Grenada

Grenada Creates Headlines Worldwide

Tornia Charles — 2013-04-29T16:09+00:00

For many years, Grenada has been known as one of the most unspoilt Caribbean islands unknown to many. In recent times however, the tri island nation gained major publicity throughout the world. From the London Olympics to the National Geographic, Grenada received an abundance of accolades and media recognition capturing many hearts along the way. Let’s take a look back at some of the most notable. • Grenada is listed among the 10 Best Places in the World 2013 by the National Geographic • Grenada received its 10th Gold Medal during the Royal Horticultural Society’s 2012 Chelsea Flower Show • Scuba Diving Magazine named Grenada the Best Wreck Diving and Best Advanced Diving Destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic Region • Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach is named one of the Caribbean’s 10 Best Beaches for 2013 by the Caribbean Journal citing it as offering one of the best laidback Caribbean beach vibes. • At the 2012 London Olympics, Grenada won its first Gold Medal making it the smallest country (population wise) to ever win a gold medal at the Olympics. • Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park is listed as one of the 25 Wonders of the World – Earth’s Most Awesome Places by National Geographic Don’t miss out on seeing one of the world’s most intriguing destinations. If National Geographic says it, Scuba Diving Magazine says it, maybe you should see it. So, what are you waiting for? Take a trip to the Spice Islands of the Caribbean today.

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3 Properties to Look out for in 2013

Tornia Charles — 2013-04-24T19:58+00:00

The latter part of this year will bring with it a unique twist for accommodation on the Spice Island of Grenada. While some properties are being upgraded and others are totally new, there are those that are considered to be truly undiscovered gems of the Spice Isle. Today we’re going to share with you, the highlights of 3 properties that will really take your breath away. Radisson Grenada Beach Resort Currently known as the Grenada Grand Beach Resort, this property will officially be renamed the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort and re-launched in the third quarter of this year. The new Radisson brings with it 2 jacuzzis, 3 bars including one that sits in the middle of a pool, a whirlpool waterfall, a total of 229 rooms featuring all modern amenities and 2 pools with one that measures 300 ft. in width. After receiving the Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2012, this property has committed to retraining all of its staff to reflect the first class, 100% guest satisfaction guarantee that the Radisson brand promises. Mango Bay Cottages Situated on the western side of the island, this property is perfect for those who share an appreciation for nature and the simpler things in life. Mango Bay Cottages boast the island’s only vegetarian restaurant and is located just above one of the island’s black sand beaches. The secluded property is surrounded by lush vegetation, flowers and fruits which you are free to feed to the many iguanas and lizards in the area. Its various watersports and health and wellness retreats really does make the Mango Bay Cottages an undiscovered gem of the Spice Isle. Sandals LaSource Grenada Sandals LaSource Grenada also promises to open its doors to the public within the last quarter of this year. This luxurious property boasts 9 restaurants including the brand’s first steakhouse, 75 professional butler suites, 3 pools, 2 river pools and a total of 231 rooms. Located just minutes from the Maurice Bishop International Airport, Sandals LaSource Grenada is the perfect property for those who would love to splurge on a tropical vacation in what Sandals refers to ‘the most alluring destination in the Caribbean.’ So, whether you would like to reconnect with yourself in the island’s interior, stay closer to the city and indulge in all its modern amenities or you simply prefer to pamper yourself with a luxurious vacation, the spice island of Grenada can offer you the ideal property to complement your stay. Feel free to explore them all and keep posted for more information on each as the time comes closer for the various launches.

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5 Ways to Experience True Grenadian Life

Tornia Charles — 2013-04-24T15:32+00:00

The Spice Islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is all about an experience. The best spice isle vacations are most enjoyed when you can see how the locals live and most of all, experience life like a local. Below are five everyday Grenadian activities that you can enjoy with us while you’re here. We can almost guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. 1. Playing Dominoes Popularly played outside of rum shops and bars, this game has a way of bringing people together throughout the island. You can hear the pounding of the domino cards and loud Grenadian accents way before you see the men actually playing the game. Some say the excitement is in the comradery and others say it’s the relaxation that comes after. Whatever the reason, the game of dominoes really does bring people together. You should try it. 2. Roadside Cooking Cooking by the roadside or ‘bubbling ah pot’ as most locals would say have become quite common. Most persons take pleasure in showing off their culinary skills by incorporating the best seasonings and spices that the island has to offer. However, cooking the meal is only half the fun, sampling the dish while engaging in some local chatter is best part. 3. Pulling the Net Whenever you see large gatherings surrounding the bay and loads of seagulls flying overhead, you know that there is some activity down below. Most times it’s the fishermen with a huge catch or villagers trying to get the net ashore. This is a wonderful experience. They tug at the rope in unison with all their might and welcome anyone willing to assist. It is one of the best time to interact with locals. 4. Exploring the Market Saturdays are the best days to visit the market. The first thing that you will notice is the large colorful umbrellas and an abundance of locally grown fruits, vegetables and spices. The ladies at the market will not hesitate to enlighten you on how best to use the items you’re interested in and may even offer you a great bargain. Remember though, you should never leave the market without having a refreshing drink of fresh coconut water. 5. Cricket on the Beach It is not unusual to see young children or adults playing friendly cricket games on the beach during the weekend. Here in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique there is no need for a well-polished bats or wicket stumps. Instead, all that’s necessary is a ball, a branch from the coconut tree, a few sticks and you’re good to go. Nothing beats the fun in this. So, the next time you visit Grenada, Carriacou or Petite Martinique, remember that the best Spice Island vacation is most enjoyed when experiencing life like a local.

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Experience the 2013 Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival

Tornia Charles — 2013-04-18T13:15+00:00

There are so many exceptional events occurring throughout the world during the year. However, on the tiny island of Carriacou, there is one unique festival that showcases traditions, rituals, song, dance and other spiritual aspects like none other. Held over the three (3) day period April 26 – 28, the 2013 Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival is ideal for those looking for a pure and culturally untamed experience. One of the highlights of the Carriacou Maroon is the eating and sharing of the smoked food commonly consisting of rolled rice, provisions, a choice of meat and more. Whereas you will normally prepare this on a stove top and sit around a dining table, at the Carriacou Maroon Festival, the food is prepared in large pots over a fireside, shared by the villagers and just might be served in a calabash. Another major highlight of the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Festival is its various authentic cultural performances. This tiny island comes to life with the presentations of the big drum nation dance, quadrille dances and Shakespeare Mas. It is a bit difficult not to stay fixated on the barefooted ladies with colorful head wraps and large skirts dancing vigorously to the deep sounds escalating from the big drums. This year, additional performances come in the likes of the Black Stalin from Trinidad, the Lashing Dogs from the British Virgin Islands, the Harmonites from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Carriacou Big Drum and much more. Three days, three venues but one festival. As we say, once you have experienced the Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival, your life will never be the same! For information on getting to Carriacou, where to stay once you get here and getting around the island, visit www.carriacoumaroon.com or contact us via the details below: Grenada Board of Tourism Main Street, Hillsborough Carriacou Tel: 473 443 7948 Fax: 473 443 6127 Email: carrgbt@spiceisle.com Web: www.grenadagrenadines.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/discoveregrenada Twitter: www.twitter.com/discovergrenada Youtube: www.youtube.com/grenadagrenadines

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Win 2 Tickets to 2 Events on Carriacou

Tornia Charles — 2013-03-28T16:20+00:00

The tiny Caribbean Island of Carriacou is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming events in April. Only 2 weeks apart, this tiny island will host a live Concert by the son of mega reggae star and son of legend Bob Marley; Ky-Mani Marley and the 4th Annual Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival. This year however, the Grenada Board of Tourism has launched a Facebook Sweepstakes giving away 2 tickets to one lucky person to attend the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival. Plus, if that person gets 4 friends to sign up, he or she will get a chance to win an even cooler prize; 2 tickets to both events plus transportation via the Osprey Ferry. All you have to do is visit the destination’s official facebook page; Discover Grenada and follow the instructions. Remember, getting to Grenada is easy. From the UK, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic continue to service Grenada with weekly flights from London’s Gatwick Airport. If you’re coming from the US, American Airlines and Caribbean Airlines services Grenada with weekly flights from various airports. Delta Air however provides nonstop flights from New York except during the period September 1st to December 15th. From Canada, Caribbean Airlines provides direct flights and Air Canada Vacations operates a seasonal nonstop flight from Toronto to Grenada. There are also year round daily flights from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada. If you’re coming from the Caribbean however, LIAT and Caribbean Airlines are great options. When you get here, getting to Carriacou is even easier and half the fun. So, visit that Facebook page for your chance to win those tickets. Good luck and see you soon.

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Try this Grenadian Inspired Easter Recipe

Tornia Charles — 2013-03-28T14:36+00:00

If you’re here on the Spice Islands during the Easter holidays, your taste buds will soon experience an explosion of tropical, spicy and fruity flavors from the local food invigorated with Grenadian ingredients. If you’re not here, there are little things you can do to add some of that Spice Island flavor to you Easter vacation. One of the highly recommended ways is to try one of our most popular Easter recipes and what better thing to try than the Fruity Easter Bun. Take a look at the ingredients and instructions below. Fruity Easter Bun Ingredients 1 ½ cups brown sugar 3 cups flour 2 ½ tsp baking powder 1 cup orange juice 2 tbsp molasses 1 cup mixed fruits (candied paw paw, cherries, cherries) 1 ½ tbsp. melted butter or margarine 2 eggs ½ tsp each of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon 1 tsp grated fresh ginger Method Step 1 Heat juice, sugar, butter, molasses and spices over low flame stirring until ingredients are dissolved Step 2 Pour into mixing bowl and add eggs. Mix well. Step 3 Sift flour and baking powder. Add gradually to mixing bowl. Step 4 Add fruit and mix well Step 5 Bake in a greased and floured loaf pan at 350°F for about 1 hour This recipe makes 1 5x9 loaf. Recipe provided by the Grenadian Food & Nutrition Council. Try this Fruity Easter Bun and let us know how you enjoyed it.

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Easter in Grenada: Reflections of a Child

Tornia Charles — 2013-03-28T14:10+00:00

As children growing up in Grenada, Carriacou or Petite Martinique, holidays were always the best times of the school year. Whether it was Christmas, Carnival or Easter, it was always something most of us kids looked forward to. Easter however, gave us all a special buzz of excitement. That time of the year meant finally getting the chance to wear our “Sunday best”, having the most amazing times on the beach, eating good food and best of all kite flying. Whenever we felt strong gusts of wind and noticed vendors by the road sides selling kites, we knew that the Easter holidays were approaching. Classroom discussions shifted from the traditional school topics to that of what we intended to do during the Easter vacations. Homework was a blur and before we knew it, Eastertime in Grenada was here. Most of us went kite flying daily. We competed amongst ourselves for who had the largest kite or the kite that sang the most. If for some reason the twine connecting us to that kite burst, we felt like we could go to the end of the earth to find our prized possession. Parents would hardly commit us to any chores and the old folk would hardly complain about us roaming the streets. During that time of year, kite flying was our reason for being and acted as the doors to our freedom. Nowadays, kite flying has grown beyond something children look forward to. The art of kite flying has become a passion for the young and old. Some of the beaches throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique become a hub of activity with large pots releasing a mouthwatering aroma, and soaring kites giving the sky various spots of color. Easter time in Grenada is always quite memorable. It is a time when we sit and reminisce about school days reawakening your inner child in the process. That inner child allows you to sit for hours working on creating your masterpiece to prove that your creation can soar highest or sing loudest. It is the one time in Grenada, Carriacou or Petite Martinique when you can return home again and feel like you’ve never left. What significant memories do you have of the Easter season?

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6 Ways to Enjoy Grenada’s Sister Isle of Carriacou

Tornia Charles — 2013-03-22T17:38+00:00

Whenever you’re traveling to Grenada, you trip is never complete without a visit to its sister island of Carriacou, pronounced “Carry a koo”. While most persons prefer to visit for annual events such as the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival or the Carriacou Regatta, we can assure you that there is plenty to do on this colorful island all year long. Take a look at some of our recommendations below. 1. Snorkeling at Sandy Island Snorkeling around this pristine island with clear blue waters and stunning coral reefs is now one of the most popular snorkeling and diving sites in the region. It was established as part of the Sandy Island Oyster Bed marine protected area in July 2010. 2. Hike to High North National Park At just around 955 ft, High North Peak is the highest elevation on the island. On your hike you may see iguanas, Manicous (opossum), boa constrictors and hummingbirds. There are also lots of medicinal plants which Carriacouans have used traditionally used to stay healthy. From there you can enjoy awesome views of St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands and even mainland Grenada. 3. Swimming on Anse La Roche Beach Secluded and accessible from land by a half mile hike, this beach offers privacy, unspoiled and is often regarded as the most scenic beach on the island of Carriacou. There are coral reefs just offshore and is located at the foot of the famous High North Range. 4. Kayaking in the Oyster bed mangrove A short boat ride and you will find yourself in the middle of one of the few pristine ecosystems in the region. You will be able to see oysters growing on the roots of the mangrove. It is really worth exploring. 5. Exploring the charming little museum in Hillsborough Housed in a restored cotton gin mill, the Carriacou Museum boasts a display of artefacts and exhibits tracing the early inhabitants of the island. A collection of native paintings from Canute Calliste are on display there, along with displays of traditional dances including the big drum nation dance and quadrille. This museum is ideal for the visitors who are interested in cultural heritage tourism. 6. Walk along Main Street and Interact with the Locals Carriacouans are warm, welcoming and keen to make everyone feel at home. They are also the keepers of ancient traditions, historic folklore and spiritual beliefs. Take a walk along Hillsborough and Interact with the locals to get a glimpse into island life So, whether you live on the mainland of Grenada or you’re coming from much further away, Carriacou has way more to offer than you probably know and remember, getting to Carriacou is half the fun. What other fun things can you add to this list?

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Grenada Welcomes Sailors from the World Arc Rally

Tornia Charles — 2013-03-18T16:40+00:00

It was a few minutes before 1pm on the island of Grenada. The sun was out, the cool breeze swept by and Camper & Nicholson’s Port Louis Marina looked as picturesque as ever that afternoon. Everyone stood at the jetty waiting patiently for the arrival of the first yacht leading the 3rd edition of the World Arc Rally. The Gunvor XL was expected to arrive in less than one minute carrying with it 7 crew members. The drinks were cool, the photographers were out and the dockmasters were standing by when suddenly it appeared. There it was; a white monohull with blue stripes to the side and the words GUNVOR XL written at the top. There were cheers and shouts of happiness as some members of the crew recognized familiar faces on land. The ropes were tossed onto the jetty and one dockmaster pulled it to the side while a dinghy aided by pushing the monhull in efforts to steady it next to the jetty. Then out came the cans of Carib beer following the glasses of rum punch and immediately one crew member shouted ‘Oh, that looks fantastic’ while leaping from the boat to grab a glass. They all exclaimed how happy they were to be in Grenada. The Spice Island was the last stop before the end of the race and according to Paul Tetlow; Event Manager for the World Cruising Club, Spice Island Grenada was an ideal stop point for the sailors. Grenada’s geographical location, the wide range of yachting services and facilities offered coupled with what the island had to offer makes for the ideal sailor’s vacation. While in Grenada, the sailors will tour the island, host Caribbean style parties and explore Carriacou and the other Grenadine islands. Sailing around the world in a fleet of 21 boats is an experience a person will never forget. Stopping in Grenada for a fun filled week just before the race ends however, is one of those experiences that a person will refer to as a sailor’s dream. World Arc Starting from Saint Lucia and Australia, World ARC is the voyage of a lifetime. A 26000 NM tradewind circumnavigation with a team in every port ensuring a warm welcome. World ARC is a mix of cruising in company and free time to explore. Make a full circumnavigation or sail half a rally. The pace keeps the fleet together, enjoying the shore-side activities as a group, while staying with the best weather. Families with children, retirees or a ‘grown up gap year’ - all are welcome as part of World ARC. A dedicated rally team ensure you make the most of your time ashore, and provide peace of mind at sea.

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A Magical Journey to a Magical Destination

Tornia Charles — 2013-03-15T15:16+00:00

Serene, Authentic and Timeless; 3 words frequently used to describe the tiny Caribbean Island of Carriacou. It is one of those tropical islands still free from major industrial developments and the heavy influx of tourists. It is one of those places where the journey getting there can be just as intriguing as the destination itself. Because the island has no international airports, visitors have 3 more unique options of getting there; SVG Air, the Osprey Ferry and simply sailing the Grenadine Islands. SVG Air is a tiny aircraft that holds no more than 9 passengers at any one time and is far from any regular plane ride you’ve experienced. It is the ideal way of getting to Carriacou if you are an adventure lover or photographer. During the short 20 minute ride on board SVG Air, one lucky person usually gets to sit next to the pilot and automatically has the best view from the aircraft. Because of its size and the speed at which it goes, the ride aboard the aircraft can be quite thrilling. It is the fastest way of getting to Carriacou and can easily be chartered for friends and family vacationing together. For those who prefer travel by sea, you may want to check out the Osprey Ferry. While the trip across the seas can take as little as two hours depending on weather conditions, travelling with the Osprey is one of the most economical ways to get to Carriacou or Petite Martinique. Passengers have the option of sitting on the first floor in air conditioned comfort or enjoying the sundeck above. Travelers should beware though, that it is not uncommon for the small waves to create a little splash when sitting above, but this just adds to the excitement. If you’re located within the Grenadine islands however, sailing is one of the most exciting ways to get there. Day time sailing affords you cool sea breezes and calms waters making the trip somewhat therapeutic. Most adventure lovers try fishing while onboard, usually coming ashore with the occasional tuna fish or barracuda. Sailing at night is also quite popular among couples as the moonlit sky, blue seas and tiny islands nearby create a magical atmosphere. Photo courtesy Savvy Sailing Tours So you see, it is not just about Carriacou as an island getaway, but it is also the journey getting there. Keep following for next week’s feature on some of the most exciting things to do on this tiny Caribbean Island.

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