(TAKEN FROM THE FULL ARTICLE PUBLISHED WITHIN FAULT ISSUE #24)

House of Chocolate

If like us you aren’t aware of the intertwined history of chocolate and the island of the Grenada, House of Chocolate in a must. Part museum, part café and another part chocolate store, here you can learn the history of cocoa and it’s many used from one of the friendly staff members. Of course, you’ll also be able to sample the many chocolate treats they have on offer from milkshakes to icecream or of course, just grab a bar of their great Grenada made chocolate to bring back home with you. House of Chocolate is located at #10 Young Street, Saint George’s, Grenada.

Concord Waterfalls

Simply put, the Concord Falls are a Grenada must see. Located in the St John Parish and easily by car, the falls have two pools the bottom of which is extremely deep and the perfect cool down following the short trek there. Some choose to dive from the high cliffs down into the around eighteen feet pool below, which we won’t say we can recommend but locals from the area have been known to take the deep plunge. We recommend booking Concord waterfall & River Antoine distillery as part of an island tour book with Caribbean Horizons (www.caribbeanhorizons.com), prices depend on number booked for the full day tour. Or, hire a car from £55per day from the same company and self-drive: both attractions are free to enter and open to the public.

Rainforest Walk

If you’re looking for a hike through the Grenadian rainforest it’s best you find an expert of the land and Telfor Bedau has you covered. Whatever your fitness level, Telfor can find a walking route to suit you and your travel group. Taking us through Grand Etang National Park, Telfor proved his genius as he pointed out the various fruits, plants and animals in the area and regaled us with tales of his amazing walking career and kayaking feats. If walking is not your thing, we’d highly recommend taking a short trip if only to spend an hour in Telfor’s company and hear his amazing stories about his life and history of Grenada.

Contact Telfor to discuss a bespoke rate (around £45pp). 00 1 473 442-6200.

Crayfish Bay Estate Chocolate

While Grenada is well known for its spices, few know about the great work being done on cocoa farms across the island and there’s no better place to learn than on the Crayfish Bay Organic Estate. The fully organic farm is run by the wonderfully charismatic and informative Kim Russell and his wife, Lylette who taught us about the history of cocoa farming and chocolate making on the island.

This isn’t your run of the mill guided tour, Kim showed us his homemade workstations and really took the time to talk us through his process and their upcoming products and schemes to pump money back into the local farming economy. They also offer self-catering accommodation in a pleasant little house starting at $50USD a night perfect for anyone looking to experience rural Grenada.

Adventure Jeep Tour and River Tubing

Those travelling with teenagers or just looking for a thrilling ride, then the Adventure Grenada have you covered. A short 45-minute drive out of St Georges you’ll reach the Balthazar River also known as Grenada’s great river.  After a quick safety briefing you’re in your tube and zooming down the scenic river surrounded by tropical flowers and the echo of gushing water and the various exotic birds in the area.

Throughout the ride you’ll stop natural pools giving you the chance to take a dip in the refreshing water and relax from the exhilarating experience. At the end of the ride you’ll be treated to a (albeit strong) rum punch because it’d Grenada and if it’s not rum punch, it’s not a drink worth having. [Enjoy responsibly]

 

Patrick’s Homestyle Cooking

Lagoon Road,St. George’s 11473, Grenada If you’re looking to try a bit of everything while in Grenada then Patrick’s is a great starting point. Opt for the tapas styled small plates and taste a little bit of all the slands amazing dishes. Placing a visit near the start of your trip will give you a great idea of what the whole island has to offer. With everything from callaloo soup to curry goat and saltfish, you’ll leave satisfied and ready to explore the sland. Each dish is unique and just when you think you’ve tasted it all, Patrick will surprise you with new flavours found only in Grenada.

The Aquarium Restaurant

Point Salines, Saint George, Grenada For lunch/dinner with a beach view, look no further than The Aquarium Restaurant. I ordered the Tuna Steak from the grill and it was cooked to perfection and you could taste the freshness through the great spices. Nothing is more romantic than watching the crashing waves and listening to their live reggae band who perform from 3pm onwards. There’s also an Aquarium inside the restaurant filled with tropical fish and turtles! It’s clear to see why honeymooners, families, solo travellers and locals all felt at home at this wonderful spot. Reservations are advised especially in peak holiday times.

BB’s Crabback

Grand Etang Road, St George’s, Grenada Quite simply, do not leave Greneda without stopping into BB’s! Located on the waterfront you can enjoy a rum punch and watch as the boats sail through The Carenage. The crab backs which give BB’s its name are simply to die for. I would say this was hands down the if not one of the best local restaurant on the island with a simple and traditional Grenadan menu and friendly service – the good really speaks for itself. Offering an extensive food and drinks menu, even locals regularly choose to dine at BB’s and their legendary cuisine is known throughout the Caribbean.

 

Sandals La Source

www.sandals.co.uk

If you’ve ever stayed in one of the Sandals resorts elsewhere, you’ll know that you’ll be greeted like royalty the second you land. If you are or travelling with anybody that’s elderly, with children or just anyone that’s a nervous to be in such a different landscape; we highly recommend booking a stay if only for the first nights with Sandals just to ease your group into what can become quite a frantic holiday.

The resort features 10 restaurants, butler service, unlimited premium brand drinks, anytime airport transfer, free wifi, 3 freshwater swimming pools and 2 river pools or just enjoy the private beach right on your doorstep. Just a note for anyone who isn’t used to all-inclusive, the price you pay on booking is all you pay. That means there is no need to bring your cash down to the bar or restaurant at any point and it allows for you to be more adventurous with your dining choices.

With 10 restaurants, you’ll be hard pressed to try all the varying cuisine on offer but it does allow for great collective dining experiences as you and your party get to a try a bit of everything on offer. Unlimited use of their tennis and volleyball courts, nightly entertainment and the only resort to offer unlimited scuba diving as standard, it’s surprisingly easy to indulge your holiday away without having to leave the resort. It must also be said that the staff as Sandals La Source are without question some of the most hospitable, competent and friendly hotel staff I have ever come across. No request is too outlandish nor was any quibble (not that we had many) too small for them to fix, they felt truly invested in making sure you had the best time while staying with them. It’s understandable, the staff are mostly locals and brimming with pride when discussing their homeland and they are happy to have Sandals and to meet so many different people who have chosen their small island for their 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

If you prefer the lore of a more real experience, we suggest you stay Kalinago Beach Resort. The resort is located right on the beachfront and you’ll receive a very local experience as studentsand locals head down to enjoy their weekend

While Kalinago has a wonderful private bar, a few steps down the beach you’ll find ‘La Ply Wood Beach Bar Cafe’ where the medical students and locals young and old like to hang out. The colourful bar is also home to, in my opinion, one of the best rum punches Grenada has to offer. On weekends expect to find local students and travellers alike down on the water. One thing to remember about Grenada is that everyone is so friendly that even as a solo traveller you’ll find plenty of opportunities for great conversation and you’d prefer chilled alone time, park yourself by the hotel’s pool and dive into a good book.

Located on Morne Rouge Bay which is also known as BBC Beach, you’ll find many attractions in the area. If you’re the betting type, head forThe Owl Sports a short walk from the resort and witness their crab racing events for a truly unique experience.

You can also hire out kayaks and snorkel gear free of charge which we highly recommend you take advantage of. Many boat tours include Morne Rouge Bay as a viewpoint so definitely take advantage of the wonderful view from the sea in your own time and at your own pace. The rooms are spacious and the breakfast simple but very tasty featuring Grenadian classics such as plantain and Caribbean fish fritters. Their lunch and dinner menus offer a mixture of Creole and international gourmet dishes infused with spices from the island.

The staff on the resort are all very friendly and happy to help with transfers to and from the airport and anywhere else on the island that you need to go. If you can, definitely attend their weekly manager’s drinks to chat with the great running the resort who all offer great insights and tips for your stay.

We’d recommend Kalinago for the younger, solo and adventurous traveller looking to find their own fun in Grenada. If you’re looking for luxurious dining within the hotel walls and a purely exclusive experience, this probably isn’t for you but if you’re looking for charm, look no further than Kalinago Beach Resort.

Words & Photography: Mlies Holder (unless stated otherwise)