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Bel Air Plantation is enchanting, a small resort with near limitless Caribbean charm and style, tucked away in a cove on Grenada’s meandering southern shoreline. It is a series of villas and cottages in classic Caribbean ‘chattel’ style – immensely pretty, with wooden walls, gingerbread trim and verandas slung with hammocks – all jangling with tropical colours against the many greens of the tropical hillside. The cottages have kitchens so you can be self-contained, but Bel Air also has the facilities of a small hotel, with a pool, activities and a delightful waterfront restaurant, the Water’s Edge. It is a classic, calm Caribbean retreat.
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KEY FEATURES
| Charming owner run Grenada villa rentals, 11 traditional Caribbean resort villas and cottages with kitchens but with all the services of a well-run hotel, 50’ free form infinity pool, excellent waterfront restaurant, cooking lessons, garden tours and weddings, WiFi access, some spa services. |
STYLE
| Low-key, friendly, romantic, informal chic, ‘boutique’ |
CLIENT PROFILE
| 30-60 years, from honeymooners and young professional executives to resting grandparents, yachties seeking a sojourn on terra firma, independent travellers looking for an escape. |
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The small resort of Bel Air simply rings to the tune of the traditional Caribbean. The cottages, which stand ranged across the hillside above a quiet bay, take inspiration from the villages that you see throughout the islands, with their funky coloured houses dotting the hillside above the roads, all set in superb tropical greenery. Bel Air is so pretty that you feel an immediate sense of tropical calm and well-being. There is a distinct feel of Grenada too however, in the paths that meander through the greenery, which are laid with nutmeg shells, and give off a heady smell of the spice as you walk.
Set on a hillside over 18 immensely lush acres, Bel Air makes the best use of Grenada’s meandering southern coastline and sits above a very pretty harbour. It has just thirteen rooms in eleven Creole cottages, which stand out in yellow, pink and blue against the myriad shades of tropical green. It has a wonderful waterfront setting, with the quiet of the lagoon on one side, where the yachts stand at anchor, and the natural landscape on the other, with birds and butterflies that dart and flit. Bel Air has a very low key and gentle atmosphere and is an ideal escape to quiet tropical seclusion.
On approach to Bel Air, at the head of St David’s Harbour, there is an unexpected but brief moment of light industry, as you pass a boat workshop, Grenada Marine, but follow the left road and it will pass in an instant. Then Bel Air begins to reveal itself in the greenery. First you come to a brightly painted entrance lodge which spans the track. An overhead walkway links two octagonal buildings that stand either side of the access road, painted in lime green and Belair’s rich periwinkle blue. To the left is the Reception and on the lagoon-side you will find a small shop. From here, walls made of massive rocks and cascading with lantana and firecracker plants run towards the restaurant and bar, the Water’s Edge. This is also set in an octagonal, two storey wooden building, also brightly painted in yellow and blue. As you would expect from the name, it sits on the waterfront. The dining room and bar are downstairs. Upstairs there is a sitting area, which has good views over the headlands towards the sunset, making it fun to visit in the early evening. The restaurant is surrounded by neatly terraced gardens and beyond it, across a lawn, is Bel Air’s small beach.
The eleven cottages are ranged on the hillside above the restaurant. They are in Caribbean ‘chattel’ house style, with wooden clapboard walls, gingerbread trim, jalousie shutters and verandas with fretwork balustrades. Painted in a swatch of tropical colours - canary yellows, lime greens and the same periwinkle blue - they each have views down the hillside and across the harbour. Many of the original trees have been left to keep the setting as natural as possible
The interiors also use the best of the traditional West Indies, in the pitched white wooden ceilings and fans, louvered windows and French doors that open onto a good-size veranda. They are furnished with light and dark hardwood furniture, some pieces made of rattan and woven river grass, others reproduction antiques that hark back to the elegance and comfort of the plantation years. The interior design is different in each cottage and the atmosphere is classic, more comfortable than a hotel, but not overtly personal, and it feels comfortable the moment you walk in. It includes original artwork, paintings of palms and pineapple lampshades and colourful soft furnishings with botanical themes. The decoration has been successful enough for the owner of Bel Air to be asked to take on interior design work elsewhere.
Also set among the cottages is the swimming pool, which is free-form fifty feet across and has an infinity edge that gives out onto the harbour. It is surrounded by a stone terrace where there are sunloungers and it has views west to the sunset (they carry slightly over land as well as over the bay). There is also a gazebo where you can get some shade. You will find some ‘tango-frogs’ here, sculptures of dancing frogs that reappear throughout the small resort.
Back at the entrance to Bel Air, in the building to the seaward side of the road is a mini market, which sells fresh baked breads and muffins, a café and a gift shop. Products include natural soaps, scented candles and shower gels by Grenadian company Arawak Island, which are made with locally grown fruits, herbs and spices. There are also jams and jellies and natural citronella oil, which is used as a substitute for chemically produced mosquito deterrent. There is a Guest Services office where internet, fax and photocopying facilities are available at no extra charge.
Bel Air offers a couple of watersports in the bay (snorkelling and kayaking), and several diversions on land, including guided walks in the gardens and some board and card games in the lounge above the bar. Cooking lessons are also available. A cook will come to your villa to instruct you in Grenadian cooking.
Bel Air is at its best as a retreat. It has a quiet and secluded setting and its atmosphere is extremely peaceful and natural, its pace gentle. It is easy to find a quiet spot to be alone with a good book or to sit and chat. In the morning you will hear the birds as the sun comes up. Species include several hummingbirds, finches, bananaquits and blue herons. Some guests are yachtsmen, whose yachts are moored in the bay. They may spend their days afloat but sleep and eat on terra firma. And with the marina next door, Bel Air Plantation provides a convenient base for anyone with a boat under restoration at Grenada Marine, the shipwright close by, one of the few places in the world that still restores wooden hulls.
The small resort caters well for solo travellers, including single women travellers. You will be well looked after, but can be as independent as you like and it is safe and comfortable. But you don’t need to get away even as just one or two. As an attractive, secluded getaway that offers good privacy, Bel Air makes a superb retreat for a group. It can take up to 26 guests (as couples) and works particularly well as a wedding venue.
Bel Air Plantation is owner managed, by Susan Fisher, and takes its name from the rice and coconut estate in Guyana where the late Elsa Fisher (Susan’s mother) spent her childhood. Interestingly Bel Air is built in the location of the very first European settlement on Grenada. First founded in the early 1600s, the settlement eventually became known as Maigrin. During the development of Bel Air Plantation, the Fishers (Susan and her father, who sadly died soon after the resort’s completion) collected artefacts from the old town. They will eventually be displayed – pieces of pottery, pipes, tableware, roofing tiles. On the nearby peninsular, there is an old lime-kiln and a cannon which is believed to be part of the settlement. |
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Beach & Swimming
The beach at Bel Air is pretty and secluded, but it is small. There are other swimmable areas dotted along the waterfront, with loungers on which you can sunbathe, and a couple of jetties which also give access to the water. One has a gazebo and the other a small dock. The colour of the sand in this area tends to be golden brown.
Bel Air’s pool is located on the hillside among the villas and cottages. It is huge and free-form, 50' feet across with an infinity edge that cascades over river stones. It is surrounded by a flagstone terrace with canvas sunloungers, as well as tables and chairs for those that want a change from horizontal, and it takes in views of the bay and the next finger-like peninsular. The washrooms are set in a gazebo close by where there is also a covered veranda and a wooden deck area for sitting out. Towels are provided for use at the pool.
If you would like to venture further afield, this area of Grenada has considerable natural beauty and there are plenty of unspoilt beaches nearby, including La Sagesse Beach (a fifteen minute walk away), Petit Bacaye (a longer walk) and Cabier Vision, a short journey away by car. |
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Sports & Recreation
The snorkelling is good around Bel Air and kayaks are also available for use within the protected waters of the bay too. The resort’s 18’ powerboat is sometimes used for snorkelling trips off St David’s Point. Here the wreck of the steam ship Orinoco lies about 30 ft down - the smoke stack juts up from the sea - and on a calm day it is a popular spot for snorkellers (and divers). Legend says that the ship was travelling along the coast on All Saints Night and mistook the candles in the hillsides for the town of St George’s.
The 18-acre site includes St David’s Point, a four acre peninsular which has been left virtually untouched and has good opportunities for hiking among natural and undisturbed tropical growth. If you would like to venture farther afield, there are excellent coastal hiking trails across the nearby headlands, which incorporate white sand beaches, a salt pond and mangroves. It is good for bird-watching. You can expect to see three different types of hummingbirds (Antillean crested, purple throated carib and green throated carib), egrets, owls, doves, the black ani, hawks frigate birds, carib grackle, terns and mockingbirds. Garden enthusiasts can enjoy a tour of the property where plantings include many tropical trees, shrubs and flowers, fruit orchards, vegetable and herb gardens. The resort also has its own tropical plant nursery, which is included in the tour.
For an extra charge, Caribbean cooking lessons with the chef are offered in the privacy of your villa. Whilst the physical environment of Bel Air will undoubtedly work on the soul, Sabrina Gilbert can offer a range of massage therapies for those that want physical rejuvenation. A chiropractic practitioner and a reflexologist will come by appointment. Treatements range from US$50-US$75.
Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta
This annual event takes place on the last weekend of February and is a great chance to see some beautiful classic yachts in action. The racing takes place between St David's Harboud and Petite Calivigny with entertainment such as BBQ's, live bands and prize giving ceremonies at The Waterside, and at Le Phare Bleu. For more information, see the Grenada Yacht Classics Website. |
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Staff
At Bel Air Plantation, the staff is 100% local. Daily maid service is provided, which can include personal laundry. It is small and close community. If you ask for a lift to La Sagesse for the day (complimentary), you might end up going with anyone, the owner in her truck, or Finbar in his car. |
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Accommodation
There are 13 rooms at Bel Air - five one-bedroom cottages, four one-bedroom villas, and two two-bedroom villas) - are all within easy walking distance of the resort’s central areas. In the best Caribbean tradition, they are spacious and airy inside and have outside space, a wide veranda looking out onto the profuse tropical gardens. West Indian style woven furnishings combined with classic wood pieces and bamboo create a relaxed, romantic feel. The furnishings in each unit have been individually selected - each room or cottage is treated as if it is a stand-alone home (for further details on actual accommodation layout and facilities see under Practical Facts) with its own styling and colour scheme. There is also original artwork throughout the resort, and some excellent botanical prints. |
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Dining
The Water’s Edge Restaurant is set in a two storey octagonal building on the waterfront, looking out across St David’s Bay. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is in the same classic Caribbean style as the rest of Bel Air, with louvered French windows that open wide so you can dine on the veranda or inside with fantastic views of the bay and beyond. Upstairs is the lounge with wall to wall windows, offering 360 degree views and French doors opening onto a 4 foot wide catwalk which surrounds the entire building. The Water’s Edge has a reputation as an excellent restaurant, one of the best on Grenada.
The menu, overseen by Chef David Edwards from Tortola, offers contemporary Caribbean cuisine. His dishes use the best of local fruits and locally caught fish as well as vegetables and herbs from their own gardens and nearby farms, and of course the excellent Grenadian spices. There is an extensive wine list and the puddings are to die for. Special diets can be catered for – wheat/gluten-free, dairy free, low-sodium, vegetarian and vegan. Picnic lunches in a cool box can be ordered.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. As all the villas have their own kitchen facilities, you can of course cater for yourself, but Bel Air can offer a half board option (breakfast and dinner) or an all-inclusive rate that also includes lunch, house wine and non premium liquor. You can get villa service to your room (must be reserved in advance) from the restaurant. It is prepared beforehand and then cooked in your villa.
The excellent setting makes the restaurant a lovely location for wedding receptions, parties and functions. |
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Weddings
Bel Air has a particularly pretty setting for a wedding in Grenada and they do a good job organising things for you. The richness of the vegetation and the heart-stoppingly pretty Caribbean buildings make a superb backdrop for wedding photographs. Bel Air can cater for up to 50 people in their restaurant for à la carte meals, buffets or cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. It is also possible to rent the whole resort for the day or the week. Please remember that you have to be in Grenada for a minimum of 3 days to qualify for a marriage licence. Please see here for additional information about weddings in Grenada. |
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Useful Hints
Bel Air is really ideal for travellers who want to hide themselves away, so do not expect lots of activities or an active nightlife. Because of its location in the southeast of the island, you will be disappointed if you are looking for immediate access to a classic Caribbean beach. The hilly terrain doesn't lend itself to the physically challenged or the elderly and infirm. |
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Practical Facts
Dress Code: Casual by day and casually elegant after dark at The Water’s Edge restaurant.
Facilities: 50ft infinity pool, well stocked mini-market and deli. Home baked bread and muffins in the market. Cafe, gift shop with high quality craft items, reception and guest services.
Complimentary: Use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks. Garden Tour. Chess, backgammon, checkers and cards in the upstairs lounge of The Water’s Edge.
Accommodation: All rooms are air-conditioned and have ceiling fans, a room safe, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, satellite TV and DVD/CD player. There are no phones in the rooms, but cell phones are available from Reception at no charge. You will be billed for out-going calls at check-out.
One bedroom cottages have 625 square feet of living space with a combined living/dining room, that is open plan with a kitchenette (two burner table top cooker, half-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, kettle, glasses, crockery and cutlery), leading out through French doors to a wide wrap round, covered veranda with stencil wood decking providing additional living space for being lazy with a book, sunset drinks and al fresco dining. The bedrooms have queen size beds with large windows giving to the view and large shower rooms en suite with oversized bath towels provided. One bedroom villas are 900 square feet in size and two bedroom villas offer up 1500 square feet have ceilings open to the rafters, which adds to the already generous sense of space. French doors lead out to the covered verandah that runs the entire length of each villa with seating and dining areas and good size windows giving views in all directions. All villas have fully equipped kitchens (a cooker with oven and full size refrigerator) open plan with a very well furnished living room and separate dining area.
In the bedrooms, which also open out to the verandah and have large, luxurious bathrooms en suite with corner whirlpool baths, walk in showers and wall to wall Italian porcelain tiles, tester beds are piled high with soft pillows and pure, cool cotton sheets are used. Guests can choose from a selection of pillows – goose down, hypoallergenic, down around foam or fibrefill medium softness!
Children: Under 15 yrs are accepted from 15 April to 19 December and over 15 yrs from 20 Dec to 14 April.
Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express. |
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Rates
| | 15 Apr- 31 May 2010 | 01 Jun- 30 Sep 2010 | 01 Oct- 19 Dec 2010 | 20 Dec- 16 Apr 2010-11 | | One-Bedroom Suite 1-2 persons | 175 | 150 | 175 | 250 | | One-Bedroom Cottage 1-2 persons | 295 | 275 | 295 | 375 | | One-Bedroom Villa 1-2 persons | 380 | 350 | 380 | 475 | | Two-Bedroom Villa 1-4 persons | 520 | 460 | 520 | 675 | | Extra bed | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | All rates are quoted in US$ per cottage/villa, per night, room only and are subject to 10% service charge and 8% government tax. Reservations & Cancellation Policies: A three night minimum deposit by credit card is required at the time of reservation. Christmas / New Year – A one week minimum stay is required from 20 December – 10 January. A full refund will be issued if cancelled 30 days prior to arrival date, less than 30 days notice will result in a three night charge. 60 days notice is required between 20 December – 10 January. The entire resort can be booked for weddings, special occasions or just for fun. The property will sleep 30 persons double occupancy in 4 x One-Bedroom Villas, 5 x One-Bedroom Cottages, 2 x Two-Bedroom Villas and 2 x One-Bedroom Suites, with extra beds available for single people or children. Please contact the resort for a quotation. All rates are subject to change without notice. |
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How to Book
If you wish to make further enquiries or a reservation, please use the WEB LINK or DIRECT EMAIL ENQUIRIES facility at the top of this page to make contact with Bel Air Plantation Grenada, or if you wish to telephone them, please click on TELEPHONE CONTACT to reveal the number. |
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UK Tour Operators
If you wish to book through a tour operator or travel organiser, please follow the TOUR OPERATOR link below.
See List of UK Tour Operators
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Locality
Bel Air is located in the south-east, in the parish of St David. The area is unspoilt and there are several lovely local beaches within walking and easy driving distance. The beaches at La Sagesse (15 minute walk or 5 minute drive) and Petit Bacaye are both good pit stops for walkers, as each has a pleasant bar and restaurant. The capital St George's is about 25 minutes drive away, as is the liveliest beach on the island, Grand Anse. |
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Meet & Greet
If you are travelling independently the resort will send one of their preferred taxi drivers to meet you as you exit the arrivals hall. You should make the request at the time of booking or in good time before arrival. The cost of the transfer is US$30. If you are travelling with a tour operator then you will be met at the airport by their local representative. The ride from the airport is about 25 minutes, depending on the traffic. |
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Getting Around
If you are intending to cater for yourself we strongly recommend you book a rental car for your stay. Hiring a car enables you to buy your groceries and of course to explore the island or go to a different beach for the day. You can book via the hotel, direct with our recommended car hire company, Y&R Car Rentals or Indigo Cars or via your travel arranger. In the winter season there is often a shortage of cars, so you are advised to book in advance. Also, it is advisable to book ahead of time if you want a car for a week or more as the pre-booked rates will be better. Ask for your vehicle to be delivered to the property. Vehicles can be returned at the airport or be collected from the property at a pre-arranged time on your departure day.
Taxis are available through reception. You are advised to book them in advance otherwise you may have to wait a while. It is also possible to use local buses, if you are happy to walk to the main road. They cost just a few dollars and will make the run into St George’s in 25 minutes. |
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