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Grenada and Carriacou received a high
volume of quality coverage in the Canadian media in 2008. Major features
in the media examined Grenada from a culinary and spices, dive, water
sports, nature, yachting, history and archeology, romance, and Eco-adventure
standpoint. The Canadian arm of the Grenada Board of Tourism was very
successful in attaining coverage that showcased the Island as a preferred
winter vacation destination.
Please click on the name of the publication to view the article.
TOURISM UPDATES FOR 2008
Gouyave Fish Fridays: Nestled in the heart of St. John’s Parish is Gouyave, one of the Caribbean’s premier ‘fish villages’. For many years Gouyave has been host to the annual Fisherman’s Birthday celebrations (June 29th). This year, they have expanded the festivities to become a weekly street festival held every Friday afternoon and evening. The festival offers visitors a chance to sample some of the Caribbean’s finest local delicacies and seafood.
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Grand Harbour: To be located on Egmont Point (a spectacular peninsular on the south coast of Grenada), Grand Harbour is an upcoming 54-unit luxury waterfront residence. Designed by Ian Morrison, one of the Caribbean’s most renowned architects, the apartments will reflect the elegance of the Island’s capital, St. George’s. Every apartment is appointed with a refined interior and magnificent view of the surrounding area including the bay and Grand Etang Mountain. Grand Harbour’s facilities will include private slips, mega yacht berth, swimming pool, day spa, restaurant, bar and fitness centre. The 54-units will consist of two and three bedroom waterfront apartments and two bedroom hillside apartments. The development plans to follow in the footsteps of Port St. Charles in Barbados. For more information, visit www.grandharbourgrenada.com |
Mount Cinnamon: With its prime location on Grand Anse Beach, Mount Cinnamon is a completely self-contained villa. Each apartment has been appointed with vibrant and stylish furnishings that reflect the discriminating tastes of their investors. Mount Cinnamon’s amenities include: Savvy’s Mediterranean Restaurant, the Cinnamon Spa, a swimming pool, gym, tennis court and beach cabana with water sports. For more information, visit www.mountcinnamongrenada.com |
Port Louis: Work on this comprehensive marine village will continue throughout 2008 with what promises to be spectacular results. The project will include a world-class marina, a maritime village, residential homes, two hotels, duty free shopping and Victory Bar & Grill, which has been open to the public since December 1, 2006. For more information, visit www.portlouisgrenada.com
In recent years, Grenada has experienced a boom in tourism and as such has been striving to offer more services to guests visiting the Island. Grenada has rapidly become one of the hottest destinations in the Caribbean for diving and snorkelling with a series of pristine wrecks and the world’s first underwater sculpture garden. |
Snorkelling with Aquanauts: New this year to Grenada is Aquanauts ‘Snorkelling Tours’. Trips are led from large comfortable boats and guided by knowledgeable and friendly Grenadian water enthusiasts. Snorkel instructors are available to teach techniques and safety to first-timers. One of Grenada’s most reputable dive companies, Aquanauts offers trips that are appropriate for groups of various skill levels. For more information, visit www.aquanautsgrenada.com
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Wreck Sites: Grenada has added two new wreck dive sites to their line-up this year, the ‘HM Hilder’ and the ‘Boris’. The MV Hildur, a 30m Coastal Freighter that was no longer seaworthy, is currently sitting perfectly on her keel in the sand at Grand Mal Bay and is rapidly becoming home to migrating fish from adjacent reefs. The Boris, which was sank on September 10, 2007, is a tugboat located off the shores of Carriacou near the popular ‘Westsider’. |
Underwater Sculpture Park: Artist Jason de Caires Taylor designed the world’s first underwater statue park (located in Moliniere) with support from the Grenada Board of Tourism. The statues not only create a hauntingly beautiful landscape, but also act as artificial reefs and will change appearances as they become home to various marine life. The statues have been carefully placed in shallow waters so divers, snorkellers and passengers of passing glass-bottom boats can access and view the statues. For more information, visit www.underwatersculpture.com |
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Yachting:
Grenada is serious about
becoming a premiere Caribbean yachting destination. The island has plans
to develop new marinas over the next few years. Currently,
the "Spice Isle of the Caribbean is endowed with three marinas
and the same number of boatyards. The three boatyards that serve
Grenada at this time include: The Grenada Marine, Spice Isle Marine
and Tyrell Bay Marine.
The new marina are:
- Le Phare Bleu in Woburn, Prickly Bay Waterside (previously the Boat
Yard) in Prickly Bay,
- the Port George Development (previously the Grenada
Yacht Club),
- Virgin Beach Development situated in True Blue Bay,
- Calivigny Cove (located in Calivigny),
- Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou,
- and Whisper Cove Marina in Woburn.
Yachters preparing to visit Grenada can
now download and fill out their clearance forms to Grenada at
www.grenadagrenadines.com/grenada_clerance_online_form.pdf
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Island Wide Developments:
2008 is a year of initiative for the Island of Grenada. All across the
tri-island nation, development projects are taking place to accommodate
the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting the Island. These include:
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Port Louis:
Set to be one of the largest tourism projects ever to be undertaken
by the island of Grenada, Port Louis will be receiving a $1.5 billion
makeover. The charming waterfront property project managed by the de
Savary Group, will be converted into a unique comprehensive marine village
community. Upgrades to the Port will include a world-class marina with
yachting facilities able to accommodate yachts up to 90 metres, 36 estate
lots for individual houses, 280 residential units, and a 120 room 5-star
hotel.
The marine community of Port Louis will
provide guests and residents with a variety of land activities including
a first-rate premier spa and well-being lifestyle centre. The revitalization
and augmentation of Pandy Beach will provide Port Louis with a beach
complimentary to that of the Grand Anse Beach in terms of water activities
and sports. The waterfront will also be host to a vibrant local market,
allowing residents and visitors alike to indulge in uniquely Grenadian
flavors, sights and sounds. Visit www.portlouisgrenada.com
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Bacolet Bay Resort:
This anticipated 5-star luxury resort with 43 acres of tropical
gardens, 200 metres of white sandy beach and a secluded bay will offer
guests an enchanting, secluded vacation experience. In keeping with
its surrounding environment, the Bacolet Bay Resort has a low impact
design with residential areas nestled amongst the tropical forests,
ensuring the preservation of as much of the surrounding ecosystem as
possible.
The hotel will provide state-of-the-art
leisure facilities including: a luxury holistic spa, extensive water
sports, tennis courts, nature trails, diving, snorkeling and the highest
quality restaurants. Bacolet Bay Resort & Spa will offer the ultimate
in Caribbean luxury and leisure. E-mail info@propertyfrontiers.com
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Prickly Bay Waterside:
On the southern shores of Grenada minutes away from the airport is the
Prickly Bay Waterside. This waterside property is going to be renovated
to a luxury residence resort and marine park. Modern marine architecture,
sleek lines and natural spaces will be combined with sea vistas to create
these luxurious accommodations. Facilities will include access to the
marina and luxury resort services, a fully equipped gym, spa, free-form
swimming pool, dive services, business centre and meeting room, and
car and bicycle hire.
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Leaper's Hill Historical Site:
This soon to be opened heritage project allows visitors to take a journey
through the day-to-day life of Grenada's indigenous people - the
Caribs, including their tragic demise at Leaper's Hill. Leaper's
Hill historical site is scheduled to open around February 7th
2007.
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Wind Dancer: The Grenada Scuba
Diving Association welcomes Wind Dancer Grenada Ltd. as its newest member.
The Wind Dancer is a live aboard dive vessel fit to cruise with a maximum
of 18 guests. Outfitted with a full service dive center and ten-member
crew, including a Grenadian chef and dive master, the Wind Dancer has
everything to meet the needs of any diving vacation. The MV Wind Dancer
offers weeklong trips into the Grenadines and to offshore islands around
Grenada and Carriacou. Visit: www.grenadascubadivingassociation.com
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National Stadium:
In preparation for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup -April 2007, Grenada
has completely rebuilt their national stadium, able to comfortably accommodate
15,500 charged cricket fans. As one of the nine countries hosting the
matches Grenada, with the financial efforts of the government and people
from the Republic of China has gone through tireless efforts to build
their state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium.
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ECO-TOURISM & ADVENTURE TRAVEL
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Kayaking:
Spice Kayaking offers Grenada an most exciting attraction. Anyone looking for some interaction with nature during their holiday will enjoy Spice Kayaking's tours to some of Grenada's most scenic and untouched spots, including secluded harbours, bays, mangroves, and rivers. For more information please contact Spice Kayaking & Eco-tours via e-mail spicekayaking@caribsurf.com.
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River
Tubing: Imagine gliding down the Balthazar River on nothing
but an inner tube, feeling the water splash your body as you navigate
your way through the brisk rapids and into a tranquil pool where
you can take a break from the adventure and socialize with the knowledgeable
staff that run the river tubing attraction. A recent tourist was
very excited following his experience braving the rapids, "This
was Eco-tourism at its finest - great fun, very entertaining, even
thrilling, with virtually no impact on the environment." For more
information, please visit www.adventuregrenada.com or call 473-444-5337.
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Nesting: Every year leatherback turtles make a grueling
journey from their feeding grounds in North America to the tropical
climate of the Caribbean to lay their eggs. These ancient reptiles
have been around for over 165 million years and have managed to
outlive even the dinosaurs. Levera Beach in Grenada is one of only
three sites in the Caribbean that annually plays host to more than
150 nesting females who bury their eggs in the sand in order to
incubate them and to protect them from predators. Ocean Spirits,
a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the leatherback
sea turtle, provides guided tours of the turtles - nesting sites.
For more information, please visit www.oceanspirits.org
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Scuba Diving: Another exciting activity that you can enjoy while in Grenada or its sister island Carriacou. Grenada and Carriacou offer everything a scuba enthusiast can ask for: good visibility, large fish and untouched corals rich with aquatic wildlife. The island of Carriacou is literally surrounded by coral reefs; in fact, the island takes its name from an old Arawak Indian word meaning 'island of reefs'. There are a total of 28 dive sites located off the coasts of Carriacou and Grenada. The corals surrounding these beautiful islands hold many treasures waiting to be discovered. For more information, please visit www.aquanautgrenada.com or call 473-444-1126. You can also visit www.scubamax.com or call 473-443-7882.
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Bianca C: The largest wreck site in the Caribbean, the Bianca C is a 600-foot cruise ship that sank in 1961 and lies on a sandy plain in 167 feet of water. At times there are strong tidal currents, making this an advanced deep dive (with a checkout dive required). The top deck lies at 90 feet and most dives proceed around the stern, where you can swim into the pool, visit the wheelhouse on the aft deck and peer down at the sandy plain below. There are schools of jacks, barracuda and spotted eagle rays in abundance.
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PLANTATION HOUSES
Grenada is an island steeped in history and culture that comes alive with a visit to the island's beautiful plantation houses. For the 2008 season a journey back in time can be experienced from visiting:
Plas Manjé: One of Grenada’s oldest spice estates and primary spice processing plants is proud to announce beautification efforts for 2008. Douglaston Spice Estate will continue to improve its access roads and groom its picnic areas to create a more picturesque spot for visitors to enjoy. |
Douglaston Spice Estate: One of Grenada’s oldest spice estates and primary spice processing plants is proud to announce beautification efforts for 2008. Douglaston Spice Estate will continue to improve its access roads and groom its picnic areas to create a more picturesque spot for visitors to enjoy. |
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Morne Fendue: Located in the parish of St. Patrick, on the northern side of Grenada, the charming Morne Fendue Plantation has recently added 13 new guest rooms. Each guest room has an extensive balcony that overlooks scenic St. Catherine's Mountain, the sea and offers excellent sunset views. New guest rooms range from $40 - 60 (US) per night. Morne Fendue Plantation is known for its outstanding West Indian Buffet served daily, except Sundays. For more information contact: Morne Fendue Plantation call
Contacts: (473) 442-9330 or e-mail: caribbean@caribsurf.com
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Mount Edgecombe Plantation:
As the 'Spice Island' of the Caribbean, Grenada takes a great deal
of pride in its historical plantations. As such efforts are being made
to restore the Mount Edgecombe Plantation, a beautiful private working
plantation in St. Mark. Unlike most traditional plantations that specialize
in one particular crop, the Mount Edgecombe Plantation has set out to
produce every fruit, vegetable and spice that can grow in Grenada. This
will also be the sight of Grenada's first Eco natural holistic spa.
Spa treatments will be set in a tropical rainforest environment so guests
can enjoy a more natural and spiritually revitalizing experience.
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Belmont Estate: The family owned Belmont estate has existed in the parish of St. Patrick for over three centuries. Recently restored guests can now take a glimpse of the fascinating Grenadian plantation life. The plantation sits on 400 acres of lush rolling tropical hills. The estate, which has been in continuous operation for centuries, still produces nutmeg and cocoa. Cocoa is still produced the traditional way, making for a world class export.
Guests can explore the cocoa fields that produce world-class beans for export, and learn the story of chocolate in Grenada. They can also indulge in a fresh cup of hot cocoa and learn to dance the cocoa (a traditional way of polishing the beans). Guests can stroll through the estate's museum and enjoy lunch comprising the delights of Creole foods and fresh natural fruits and juices from the plantation. After lunch guests can venture through the remains of an 18th century sugar cane garden or take a donkey cart ride around the property.
Contacts: (473) 442-9524 or visit www.belmontestate.net or e-mail: belmontestate@caribsurf.com
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"Dancing the Cocoa" at the Belmont Estate
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CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL
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Located in the picturesque capital city of St. George's, this modern facility accommodates up to two 980-foot mega cruise ships. There is an additional 328-foot (100m) catwalk with dolphins.
The shore side amenities include parking spaces for tour buses;
a visitors' welcome complex, a spice and craft market and a
duty-free shopping compound all abuzz with activity when shift are in port.
Customs, Immigration, Port Security and Tourist Information services are all available within the Visitors' Welcome Centre.
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GARDENS
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Balthazar Estate and Botanic Gardens: Once an active producer of nutmeg, bananas and cocoa, Balthazar Estate has changed its focus recently to become Grenada's foremost producer of exotic tropical flowers and herbs. This 396-acre estate features some of Grenada's most beautiful gardens and always welcomes visitors. Balthazar helps represent Grenada each year at the "Annual Chelsea Flower Show" in London, where the island has achieved the distinction of being awarded gold medals for five consecutive years. For more information please contact Mr. Denis Noel at 473-442-7514.
Bay Gardens: Come see this 4-hectare large tropical paradise, laid out jungle style, featuring tropical plants from all over the world. The Bay Gardens welcomes visitors and offers guided tours at the very affordable price of roughly $2.50 CDN. For more information please contact 473-435-4544.
St. Rose Nursery: Featuring the Caribbean's largest selections of plants, including many rare and unusual varieties. St. Rose Nursery welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 8 am-4 pm at a cost of roughly $7 CDN. For more information please contact Mr. John Criswick at 473 440 5870.
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