Grenada

Experience a wonderful cruise in the world of Old time Pirates & privateers…

Orlando Romain — 2010-05-10T20:06+00:00

The team at Sea Fun Adventure welcomes you aboard “Liana’s Ransom” for one of the most entertaining half-day cruise available in Grenada. This 85ft schooner can comfortably carry up to 70 guests. She is the exact replica of an 18th century Pirate Tall Ship and just everything on board (except the safety equipment) is identical to the authentic gear pirates were using 300 years ago. Their crew (4 to 6) is dressed up with pirate costumes and has been trained to entertain the guests. All cruises include a full open bar (rum punch, beers, soft drinks and water), snacks (pastries or canapés), snorkeling equipment and also costumes and accessories for the guests who wish to be dressed up. The ship is also equipped with a good sound system so we can play a great variety of music (we can plug your I-Pod or MP3). The ship departs at 9.00am and 2.00pm (from Port Louis marina) and return at 1.00pm and 6.00pm.Only a few minutes after leaving the dock and just after listening to the very witty briefing given by the captain about the ship and the safety equipment and procedures, the crew begins hoisting the sails. The Vessel is stunning with all the sails out. Liana’ Ransom is a very comfortable boat but she is also quite fast for her size. The guests are welcome and generally very happy to help in the manoeuvres. When on Anchorage along a colourful and shallow coral reef the guests have a large choice of Activities, other than snorkeling or swimming: You can make someone “walk the plank” using a plastic sword, unless you prefer “swinging the yardarm” above the water... Often some guests choose to just relax, admire the beautiful sceneries and enjoy a cocktail. Sailing back along the famous bay of Grand Anse, we will prepare for a last excitement; we have 4 small canons onboard that we fire with ½ an ounce of black powder. It is harmless but quite impressive.

Read the full article

Published in: Blog

Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival - A Big Success

Orlando Romain — 2010-05-05T12:30+00:00

After witnessing the 2010 Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival, it is evident that there will be great anticipation for the event in 2011. The inaugural showcasing of the event has occurred, leaving an atmosphere overwhelmed with raving reviews from both visitors and residents about a very successful event. Clearly the diversity and professional musical presentations from all of the bands have combined to register a very satisfying feeling among the producers and patrons. In particular the pulsating rhythmic emissions from the Lashing Dogs of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands will remain a talking point for many years to come. This does not diminish the amazing musical treat that was provided by the Old Time Jammers of Tobago and the Mamai Kweyol grouping from St. Lucia. Added to this remarkable contingent of musically gifted Caribbean men and women were several bands from Carriacou and one from Grenada who demonstrated an equally compelling ability to generate unbroken dancing spells among both the ancestors and the wide range of visitors and locals who presumably never for one moment regretted their decision to attend the festival. The musical wizardry of the various local and regional string bands was not the only thing that stood out prominently in Carriacou. The dancing and drumming by the Zenaida Productions and Esoteric Drummers of St. Lucia will also be cherished and remembered honourably for a long time. Also now embedded in many people’s memories are the high quality of Big Drum gyrations, chants, poetic presentations, and a mix of other dances and skits that contributed to a weekend of immense excitement and satisfaction. The smoked food too was outstandingly tasty and delicious. The many chickens and animals that were singled out for this palatable aspect of the festival were devoured with pleasure and awe by patrons at the Bogles village on the Friday and the Belair Heritage Park on the Saturday. Consuming the rolled rice, rolled coo-coo, stewed pigeon peas, bananas and various ground provisions, as well as the wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the bars, was indeed a fitting component of the festival. Items of craft on display were appreciated by those so inclined, and many left the various venues armed with purchased items. The rich cultural rituals and libation activities were also made to take their rightful places within the scheme of things, as the mermaids and ancestors were fed and nourished as tradition dictates. All in all, there is no doubt that the executive producers, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone involved in different aspects of the festival are satisfied that their time and resources were indeed committed to an event that was well appreciated and has the potential to mature to a world class level within Grenada’s Calendar of Events. Every effort should be made to have each year’s event surpass expectations so that whatever is needed for the perpetuation of this lovely innovative appeal will be sustained for many years to come. By Edwin Frank

Read the full article

Published in: Blog

Grenada: exquiste beauty -By John Wilmott

Orlando Romain — 2010-04-20T16:34+00:00

When I first visited the Caribbean some years ago, I did plenty of homework to find the right destination. My companions and I wanted an island that was scenic, unspoilt and with beautiful beaches; not over-developed but with plenty to see and do. We found all that and more in Grenada and, having been back recently, I was delighted to find that the island is as idyllic as ever. On my first Grenadian holiday, we sailed on a skippered yacht, swam in a jungle waterfall, visited the famous spice plantations, dived with tropical fish, raced catamarans, walked along the wild east-coast beaches, explored the colourful market, took a short flight to the nearby Grenadines… and still found time to relax on the fabulous Grand Anse beach. On my latest visit, I found an island that remains resolutely traditional. New development has been discreet, with some exclusive properties blending into the lush landscape and new-builds paying more than a nod to conservation. Vividly green Grenada and its cerulean waters lend themselves to low-key soft adventure, which has clearly been a focus for expansion. One new underwater feature is an artificial reef created by a series of 65 sculptures by Jason de Caires Taylor. Slowly, the rich life under the surface is beginning to take over this “exhibition”, much of which is shallow enough to be seen from a glass-bottomed kayak. The “Spice Island” of Grenada and neighbouring Carriacou make up one of the Caribbean’s best dive destinations and there are several good schools to get you started, although a simple mask and snorkel will allow you to get close to the outstanding corals. The superb new Port Louis Marina is opening up more aquatic opportunities. I recommend a trip on a yacht — even a day trip will allow you to explore exquisite bays and hidden beaches. For those who still can’t get enough of the water, head inland and try river tubing. Sitting in a large rubber “doughnut”, you’ll bounce through the island’s rainforest along the sparkling Balthazar River. There are lots of options for jungle walks too. If you’d like to join in the local party spirit, visit at Carnival time (August 9-10). It seems that each Caribbean island tries to out-do its neighbours in terms of spectacle, with Grenada no exception, so expect a heady mix of steel bands, masquerade parades, DJs, street dancing and flowing rum. Another fun festival is Rock D’Spice (June 4-6), as much a celebration of life as a music event, at which Grenadians and tourists alike pay homage to the island’s culture, music and crafts. Festivities are currently being planned for the 300th anniversary of the hilltop Fort St George, beside the harbour, but even without the party the fort is worth a visit for its commanding views over St George’s — one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque capitals with wooden buildings climbing the bay’s steep hillsides. Grenada has long been recognised for its charming smaller hotels. Among the new additions is the 29-room Kalinago Beach Resort on Mourne Rouge Bay, in the quiet south of the island next to an outstanding beach. It offers great value. At the other end of the scale is the stunning, Gaudi-influenced Cave House and Folly, which occupies its own little peninsula at Mount Hartman Bay, with just eight suites built into the hillside. And if an eco-friendly stay is important to you, two lovely properties — the Spice Island Beach Resort and the Blue Horizons Garden Resort — have been awarded Green Globes for their environmental practices. No Caribbean holiday would be complete without a spa treatment or two, and a very fine facility forms part of the stylish and intimate Laluna. After a day’s activities, wind down in the sea-facing yoga pavilion or indulge in a Balinese massage. Holistic therapies are a speciality at LaSource, on Pink Gin Beach. Guests can indulge in one daily complimentary treatment from the range at the Oasis Spa. There’s nothing better than a bite to eat after all that relaxing, and in my experience Grenada’s food is among the best in the Caribbean. The accent is firmly on local produce, including those abundant spices. I have enjoyed tasty snacks with a chilled beer at the rustic Jenny’s Place on Grand Anse beach and sumptuous cuisine devised by Gary Rhodes at the restaurant of the gorgeous Calabash hotel. Wherever you eat, try the marlin if it’s on the menu; the red snapper and conch are good, too. Getting to Grenada has just got easier as British Airways now flies twice each week, via Barbados (Sunday) and Antigua (Tuesday). That, to me, is the perfect excuse to arrange another visit to an island whose combination of discreet charm, natural beauty and a splendid array of activities makes it my firm favourite.

Read the full article

Published in: Blog

Grenada Board of Tourism Launches a New Website

LMA Admin — 2010-03-17T00:47+00:00

Things are heating up in Grenada starting with the launch of their new, custom designed website at www.grenadagrenadines.com. The multi-lingual website (available in English, French, German, Spanish and Chinese) is the culmination of a year’s work and emphasizes the country’s vibrant culture. The site has a number of new functions including a fully-featured trip planner, tour operator locator, interactive map and blog, to name few. Each aspect helps to create an enhanced experience when visiting Grenada’s website.

Read the full article

Published in: Blog

Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival

LMA Admin — 2010-03-17T00:43+00:00

“With the Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival just around the corner, excitement is brewing here in Grenada and on the sister isle of Carriacou. Everyone is looking forward to consuming the delicious smoked food and participating in the many opportunities to dance and savour the traditional maroon practices and the innovative rhythms of traditional string bands. The new ‘City Jam’ scheduled for the Saturday night and the ladies gyrating to the heavy vibrations of the big drums are also hot topics. With all this vibes in the air, I just can’t phantom what it will be like to be among the absentees.”

Read the full article

Published in: Blog