FAULT Magazine Travel: Grenada Travel Guide
FAULT Magazine Travel: Grenada Travel Guide
(TAKEN FROM THE FULL ARTICLE PUBLISHED WITHIN FAULT ISSUE #24)
Words & Photography: Mlies Holder (unless stated otherwise)
Grenada Travel Guide: What do do
House of Chocolate
If you’re unfamiliar with the fascinating connection between chocolate and the island of Grenada, a visit to the House of Chocolate is a must. This unique establishment combines a museum, café, and chocolate store, providing a comprehensive experience. Knowledgeable and friendly staff members are on hand to share the rich history of cocoa and its diverse applications. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of chocolate treats, ranging from milkshakes to ice cream. And, of course, you can’t leave without taking home a bar of their exceptional Grenada-made chocolate. The House of Chocolate is conveniently located at #10 Young Street, Saint George’s, Grenada.
Concord Waterfalls
Without a doubt, this Grenada Travel Guide would call the Concord Falls are a must-see attraction in Grenada. Located in the St. John Parish, they are easily accessible by car. The falls consist of two pools, with the bottom one being exceptionally deep and ideal for a refreshing dip after a short hike. While we don’t officially recommend it, some adventurous individuals choose to dive from the high cliffs into the approximately eighteen-foot pool below, a daring feat that locals from the area have been known to attempt.
For a convenient and comprehensive island experience, we suggest booking the Concord Waterfall & River Antoine Distillery tour through Caribbean Horizons (www.caribbeanhorizons.com). The tour prices vary depending on the number of participants and cover a full day of exploration. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the same company for as low as £55 per day and drive yourself. Both attractions are free to enter and open to the public, providing an affordable and accessible adventure.
Rainforest Walk
If you’re seeking a memorable hike through the breathtaking Grenadian rainforest, look no further than Telfor Bedau, an expert guide who has got you covered. Regardless of your fitness level or the size of your travel group, Telfor can customize a walking route to perfectly suit your needs.
During our excursion through Grand Etang National Park, Telfor demonstrated his exceptional knowledge by identifying various fruits, plants, and animals in the area. His captivating storytelling skills showcased his remarkable career as a walker and his impressive achievements in kayaking. Even if hiking isn’t your preferred activity, we highly recommend taking a short trip just to spend an hour in Telfor’s company and listen to his fascinating stories about his life and the history of Grenada.
Contact Telfor to discuss a bespoke rate (around £45pp). 00 1 473 442-6200.
Crayfish Bay Estate Chocolate
While Grenada is renowned for its spices, the remarkable efforts taking place on cocoa farms across the island often go unnoticed. To delve into this world of cocoa farming and chocolate production, there’s no better destination than the Crayfish Bay Organic Estate. Led by the charismatic and knowledgeable couple, Kim Russell and his wife, Lylette, this fully organic farm offers an enlightening experience.
This is not your typical guided tour. Kim took us through his homemade workstations, patiently explaining his process and sharing details about their upcoming products and initiatives aimed at supporting the local farming economy. Additionally, they provide cozy self-catering accommodations in a charming little house, starting at just $50 USD per night. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic rural experience in Grenada.
Adventure Jeep Tour and River Tubing
If you’re traveling with teenagers or simply seeking an exhilarating adventure, Adventure Grenada is the perfect choice for you. Located just a short 45-minute drive away from St. Georges, you’ll reach the Balthazar River, also known as Grenada’s magnificent river.
After a brief safety briefing, you’ll hop into your tube and embark on a thrilling journey down the picturesque river. Surrounded by tropical flowers and serenaded by the soothing sound of rushing water and the melodies of exotic birds, you’ll zoom along, soaking in the scenic beauty.
During the ride, there will be stops at natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip and relax after the exciting experience. At the conclusion of the ride, you’ll be treated to a well-deserved (albeit strong) rum punch. After all, it’s Grenada, and a drink without rum punch just isn’t worth having. Remember to enjoy responsibly!
Grenada Travel Guide: Where to dine
Patrick’s Homestyle Cooking
If you want to experience a variety of flavors in Grenada, Patrick’s is an excellent place to begin. Choose the tapas-style small plates and sample a little bit of all the amazing dishes the island has to offer. Visiting this restaurant early in your trip will give you a good sense of what the entire island has in store. From callaloo soup to curry goat and saltfish, you’ll leave feeling satisfied and eager to explore more of the island. Each dish is distinct, and just when you think you’ve tried everything, Patrick will delight you with new flavors unique to Grenada.
The Aquarium Restaurant
If you’re searching for a lunch or dinner spot with a beach view, The Aquarium Restaurant is the perfect choice. I personally ordered the Tuna Steak from the grill, and it was expertly cooked, showcasing the freshness of the fish along with delightful spices. It’s truly a romantic experience to enjoy your meal while watching the crashing waves and listening to the live reggae band, which performs starting from 3pm. To add to the ambiance, there’s an impressive aquarium inside the restaurant filled with tropical fish and turtles. It’s no wonder that honeymooners, families, solo travelers, and locals all feel welcomed and at ease in this marvelous establishment. It’s recommended to make reservations, especially during peak holiday times.
BB’s Crabback
When in Grenada, a visit to BB’s on Grand Etang Road in St. George’s is an absolute must. Situated on the waterfront, you can savor a refreshing rum punch while admiring the boats gracefully sailing through The Carenage. The crab backs, which give BB’s its name, are incredibly delicious and truly worth trying. Without a doubt, BB’s is one of the best local restaurants on the island, boasting a simple and traditional Grenadian menu and providing friendly service. The quality of the food speaks for itself, and locals themselves frequently choose to dine at BB’s. In fact, their legendary cuisine has gained recognition throughout the Caribbean. With an extensive menu of delectable dishes and beverages, BB’s is an establishment not to be missed.
Grenada Travel Guide: Where to Stay
Sandals La Source
www.sandals.co.uk
If you have experienced staying at Sandals resorts before, you are aware that you will be warmly welcomed upon arrival. If you are traveling with elderly individuals, children, or anyone who may feel apprehensive in a new environment, we highly recommend booking a stay at Sandals, at least for the first few nights. This will help ease your group into the vacation, which can sometimes be overwhelming.
The resort offers a range of amenities, including 10 restaurants, butler service, unlimited premium brand drinks, convenient airport transfers at any time, free Wi-Fi, three freshwater swimming pools, two river pools, and a private beach right at your doorstep. It’s worth noting that for those who are not accustomed to all-inclusive resorts, the price you pay at the time of booking covers everything. This means there is no need to carry cash to the bar or restaurant at any point. It also allows you to be more adventurous in your dining choices, as everything is already included.
With a choice of 10 restaurants, you’ll find it challenging to sample all the diverse cuisines available. However, this abundance allows for wonderful shared dining experiences, where you and your group can try a bit of everything. The resort offers unlimited access to tennis and volleyball courts, nightly entertainment, and an exceptional feature: unlimited scuba diving included as a standard offering. It’s surprisingly effortless to indulge in your holiday without ever leaving the resort.
I must emphasize that the staff at Sandals La Source are unparalleled in their hospitality, competence, and friendliness. I have encountered numerous hotel staff in my travels, but none have matched the level of service provided by the team at this resort. They handle even the most extravagant requests with ease and promptly address any concerns, no matter how trivial. It’s evident that they genuinely care about ensuring you have the best possible experience during your stay.
The staff’s connection to the island is palpable, as most of them are locals who take immense pride in discussing their homeland. They are delighted to have Sandals on their small island and to meet visitors from different backgrounds who have chosen their destination for summer getaways.
Sandals certainly has its place in Grenada for the traveller looking to unwind without any stress or chance of stress. At Sandals, you’ll escape the fear of an unknown environment and different lifestyles and just enjoy your time on a beautiful resort. Newlyweds, mature travellers and returning visitors will enjoy Sandals and every last amenity it has to offer.
Kalinago Beach Resort
www.kalinagobeachresort.com
For a more authentic experience, we highly recommend staying at Kalinago Beach Resort. Situated right on the beachfront, you’ll immerse yourself in the local atmosphere as students and locals gather to enjoy their weekends.
While Kalinago boasts a fantastic private bar, just a few steps down the beach you’ll find ‘La Ply Wood Beach Bar Cafe,’ a vibrant hangout spot favored by medical students and locals of all ages. In my opinion, they serve one of the best rum punches in Grenada. On weekends, you can expect to find a lively crowd of local students and fellow travelers by the water. It’s worth mentioning that Grenadians are incredibly friendly, so even if you’re traveling alone, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for engaging conversations. If you prefer some relaxed alone time, you can unwind by the hotel’s pool and dive into a good book.
Kalinago is located on Morne Rouge Bay, also known as BBC Beach, and offers easy access to various attractions in the area. For a unique experience, I recommend visiting The Owl Sports, a short walk from the resort, where you can witness thrilling crab racing events.
Additionally, the resort provides complimentary kayak and snorkel gear rentals, which I highly recommend taking advantage of. Many boat tours include Morne Rouge Bay as a viewpoint, so take your time and enjoy the wonderful view from the sea at your own pace. The rooms are spacious, and the breakfast, featuring Grenadian classics like plantain and Caribbean fish fritters, is simple yet delicious. Their lunch and dinner menus offer a mix of Creole and international gourmet dishes infused with local spices.
The resort staff is exceptionally friendly and happy to assist with airport transfers and any other transportation needs on the island. If possible, I recommend attending their weekly manager’s drinks, where you can chat with the resort’s management team and gain valuable insights and tips for your stay.
For this Grenada Travel Guide we recommend Kalinago Beach Resort for younger, solo, and adventurous travelers who are seeking their own unique experiences in Grenada. If you’re looking for luxurious dining within the confines of a hotel and an exclusively upscale experience, this might not be the ideal choice for you. However, if you appreciate charm and authenticity, look no further than Kalinago Beach Resort.