For more pictures - Click Here
|
| Alexander Gray, Feona Gray & James Henderson |
| Key Features
GRENADA, CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE are three inhabited islands and a score of cays in the southern Caribbean. Grenada is lush, large, volcanic and mantled in rainforest, with gracious islanders, a lovely capital St George’s, the Caribbean’s prettiest harbour town, one excellent main beach and many delightful smaller coves, several with superb beach bars. A full range of accommodation, with good value at the bottom end, some lovely small and stylish hideaways. Excellent for sailing and island hopping, also spices (Grenada calls itself the Spice Isle). Carriacou is a lovely, dozy, near-comatose small island with beautiful sea views, encircled with superb sand, good scuba and some charming inns and villas. Petite Martinique very small, strong local community, few facilities for visitors. | | |
GRENADA INFORMATION, THE DEFINITIVE CARIBBEAN TRAVEL GUIDE FOR GRENADA, CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE
Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, three very unalike islands stretched over 60 miles of aquamarine and azure sea, make up the most southerly country in the Windward Islands. Tall, volcanic and immensely green, Grenada is the southern anchor of the Grenadines, which run north-east to St Vincent in a scattering of pretty islands and cays. Carriacou and Petite Martinique are two of the Grenadines. They are much smaller than their sister island and have a lovely, somnolent air.
On the map Grenada itself has something of a Catherine wheel about it. It spins around the Grand Etang in the mountainous centre of the island, throwing off islands to the North-east, the Grenadines, and in the South-west an extraordinary series of serrations that make excellent finger coves. And it is this that gives the island two of its strongest characteristics. First its white sand beaches, on which you will find the island’s hotels, second its sailing. The coves are ideal for yachts and of course the Grenadines are some of the best sailing in the Caribbean.
On land Grenada is typical of the other Windward Islands, if a little less extreme. It is immensely green and beautiful, both close up – in its scenes of riverside greenery and waterfalls in the forests - and from afar. The view from Grand Anse over St George’s to the mountains beyond is heart-achingly pretty. The mountain summits are usually tethered with vast, sail-like clouds. The water-laden winds of the Atlantic rise on the island’s eastern slopes and condense. The mountaintops receive so much rain that they are furred with rainforest and run with cascades. Grenada is also immensely fertile. There are some exceptional public and private gardens on the island and you will soon come to know Grenadian spices – cocoa, nutmeg and mace, allspice, cinnamon and ginger. Grenada calls itself the Isle of Spice.
Grenada is not the most developed of the Windward Islands, but the island has been moving on steadily over the past 20 years, its quaint wooden buildings being replaced by larger modern houses in that extend further and further into the accessible parts of the country. St George’s the capital is well known as one of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean. The Carenage sits on an amphitheatrical bay, all pink and yellow-brick (interspersed with more modern) buildings with red tin roofs stacked toe on shoulder on the steep hillside. The Carenage was particularly badly hit by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, and there is still some way to go before it is completely repaired, but St George’s is extremely lively, particularly on the Esplanade side, where you will find the market and the bus station.
Elsewhere the pace of life is less frenetic and getting out and about in Grenada is fun and is bound to bring a strong West Indian experience, whether you are in a rum shop or on a plantation tour. The Grenadians themselves are typical of the Windward Islanders. They are welcoming and easy going, and they make exploration of the island a real pleasure. The vast majority of the approximately 95,000 islanders live on Grenada itself.
Grenada is not that developed a tourist destination, which is probably an advantage. There are just a few large hotels in the typical Caribbean mould, but the real character of Grenada resides in its small independent hotels, of which there are plenty, tucked into the small coves along the southern shoreline and Point Salines peninsular. They are laid back and they have immense Caribbean charm.
Of course there is the sailing too, up through the Grenadines, though it’s always worth remembering that sailing downwind to Grenada is a more comfortable ride. And then you can spend a few days on island. There is a reasonable crop of restaurants, most interesting for the West Indian food, there are the gardens, the beaches and of course the beach bars - Grenada is still ideal for lazy days spent at a beach bar in a secluded cove.
Hurricane Ivan hit Grenada badly in September 2004. While the shops are open, most of the ‘sights’ have been repaired and almost all of the hotels are back on line, some effects of the storm are still visible, in unrepaired roofs in St George’s and fallen trees in the countryside. Some schools and churches remain unrestored. Life is still tough for the Grenadians themselves, many of whom were without jobs while the hotels were closed for repair, but they are as welcoming as usual. The Definitive Caribbean Guide to Grenada will continue to reflect the situation as it gets back to normal.
CARRIACOU and PETITE MARTINIQUE
Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the two northern islands that are politically attached to Grenada, are completely different in character from the larger island. Here you will find classic Caribbean small island life, Grenadines style. Quiet, dozy and enchanting. The islands are set in fantastic sea, and the other islands in the area make the views in all directions spectacular
Just five miles by eight, Carriacou (pronounced as in carrikoo) feels quite mountainous, though the highest hill is only 985 feet above sea level. There is a population of around 6,000 scattered in small communities of a few houses and in two main centres, Hillsborough and Windward. As you travel around the island you can see that Carriacou was once well husbanded - the islanders had to be almost self-sufficient on what is a pretty barren outcrop – but this life is now all but passed and the walls and hedges have fallen into disrepair. Carriacou is well known for its ship-borne trading (which, as Grenadian regulations gradually tighten on the trade, has often tipped into smuggling).
The atmosphere for the visitor is extremely laid back most of the time. Life is likely to revolve around the beach and the lazy comfort of a hammock at your inn or apartment, and then in the evening a visit to one of the bars and restaurants in Tyrell Bay, which occasionally sees a lively crowd in season. Carriacou is extremely quiet, but then that’s its charm.
Petite Martinique (petty martnik) is even smaller and quieter. Basically it is one mountain that rises in a pyramid just to the east of the northern tip of Carriacou. There is a population of around 800 and they are even more closely mixed up in trading, and reputedly smuggling, than the Carriacouans. Per capita, Petite Martinique is said to be one of the richest islands in the Caribbean. It was only recently that the Grenadian authorities managed to put a Coastguard onto the island. The island is a fairly simple local community, which is interesting to visit but doesn’t offer much typical Caribbean activity or entertainment. |
| ^ back to top |
Accommodation
There is a good range of accommodation on Grenada, the vast majority of which is clustered in the south-western corner of the island, around Point Salines, the southwestern peninsular, and on Grand Anse and L’Anse aux Epines. It is here that you will find the island’s most typically Caribbean, white sand and palm backed beaches. Even here there is only a leisurely sprinkling of international resorts and local hotels, rather than the shoulder to shoulder density that you will find in some islands. Look a little farther afield, though, in the small coves of the serrated southern shoreline, and you will also find some delightful places to stay. These are set away from the main strips in their own lovely, dozy coves, and they have immense charm. They are generally small hotels and inns and they use the best of their natural, undeveloped environment to create a wonderful tropical atmosphere
Villas on Grenada are relatively new. Until recently the houses available were the private homes of wealthy Grenadians and a few foreigners, but increasingly visitors and residents have been building holiday homes and some of these have come onto the rental market.
Carriacou
Carriacou has just a handful of small places to stay (there are no large hotels), but only a couple have any style in keeping with the island’s delightful quiet and off-beat atmosphere. Most are modern and simple. A couple use the island’s terrain to best advantage and are in a good setting, in an attractive garden or above a nice beach. Perhaps unexpectedly, there is a good variety of villas for such a small island. Petite Martinique has only a couple of small and simple places to stay, basic guest houses.
An option always worth considering is a two centre holiday, with time spent on both islands, Grenada and Carriacou, giving you a feel of the two different types of island.
Hotels & Resorts
There are not that many large hotels or resorts on Grenada - in fact there are only a couple of large properties in regular international style at all - but there is a good variety in some superb settings. Most are locally owned and managed. There are no hotels of any size in Carriacou or Petite Martinique. On Grenada, the hotels and resorts we feel to be the best are:
| Coyaba Beach Resort
A well priced and friendly resort hotel set in extensive gardens on Grenada’s excellent Grand Anse Beach. Coyaba is a very friendly hotel with an active feel attracting mixed ages, predominantly British. Many devotees who have been coming for years.
Key Features: A well priced and active Grenada resort on the island's finest beach. Family owned and run, 80 rooms in excellent gardens, free form pool, two restaurants, two bars (one swim up in the pool), plenty of sports including tennis, volleyball, croquet, fitness room, massage, complimentary green fees (course nearby) and non-motorised watersports including snorkelling, Hobie Cat and Sunfish sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, dive shop on site. All inclusive package available.
From US$215/night in summer | | La Source Grenada
Active resort set in its own cove at Grenada’s southwestern tip. Large (by Grenada hotel standards) and lively, with everything for the body. Sports, watersports and structured plans of spa treatments by day, entertainment in the evenings. All inclusive plan.
Key Features: Large Grenada hotel and full service Caribbean spa resort, set on a secluded beach at the south-western tip of Grenada. Two restaurants (with light cuisine), two bars, split level pool, sports, tennis, archery, pitch and putt golf, fully equipped gym, full watersports and scuba | | Spice Island Beach Resort
An elegant beach hotel, among the Caribbean’s finest, set on Grenada’s most famous beach, Grand Anse. Spice Island has a stylish but relaxed atmosphere, with contemporary beachfront suites and secluded pool suites standing in a sandy garden, top-notch dining, a purpose-built spa, a children’s centre and watersports. A classic Caribbean beach wedding venue.
Key Features: Five star Caribbean beach hotel - the finest of Grenada hotels, 64 suites with whirlpool bath tubs, 17 suites also with plunge pool or private pool, contemporary design, Phillip Starck fittings, Italian linen, LCD flat screen TVs, CD/DVD players. Large central pool, top-notch dining at Oliver’s. Janissa’s Spa and Fitness Centre, tennis court, Nutmeg Pod children’s centre.
From US$635 dbl/night in summer inclusive plan | | The Calabash Hotel
One of the nicest, long established hotels in the Caribbean. Small and refined, with just 30 suites in modern two-storey cottages set in a semicircle around lawns and gardens and the beach. An enclave of calm and privacy in a lively part of the island. Understated beachfront elegance, with great food and wine. British owned and run.
Key Features: Small but refined Grenada hotel – one of the traditional styled exclusive Caribbean resorts - with the only Gary Rhodes restaurant outside the UK. Eight private pool suites, 22 whirlpool bath suites, beach bar and restaurant, boutique, library and snooker room, TV room, internet room, dive operator on property, complimentary watersports, Scubatech dive company, fitness room, floodlit tennis court, aromatherapy/reflexology centre, Grenada wedding packages.
From US$295/night in summer | | The Flamboyant Hotel
A friendly independent hotel set above the excellent Grand Anse beach in the South of Grenada. Flamboyant has both hotel rooms and self-catering accommodation in an attractive hillside setting with lovely views of the island. Easy-going atmosphere with excellent service and value.
Key Features: Medium-sized Grenada resort, 67 rooms, some self-catering, all with a magnificent view. Eco-conscious, ‘Green Globe’ environmental certificate, complimentary green fees for golf in Grenada, beach restaurant, open-air terrace restaurant, swimming pool, Jacuzzi terrace, fitness room, open-air massage treatments, bar & games room, watersports, new conference facilities for 200, scuba diving, organises low-key childrens’ activities.
From US$110 sgl & US$135 dbl/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Small Hotels & Inns
The small hotels and inns are the hidden charm of Grenada. While the major hotels may be set on the main beaches, these have wonderful settings in their own coves, on the hillside above a sea lagoon or on a secluded beach. They have good variety too. Some have a lively bar, others are laid back hideaways hidden among shorefront palms. Some of the best are set in the tight bays of the jagged southern coastline next to a local community, and this gives them a delightful, local Caribbean charm.
Carriacou
There is a handful of small hotels and inns, some of which are set on the beach with a view out to sea and through the Grenadines. Try the Green Roof Inn, t 443 6399, and Byaleau Point, t 443 7841, both of which have an easy Caribbean style. Of the more typically West Indian inns, which are set around Hillsborough, the nicest are Hotel Laurena, see below, and John's Unqiue Resort, t 443 8345.
On Grenada and Carriacou we recommend:
| Bel Air Plantation
Romantic hideaway with heaps of old Caribbean charm, set in 18 acres in a secluded bay on Grenada’s southern shore. Villas and cottages ranged around the hillside overlook the shorefront with its small beach, each stylishly furnished with original artwork. Good for solo travellers, women alone and weddings, excellent restaurant, special diets catered for.
Key Features: Charming owner run Caribbean hotel and vacation villa rental, 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, some spa services.
From US$275/night in summer | | Hotel Laurena
A relatively large hotel for the tiny island of Carriacou in the Grenadines. Set in a courtyard of four modern colonial-style buildings off the main street in Hillsborough, Hotel Laurena has 50 rooms, ranging from standard singles to two bedroom suites with a kitchen. It sees Caricom business travellers and has some conference facilities.
Key Features: 50 room hotel in Carriacou Grenada, some self contained with kitchens, all rooms have A/C and cable TV, executive suites have DVD/VCR player and Jacuzzi in bathroom, Ochra restaurant, internet access/WiFi and conference facilities, banquet services, fitness centre.
From US$75 sgl/US$95 dbl/night in summer | | La Sagesse Beach Resort
A classic Caribbean hideaway set under huge palm trees in its own lovely secluded cove on Grenada’s southern shore. Just a handful of rooms in a traditional Great House and a new block with a beach bar (which sees a passing trade of people in the know), on a very pretty dark sand beach. A designated nature reserve.
Key Features: Small, very peaceful and secluded Grenada resort hideaway in a very pretty cove on the island's southern shore. A Grenada inn with beach restaurant and bar, non-motorized watersports. Nature resort, birding and hiking.
From US$110/night in summer | | Laluna
Tucked into its own calm cove in Grenada’s south-western peninsular, Laluna is a small but stylish hideaway. Just sixteen one and two bedroom cottages stand ranged in a swatch of earthy colours on a steep hillside. They are large and breezy to take advantage of open-air tropical life, decorated in a blend of Indonesian and Italian, but above all they are Caribbean chic. Laluna is the hippest Grenada hotel, home to the occasional star.
Key Features: Laluna Grenada hotel: Boutique hotel in Grenada set in its own secluded cove in Morne Rouge. Sixteen one and two bedroom cottages furnished in Balinese style with four posters, tv and cd player and showers with a view, some with plunge pools, Italian restaurant, boutique, massage, some watersports
From US$390/night in summer | | Petit Bacaye Cottage Hotel
Petit Bacaye is simple but it is a Caribbean classic. Well-presented rooms are set in palm thatched cottages in a charming secluded fishing bay hidden away on Grenada’s southern shore, well off the beaten path. Lovely, dozy atmosphere under the palms. A slice of barefoot paradise. Romantic, hinting at holistic atmosphere. Good for solo travellers, couples as well as occasional families.
Key Features: Petit Bacaye Grenada is 6 gorgeous rustic Caribbean beach villas, one of which is a two bedroom beachfront Grenada villa, fresh fish caught by the fishermen from the village, cooked on the barbecue, massage available, bird sanctuary
From UK£610/week in summer | | True Blue Bay Resort & Marina
A collection of colourful cottages set on a hillside above a calm bay on the south coast of Grenada. There are 42 rooms in apartments and villas, and two swimming pools, but the lively heart of True Blue is the restaurant and bar, which sit on a deck down on the waterfront.
Key Features: The best hotels in Grenada tend to be low key and welcoming and like True Blue they attract a keen following, which here is centred on its popular lively restaurant and bar (some entertainment). Two pools, some watersports, diving on property.
From US$140/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Villas
Even in the early nineties there was barely a villa market on Grenada at all, but it has grown out of all expectation. Now there are houses for rent all around the south-west of the island, between Grand Anse and Fort Jeudy and Westerhall, built by both foreigners and by the Grenadians themselves. Some are extremely smart, but most are built as second homes, which gives them a very ‘liveable’ quality. The services are still a good deal less developed and sophisticated than you’ll find on some other islands, but this is part of Grenada’s charm. The Grenadians, friendly and helpful to a fault, are a vital part of the experience.
On DefinitiveCaribbean we feature a selection of the best villas available for rent on the island. All the properties featured have good staff and an overall management service, which is vital to the ultimate success of your holiday but it is worth noting that most come with daily maid service only. Two or three are staffed with a housekeeper/cook.
The villa rental agent that we recommend on Grenada at the moment is Spice Isle Villas, run by Nick Hughes, who ‘fell’ into rentals and runs his business with great integrity. We also feature some villas that are managed well by their owners locally with whom you may book direct.
Carriacou
There are quite a few private villas for rent for an island as small as Carriacou and more are gradually being built as space comes available. They are generally located in two areas, in the north-east near Bogles and in the south-west around Tyrrell Bay. Although some villas have a pool, unlike on Grenada, staffing on the island is generally limited to once or twice weekly maid service.
Down Island Villas are the only rental agency for Carriacou villa rentals and they do a nice job. Most of the villa owners on this small Grenadine island also use Down Island for their villa rental and management services.
It is well worth considering a two-centre holiday, with time spent in both Grenada and Carriacou, which gives you a chance to experience two very different types of island.
Our selection of villas on Grenada and Carriacou is as follows:
| | Sleeps 12 | Nutmeg Bay
A grand modern villa set in L’Anse aux Epines in the south of Grenada. Five air-conditioned bedrooms en suite looking over an infinity pool to a lagoon beach close by. Self-contained one-bedroom guest cottage. Good for large families and groups, also for weddings and small corporate retreats.
Key Features: Caribbean villa with infinity pool (chlorine free), full equipped kitchen, cable TV, hi-fi, gazebos for outdoor dining, several catering options
From US$2500-6000/week in summer | | | Sleeps 8 | Amarillo
A four-bedroom villa in grand Mediterranean and Caribbean style set close to True Blue Bay Resort & Villas in the southwest of Grenada, with views over the pool terrace and gazebo or looking out to sea over Mace Beach. Villa Amarillo is suitable for families with older children or couples looking for some privacy.
Key Features: One of few Grenada rental villas close to St George’s University with swimming pool, deck chairs, gazebo and outdoor barbecue. Inside there are ceiling fans throughout, flat screen cable TV, DVD and music centre, full kitchen, dishwasher, barbecue grill, laundry room with washing machine, iron and ironing board.
From US$2800-4650/week in summer | | | Sleeps 7 | Swallow Villa
Luxurious and stunning three-bedroom villa with views over L’Anse aux Epines beach and bay. Walking distance from the beach, Scuba-Tech diving and fine dining at the Calabash Hotel. Excellent choice for a wedding, good for elegant entertaining.
Key Features: Very pretty Grenada villa, stunning infinity pool (15' x 30' x 4.5' - 5.5' deep) and terrace, VCR, 6-CD/tape player, radio, games, books, movie and music collections, computer with internet access, printer, fax/answering machine, safe, 2 jacuzzi baths, exercise room with Nordic Track Abworks, free weights and bench, Hardcore Workstation, thigh machine, BBQ, security system, beach coolers and assorted snorkel gear, chairs and umbrellas for beach, dishwasher, laundry.
From US$4600-5750/week in summer | | | Sleeps 6 | Beachcomber
Three bedroom Carriacou house rental in the Grenadines, with private gardens and wheelchair access. This comfortable property has some traditional Caribbean style, good outside space and pretty gardens. Perfect for older couples or a family.
Key Features: One of only a few Caribbean beachfront cottages on Carriacou, close to the historic ruins of Craigston Lime factory. Ocean view veranda with stone BBQ and sitting area, full kitchen inside, a/c, mosquito screens and ceiling fans in all bedrooms, solar-heated hot water showers, cable TV, CD player, DL telephone and broadband, laundry room with washing machine.
From US$250/night in summer | | Tivigny House
A very stylish three-bedroom villa set on a hillside overlooking Clarke’s Court Bay on Grenada’s southern shore. Built in modern style with ‘adobe’ plaster and tropical hardwoods, Tivigny House is very comfortable and excellent for indoor/outdoor tropical living.
Key Features: Stylish Grenada vacation villa, extensive use of tropical hardwoods and glass, full kitchen (with a view), TV room with satellite, DVD, CD, wireless internet access, office, dining deck at side, infinity pool giving onto view, BBQ, kayaks.
From US$2250-$3250/week in summer | | Tradewind Pavilion
A striking three-bedroom villa with pool set over several levels on a steep hillside, overlooking Grenada’s south coast in L’Anse aux Epines. Lots of open-sided pavilions to take advantage of the view. Five minutes walk to a quiet stretch of sand on Mt Hartmann Bay.
Key Features: Distinctive executive Caribbean rental villa, cleverly built over separate levels, with good privacy and careful not to obscure the view. Wraparound balconies, large pool and sun-terrace, furnished rooftop pavilion, open-plan kitchen/sitting and dining room, spiral staircase to three bedrooms on level below, set in good tropical gardens. Sister property to Turtleback Pavilion below, a one-bedroom villa, can be taken together.
From US$2,085-2,985/week in summer | | Villa Caribella
Overlooking stunning Caribbean bays, this modern three-bedroom villa with its lovely sundeck, infinity pool and delightful Caribbean style furnishings comes with its own vehicle. Situated on the hillside in Westerhall with enchanting views over the south coast of Grenada to the Atlantic, Villa Caribella is very well equipped, has a charming cook/housekeeper and is suitable for small groups of friends, families with older children as well as corporate entertaining.
Key Features: One of the most comfortable of Grenada villa rentals, vehicle included, excellent cook/housekeeper. Open plan living/dining area opening to large covered terrace with stunning views. Large sundeck with saline infinity pool (32'x14'x4.5'-5.5' deep) and chaise lounges. Satellite T/V, VCR, 6-CD/tape player, radio, games, books, movie and music collections. Computer with internet access, telephones, safes and air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms, ceiling fans throughout, BBQ, washing machine and drier, dishwasher, microwave, gas cooking range, electric oven, large fridge, wine cooler. Wedding coordinator, massages and facials, island tours and boat trips available on request.
From US$3,800-4,300/week in summer, incl vehicle | | Villa Gelatini
A modern three-bedroom house with a pool set high in L'Anse aux Epines in the south of Grenada, with lovely views over the island’s meandering coastline. Villa Gelatini is comfortable, well decorated and has very good levels of service. Short drive to L’Anse aux Epines beach.
Key Features: A three-bedroom Grenada rental in a hilltop location with a good breeze and views east and west. Dining room and exterior dining terrace, TV room with cable and video, study with fax machine and internet access, well equipped modern kitchen, swimming pool.
From US$2,000-3,000/week in summer | | Villa Ixora
Very private, smartly furnished and well decorated 3 bed/2 bathroom villa on the waterfront in L’Anse aux Epines in the south of Grenada. Tranquillity in pretty tropical gardens, yet close to the action of the restaurants and shops with a view over the calm bay, where the yachts lie at anchor. Good for families and a small villa wedding.
Key Features: Waterfront Grenada villas for rent are rare which makes Villa Ixora very desirable, 27ft swimming pool, whirlpool, fully equipped kitchen, two fridge freezers, two CD players plus owner’s collection, two cable TVs, library and games, internet access, laundry included.
From US$2,250-3,000/week in summer | | Villa Langostina
A striking three-bedroom villa in Spanish style in a dramatic clifftop setting in the residential area of Westerhall Point in Grenada. Dressed in earthy colours, Villa Langostina is very comfortable indeed and has a lovely secluded beach and excellent views of the ocean.
Key Features: Spectacular Grenada house rental, media room with cable tv and dvd, large veranda, pool and whirlpool
From US$1950-2750/week in summer | | Xel-Há Villa
Xel-Há is a stylish three bedroom villa tucked away in the quiet residential area of Fort Jeudy on Grenada’s southern shore. It is comfortable and has earthy Mexican style - ochre yellow off-set with cobalt blue, rustic furniture and palm thatch verandas. Lovely views over the sea and coastline.
Key Features: Stunning new Caribbean Mexican villa rental in Grenada, infinity edge pool (34 x 14ft), heated Jacuzzi spa, cable TV in living area and each bedroom, digital home theatre system with surround sound, CD/tape/radio player, DVD and CD collection, wireless phone system with intercom in each room, Internet access, fax machine, cell phone (pre-paid), gas barbecue grill, washer/dryer, ‘wet’ bar.
From US$2,275-3,000/week in summer | | | Sleeps 4 | Driftwood
Stylish and very low-key, two-bedroom villa hidden in tropical greenery in Carriacou, Grenada's slumberstruck sister island in the Grenadines. Driftwood sets dark hardwoods on terra cotta tiles and light walls to create a natural Caribbean feel, with lots of outdoor space. A short walk to the beach.
Key Features: Cool Caribbean islands rental; full kitchen, fridge/freezer in open-plan kitchen/living, wooden ’New Zealand’ deck with daybed and dining room, telephone, CD player, locally made furniture, bedroom with a view.
From US$120/night in Summer | | Ginger Lily
A two-bedroom villa with a private swimming pool set on its own headland overlooking Hillsborough Bay on Carriacou, Grenada's largest Grenadine island. Ginger Lily is a comfortable and modern holiday home that uses some quite grand traditional Caribbean design. Fascinating Iguanas live in the grounds.
Key Features: Comfortable Caribbean beachfront villa, swimming pool, lawned garden, steps down to rocky beach, 8 iguanas live in the grounds, high ceilings, fan ventilation and screened rooms, phone, cd player, pool, covered west-facing veranda.
From US$205/night in summer | | Indigo
A secluded two-bedroom villa with a lovely sea view on Carriacou, the small Grenadine island attached to Grenada. Indigo is modern and comfortable and has a large covered living space and a swimming pool overlooking lawned gardens.
Key Features: Comfortable Carriacou island villa, pool (L-shaped, 20ft x 10), very private, well appointed kitchen, screened and glassed rooms with air-conditioning and ceiling fans, stylish, locally made wooden furniture, phone, broadband connection, radio, cd players; very large covered living space and veranda, laundry room, open lawned garden and views onto the Caribbean Sea
From US$300/night in summer | | Las Tortugas
Las Tortugas (The Turtles) is a lovely two bedroom villa in Carriacou that hugs the hillside above the mile long stretch of Paradise Beach, with views stretching up through the southern Grenadines. Perfect for a honeymoon, an older family, or a two centre Grenada villa holiday.
Key Features: A Carriacou villa rental with stunning views, good anchorage, friendly staff, complimentary meet and greet, complimentary two-door Suzuki Vitara ‘jeep’ or similar, satellite tv, microwave, toaster, blender.
From US$2,800-3,500/week in summer | | Môr-Gân Villa
Môr-Gân Villa is a delightful two bedroom house tucked away in colourful gardens in L’Anse aux Epines in the south of Grenada. A very popular, unpretentious rental villa with a swimming pool and large veranda looking down to a wooden sun deck and jetty on the sea.
Key Features: Good value Grenada villa rentals, fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, CD and cassette player, 'saline' (not seawater) pool, sundeck on the bay.
From US$1995/week in summer | | Peponi
A comfortable two-bedroom villa with low-key style, set high on a hilltop in Carriacou, Grenada's largest Grenadine island. Peponi is very private and has a pool and fantastic sea and sunset views.
Key Features: Friendly-feeling Caribbean island rental villa; pool, large west-facing veranda, cool rear deck, gazebo, full kitchen, BBQ
From US$205/night in summer | | Yellow Bird
A pretty two-bedroom villa set just above the sea on the delightfully dozy island of Carriacou, Grenada's smaller sister island in the Grenadines. Painted in bright Caribbean colours, Yellow Bird is small and quite simple, a classic holiday hideaway with lovely sea and sunset views
Key Features: Delightful choice for Carriacou villa rentals; full kitchen, ceiling fans and screens, telephone, wrap around veranda with loungers.
From US$120/night in summer | | | Sleeps 2 | Turtleback Pavilion
An attractive, self-contained one-bedroom villa with a large secluded pool, set in L’Anse aux Epines in the south of Grenada. Turtleback Pavilion is comfortable and extremely private.
Key Features: Very private Caribbean villa rental, one of just a few one-bedroom villas with pool in the Caribbean. Full kitchen, covered veranda, pool terrace secluded by a colonnade of arches, furnished sundeck above bedroom. Sister property to the three-bedroom Tradewind Pavilion above it - can be taken together while still maintaining privacy.
From US$1,485/week in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Villa Resorts
A villa resort offers the privacy of villa life with some of the advantages of a hotel. You can be independent and self-contained, but the resort provides some central facilities, usually a pool and restaurant, perhaps watersports. There is often also a sense of community with other guests, as you meet by the pool and in the bar. Grenada has just a few villa resorts in the typical Caribbean mould. They are mostly small and use the best of their settings in the island’s coves. Bel Air Plantation is perhaps the closest example, but True Blue also has a couple of cottages on its grounds and Maca Bana Villas also has a sense of community among its small group of houses (see Cottages, Apartments and Condos below for True Blue and Maca Bana).
| Bel Air Plantation
Romantic hideaway with heaps of old Caribbean charm, set in 18 acres in a secluded bay on Grenada’s southern shore. Villas and cottages ranged around the hillside overlook the shorefront with its small beach, each stylishly furnished with original artwork. Good for solo travellers, women alone and weddings, excellent restaurant, special diets catered for.
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, some spa services.
From US$275/night in summer | | Maca Bana Villas
A lovely collection of one- and two-bedroom villas in bright Caribbean colours set on a secluded cove in the south of Grenada. Romantic and very comfortable, with all mod cons and a fantastic view from your private deck. Also the lively Aquarium restaurant. Art and cooking classes, massage, yoga.
Key Features: Stylish at an affordable price, small Grenada villa resort, seven one and two bedroom cottages, air-conditioning, full kitchens, satellite TV, CD player, stereo surround system, wireless internet access, washing machine and drier (two bedroom villas only), solar-panelled energy, infinity edge pool, whirlpools with a view, ever-popular restaurant, the Aquarium. Wedding co-ordinator, massage and private art and cooking classes on request, some alternative therapies. No smoking policy.
From US$330/night to US$2,195/wk in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Cottages, Apartments and Condominiums
Grenada is particularly strong on this style of accommodation, which enables you to be independent usually at a good price, catering for yourself in an apartment or cottage that have some central facilities. They come in a range of prices, so there are some good options at all levels of comfort.
Carriacou
There are quite a lot of independent, simple cottage apartments and apartments which work well for independent travellers and those travelling on a budget. Only Bayaleau Point Cottages, t 443 7984, which look out across Windward Bay stand out from the crowd.
Worthy of particular mention in Grenada itself are:
| Blue Horizons Garden Resort
A cottage hotel set in leisurely, open tropical grounds just across from Grand Anse, Grenada’s most famous beach. Some central facilities including a swimming pool, poolside bar and restaurant. Good dining room, La Belle Creole, excellent for families.
Key Features: Inexpensive apartments ranged around a lawn and tropical gardens. Pool with whirlpool and bar, excellent restaurant, activities lounge, small playground for children
From US$150/night in summer | | Bogles Round House
A secluded garden hideaway with three self-catering cottages in Bogles, a 5 minute bus ride to Carriacou island’s only town, Hillsborough. Bogles Round House offers great value bed and breakfast in relatively simple Caribbean family vacation cottages. Excellent restaurant
Key Features: Three 1- and 2-bedroom Caribbean beachfront cottages in Carriacou, Grenada, fully self-contained, small garden with steps to Sparrow Bay for snorkelling. Excellent restaurant, award-winning chef, homemade bread, Grenada desserts
From US$65/night in summer | | Coral Cove Cottages
A small group of well-priced cottages and apartments tucked away above a very pretty beach in a quiet corner of L’Anse aux Epines, the popular area on the southern coast of Grenada. Very quiet, good for independent couples and young families.
Key Features: Secluded, affordable Caribbean cottages and self-catering apartments, full kitchens, living and dining room, balcony/patio or veranda, ceiling fans, cable tv, phones and a central pool, barbecue, tennis court, a 5-acre garden and a pretty white sand beach, reef right off the jetty. Also viable option for longer-term Grenada house rentals. Owner managed.
From US$95/night for 1-bed in summer | | Lance aux Epines Cottages
A collection of nicely presented and comfortable cottages and apartments set in three acres of lawned gardens on L’Anse aux Epines beach in the south of Grenada. Some central facilities including a games room and watersports on the beach, which is calm and has shallow water. Close to yachting action and restaurants and good choice for families.
Key Features: Cottage resort scattered around 3 acres of gardens giving onto a calm beach, sailing boats and kayaks, games room and internet access in the office. Good value Grenada vacation rentals, brightly decorated rooms, some newly renovated.
From US$112/night in summer | | Maca Bana Villas
A lovely collection of one- and two-bedroom villas in bright Caribbean colours set on a secluded cove in the south of Grenada. Romantic and very comfortable, with all mod cons and a fantastic view from your private deck. Also the lively Aquarium restaurant.
Key Features: Stylish, secluded Caribbean hideaway, seven one and two bedroom cottages, air-conditioning, personal safe, full kitchens, satellite TV, CD player, stereo surround system, wireless internet access, washing machine and drier, solar-panelled energy, infinity edge pool, whirlpools with a view, ever-popular restaurant, the Aquarium. Wedding co-ordinator, massage, cooking and art classes on request, no smoking policy
From US$330/night to US$2,195/wk in summer | | The Flamboyant Hotel
A favourite Grenada hotel set on the hillside above Grand Anse Beach. Sixty seven large rooms, self-catering studios, suites and cottages with excellent views through the flamboyant trees, over the beach, their beach bar, and to the mountains beyond. Friendly, informal and good value. Dive shop on site.
Key Features: Medium-sized Grenada resort, 67 rooms, some self-catering, all with a magnificent view. Eco-conscious, ‘Green Globe’ environmental certificate, complimentary green fees for golf in Grenada, beach restaurant, open-air terrace restaurant, swimming pool, Jacuzzi terrace, fitness room, open-air massage treatments, bar & games room, watersports, new conference facilities for 200, scuba diving, organises low-key childrens’ activities.
From US$110 sgl & $135 dbl/night in summer | | True Blue Bay Resort & Villas
A collection of colourful cottages set on a hillside above a calm bay on the south coast of Grenada. There are 42 rooms in apartments and villas, and two swimming pools, but the lively heart of True Blue is the restaurant and bar, which sit on a deck down on the waterfront.
Key Features: Low key and welcoming Grenada hotel with a keen following, centred on its popular lively restaurant and bar (some entertainment). Two pools, some watersports, diving on property.
From US$140/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Guest Houses
There are a number of well priced places to stay on Grenada, some simple ones not far from the main beach at Grand Anse (or a short dollar-bus ride away). Others are off the beaten track, set in the heights of the rainforest or in coves of their own.
Carriacou
There are quite a few guest houses in Carriacou, most of them modern and simple in design. Some also have the option of self-catering facilities. The nicest is probably Ade’s Dream, t 443 7317, on the main street in Hillsborough, which is popular with Caricom Nationals as well as independent travellers. On Petite Martinique try Melodie's Guest House, t 443 9052.
On Grenada itself, we recommend the following:
| Epping Forest Guest House
A delightful bed and breakfast in plantation style, set in a lovely estate house high in the Grenadian interior, with fantastic Atlantic views. English-run, just two suites and a 2-room family suite, fifteen minutes drive to St George’s, a taste of elegant old Grenada.
Key Features: A stunning, English-run guest house, wraparound verandas, magical views, 3 acres former cocoa plantation now fruit-filled gardens. Swimming pool. Two bedrooms suites and a 2-room family suite.
From US$475/week for 2 persons in summer | | La Sagesse Nature Centre
A classic Caribbean hideaway set under huge palm trees in its own lovely secluded cove on Grenada’s southern shore. Just a handful of rooms in a traditional Great House and a new block with a beach bar (which sees a passing trade of people in the know), on a very pretty dark sand beach. A designated nature reserve.
Key Features: Small, very peaceful and secluded hideaway, excellent for a cheap holiday in Grenada, set in a very pretty cove on the island's southern shore. A hotel in Grenada with beach restaurant and bar, non-motorized watersports. Nature resort, birding and hiking.
From US$110/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Sailing and Cruising
A stay-sail holiday - some time spent on a yacht and some time ashore - is a great variation on a regular Caribbean trip and Grenada is ideally positioned to take advantage of one. The Grenadines are some of the top sailing grounds in the whole Caribbean, though it is worth bearing in mind that the outward journey from Grenada up into the Grenadines is quite a hard sail and so you might want to start your trip in Carriacou and finish with a run down to the south-west corner of Grenada, where most of the accommodation is. Stay-sail holidays can be arranged as part of both hotel-based and villa-based stays.
Horizon Yacht Charters, based at True Blue Bay Resort and Marina, now offer stay sail holidays through their SailGrenada arm. They offer packages with True Blue Bay Resort and with Bel Air Plantation, and with a number of villas in the south-west of Grenada run by Spice Isle Villas or Down Island Villas on Carriacou. You can even combine a two-centre villa holiday with skippered or bareboat sailing. See our review of Horizon Yacht Charters.
| Bel Air Plantation
Romantic hideaway with heaps of old Caribbean charm, set in 18 acres in a secluded bay on Grenada’s southern shore. Villas and cottages ranged around the hillside overlook the shorefront with its small beach, each stylishly furnished with original artwork. Good for solo travellers, women alone and weddings, excellent restaurant, special diets catered for.
Key Features: Charming owner run Caribbean hotel and vacation villa rental, 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, some spa services.
From US$275/night in summer | | Ginger Lily
A two-bedroom villa with a private swimming pool set on its own headland overlooking Hillsborough Bay on Carriacou, Grenada's largest Grenadine island. Ginger Lily is a comfortable and modern holiday home that uses some quite grand traditional Caribbean design. Fascinating Iguanas live in the grounds.
Key Features: Comfortable Caribbean beachfront villa, swimming pool, lawned garden, steps down to rocky beach, 8 iguanas live in the grounds, high ceilings, fan ventilation and screened rooms, phone, cd player, pool, covered west-facing veranda.
Sleeps: 4
From US$205/night in summer | | Horizon Yacht Charters Grenada
Horizon Yacht Charters (Grenada) is a small and friendly yacht charter company based in Grenada in the southern Caribbean. The company has a fleet of around 15 bareboats and some crewed yachts on call, and is purposefully kept quite small in order to ensure the highest levels of service and a personal touch. Based at True Blue, in one of the many finger coves along the Grenada’s southern shoreline, it is well positioned for a trip through the Grenadines, some of the finest sailing in the Caribbean. Horizon also offers stay-sail holidays and the option to pick up and drop off in the Grenadines.
Key Features: Top end, owner managed, small Grenada bareboat charter company, well priced - excellent pride fleet of Bavaria yachts, other types include Beneteau, Jeanneau, Athena (Cats), Island Spirit and Venezia (Cats); watersports equipment and toys, rendezvous diving, sailing instruction, skippers, cooks available. Good Grenada and Grenadines bareboat charter experience. | | Las Tortugas
Las Tortugas (The Turtles) is a lovely two bedroom villa in Carriacou that hugs the hillside above the mile long stretch of Paradise Beach, with views stretching up through the southern Grenadines. Perfect for a honeymoon, an older family, or a two centre Grenada villa holiday.
Key Features: A Carriacou villa rental with stunning views, good anchorage, friendly staff, complimentary meet and greet, complimentary two-door Suzuki Vitara ‘jeep’ or similar, satellite tv, microwave, toaster, blender.
Sleeps: 4
From US$2,800-3,500/week in summer | | Môr-Gân Villa
Môr-Gân Villa is a delightful two bedroom house tucked away in colourful gardens in L’Anse aux Epines in the south of Grenada. A very popular, unpretentious rental villa with a swimming pool and large veranda looking down to a wooden sun deck and jetty on the sea.
Key Features: Good value Grenada villa rentals, fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, CD and cassette player, 'saline' (not seawater) pool, sundeck on the bay.
Sleeps: 4
From US$1995/week in summer | | Nutmeg Bay
A grand modern villa set in L’Anse aux Epines in the south of Grenada. Five air-conditioned bedrooms en suite looking over an infinity pool to a lagoon beach close by. Self-contained one-bedroom guest cottage. Good for large families and groups, also for weddings and small corporate retreats.
Key Features: Caribbean villa with infinity pool (chlorine free), full equipped kitchen, cable TV, hi-fi, gazebos for outdoor dining, several catering options
Sleeps: 12
From US$2500-6000/week in summer | | Swallow Villa
Luxurious and stunning three-bedroom villa with views over L’Anse aux Epines beach and bay. Walking distance from the beach, Scuba-Tech diving and fine dining at the Calabash Hotel. Excellent choice for a wedding, good for elegant entertaining.
Key Features: Very pretty Grenada villa, stunning infinity pool (15' x 30' x 4.5' - 5.5' deep) and terrace, VCR, 6-CD/tape player, radio, games, books, movie and music collections, computer with internet access, printer, fax/answering machine, safe, 2 jacuzzi baths, exercise room with Nordic Track Abworks, free weights and bench, Hardcore Workstation, thigh machine, BBQ, security system, beach coolers and assorted snorkel gear, chairs and umbrellas for beach, dishwasher, laundry.
Sleeps: 7
From US$4600-5750/week in summer | | Tivigny House
A very stylish three-bedroom villa set on a hillside overlooking Clarke’s Court Bay on Grenada’s southern shore. Built in modern style with ‘adobe’ plaster and tropical hardwoods, Tivigny House is very comfortable and excellent for indoor/outdoor tropical living.
Key Features: Stylish Grenada vacation villa, extensive use of tropical hardwoods and glass, full kitchen (with a view), TV room with satellite, DVD, CD, wireless internet access, office, dining deck at side, infinity pool giving onto view, BBQ, kayaks.
Sleeps: 6
From US$2250-$3250/week in summer | | True Blue Bay Resort & Marina
A collection of colourful cottages set on a hillside above a calm bay on the south coast of Grenada. There are 42 rooms in apartments and villas, and two swimming pools, but the lively heart of True Blue is the restaurant and bar, which sit on a deck down on the waterfront.
Key Features: The best hotels in Grenada tend to be low key and welcoming and like True Blue they attract a keen following, which here is centred on its popular lively restaurant and bar (some entertainment). Two pools, some watersports, diving on property.
From US$140/night in summer | | Villa Ixora
Very private, smartly furnished and well decorated 3 bed/2 bathroom villa on the waterfront in L’Anse aux Epines in the south of Grenada. Tranquillity in pretty tropical gardens, yet close to the action of the restaurants and shops with a view over the calm bay, where the yachts lie at anchor. Good for families and a small villa wedding.
Key Features: Waterfront Grenada villas for rent are rare which makes Villa Ixora very desirable, 27ft swimming pool, whirlpool, fully equipped kitchen, two fridge freezers, two CD players plus owner’s collection, two cable TVs, library and games, internet access, laundry included.
Sleeps: 6
From US$2,250-3,000/week in summer | | Yellow Bird
A pretty two-bedroom villa set just above the sea on the delightfully dozy island of Carriacou, Grenada's smaller sister island in the Grenadines. Painted in bright Caribbean colours, Yellow Bird is small and quite simple, a classic holiday hideaway with lovely sea and sunset views
Key Features: Delightful choice for Carriacou villa rentals; full kitchen, ceiling fans and screens, telephone, wrap around veranda with loungers.
Sleeps: 4
From US$120/night in summer | |
|
| ^ back to top |
|