Travel
5 reasons to visit Grenada
Travel
5 reasons to visit Grenada
Looking for the perfect escape from winter? Look no further than Grenada.
Also referred to as "the spice of the Caribbean," Grenada a getaway that's sure to tantalize the senses. Grenada is part of the tri-island nation that also includes Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Rich in history and culture, the island has a sense of duality, urging you to explore its island, while at the same time tempting you to relax on one of its many beautiful beaches.
The island is full of many great all-inclusive style resorts, with all sorts of exciting amenities to keep you busy. If you intend to stay in a resort, do try to get out and experience the island's fabulous culture. Consider hiring a tour guide (easily arranged through most hotels) to take you on a few daytrips, so you can get a true taste of Grenada.
Below are just a few of many island specialties you should explore.
Food
Without a doubt, food plays a central role in Grenadian culture. With cuisine influenced by a Creole and Caribbean palate, local scents and flavours will have you salivating as soon as you step off the plane.
Visit The Flamboyant Hotel for dinner on Wednesday night, where they feature a locally inspired menu. This will be a perfect introduction to callaloo, a Carribean staple also known as water spinach. This leafy green vegetable is much like spinach or kale, and will be featured on most local menus you encounter. Callaloo generally makes an appearance in soups and stews, as it can only be eaten once cooked.
Also be sure to try a few other famous local dishes, including breadfruit, oil down (a traditional Caribbean stew) and pumpkin-ginger soup,.
Fish Friday is another must-do. Join the locals in this weekly street festival, which takes place in the town of Gouyave, and taste many-a-delectable from the countless vendors. Grab a Carib beer, enjoy a fish kabob and watch the locals pass by.
Want to enjoy a romantic dinner with your honey? Coconut Beach Restaurant is the perfect spot. Munch on delicious, fresh mahi mahi and watch the sun set on the magnificent Caribbean Sea.
Page 1 of 3 - Read about Grenada's beautiful beaches on page 2.
Beautiful beaches
If you want to spend some time lounging on the beach, take your pick of 45 white-sand and nine black-sand beaches – as they're all public, you can explore to your heart's content. If you're the freewheeling type, head to Grande Anse Bay, popular with tourists and families, and La Sagesse and Morne Rouge Bays are also beautiful options. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, consider investing in a day pass at one of the island’s many resorts, where you can explore a new beach and indulge in the amenities of the hotel. The kids will be kept busy with all sorts of fun activities, and you can kick back and relax with a cocktail on a breathtaking beach.
Local rum
Have a hankering for a rum and coke? How about some rum punch? Or maybe just a nice aged rum on the rocks? Whatever it is you’re looking for, Grenada's got a rum for all tastes.
For those with an interest in Grenada's rum history, head to the River Antoine Rum Distillery, located in the Saint Patrick parish. Producing one of the island’s favourite rums since 1783, it’s safe to say they have their recipe down pat. River Antoine is the oldest working water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean and has equipment to match its age. A tour of the factory costs $2 US and is worth every penny: Every tour is concluded with a taste of their famous 70 per cent rum, which will have you leaving with an extra spring in your step.
Adventure
But Grenada isn't all about relaxing on the beach – it's full of adventure for anyone who wants it. If you'd like to get out in the wilderness, head to the picturesque Grand Etang National Park for a hike on one of its many trails. Keep your eyes open and you’re bound to spot a cheeky mona monkey. Don't forget to stop to take in the wondrous Grand Etang Lake – a crater lake that sits in the centre of the park.
If you prefer to spend your time in the water, then you're in the right place. Check out Aquanauts Dive Adventures who can outfit and take you for a picturesque dive. If you'd rather snorkel, they can arrange a day trip for you, too.
Page 2 of 3 - find out how to get there and where to stay on page 3.
Spice
Grenada is one of the world's largest exporters of nutmeg and mace, which is why it's so often referred to as the "island of spice" or "the spice of the Caribbean." Grenadians are undoubtedly proud of their home's fruitful production of nutmeg, one of the world's most common spices – so much so that it has it's own place on the island's flag. And, if you're willing, nutmeg can feature in every meal you eat. Nutmeg syrup, jam, ice cream, or as a fresh grating atop your mashed potatoes: you'll be sad to leave this spice behind (don't worry, you can pick up some whole nutmeg almost anywhere on the island).
Some other spices produced in Grenada – and present in its spectacular cuisine – include clove, cinnamon bark, cocoa bean and bay leaf.
How to get there
Air Canada Vacations operates seasonal directs flight from Toronto to Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, from December until April. Air Canada also operates daily flights year-round from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada. Similarly, WestJet and Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad with connections on LIAT to Grenada. GG Tours and Titan Tours operate seasonal charter services (ggtours.ca and titantours.com) and American Airlines operates three non-stop flights from Miami to St. George’s every week.
Where to stay
La Source
La Luna
True Blue Bay
Spice Island
The Flamboyant
Maca Bana
Page 3 of 3
Also referred to as "the spice of the Caribbean," Grenada a getaway that's sure to tantalize the senses. Grenada is part of the tri-island nation that also includes Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Rich in history and culture, the island has a sense of duality, urging you to explore its island, while at the same time tempting you to relax on one of its many beautiful beaches.
The island is full of many great all-inclusive style resorts, with all sorts of exciting amenities to keep you busy. If you intend to stay in a resort, do try to get out and experience the island's fabulous culture. Consider hiring a tour guide (easily arranged through most hotels) to take you on a few daytrips, so you can get a true taste of Grenada.
Below are just a few of many island specialties you should explore.
Food
Without a doubt, food plays a central role in Grenadian culture. With cuisine influenced by a Creole and Caribbean palate, local scents and flavours will have you salivating as soon as you step off the plane.
Visit The Flamboyant Hotel for dinner on Wednesday night, where they feature a locally inspired menu. This will be a perfect introduction to callaloo, a Carribean staple also known as water spinach. This leafy green vegetable is much like spinach or kale, and will be featured on most local menus you encounter. Callaloo generally makes an appearance in soups and stews, as it can only be eaten once cooked.
Also be sure to try a few other famous local dishes, including breadfruit, oil down (a traditional Caribbean stew) and pumpkin-ginger soup,.
Fish Friday is another must-do. Join the locals in this weekly street festival, which takes place in the town of Gouyave, and taste many-a-delectable from the countless vendors. Grab a Carib beer, enjoy a fish kabob and watch the locals pass by.
Want to enjoy a romantic dinner with your honey? Coconut Beach Restaurant is the perfect spot. Munch on delicious, fresh mahi mahi and watch the sun set on the magnificent Caribbean Sea.
Page 1 of 3 - Read about Grenada's beautiful beaches on page 2.
Beautiful beaches
If you want to spend some time lounging on the beach, take your pick of 45 white-sand and nine black-sand beaches – as they're all public, you can explore to your heart's content. If you're the freewheeling type, head to Grande Anse Bay, popular with tourists and families, and La Sagesse and Morne Rouge Bays are also beautiful options. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, consider investing in a day pass at one of the island’s many resorts, where you can explore a new beach and indulge in the amenities of the hotel. The kids will be kept busy with all sorts of fun activities, and you can kick back and relax with a cocktail on a breathtaking beach.
Local rum
Have a hankering for a rum and coke? How about some rum punch? Or maybe just a nice aged rum on the rocks? Whatever it is you’re looking for, Grenada's got a rum for all tastes.
For those with an interest in Grenada's rum history, head to the River Antoine Rum Distillery, located in the Saint Patrick parish. Producing one of the island’s favourite rums since 1783, it’s safe to say they have their recipe down pat. River Antoine is the oldest working water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean and has equipment to match its age. A tour of the factory costs $2 US and is worth every penny: Every tour is concluded with a taste of their famous 70 per cent rum, which will have you leaving with an extra spring in your step.
Adventure
But Grenada isn't all about relaxing on the beach – it's full of adventure for anyone who wants it. If you'd like to get out in the wilderness, head to the picturesque Grand Etang National Park for a hike on one of its many trails. Keep your eyes open and you’re bound to spot a cheeky mona monkey. Don't forget to stop to take in the wondrous Grand Etang Lake – a crater lake that sits in the centre of the park.
If you prefer to spend your time in the water, then you're in the right place. Check out Aquanauts Dive Adventures who can outfit and take you for a picturesque dive. If you'd rather snorkel, they can arrange a day trip for you, too.
Page 2 of 3 - find out how to get there and where to stay on page 3.
Spice
Grenada is one of the world's largest exporters of nutmeg and mace, which is why it's so often referred to as the "island of spice" or "the spice of the Caribbean." Grenadians are undoubtedly proud of their home's fruitful production of nutmeg, one of the world's most common spices – so much so that it has it's own place on the island's flag. And, if you're willing, nutmeg can feature in every meal you eat. Nutmeg syrup, jam, ice cream, or as a fresh grating atop your mashed potatoes: you'll be sad to leave this spice behind (don't worry, you can pick up some whole nutmeg almost anywhere on the island).
Some other spices produced in Grenada – and present in its spectacular cuisine – include clove, cinnamon bark, cocoa bean and bay leaf.
How to get there
Air Canada Vacations operates seasonal directs flight from Toronto to Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, from December until April. Air Canada also operates daily flights year-round from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada. Similarly, WestJet and Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad with connections on LIAT to Grenada. GG Tours and Titan Tours operate seasonal charter services (ggtours.ca and titantours.com) and American Airlines operates three non-stop flights from Miami to St. George’s every week.
Where to stay
La Source
La Luna
True Blue Bay
Spice Island
The Flamboyant
Maca Bana
Page 3 of 3
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