with accents of aqua) are set back down a small sand dune, making them remarkably private. Patios feature a sofa, table and chairs, and a squashy hammock.
Food at Spice Island is delicious, and menus are on a three week cycle, changing daily, so you’re spoiled for choice with new options for lunch and dinner. Mixologists at the hotel make the island’s best pina colada, too.
There’s a large, airy and colourful kids club – and babysitting is available on request. Touches like kids dressing gowns, special menus and play packs ensure little ones feel as welcome as their parents. After a long day exploring the island, a trip to the lavender, rosemary and grapefruit scented Janissa Spa is a must to unwind.
The want-for-nothing all inclusive
There really is something for everyone at the expansive Royalton Grenada. Room levels – and thus prices – vary substantially, from garden-facing doubles to swim up suites, meaning most budgets are catered for. Access to the Diamond Club, an exclusive stretch of beach with shady cabanas and waiter service, comes at a premium.
Food options at Royalton are varied and there are three main restaurants – Italian, Indian and French – along with a large buffet. If lively entertainment is your bag, there are shows aplenty. We particularly enjoyed the weekly beach BBQ. Although if you prefer a little peace and quiet, you’re able to find it too.
Service is excellent, and staff remember what you like – from morning lattes (the hotel made the best coffee we had during our trip), to beachside cocktails. There are three pools, including a kids splash area, and one with a swim-up bar. The Royalton sits on pretty Magazine Beach. At one end, complimentary kayaking is available. Elsewhere there is a reef by the shore, meaning plenty of marine life to see. Kids are welcomed, with stuffed toy gifts and yummy menus.
The family-centred home-from-home
Set on a hillside at the very southern tip of Grand Anse Beach, suites and villas at Mount Cinnamon have arguably the best views on the entire island. Adult-only suites are light, tranquil and modern, while villas are double-floored, spacious and ideal for families, with kitchens, two Instagrammably-painted bathrooms and a living room. All have balconies on which to enjoy the hotel’s homemade banana bread. Guests can choose whether to get their steps in and climb the vertiginous cliff-side paths, or take the hotel buggy around the site. A newly appointed chef means food at Mount Cinnamon is top notch, and the scallop risotto was so tasty we ate it twice.
The pool area is small, and confusingly deep at 10m, but inflatables are provided for children to play with. The beach, a four-minute stroll away via a pretty garden path, has sun loungers aplenty, complimentary watersports, a brimming basket of toys and a great bar, serving food and drink.
For those inclined, there’s a Peloton gym with bikes and treads, as well as two small spa areas, one indoor, one outdoor. I had the best massage of our stay here, so relaxing I fell asleep.
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WHERE TO EAT
The street food party
Dodgy Dock at the True Blue Bay Beach Resort is not to be missed, especially its street food party, which happens every Wednesday. From pasta to grilled shrimp, curries to oil down – Grenada’s national dish – there’s an eye watering amount of choice. Live performances from Solid, one of Grenada’s most popular bands, are very good indeed, and get the crowd dancing and singing along.
The budget beach bar
For relaxed dining, look no further than Umbrellas Beach Bar. Towards the northern end of Grand Anse Beach, it features plenty of wooden seating, and allows diners to take their food and drink onto the sand too. Burgers, tacos and sandwiches cost around £7, making it a great option for those on a budget, and there’s a daily happy hour for cut price cocktails.
The chef’s table
For something a little different, head to Dexters. Set up by the ex head chef of the five star Calabash hotel, each night the five course tasting menu – created by Dexter, and served on the terrace of his home, changes and is explained to guests by the man himself. A great option for groups, couples or families – all are welcome – but booking in advance is required.
THINGS TO DO
The sunset boat trip
It would be rude to visit Grenada and not take a trip out on the water with Danny and his team at Savvy Sailing. Private charters, guests can choose from a sunset cruise, whole day sailing, half day snorkelling or a visit to local paradise island Carriacou. Drinks and food are provided on board, and Danny is among the island’s top local experts, full of fascinating information. Child friendly, this is my top pick of things to do in Grenada. Prices start from $450USD for up to six people.
The underwater sculpture park
Whether you dive, snorkel or peer through a glass-bottomed boat, the sunken figures that make up Grenada’s underwater sculpture park at Molinere Bay are a must-see. At depths of five to eight metres, it was the first of artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater gardens. After hurricane Ivan damaged the area, the sculptures – my favourite being a large ring of children – have provided a new habitat for marine life to flourish. We took a half day excursion with Eco Dive Grenada, which also included some snorkelling.
The agritourism plantation
The Belmont Estate is a plantation that dates back to the 17th century, around an hour’s drive north of the capital, St Georges, that welcomes guests into the world of tree-to-bar chocolate making. It’s a brilliant place to spend the day, inspecting cocoa pods, crushing them underfoot, peeking into the on-site factory, and sampling its wares. Locally made food, served buffet style, is served at its restaurant, too, and is delicious.
The cooling waterfall
Across the island are some truly breathtaking waterfalls. Among the easiest to access is Annandale, just a stone’s throw from St Georges. Taking a dip on a sweltering day is a sure fire way to cool down. Tip the Annandale Waterfall Jumpers and watch them hurl themselves off the surrounding cliffs into the water. It’s quite the skill – and strictly prohibited for tourists.
The plant-lover’s delight
With all manner of flowers, foliage, fruit and vegetables, The Tower Estate is a horticulturalist’s paradise. The 100-year-old complex holds numerous tours and events, including perfume making. During our visit we were cooked a vegan lunch by top Grenadian chef and incredible talent, Joachim Joseph.
*Rooms at Spice Island Beach Resort cost from £734 per night
*Rooms at Royalton Grenada cost from £383.61 per night
*Rooms at Mount Cinnamon Resort cost from £273 per night
*British Airways flights to Grenada start from £522pp economy return, flights operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays with a stop in St Lucia
*For more information on what to do in Grenada, visit Pure Grenada
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