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Grenada: A Caribbean paradise, with a touch of spice
While most people may not think of Grenada when visiting the Caribbean, it is in fact the perfect stop for an unforgettable getaway with superb beaches, entertainment and food like no other, says Kalpana Fitzpatrick
‘Have you tried nutmeg?’’ the driver asked, as we made our way to our hotel. "You really must try our beautiful spices - nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves and more.”
Not to mention chocolate, where locally produced chocolate is simply out of this world. And of course, no Caribbean island is complete without rum punch.
But it's not just the welcoming warmth of spices, rum and chocolate that will greet you to this beautiful place. It is one of the friendliest and most welcoming destinations you will ever visit, offering unique and exciting activities, alongside luxurious accommodation.
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There is plenty of choice for accommodation in Grenada. I tried out two of the top hotels - Calabash, a beautiful boutique and Silversands, a stunning luxury resort.
Where you stay will depend on what you want, but with both offering something special, you will not want to leave.
Calabash Hotel
Calabash Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel, named after the Calabash tree, which also grows in the hotel itself.
But its history is rooted much deeper than that. It's a family run boutique, acquired by the Garbutt family in 1987. The family, which I was lucky to meet during my stay, see this as their home, and you too, will feel like Calabash is home away from home.
The staff too, have been there for years and really care about the guests. There truly is nothing like the warm and welcoming hospitality to give your holiday a perfect start.
Calabash is, for good reason, one of the top 500 hotels in the world, and part of the Relais & Chateaux association.
While it is located by a white sand beach of Prickly Bay, the rooms are surrounded by plenty of greenery and privacy. Each room comes with its own name and unique features - choose from a villa, suites, pool suites or a penthouse suite.
(Image credit: Calabash Hotel)
I stayed in one of Calabash’s beautiful pool suites which was incredibly spacious, a large bathroom, plus an outside bath, small private plunge pool and an outside dining area where I enjoyed breakfast admiring the sea and the calmness around me.
The room was unbelievably comfortable and came with Elemis toiletries, giving you that spa-like feeling all day.
Be sure to try breakfast or lunch at the hotel’s Beach Club. Head to its Rhodes restaurant for a special evening meal; Rhodes is the first overseas restaurant opened by the late British chef Gary Rhodes in 2006.
I do not eat meat and I must say, the vegetarian food was delectable - from truffle chips, the Calabash smoothie bowl with dragon fruit to the miso glazed egg plant - it was simply delicious.
All food at Calabash is local and seasonal.
Don’t forget to enjoy the infinity pool, spa, or take part in its yoga and pilates classes.
If you’re looking for calm and relaxing, then Calabash is perfect. It also has a child policy in place, where younger children are allowed to join only at certain times of the year.
Silversands
Silversands is picture perfect from the moment you walk in. I was greeted with a beautiful welcome necklace made of spices, and a refreshing drink, and was immediately drawn into its serenity.
You can’t help but notice a large pool as the centrepiece of the hotel - it's a 100 meter infinity pool and the longest in the Caribbean.
(Image credit: Silversands Grand Anse)
Silversands sits right beside the Grand Anse, one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean, stretching two miles of white sands and crystal blue seas. Silversands really is set in an idyllic location.
But be prepared to be further mesmerised as you enter your accommodation; it’s spacious, airy, light, and comfortable.
There are 43 rooms and suites, four four-bedroom beachfront villas and four three-bedroom hillside villas.
I stayed in the ocean view room, which also came with a dreamy electric canopy bed. I couldn't help but also indulge in the beautiful welcome crafted cocoa bean chocolate waiting for me - now that was the taste of Grenada right there.
(Image credit: Kalpana Fitzpatrick)
If you’re staying here, the spa is a must. I got to experience one of the top treatments - the ultimate Psammotherapy, a full body treatment with a heated sand quartz bed.I felt truly healed.
Food at Silversands is equally amazing - from modern asian fusion cuisine to a Grenadian grill, you will be spoilt for choice.
It truly is one of the most beautiful resorts I've been in, and again you won’t want to leave.
But while you are in Grenada, there are unique experiences you will not want to miss.
What to do in Grenada
(Image credit: Orlando K. Romain)
Underwater sculpture park: Created by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, this is a world first. You’ll have to do a snorkelling trip to see these amazing sculptures
Visit the House of Chocolate for an immersive experience into the art of chocolate making and tasting
The Grand Etang Lake: a naturally occurring body of water set in the crater of an extinct volcano. The area is also one of the best places to spot a mona monkey!
Mount Carmel Waterfall. A calm, tranquil and beautiful nature spot
Sea turtles: if you do enjoy snorkelling, there’s also an opportunity to see sea turtles, with plenty of excursions available to take you out there.
Carriacou: if you fancy an extra adventure, take a day trip on a small flight (20mins) to the small Carriacou island, where you can book tours, enjoy a day on the boat to see baby turtles, and visit a private island. And don’t miss the opportunity to make a stop to dine at Tim's Sunset Beach Bar on the beautiful Anse Le Roche Beach.
Food really is a huge part of Grenadian culture. Experience local dishes made by chef Andre at Dre Flavours Restaurant or take the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Grenadian breakfast at Fridays Restaurant.
Culture, hospitality, nature and mesmerising scenery - this is Grenada.
Visit puregrenada.com to plan your next adventure in the Caribbean.
Kalpana was a guest of Grenada Tourism Authority, Calabash Hotel and Silversands Grand Anse.
Rates at Calabash Hotel start from £660 per person per night in the low season and £1170 in the high season, including breakfast and private airport transfers. On bed and breakfast stays booked from now to the 15th of December 2025, get a free upgrade to half-board, or book half-board and get upgraded to all-inclusive. This offer is valid on four or more nights' stays, based on double occupancy per suite.
Rates at Silversands Grand Anse start from £510 per person in the low season and £626 in the high season, including breakfast.
Flights from London Gatwick to Grenada with British Airways depart three times a week, and start from £585. Flights from London Heathrow to Grenada with Virgin Atlantic depart three times a week, starting at £619.
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