Grenada a Hidden Gem!

We began our luxury trip in style up in the bubble of our Virgin Atlantic aircraft. As we flew into Grenada I felt a thrill of excitement as I caught my first glimpse of the willowy palm trees blowing in the breeze. The white stretch limo to take us to our hotel was an unexpected touch of luxury and set the tone for the trip. Our first hotel was the effortlessly elegant La Source. Mark the manager told us, “it’s your first night in the Caribbean and you’re having dinner on the beach with your toes in the sand!” Dining on the best lobster while sand slipped through my toes and the crashing of the waves in my ears with wonderful company was indeed perfection – True Dat (to coin a much used local phrase!). We were treated to an island tour to discover some of the highlights of this pristine and stunningly beautiful island. Grenada reminds me of Tahiti particularly with the plethora of expensive yachts in the four marinas. Concord Waterfall was beautiful but my favourite place was the River Antoine Rum Distillery for its haunting atmosphere and photogenic crumbling beauty like scenes from a Vogue fashion shoot. Dinner was at global entrepreneur Peter De Savary’s Azzura Castle, referred to locally as “the Yellow Castle”. Some minor royals had recently checked out! We enjoyed some shopping at the Saturday morning market in the capital St George’s and admired the views from the Forts. Grenada has had quite a turbulent past! In the afternoon we set off for a sunset sail on a traditional Grenadian sloop sailing boat. It was a little hair-raising at times but we made it without spilling the rum punch! Another wonderful experience at La Source was the daily included treatment. I enjoyed one of the best massages I have ever experienced. Our next accommodation was Peter de Savary’s Mount Cinnamon, a gorgeous collection of private villas with the most amazing views over Grand Anse beach – one of the Top 10 best beaches in the entire Caribbean! We enjoyed cookery lessons at the lovely and quintessentially English Calabash Hotel, site of the famous Gary Rhodes restaurant, followed by a private visit to the exclusive Calivigny Island off the south west coast of Grenada. This unique island is reputed to have been on Will and Kate’s Shortlist for their honeymoon. It is like stepping into a James Bond Movie from the construction sites where the island is being developed to the sumptuous luxury of the existing mansion and the mega-yacht moored up alongside the fishing cruiser and powerboat. Our return to Calabash that evening was one of our best nights thanks to the wonderful hospitality of owner Leo and manager Clive. The Gary Rhodes restaurant was exceptional and the entertainment so good that everyone was on the dance floor letting their hair down in true Caribbean style! The next morning after several hotel visits and a BBQ lunch we embarked on my favourite experience – sailing on a beautiful yacht! My best memory is mooring off Hog Island and swimming ashore to a little beach frequented by locals and yachties with a private bar and a swing, just perfect for a beach party! To charter a yacht and sail around the Grenadines followed by a week chilling out in Grenada would be hard to top. The fabulous Spice Island Hotel owned by Sir Royston and his wife Betty was our next home and we were welcomed like family. I loved my Beachfront Seagrape suite! What more could you ask for than to step out onto one of the world’s best beaches with your own sunbeds right there and every conceivable comfort at your fingertips? Our last excursion was an exhilarating powerboat ride to a hidden underwater sculpture park. The eerie underwater sculptures are a novelty made all the more special because their whereabouts are only known to a few people and you need a guide to find them. Our last dinner on the island was at Spice Island hosted by Sir Royston and Lady Betty and can only be described as exquisite. We partied late into the night and no one wanted to leave. Grenada is a truly beautiful upmarket destination where the local people genuinely care about their visitors and want you to have a great time. I would go back in a heartbeat. To create your own personal ultimate Caribbean holiday call me today!