Eat, Stay, Do | Grenada

45 white-sand beaches, steeped in verdant rainforests, magical waterfalls and the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park - Grenada, known as ‘the Spice of the Caribbean’, is a beach-fringed island balancing adventure, romance and pure relaxation. 

For beach-lovers, couples and adrenaline-junkies looking to escape, in Grenada, you’ll get way more than you bargained for. With the option to explore the charming sister island Carriacou, known as the ‘Land of Reefs’ and the quaint cultural heritage of Petite Martinique, you're not likely to get bored. If you still want more, there's a host of sandy specs poised in the surrounding azure waters, just waiting to be explored. 

EAT

The Beach Club at Calabash Hotel - $$

Picture this... you’ve just dipped some fried calamari in your sweet lime and chilli mayo sauce, while your waiter places a freshly squeezed glass of passion fruit juice next to your goat cheese, plantain and cashew praline. The Beach Club, at the Calabash Hotel on Anse aux Epines beach, managed by Chef Mark, who swapped the south coast of England for the charm of Grenada. This passionate chef and his team spend their days rustling up moreish Caribbean tapas made from local produce. If you prefer smaller dishes or a light lunch during the midday heat, this stylish, laid-back setting with a beach view is great for snacking and relaxing. Once you’ve had a taste of Chef’s signature warm banana crumble with nutmeg ice cream, bets are you'll probably pack up and migrate too.

Andy’s Restaurant & Soup Bar - $

Get the authentic taste of Grenada at this popular local eatery. Husband and wife restaurant team Peter and Ingrid Alexis loved cooking for friends and family at home so much, they decided to give Grenadians and visitors a taste of their delicious dishes infused with local herbs and spices. Just 10 minutes from the famous stretch of sand, Grand Anse beach, at this colourful and homely bamboo-clad spot you'll get fresh grilled fish and the national dish, 'oil down' - a concoction of salted meat or seafood, dumplings, breadfruit and callaloo. So, if your sea-soaked, sun-kissed, covered in sandy granules and feeling mellow, this is a great way to fill your belly and get into the island vibe.

Website: www.facebook.com/Andys-Soup- House-354082081299479/?fref=ts

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Sails Restaurant - $$

If you favour fresh air, open space and enjoy being inches from the ocean, then Sails Restaurant is a great option for dockside dining on this island. You’ll find this nautical themed restaurant at the far end of a picturesque harbour called the Carenage, making it the ideal location to refuel after a tour of St. George’s or to marvel at the sparkling, lit up harbour at night. For the seafood fanatics there’s grilled lobster tail, coconut crusted shrimp or island specialty conch. It’s all so fresh, you might just catch a glimpse of the chef’s main ingredients being delivered by boat at the side of the dock. Grenadian Owner/Chef Shereen Holas takes pride in presentation so be prepared for a pleasant exchange, authentic meals and picture-worthy plates.

STAY

Laluna Resort - $$$

Perched on the stunning Portici Beach hidden among the lush flora and fauna lies Laluna Resort - a cluster of 16 romantic cottages with Balinese, Italian and Caribbean aesthetics. If you’re not a morning person, one night at Laluna will change that very quickly. As the sun peeks into your open air bathroom, shines a light on your private plunge pool and invites you onto a balcony that extends to meet the horizon you’ll quickly learn the definition of the ‘good life’. Laluna resort is the best location for honeymooners or cooing lovebirds looking for a secluded place to enjoy quality time. If you’re also planning a family vacation or travelling with a group of friends, you’ll fall for their luxury 5-bedroom villas, superbly decorated and perched on the edge of a cliffside overlooking the awe-inspiring Caribbean Sea. What’s more, their focus on wellness means you can soak in the sanctuary of their authentic Asian Spa and stretch out your stresses under their beachfront yoga pavilion. If that’s not enough, you can taste the finest fusion of italian and Caribbean food inspired by owner, Bernardo who is originally from the Calabria region of Italy.

Website:www.laluna.com

True Blue Bay Resort - $$$

Calling all ocean lovers who long to wake up near the ripples of water lashing therapeutically against the dock. True Blue Bay Resort is a family owned and operated resort that keeps its guests on their toes. Whether it be a fun Mexican/Grenadian themed night a Dodgy Dock Restaurant, beer brewed on-site, cooking classes with the infamous Esther and Omega or Yoga Classes at the Sankpla Studio overlooking the marina, the True Blue Bay Resort family will ensure to make your stay in Grenada an eventful one, full of enlightening activities. Their Waterfront Villa feels like a home away from home, with cosy sofas awaiting awesome sunsets and a large jacuzzi tub for pampering nights in.

Bella Blue Grenada - $$

If you consider yourself to be more of an independent traveller who loves to roam freely, then you’ll love Bella Blue Grenada, two self catered one bedroom apartments overlooking the infamous Grand Anse Beach. This newly built home by Grenadian Architect Irina Kostka (who is somewhat of an adventurer herself) was designed with free-thinking voyagers in mind. Each open plan apartment has a modernist flare with clean lines and accents pieces inspired by her own travel explores from Asia and Africa to Europe. But enough about the interiors, the major selling point is an unhindered panoramic view of Grand Anse Beach and the stunning turquoise sea you’ll be greeted by each morning. At a rate of $US80 per night, each apartment comes complete .with a queen sized bed, kitchenette, appliances and lots of space to breathe.

DO

Isle of Reefs Tours

Life on Grenada’s stunning sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique is simple, sweet and sedating, while the azure waters surrounding each island will take your breath away. Isle of Reefs Tours owned and operated by Kayak native Alison Caton is glamping in the Caribbean at its best!. A 45 minute boat-ride on the Ms. Allison speed boat will lead you to Tobago Cays where you can swim with turtles or swing aimlessly in a hammock between two palm trees. Allison makes it her mission to give each and every one of her guests a luxury camping experience like no other and unique to the personalities of each group she meets. The Ferry to Carriacou and adventurous boat-ride to the Cays is totally worth it when you can lounge on a secluded offshore island after an authentic Grenadian meal with nothing but the sound of crashing waves and rustling of soldier crabs popping out their shells to say hello.

Eco Yoga Tour

When mind, body and soul come together in unspoiled natural surroundings it's a match made in heaven, particularly for those in need of relaxation and revitalisation. Qualified Yoga Instructor Mitsukha who is also founder of Fountain of Youth Yoga Studio has managed to seamlessly fuse the two with on her Eco Yoga Tours in the most breathtaking locations in Grenada. Imagine practicing yoga in front of a cascading waterfall in the depths of the rainforest or meditating on the edge of a sleeping volcanic crater 1900ft above seal level. Imagine closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing to the real sounds of tranquility in an utopian setting. This tour is highly recommended for people of all ages and levels who want to combine wellness practices with their adventures and explorations.

Savvy’s Snorkelling Tour

Grenada boast some of the best sailing conditions and safest harbours, and what better way to experience it than on a traditionally built Carriacou sloop to transcend you back to Grenada’s seafaring heritage. On Savvy’s you can sail into the sunset and watch the sky change from a powdery blue to a fiery orange with a cider in one hand and freshly baked cookies in the other. If you love snorkelling then this is a great way to see and hang out around Grenada’s Underwater sculpture Park, a worldwide first. If you're travelling with a large group of friends, Savvy’s is the perfect way to bond over the seas while taking in the stunning sights of Grenada and the Grenadines.

AUTHOR: KERED CLEMENT