By Glenn Arnette, III

Spices can be found everywhere on the Island

Grenada, the Spice Island

The Paradise of the West Indies

It is a sparkling diamond surrounded by emerald, aqua marine, blue sapphire and flickering stars creating a jewel of the West Indies. I am talking about the Island of Grenada. After my recent visit I have I decided no more Nassau, Freeport, Jamaica and many other places in the Caribbean that have become old fashioned and somewhat dangerous and that is a shame. If you are looking for something special discover Grenada where the people of the Island make your visit a number one priority and it is extremely safe.

Grenada and the place for shopping!

First of all, Grenadians are beautiful people with warm smiles and a greeting found nowhere else in the Islands.

Everything about this Island explodes with warm welcomes, good times, relaxation, and so much more. To my surprise, this is truly the wonderfully unexpected place to visit.

The incredibly beautiful natural surrounding give the pool area an even greater allure.

Known as the Island of Spices and their healing qualities, Grenada is extremely beautiful and has many vista views all over the Island. It is a vacationer’s paradise with many things to do while visiting each and every day.

My first stop on arrival was at the Spice Island Beach Resort. I have been around many resorts over the years, but this one was truly excellent. My room had a private entrance into a lush blooming garden complete with an outdoor sauna, a charming outdoor area for relaxation and a private pool. On entrance into the suite, it was so appointed that it took my breath away. Believe me, comfort is their key word and service is perfection.

We had two nights on this property and we were sorry to leave, but we will never forget the hospitality and the friends that we made. For information regarding this resort type of the search line, Spice Island Resort, Grenada or email reservations@spicebeach-resort.com.

Spice Island Resort, my private suite!

My personal thanks to Sir Royston O. Hopkin KCMG, Chairman and Managing Director and to the General Manager, Brian Hardy. But wait, one of the most charming ladies I have ever met was Nerissa Hopkin, Director and Deputy General Manager. She is the daughter of the owner and has a bubbling personality that matches the beauty of the Resort. She offers the very best of everything including the little spray bottle of lavender mist by your bedside to help you sleep. To me she is the Queen of Resort living on Grenada! Congratulations and many thanks including the memories!

The next morning we were off on an Island tour and our tour guide, Roger Augustine. Now he is the kind of tour guide you need when first visiting the Island. We stopped at the Concord Waterfall, Dougaldston Spice Boucan, the Gouyave Nutmeg Procession Station, but missed the well known Grenada Chocolate Factory. “Drats!” However, I did have a bar of chocolate before leaving the Island. LOL.

For lunch we stopped at the Petite Anse Hotel and were hosted by Phillip and Annie Clift, the owners of this quaint resort. (See the article written about this property at www.worldtravelbyglenn.com )

Almost every vista from the beach is a post card waiting to be shot.

The tour continued and we visited the Belmont Estate, the River Antoine Rum Distillery and the Grand Etang National Park.

The dinner for the night was at the Flamboyant Hotel and Villas hosted by Lawrence Lambert, CBE. What a great property located right on the waterfront where waves were crashing at our feet just a few yards away. Breathtaking!

Then it was back to the Spice Island Resort for a moment of rest and relaxation.

Believe me when I tell you this is a wonderful Island and the people are so delightful.  Not one time on the entire trip was there any trouble or concern. Grenada is a must! You can fly direct from New York or Miami and take one of the Cruise Ships. However the Cruise experience would not give you enough time to discover this “Island of Dreams!”