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Grenada: The Right Place at the Right Time
By Madelyn Miller
For
years, I had heard the term snowbirds, those people who leave their homes in
cold weather and migrate for a few days or weeks to a warmer destination.
I never really thought I would be one because I am not
that much of a sun worshiper.
But a few days in New York during bitter cold, made me
yearn for a little sun. I love New York. There is almost no place in the
world I would rather be. Except when it is snowing.
I woke up in the wee hours before my early morning
flight to Grenada and saw six inches of snow that had suddenly appeared on
the ground. Would I be snowed in? Would I be layering clothes against the
bone-chilling wind and wondering if shopping was really fun when you hated
to take off your clothes to try things on.
A grumpy cab driver who complained about how difficult
it was to drive to Kennedy Airport increased my exodus mood.
Then everything changed.
From the moment I got off the plane, I knew I loved
Grenada.
It might have been because of the smooth, relaxing
flight on Air Jamaica.
Or
the swift lines in the airport that allowed you to be ready to start
enjoying paradise in mere moments. But I think it was because of the obvious
joy and pride that each person I met from Grenada felt about sharing their
island.
I had researched the island, and read that SPICE ISLAND
BEACH RESORT was the best hotel. The moment we drove up, I knew that I was
right again.
The cool towel and tropical drink garnished with star
fruit got me in the mood. I could hardly wait to shed my layers of
polar-tech to bask on the beach.
Once I entered my spacious, ecologically conscious room
I knew I was in paradise. I could not decide if I should dive into the huge
Whirlpool tub or the ocean first. But then I realized that I had not eaten
since four am. Even though the restaurant was between meals, the gracious
staff made wonderful sandwiches for my traveling companion Kevin and me.
They mentioned the all-inclusive tea was starting in 45 minutes, but I
insisted I could not wait one more moment to eat.
I think it is always the little details that make the
biggest impression. The iced tea was served with simple sugar syrup so it
dissolved instantly. So British. So charming.
NAME DROPPING
If you recognize these names, you will be happy to see
them at Spice Island Beach Resort. Frete Linens. Molton Brown Ammenities. Pevonia
in the spa.
IF YOU AREN’T RELAXED ENOUGH YET
Janissa’s Spa is a special Spice Island Sanctuary where
guests can relax, unwind and re-energize their body, mind and spirit.
Aromatherapy massages are accented with a wide range of local massage
oils—cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut, vanilla, orange, and Lemon.
People often ask me where in the world is my favorite
place to go. If they want to know my favorite place in the world to relax,
the answer is defiantly Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada.
While your days here will certainly focus upon the
powder white sands of Grand Anse Beach, other recreational possibilities
include floodlit tennis, a fitness centre, scuba-diving, snorkeling and
sailing.
Choose one of the Pool Suites and you can step right
out of bed into your own private swimming pool. Saunas and marble bathrooms
are additional little luxuries in the Royal Private Pool Suites.
DON’T MISS
Be sure to try the soups. My favorite was the Pumpkin
Coconut Soup. But the Green Banana with red chilies was a close second.
Try the sorrel juice made from a local flower. A sweet
tart sensation that was terrific when added to iced tea.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO TRY
A snorkel trip with Starwind Tours
A visit to Belmont Estate
A tour of Nutmeg World
BEST WAY TO GET THERE
AIR JAMAICA
www.airjamaica.com
GRENADA BOARD OF TOURISM
473-440-2279
WWW.grenada.org
BEST TOURS
Mandoo Tours
(Grenada board of Tourism Award Winning Tour Guide)/fax 473-440-1428
phone/Fax 473-440-1428
pager 441-7196
www.grenadatours.com
mandoo@grenadatours.com
WHERE TO STAY in GRENADA
SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT
800-223-9815
www.spicebeachresort.com
spiceisl@caribsurf.com
BLUE HORIZONS COTTAGE HOTEL
800-223-9815
www.grenadabluehorizons.com
blue@caribsurf.com
BEST SOUVENIRS
Grenada Chocolate
River Rum (75% alcohol)
Nutmeg
Dick Wine
WHERE TO EAT
Oliver’s
An extensive table d’horte menu. The open air beach front establishment
offers spectacular views and Creole and international cuisine. The Creole
specialties, freshly-caught seafood and international favorites are often
flavored with island-grown spices and regularly complemented by stirring
island rhythms.
Open daily 7-9:30pm
473-444-4258
www.spicebeachresort.com
La Belle Creole
One of the island’s premiere gourmet restaurants, overlooking Grand Anse
Beach and St. George’s Harbour. Continental Cuisine with an Indian flair
473-444-4316
www.grenadabluehorizons.com
Belmont Estate
Savor the dlights of Creole food and natural juices from the Plantation
buffet while you relax in a covered porch area nearby a tamarind tree.
Lunch daily. Reservations required by 9am.
(closed on Sunday)
www.belmontestate.net
473-442-9524
snc@belmontestate.net
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
CLIMATE
Average daily temperature ranges from 75 to 87, tempered by the cooling
trade winds.
MONEY
The East Caribbean Dollar is the currency used locally. It is linked to the
US Dollar. At banks you will get EC $2.67 for the US Dollar.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220 volts-50 cycles
HANDICRAFT
A variety of locally made handicraft is available from street vendors, the
Craft and Spice Market by Grand Anse Beach and the Market Square.
POPULATION
Approximately 96,000 of African, East Indian, and European descent.
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