Lush rainforest, stunning waterfalls and breathtaking beaches make Grenada a top notch Caribbean destination. It’s no wonder that Oprah herself has been known to vacation on the gorgeous Isle of Spice.
Where to Stay:
One of the most posh spots to rest your head in Grenada is Spice Island Beach Resort. This boutique hotel boasts 64 rooms (from US $733/night) set on a pristine beach where you can enjoy sublime peace and quiet (no competing for chaise longues here!). Book a Seagrape room if the sound of ocean waves is what you seek (these rooms open onto the beach). For the ultimate in privacy, a Royal room — complete with your own private courtyard pool and sauna — will serve you just fine.
Diehard Oprah fans and yogis may, however, prefer the seclusion of LaLuna. Ms. Winfrey and Morgan Freeman have both been known to stay here, and we can see why. This luxe 16-room cottage resort (from $365/night) offers a relaxed vibe, yoga classes on the beach daily and some of the best spa treatments we’ve ever experienced. (Be sure to add their spa’s Balinese massage to your itinerary).
Where to Eat:
Break bread with the locals at the super-fun Coconut Beach Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes (from US $16) like lambie calypso (chunks of conch with herbs, fresh ginger and cream). For your choice of side, go for the scalloped potatoes, (we swear they’re worth the carbs) and wash it all down with a refreshing strawberry fruit punch.
If you find yourself needing a break from Caribbean flavours while in Grenada, get yourself over to The Oriental at the Grenadian by Rex for some excellent Thai dishes, such as lobster (when in season) cooked with Thai basil and red-curry shrimp. Don’t forget to save room for the fried banana served à la mode.
What to Do:
Grenada is known as the Isle of Spice thanks to being a big producer of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves, and no visit here would be complete without taking a tour of the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station (Central Depradine St., Gouyave, 473-444-8337). Discover the spice’s very many uses and learn how it goes from being freshly picked to flavouring your favourite Grenadian dishes.
Also a must is a drive through the winding mountainous landscape covered in tropical rainforest to visit to one of the island’s stunning waterfalls, such as Concord Waterfall. Unlike Niagara, you can strip right down to your bikini and wade right in.
Sweet Tip: Thanks to the lush, tropical rainforest, you’ll encounter more mosquitoes than you might at other Caribbean destinations, so be sure to pack plenty of repellent.