Grenada – The Spice Island

If you’re looking for a unique Caribbean island to visit, Grenada has so much to offer that many other islands don’t have. Grenada is a volcanic island located at the southern end of the Windward Islands and is about a 4-hour flight from the USA with white sandy beaches, waterfalls, and a rich culture.

Grenada is a charming and laid-back island with lovely beaches, very friendly people, and some of the top food in the Caribbean. Known as the Spice Island, Grenada produces nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaves, and other spices, all of which flavor native dishes from hearty one-pot stews to heaping plates of chicken and rice, tasty ice cream, and scrumptious chocolate.

Grenada’s culinary roots are a fascinating mix of African, Arawak, Indian, and British influences. Grenada’s rich volcanic soil is also fertile ground for produce, so eating very well is part of the island’s attraction!

Calabash Grenada

An award-winning Relais & Châteaux luxury boutique hotel, Calabash Grenada delivers exceptional, personalized, and gregarious service. As a family-owned and managed property, the warmth of the owners and the team is evident in every guest interaction. This is the type of hotel that welcomes guests back year after year as repeaters feel as if they are part of the family.

The 30 or so guest suites are located on the first or second floor of the free-standing cottages set in a semi-circle around the resort grounds. They are spacious and well-appointed, with complimentary snacks and “make your own” rum punch and wines as part of the all-inclusive meals package.

One of the daily highlights is the in-room delivery each cocktail hour of a beautifully prepared “amuse bouche.” This allows guests to enjoy the sunset, a glass of wine or cocktail, and a chef’s surprise appetizer in the comfort of their room as they get ready for dinner. Such a thoughtful touch!

Since we are on the topic of food, Calabash is a TOP FOODIE destination!!

As a Relais & Chateau property, an elevated gastronomic experience is expected, but the flavors, freshness, and creativity of the dining at Calabash was way beyond expectation!! Every bite was bursting with flavor and absolutely delicious! It would be hard to venture off the property with such wonderful menus available on the property, but the team at Calabash does encourage guests to explore dining around the island as well. Here are some of the suggestions – https://www.calabashhotel.com/blog/a-foodies-guide-to-grenada

Chef Ramces demonstrated how he prepares a stunning fresh tuna carpaccio straight from the “catch of the day.” The handling of this giant fish with such craftsmanship was a show in itself, but the tuna was of the most delicious I have tasted!

As for the resort amenities, the rooms are not what I call ocean view as they overlook mainly the resort grounds. The beach is a small beach on a quiet and calm bay on Lance aux Épines Beach, where many sailboats are moored. Guests can enjoy a safe swim, a catamaran outing, a game of bocce ball, or a giant chess match. Water activities include an on-site dive center to explore Grenada’s many shipwrecks and an underwater sculpture park.

There is an adults-only pool near the spa and spa treatments at Calabash are out of this world.

We had an absolutely wonderful time in Grenada at Calabash where the owners and management team made us feel like long lost family! This is the place to go for indulgent food and service in a relaxed and friendly setting where literally everyone will know your name.

Grenada is a fantastic island to explore beyond the resort. This is a great island to rent a jeep and explore at your own pace. Here are some suggestions – https://www.calabashhotel.com/activities

Some of the best chocolate in the world is produced in Grenada, and this visit to a local chocolate factory was a sweet treat!

Silversands Grenada

Anything but ordinary, Silversands Grenada stands out as a stunning and sleek contemporary beach resort set on a pristine white sand beach.

Within this minimalist setting, visitors enjoy a variety of suite and villa accommodations, locally inspired spa rituals, and the Caribbean’s longest infinity-edge pool. Dine at two restaurants showcasing the island’s agricultural and culinary artisans, from line-caught fish to organic, grass-fed beef, complemented by Grenadian craft beers, rums, and a global wine list.

The architects of Silversands Grenada, AW², Reda Amalou & Stéphanie Ledoux communed with nature to bring you Grenada at her most rapturous. Floor-to-ceiling windows let the natural beauty of the island flow through. Each bed is positioned for maximum views. Baths in our Penthouse Level rooms and Penthouse Suite feature floor-to-ceiling louvered windows, providing natural light and ocean views. Silversands also offers eight private pool residences ranging in size from 3-4 bedrooms.

Both of these properties are fantastic yet completely different from one another, giving visitors to this lesser-known Caribbean island destination a plethora of choices. I will be glad to share more about my visit to Grenada and Dominica, the Nature Island: https://lauramadridtravel.com/2023/06/15/dominica-the-nature-island, both highly suggested for those who revel in discovering the more authentic road less traveled island experiences!

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