“Beauty abounds here,” exclaims my driver and walking-encyclopedia-of-Grenadian-knowledge guide Edwin Frank, who proceeds to tell me all about places in Grenada with French names that reflect "beautiful" or pleasant scenic nature. “There’s Bel Air, which means beautiful air; Bon Air, good/beautiful air; Belmont, which means beautiful mountain; Belvedere, a beautiful view/outlook; and Mon Plaisir, mountain of pleasure.”
“How can you go wrong anywhere here?”
As I learn quickly after landing, your clients can’t seemingly go wrong visiting Grenada. This island country in the West Indies is the southernmost island of the north-south arc of the Lesser Antilles, lying in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Grenada is one of the smallest independent countries in the western hemisphere, consisting of the island of Grenada, two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and several small islands that lie to the north of the main island, which are part of the Grenadines.
Overlooking the beauty of Grenada (Photo Credit: Charmaine Noronha)
Striking scenery indeed abounds here as most of the island has been left intact, maintaining natural landscapes instead of widespread development, including fertile valleys, lush rainforests, and serene mountain lakes. Its tropical climate and beautiful beaches are its biggest draw though, making it a major attraction for your clients, especially for spicy ones!
Known as the Spice Island, Grenada is the world’s second-largest producer of nutmeg after Indonesia and an important producer of cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cloves, which were highly prized during the colonial era.
So, when my guide drives by the famous Grand Anse Craft and Spice Market in the island’s bustling capital city, St. George’s, there’s little hesitation when Frank asks if I’d like to stop into the market. Offering an authentic Grenadian experience through its diverse selection of spices, handcrafted souvenirs, and delicious local cuisine, it’s a must-see stop for a heaping helping of local colour and to stock up on some spicy goods.
Greeted by the lovely, ever-smiling Margo who runs Margo’s Spice Shop, I get the lowdown on how the spice trade came to be, while she warmly shares recipes for an island staple I love, sorrel. Made from the Roselle plant, also known as hibiscus, sorrel drink is a popular, vibrant red, and refreshing beverage originating from the Caribbean, made by steeping the plant’s deep red petals with ginger and spices.
House of Chocolate, Grenada (Photo Credit: Charmaine Noronha)
I spend a little too much time limin’ with Margo, but not to fret, spices have been secured! So, we head off to visit Grenada’s second most popular love and my first: chocolate! House of Chocolate is a mini-museum dedicated to showcasing the rich history of chocolate. Handcrafted chocolates are made on-site, along with tempting treats like ice cream, cakes, and refreshing drinks. The boutique also offers a delightful selection of locally made cocoa and beauty products from Grenada, perfect for bringing a taste of the island home with you.
Now cocoa-fueled, we tour a couple of historic forts, learning more about the island’s previous French and British rule before it gained full independence in 1974. And I learn something rather interesting. Grenada garnered global headlines in 1983 after internal rifts within the governing left-wing party led to the overthrow and execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. The ensuing instability led to military intervention by the United States later that year. Democratic elections were reinstated the following year and have continued uninterrupted ever since.
“It’s a fascinating island, indeed,” says Edwin delightedly as he drives us to our next stop: Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park. Located on the west coast of Grenada, just north of St. George's in Molinere Bay, it’s now Grenada's Marine Protected Area. The park is a collection of ecological underwater contemporary art located in the Caribbean sea. Each sculpture is an artificial reef that provides new habitat spaces for a variety of marine life. The sculptures mainly feature members of the local community, focusing on their connections with their own coastal environments. It’s a mesmerizing experience and another must-do on the island.
The inviting beach in Grenada (Photo Credit: Charmaine Noronha)
After an eventful, fun-filled day exploring the island, rest and relaxation is calling so Frank takes me back to my gorgeous hotel, Silversands Grand Anse, a sweeping luxury resort set on the golden sands of Grand Anse Beach, offering sea views and exceptional service. The hotel interiors combine soft, muted tones with light woods and intuitive in-room technology, creating an atmosphere of elegance and comfort.
At the Silversands Spa, guests can indulge in holistic therapies designed to deliver a deeply restorative experience for both mind and body The hotel also offers a sleep program. The Silversands Grand Anse Grenada Sleep Program is a 3-to-7-day personalized wellness experience designed to improve sleep quality through an in-take assessment, one customized meal during your stay, one to two movement therapies by way of yoga, and spa treatments.
Curated by spa director Yanni Frivaldo, this program in its development stages, but it’s end goal is to help guests fall asleep faster, stay asleep, and learn sustainable, longterm healthy habits.
Silversands Grand Anse, Grenada (Photo Credit: Charmaine Noronha)
The dining options are also standouts here with Asiatique and the Grenadian Grill highlighting the island’s fresh seafood and paying tribute to Grenada’s reputation as the “Spice of the Caribbean.” Each venue delivers an inviting culinary experience inspired by local flavors. For a more laid-back atmosphere, the Beach Lounge invites guests to relax and unwind, with soulful live music and showcases of local artists every Friday and Saturday evening.
Just a 10-minute or so ride away is the intimate sister property Silversands Beach House, nestled on the captivating shores of Portici Beach. Framed by a lush canopy, a dramatic stone bluff, and the turquoise waters of Portici Beach, Silversands Beach House embodies serenity and refined island escapism. Opened in 2024 with 28 individual villas, some boasting direct beach access, this resort feels tucked away, as if you’ve got the whole island to yourself. With a futuristic, canopied design, this hotel feels also like the modern little sis to the sweeping Grande Anse retreat.
With two gorgeous luxury properties to boot, an island encapsulated by beautiful sites and nature, your clients really can’t go wrong visiting this historic, spicy island.
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