Looking for a sun-drenched destination with great beaches, lush rainforests and world-class coral reefs??? I’ve got just the place for you! Consider the island nation of Grenada also known as the Spice Isle. It’s less than 5 hours from major US airports like JFK, ATL and MIA. Grenada is just south of its neighbors St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and north of South America and Trinidad and Tobago.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for great beaches with a variety of restaurant and diving options I highly recommend staying in or near Grand Anse beach. It’s one of Grenada’s best beaches and a prime spot to enjoy sunset views.
Hotels
Silversands – great spa, pools (yes pools), and beachside dining and lounge. It’s on the pricier side but worth the service, design, and cuisine.
Spice Island Beach Resort – although I didn’t get to stay or dine at this resort I walked by several times and was impressed with the aesthetic, tranquility and location on Grand Anse beach. It’s in the heart of the action and the beach is the perfect spot to read your favorite beach novel or build sandcastles.
Radisson Grenada Beach Resort – another great option on Grand Anse based on location and amenities.
Beach hotels outside of Grand Anse Beach
Laluna – part of the Marriott Hotel group, Laluna is one of their Design Hotels. Its laid-back feel fits right into its beachside location. The beach is a little rockier and the waters are not clear turquoise like Grand Anse but it’s much more private and you feel like you’re truly getting away at this hotel. Many rooms come with their own plunge pool. I found the food here to be a bit overpriced and just okay. Rooms do come with a mini fridge so suggest stopping in town to get snacks and breakfast or trying local spots nearby.
The hotel offers amenities like daily yoga classes, a gym, beach loungers, and a day spa. Rooms were equipped with wifi, TVs, cable, and semi-outdoor showers.
I’d say the only con is if you don’t have a car, plan to spend at least $20 a day getting to and from Grand Anse beach or visiting Magazine Beach. Download the Haylup app (their version of Uber) to order rides around the island.
Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Magazine Beach
Maca Bana Luxury Boutique Resort – Magazine Beach
Where to Eat
Grand Anse Beach
Silversands – a great spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where you can eat indoors or alfresco.
61 West Restaurant and Beach Bar – beachside restaurant and bar serving seafood, comfort food, and breakfast. Closed on Mondays.
Umbrella’s Beach Bar – a two-story restaurant overlooking Grand Anse beach. They have it all, burgers, sandwiches, salads, drinks, and more. Great spot to watch sports, meet friends or listen to live music on Fridays and Sundays at 6pm.
Magazine Beach
Aquarium – great location for special occasions or group meals. Sunday they offer a BBQ special and live music.
Closed Mondays
Things to Do
Shop for Spices
Visit popular sites like Fort Frederick, hike to waterfalls, stroll around St. George’s, and more while learning about Grenada and its history.
Snorkeling or Scuba Diving – Dive Grenada
I loved my experience with Dive Grenada. Getting a quote was quick and easy and I was able to pay via PayPal before I arrived at the Dive Center. I choose a two-tank reef dive for my first day and a one-tank Sculpture Garden dive on my second day. Grenada offers over 30 dive sites to explore including wrecks and places like Flamingo Bay. Highly recommend a visit and contacting Dive Grenada to book your snorkeling or diving adventure.
Belmont Estate Chocolate Factory Tour
This tour encapsulates the story of Belmont Estate by sharing the history of its owners and workers and providing a glimpse into the workings of the estate. Learn how cocoa beans are made into chocolate through visits to the cocoa fermentary, drying house, and chocolate factory, and sampling dark organic chocolate and cocoa tea (local hot chocolate).
Availability: Sunday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
Price: US$5.00 (EC$13.00) for adults | Children 12 years and under ½ price
Duration: 45 – 60 minutes
Visit a Waterfall
Seven Sisters – take a self-guide hike or book with Viator
Annandale – take a half-day tour with Viator visiting Annandale waterfall, Grand Anse beach, and Fort Fredrick.
Black Rock – take a two-hour hike up to Black Rock in Grand Etang National Park with Viator.
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