Clear azure waters caressing white sand beaches and stunning tropical sunsets, add to it the many fragrant scents of the “Isle of Spice” and you have the romance filled honeymoon destination of Grenada
The Lay of the Land
The tri-island nation of Grenada includes the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The main island of Grenada is divided into six parishes each named
for a Saint. Although its vibrant, Grenada
remains uncrowded and therefore intimate
and ideal for a romantic sunset stroll. The “Isle of Spice” is literally alive with both cultivated and wild growth of cloves cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cocoa, and
mace, and one third of the world’s nutmeg
coming from the Grenadines. Don’t leave
with out sampling Calaloo soup, and nutmeg ice cream. Be daring in your culinary choices, you won’t regret it!
GO FOR IT!
Once you have arrived in Grenada, be
ready to do more than just lounge on the
beach. There are several duty free malls
available to quench your shopping thirst.
Be sure to visit the local markets for fresh
spices.
Grenada is home to the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the Bianca C, an Italian cruise ship which sank in 1961. All of the passengers and crew, except the single engine room fatality, were rescued by
Grenadians in their small fishing boats who then opened their homes to the survivors until a second ship could be dispatched to retrieve them. You’ll find a bronze statue of Christ of the Abyss in the Carenage, presented to the people of Grenada by the Costa Cruise line in gratitude for their rescue efforts.
Since Grenada is less frequented by
divers, much of the undersea beauty remains unspoiled. For preservation, the government has imposed hefty fines for anyone removing any of the underwater life. There are many places in the world to view coral but Grenada has created a truly unique platform for coral growth with its underwater sculptures. Intended to reintroduce coral growth in the area off Moliniere Bay, damaged by Hurricane Ivan, the sculptures celebrate the past and present of Caribbean folklore and culture. Protected as a National Marine Park, this exhibit will highlight the ever changing and evolving undersea life. Marine life is also in abundance with moray eels, angelfish, octopus, sea horses, and from November through May over fifteen species of whale including killer and humpback. For game fishing. marlin, tuna, and sailfish are common.
If shallower water is more to your taste,
kayaking and river tubing are popular on
the rivers in the island’s interior but more
romantic still is a waterfall tour which ends
with a swim at the falls. Other Nature
tours are now taking advantage of lands
preserved for bird watching, rainforest tours and also the old plantations and forts.
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WHERE TO HANG YOUR HAT
Grenada offers a host of fabulous resorts
to choose from. Most offer beach based
activities, wonderful food, and romantic
spots for your destination nuptials; still
each has its own unique flavor and claim
to fame. Here are a few of my favorites.
Coyaba
The Arawak word for “heaven” truly
describes this all-inclusive resort designed to welcome guests to a Caribbean paradise. It is located on what many consider the worlds finest beach, Grand Anse. The décor throughout the resort reflects the Arawak history and culture together with the lush Caribbean surroundings. There is a complimentary 9-hole, par 3 golf course at the Grenada Club and non-motorized water sports including sailing, and snorkeling. Guests can also experience a botanical massage.
Arawakabana, Coyaba’s signature
restaurant, provides classical cuisine and
Grenadian seafood specialties. A poolside restaurant and the Cabaret provide selections off the grille. Be sure to watch as the chefs share their seafood expertise at cooking demonstrations. The Cacique lounge bar, with its exotic fresh flower arrangements and a poolside bar provide intimate and casual places to relax and mingle.
LaSource
French for “fresh water spring”,
LaSource is situated on Pink Gin Beach
surrounded by 40 acres of lush tropical
gardens. It reminded me of a Zen-like
summer camp for adults (no one under 16
allowed). It’s an all-inclusive spa resort
(not even tipping is allowed) that provides
instruction in snorkeling, ocean kayaking,
water skiing, windsurfing, hobie cat
sailing, sailing and wake/knee boarding,
plus aqua aerobics and water volleyball
poolside. Water sports not your style? Try
tennis, fencing, archery, beach volleyball,
aerobics, table tennis, cycling, weight
training, jogging, stretch classes, billiards/
snooker...all with an air conditioned gym
and a personal trainer. And if none of that
interests you, La Source also boasts a 9
green executive, par 3 golf course on the
grounds. Most importantly, don’t forget to
top it all off with your daily spa treatment –
another amenity included with this resort.
Experience a wide variety of dining options at LaSource: the Garden Restaurant, Oscar’s Beach Restaurant, the New Café Deli, and Greathouse Restaurant. Don’t miss a visit to the piano bar that oozes atmosphere – a place where Humphrey Bogart’s Rick or Ernest Hemingway would feel right at home.
If you would like to plan a destination wedding, the ceremony here would be
complimentary after a minimum seven night stay. Honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine
and fresh flowers upon arrival along with
a couples massage.
Maca Bana Villas
Arawak for “tree” and “place of dwelling”, Maca Bana is lazy luxury and soulful relaxation. This resort is for the true nature lover and eco-tourist. The resort is located in the southern part of Grenada’s capitol, St. George, next to the mile long white sand Magazine Beach and 5 minutes from Grand Anse Beach. Each villa, named for the fruiting trees which grow there, obtains electricity and hot water from the resort’s solar panels and have stunning views of the sea, the city and the hills beyond. The more private cliffside villas are for couples who’s only need for scenery is each other. The Aquarium Restaurant and bar on the beach is a one minute walk from your villa’s deck.
The family-owned Maca Bana is geared to provide guests with total privacy and relaxation. Kayaking and snorkeling are
available at the beach below. A private cooking lesson is available from the chefs of the Aquarium Restaurant. Stimulate your artistic side with sketching and painting lessons from owner Rebecca Thompson. Included are beverages and picnic lunches from the Aquarium Restaurant when travelling to locations. Your stay at Maca Bana will grace your lives for years to come with the artistic and culinary potentials unlocked in this island paradise.
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Mt. Cinnamon
Overlooking Grand Anse Beach, Mt.
Cinnamon has cozy one bedroom suites
and spacious luxurious two and three
bedroom villas with beautiful gardens and
décor to reflect the hues of the Caribbean.
The Cinnamon Spa has West Indian herbal treatments and therapies using natural
ingredients grown on the island to sooth
your body and soul.
Experience magnificent views of the Caribbean and romantic pool-side tables as you dine on locally grown produce in Mediterranean and Creole dishes at Savvy’s. Top it all off with the Mount Cinnamon Mousse - you won’t regret it! Dine directly on the beach at The Beach Cabana which sits directly on Grand Anse Beach and is surrounded by Mt. Cinnamon’s tropical gardens.
The Concierge will help you book
island tours by jeep or on your own with
car rentals, sailing excursions, scuba
diving, snorkeling, river tubing, deep sea
fishing, wakeboarding, skiing and tubing,
clear bottom kayaking, hiking/walking,
waterfall tours, and bus tours to the north
of the island.
Spice Island Beach Resort
Located on Grand Anse Beach this
eight acre property is owned and operated
by Sir Royston Hopkin K.C.M.G and his
family. After a $12 million renovation,
necessitated by Hurricane Ivan, Spice
Island Resort reopened in 2005 and is now
the only AA four diamond rated resort
on Grenada. The resort is known for its
excellent personalized service and allinclusive “Spice of Life” package which
includes tennis, water sports, and Cybex
fitness centre. PADI Certified Diving is
available for beginners and experienced
divers through Aquanauts.
Dinner at Oliver’s Sea Side Dining is a
journey through local spices and flavors.
Be sure to ask for any vegetarian or
special diet menus - the Chef will happily
accommodate.
Sit and soak up the sun in your beach
front suite while relaxing in the hammock
and lounge chairs that occupy your private patio. Hungry? Don’t worry - room service is complimentary as well.
Garden
suites offer you a private courtyard and pool for ultimate seclusion and romance. Make sure to schedule time at Janissa’s newly redesigned spa featuring massage therapies, hair services, facial treatments, waxing and tinting, body treatment packages, and salon services with many treatments using spices and sea borne resources available naturally from the island.
Spice Island Beach Resort blends
into the natural surroundings but goes
far beyond that to preserve the pristine
environment of the island. The pools use
a partial salinization rather than chlorine
for a unique and comfortable swimming
experience. Solar heating and desalination
plants coupled with consumption reducing
devices keep energy consumption at a
minimum. The Resort will also be smoke
free as of December 15, 2008.
For a destination wedding Spice Island
Beach Resort provides a well rounded
wedding package which includes fees
for legal documents, officiating, flowers,
photos, and cake, a wedding coordinator
on staff and even a best man and maid of
honor if required!
FINAL THOUGHTS
From the moment you land on the island, Grenada’s unique scents, and sensual breezes will captivate your senses. The kind and friendly people will make you
feel as though you belong there. In years
to come when you catch the scent of pure
nutmeg or cinnamon your mind will be
transported back to your honeymoon of a
lifetime. Paradise is waiting.
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