Almost Paradise

In Depth

Snuggling into a quiet hillside on the northern shores of Grenada, Almost Paradise is a delightful collection of brightly painted wooden cottages with a distinctly relaxed air. There are eight pleasantly simple units spread over three buildings, all well positioned for privacy and with lovely views north along the Grenadines. Each has a loft bedroom, hardwood furniture, a kitchenette, a balcony with a hammock and an en suite loo with an outdoor shower. Above them stands their organic restaurant, which serves excellent homemade breads, jams, soups and juices.

With a local beach at the bottom of the hill and plenty to explore in the area, Almost Paradise is perfect for Caribbean eco vacations. The owners, Kate and Uwe, will be delighted to direct you to places of interest in Grenada. Or you can just relax and unwind right there.
 

Beach & Swimming

Almost Paradise looks down to a local beach of a type quite common in the north of the island a cove with dark grey sand and rather choppy waves. However, this natural setting is very tranquil and the swimming is safe when the weather is good. At other times the conditions are perfect for boogie boarding or surfing, if you are a competent swimmer. There is usually a good spot for dipping in the sea, which you will see most locals doing when they bathe.

Bathway Beach and Levera Bay are within 20 minutes drive - on the north eastern coast of the island. They have limited facilities but are hugely popular with the Grenadians for liming at the weekend. Levera Beach is a fantastic spot for turtle watching and hatching from March to July. Bathway Beach is protected by offshore reefs which provide safe waters to enjoy.

Sports & Recreation

No sports are available at Almost Paradise but you can whale watch from your own balcony from February to May. Kate and Uwe are very knowledgeable guides for places of interest in Grenada and are particularly useful for hints on where to hike in the local area. If you would like to go further afield then Telfor Bedeau, a very knowledgeable Grenadian guide, will take you on guided hikes along the coast, to sulphur springs or into the rain forest.

Joycelyn offers Swedish and Indian Head massage on Tuesdays. Ask Kate for more information and about possible future Reiki sessions.

Locality

Set just outside Sauteurs at the northern tip of Grenada, Almost Paradise is ideally located to explore the interests outside the main drag of the south coast. Caribs Leap, a spectacular drop-off into the sea, is a 20 minute walk into town, and from here you can catch buses down the coasts. To the east, the Atlantic side, on the road to Grenville, you will come to the plantation house Morne Fendue, the Grenada Chocolate Factory, Belmont Estate and the River Antoine rum distillery. On the Caribbean side to the west, going towards Gouyave, you will find the spice plantation Dougaldston Estate and Amerindian stone carvings at Duquesne and Mt Rich. In Gouyave itself there is a weekly jump up at Fish Friday, which sees a lively crowd of islanders and visitors.

Staff

Almost Paradise is owner operated. Kate Bauman, originally from Canada, and her husband Uwe, originally from Germany, met and married on Grenada in 2001. They were involved in the building of Almost Paradise from the very start, when they climbed through the forest and mapped out the foundations, through hand-building the restaurant and installing the electricity and water.

A daily maid service (except some holidays like Christmas Day) is provided by Natalie whilst the gardens are cared for by Kenroy.

Dining

Uwe is a superb cook and he uses local, organic produce with a Mediterranean flare. There is no set menu, rather it depends on what is available at any given time, but regular treats include starters such as homemade soups and mini quiche, fish and seafood mains, freshly prepared cakes and ice creams for desserts, home baked breads (yeast and sourdough), crackers, biscuits, tortillas, etc. A particular delight is the range of homemade juices, liqueurs and jams all made with fruit of the Caribbean from their garden. Dietary restrictions and food intolerances are catered for well by Uwe and Kate as everything (almost!) is made from scratch.

The restaurant is for the exclusive use of hotel guests only and is open daily for breakfast and dinner.

Useful Hints

Almost Paradise is set on something of a slope with concrete paths connecting the buildings, so if you have mobility issues be aware that you will have to take things very slowly.

Special Offers

Complimentary Welcome Breakfast Pack - Book one week or more in a cottage or small cottage and enjoy a pre-stocked fridge with complimentary breakfast items, including homemade breads and jams, eggs and fruit as well as coffee or tea, etc. Offer valid year-round.

Airport Meet & Greet

Arrangements can be made in advance for Bertrand, their taxi driver, to pick you up on arrival. The ride from the airport in the south-west takes about 90 minutes and (based on up to four people and reasonable amounts of luggage) costs approximately EC$150.

If you are travelling with a tour operator, the companys representative should be at the airport to meet you but please check at the time of booking.

Getting Around

Hiring a car to explore the island is easily arranged and is a great addition to a stay in Grenada. You can head down to the popular southern end of the island with its many good beaches and excellent beach bars, and then eat out in the restaurants when you do not want to cater for yourself. You will have to collect groceries anyway. Almost Paradise is quite tucked away, so unless you are happy to go by taxi and bus, it is very useful to have a car.

We recommend that you make a reservation in advance through your travel organiser but do not recommend you drive up from the airport. Arrangements for car hire can also be made through Almost Paradise.  Be aware that at the height of the season between December and April cars on island can be booked up, so it is a good idea to reserve one in advance. Also book early if you want one for a week or more because the rate will be better.