Known as “Spice Island,” Grenada grows more spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger per square mile than any other place in the world. The southernmost island of the Windward Islands, it is located 90 miles north of Trinidad. Only 21 miles long and 12 miles wide at its widest point, this island is the home to much more than just spices.
Grenada has plenty to offer the vacationer – from its beautiful white sandy beaches to the majestic beauty of its dead volcanic crater port, Carenage. Built by the French in 1732, this capital city port’s waterfront is lined with pink, ocher and brick-red commercial buildings and warehouses. Another exciting activity is the glass-bottom boat tours of St. George’s Harbor. Here you can see with your own eyes the beauty of the ocean floor and all its inhabitants.
Before your trip to Grenada, be sure and ask about the “People to People” program offered by New Trends Tours (809/444-1236) where you will meet and spend time with a native Grenadian who shares your same interests.
Grenada Facts
• Climate: Temperatures average in the 80s on the coasts and get cooler in center regions of the islands.
• Currency: The Eastern Caribbean dollar; U.S. currency readily accepted.
• Banking: Banking hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and re-open on Fridays from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
• Language: English and a French patois.
History
Discovered in 1498 by Christopher Columbus, Grenada was inhabited by Carib Indians until the French bought it for some glass beads and metal knives. From then on the British refused to allow the French to control the island and both nations built fortifications and battled for decades. It wasn’t until the Treaty of Versailles in 1783 that Grenada became a British Crown Colony.
More recently in the 1960s, Grenada developed as the first Carribean Island tourist destination. All was well until 10 year later when Cuban military advisers were invited into the country as Grenadians fought for their independence. This kept tourists away until 1983 when the United States sent in the Marines and Army to control the situation. Since then the country has been trying to re-build it’s tourist appeal.
Where to Stay
These hotels are highly rated:
Grenada Renaissance – Grand Anse Beach – 186 rooms on 19 acres of beachfront; each room has a pation or balcony, Tel and hair-dryer. Other amenities: tennis courts, pool, shops, bar, water sports, diving excursions, dining room.
Spice Island Inn – Grand Anse Beach – 56 suites on the beach with whirlpool baths, 17 private pools, gardens, tennis court, fitness center, water sports and restaurant.
Blue Horizons – Grand Anse Beach – 32 cottage-suites with kitchenetts, A/C, hair dryers, pool, whirlpool, playground and restaurant.
Calabash – L’Anse Aux Epines – 30 suites in 10 buildings on the beach, 6 with private Jacuzzis, 8 with private swimming pools and a maid who prepares breakfast in the mornings; pool, tennis court, billiard room and restaurant.
Horse Shoe Beach – L’Anse Aux Epines – 12 cottages and 12 suites, each with its own patio; water sports center and restaurant.
Coral Cove – L’Anse Aux Epines – 18 guestrooms that overlook the beach with kitchenettes, pool, tennis court, maid and laundry services.
Getting Around
Car rental is good if you want to tour the island on your own. Taxis are great for tours and making your way around the island, but make sure you agree on a price because cabs are unmetered.
Activities
Boating
Grenada Yacht Services – St. George’s–440-2508
The Moorings – Secret Harbour–444-4439
Go Vacations – Prickly Bay–444-4924
Starwind Enterprises – 440-3678
Golf
Grenada Golf Club – St. George–444-4128
Hiking
Henry’s Tours Ltd. – 444-5313
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Grand Anse Aquatics–444-4219
Dive Grenada–444-4371
Grenada Yacht Services–440-2883
World Wide Watersports–444-1339
Tennis
Most hotels have courts.
Sea Excursions
Rhum Runner – Glass-bottom boat tours of St. George’s Harbor. World Wide Watersports.
Best Places to See
Beaches – I recommend Grand Anse Beach – as seen above.
St. Georges – Built by the French in 1732, this capital city port is the crater of a dead volcano. Carenage is the waterfront which is lined with pink, ocher and brick-red commercial buildings and warehouses.
Grenada National Museum – Young St. 440-3725: Displays ancient artifacts and information about the island’s history.
Market Square – Buy the island’s freshest produce, from mangoes to coconuts as well as crafts made from straw.
Government House – Home of the Governor-General, the Queen’s official representative, built in the late 18th century and overlooks the harbor and town below.
Concord Falls – Located north of St. George’s, these 50-foot falls empty into a lavish tropical pool where you can cool off from the warm sun.
Shopping
You won’t find the best deals in the Caribbean, but you will find some of the best spices in the world. From cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf and ginger, everyone should pack their suitcases full!
Spice island Perfumes Ltd. – Carenage -body oils and perfumes made of spices from around the island.
Yellow Poui Art Gallery – St. George’s – watercolors, prints, photography and woodcuts are sold here at great prices.
Imagine, Grand Anse Shopping Center – Great buys on locally made crafts.
Restaurants
Rudolf’s – North corner of the Carenage – pub-type restaurant that serves international foods and great mixed drinks.
Nutmeg – Carenage – sip on some rum punch and grab a bit to eat at this popular restaurant which overlooks Carenage.
Tropicana – Lagoon Road – great stop if you’re in the mood for casual dining and authentic West Indian and Chinese cuisine.
La Belle Creole – Grand Anse Beach – One of the island’s most popular restaurants, patrons dine on a balcony while enjoying a wide variety of West Indian meals.
Calabash – L’Anse Aux Epines – experience the tastes of Grenadian style food on a terrace.