A Guide to Grenada

The Caribbean’s Hottest New Destination

Grenada, a tiny Eastern Caribbean country, has been quietly making waves. Its beautiful beaches and world-class snorkeling have always been a draw, but now, more travelers are taking notice. The uncrowded island has recently landed on several top travel lists, and its delicious cuisine, intimate resorts, and waterfront dining have likely contributed to its ranking. Also known as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada is one of the world’s biggest exporters of nutmeg, which can be found in the island’s rum cocktails, ice cream, and sweet potato pudding. Along with great food, the island boasts rainforests, waterfalls, and friendly locals at every turn. If you’re looking to vacation in this gorgeous, tropical location, here’s what you need to know about Grenada. 

Where to Stay 
When it comes to accommodation, Grenada offers some top-notch options. One of our top picks is the Spice Island Beach Resort, a luxurious hotel located directly on Grand Anse Beach. This family-owned resort offers a top-tier all-inclusive experience, with 64 well-appointed suites, some featuring private plunge pools. The resort’s Oliver Restaurant is a fine dining gem, serving a Caribbean-Creole menu that includes lobster gnocchi, roasted duck breast, and veal piccata. 

Another top choice is the newly opened Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada, a cliffside resort with 56 pool suites and 15 villas. The property is set on 56 acres of rugged terrain on the quiet south coast, about a 30-minute drive from the airport. Away from the bustle of St. George’s, Grenada’s capital, the accommodations are tucked between two beaches, and guests also have access to three restaurants, two bars, and a world-class spa. The resort also offers daily wellness activities and sustainability workshops, and if you’re traveling with kids, there’s an expansive kids club and teen lounge. 

What to Do 
While on the island, it’s best to start by exploring the beaches and waterfronts. No visit to Grenada is complete without a visit to Grand Anse Beach, a two-mile stretch of powdery soft sand that offers panoramic views of the capital. The picturesque beach is home to several top hotels, but you can also visit for the day and rent beach chairs and umbrellas. 

Another way to enjoy Grenada is underwater. The island is home to Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park, the first of its kind, and it recently added 31 new underwater sculptures earlier this year. You can book a snorkeling trip to see the sculptures, or if you’d rather stay dry, you can book a glass
bottom boat and get an aerial view. 

Grenada also has a unique rainforest park, Grand Etang National Park, tucked into the interior of its island. It’s less than a 30-minute drive from St. George’s, and once you’re there, you can hike the trails, birdwatch, or hang out in one of the lookout areas near Grand Etang Lake. 

Where to Eat 
Grenada has a great restaurant scene, buoyed by its supply of fresh spices, seafood, and fresh fruit. One of the best restaurants is Sails Restaurant and Bar, a gorgeous marina-front restaurant in St. George’s. The restaurant serves rock lobster and stuffed chicken breast, and you can’t leave without trying the island conch sauteed in coconut milk.  

Another unique place to eat is the restaurant at Belmont Estate, a 300-acre farm and former 17th-century plantation that harvests cocoa, nutmeg, and fruit. Head out here for a half-day tour of the farm or chocolate factory, and before you leave, enjoy a local three-course meal at the farm-to-
table restaurant overlooking the lush farms. 

If you want to eat on the beach, head to Umbrella’s Beach Club, a laid-back beach bar just steps from Grand Anse Beach. Also on Grand Anse Beach is 61 West, a stylish beachfront restaurant with fresh fish tacos and pork belly tostadas on the menu. And if you’re on the island on a Wednesday, stop by Dodgy Dock Restaurant and Bar at True Blue Bay Resort for their Wednesday Street Food Night, which features local food vendors, music, and drink specials. 

Mariette Williams is a frequent globetrotter whose food and travel writing focuses on Florida and the Caribbean.