TM
Grenada: The Right Place at the Right TimeBy 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 DROPPINGIf 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 YETJanissa’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 MISSBe 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 TRYA snorkel trip with Starwind Tours A visit to Belmont Estate A tour of Nutmeg World BEST WAY TO GET THEREAIR JAMAICA www.airjamaica.com GRENADA BOARD OF TOURISM 473-440-2279 WWW.grenada.org BEST TOURSMandoo 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 GRENADASPICE 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 SOUVENIRSGrenada Chocolate River Rum (75% alcohol) Nutmeg Dick Wine WHERE TO EATOliver’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 GOCLIMATE 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. Back to TravelLady Magazine |