Monday 11 September 2017

Grenada: 30th Anniversary Time - Let the Celebrations Begin

Grenada is known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean and I love it there and every day that I am there is a celebration in itself however 2017 is a big celebration for some of the local resorts.  Grenada is a small island only 21 miles long and lies 12 degrees north of the equator with a rich history, cooling off-shore winds and a plethora of spices - once exotic but now used every day!

This year, 2017 is the 30th Anniversary for Spice Island Resort; Coyaba Beach; Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel and 30 years of British Airways flying to Grenada.  Join me in wishing them a very Happy Anniversary and hopefully many more.

Spice Island Beach Resort, a tranquil 5 star resort sits comfortably on Grand Anse Beach, a two mile stretch of glistening white sands, warm water and gentle waves.  They are also the only resort in the Caribbean which has been awarded AAA Five Diamonds as well.  You will be welcomed and looked after by Sir Royston Hopkin and his family to enable you to enjoy the splendor and spice of the island.
Spice Island Resort will think of everything you need before you even think of it yourself! If you want unrivaled, all-inclusive luxury you will certainly get it here.
As you walk into the open entrance there are always flowers to take your breath away!
The view from the main bar and restaurant is breath taking looking straight onto Grand Anse Beach, the tranquil, blue of the Caribbean Sea and the gentle off-shore breeze put you in an island vibe  immediately,
just sit back and enjoy superb food and drink!
Further along Grand Anse Beach is Coyaba Beach Resort.  We stayed there for two nights this year and I was really impressed.

Our room was in one of a series of small blocks only two stories high and sitting on our patio we could see Grand Anse Beach while we relaxed and planned our day.  The plans usually included spending time at the beach and floating in the warm, tranquil and clear Caribbean sea.
Rum Punch is available at every bar and hotel and I must say is rather addictive.  The grated nutmeg over the top intensifies the awareness that you are in the Spice Island. Coyaba Beach Resort make a really lovely version, maybe too lovely as they are quite addictive!!
I asked Coyaba Beach Resort what they were proud of and they sent this quote:-
"There are two significant memories.  Firstly, the ground breaking and start of our project in October 1986, and the subsequent opening of the hotel in August 1987.
Secondly, the re-building , upgrading and re-opening of the hotel in February 2006 after the catastrophic hurricane Ivan in September 2004.
Overall, our strong family commitment and unity ensured the growth, success and sustainability of the hotel over the past thirty years.” Andre Cherman, Owner & Managing Director."
I would certainly love to stay here again next year.
The Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel is a 5* resort also celebrating 30 great years and with two amazing restaurants. I have not stayed there however have eaten there twice and both occasions were an experience.  The Calabash is owned and managed by the Garbutt family who bought the property in 1987 and has become a world class luxury resort.  It is family run and treat its guests as friends many of whom return year after year.

You are made to feel right at home the moment you enter the resort - we were both the occasion we dined in the main restaurant and on a subsequent visit when we enjoyed lunch at the Beach club. We had such an amazing lunch at the Beach Club - the sort of meal you don't want to finish because then it will be finished!
The views are spectacular whether you are looking at the keenly manicured lawns, the sparkling swimming pool or the lapping waves of Prickly Bay.
And of course the three properties above have benefited from the 30 years of British Airways flying a regular service to the island.
In 1987 British Airways initially flew to Grenada via Barbados and Saint Lucia however now the twice weekly flight goes directly to Saint Lucia where most of the passengers disembark, quick crew change and after around an hour on the ground takes off for Grenada.

Most of the Caribbean flights leave during the morning from London Gatwick Airport.
British Airways celebrated this monumental anniversary with Grenada at a reception held earlier this year at Maurice Bishop International Airport where they presented a stunning gift to all three of the resorts mentioned above.
The island makes wonderful rum so I will fill my glass with some Grenadian rum we brought home and toast to the future of Spice Island Resort, Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, Coyaba Beach Resort and British Airways!  Cheers all!!

I was not required to write a positive review of any of the properties above.  As usual all opinions and photographs are my own.  No photographs may be reproduce in any form without my written permission.

15 comments:

  1. I love the Caribbean! We haven't been to Grenada though, so I'll have to bear it in mind for our next trip. Your photos make it look so inviting :-)

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    1. Definitely worth a trip - we fell in love with it on our first trip!

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  2. This all looks so gorgeous! I've never been to the Caribbean - one day!

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    1. I never thought I would get to the Caribbean but in 2007 I went to Barbados and have been in love with the Caribbean since then!

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  3. I don't know much about Grenada, but it looks beautiful. This seems like an absolutely amazing relaxing vacation. I do love the carribean - the water is so warm and it always feels so laid back.

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    1. We try to have a mix of relaxation and doing new experiences!

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  4. The Caribbean looks positively idyllic. Such a shame what Irma did to it....

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    1. It was so worrying and frustrating sitting here waiting to see the damage from Irma!

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  5. Oh I went on holiday here about 20 years ago! Thank you for the happy memories x

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    1. You should go again - it is such a wonderful place!

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  6. I've never been to Grenada but would love to visit one day!

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    1. Oh you should try to go there - it really is an island paradise!

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  7. Grenada has been on my radar since we looked at it for our honeymoon donkeys years ago, but we ended up going to Jamaica that time. For some reason we've not been back to the Caribbean since then, so we are overdue!

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    1. I love the Caribbean - I want to visit all of the islands but so far Grenada is my favourite!!

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  8. We cruised in the Caribbean on honeymoon 19 years ago. Alas haven't been back since. Love the sound of the cocktail topped with nutmeg.

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