AAA Traveler - Winter 2020 - 32

IDYLLIC ISLANDS

GRENADA

LUSH MOUNTAINS, FRAGRANT SPICE-SCENTED BREEZES AND PICTURE-PERFECT BEACHES ARE
REASON ENOUGH TO VISIT GRENADA. ITS RICH HISTORY AND EXCEPTIONAL DIVING ARE OTHER
LURES. WITH DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM CHARLOTTE, IT'S EVEN EASIER FOR CAROLINIANS TO MAKE
THEIR DREAM GRENADA GETAWAY A REALITY.

AROMATIC ATTRACTIONS

The country of Grenada consists of three islands: Grenada (the
largest), Carriacou (pronounced Carri-a-coo) and Petite
Martinique. It's widely known as the Spice Island of the
Caribbean - and for good reason. Grenada provides a large
supply of mace and nutmeg. The island also exports other spices
like cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Love chocolate? You'll be in
heaven here. Organically grown and produced from the island's
cacao farms, Grenadian chocolate is considered to be among the
finest on the planet.
The Spice Market in the capital city of St. George's is an ideal
spot to peruse the seemingly endless selection of spices and
products. Also, consider a tour of the Nutmeg Processing
Cooperative. It's on the site of a coastal battery built in the
1700s by the French to protect the west coast from potential
attacks. Another island cooperative, the Diamond Chocolate
Factory, offers tours. Housed in a former distillery, the factory
also includes an on-site cafe and gift shop. Indulge in all things
chocolate and plan your visit during the Grenada Chocolate
Fest, May 1-6, 2020.
GREAT OUTDOORS

Grenada is fringed with miles of stunning strands of both black
and powder white beaches. Two-mile-long Grand Anse Beach is
the most popular, and where many hotels and restaurants are
located. Lesser-known beaches like Menere Point and Gaby's
Beach provide optimum relaxation without the crowds.
Diving opportunities are extensive here - explore the
thriving offshore reefs, as well as other dive sites and wreck sites,
including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, Bianca C. The
600-foot cruise liner went down in 1961 and is often called the
"Titanic of the Caribbean." Grenada also boasts the world's first
underwater sculpture park, founded in 2006 by British sculptor
Underwater Sculpture Park

Jason deCaires Taylor. The project aimed to create an artificial
reef for marine life. The park includes 100 or so sculptures
accessible to both snorkelers and divers. A guided tour provides
insight into the story behind each statue, as well as the sea
creatures that call the park home. It's listed among the Top 25
Wonders of the World by National Geographic.
ISLAND GEMS

AAA Five Diamond-rated Spice Island Beach Resort stretches
some eight acres, perfectly situated on Grand Anse Beach. Many
of the luxuriously appointed suites feature private plunge pools
and outdoor terraces. The all-inclusive resort boasts a modern
fitness center, varied recreational activities, gourmet dining and
other perks. Pampering is easy in Janissa's Spa, with spicescented massages, wraps and other blissful treatments.
AAA Four Diamond-rated Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel
offers an Eden-like stay set in eight acres of lush gardens facing
the powder white sands of L'Anse Aux Epines beach. Savor a
meal at onsite Rhodes Restaurant or the Beach Club. An onsite
dive center, complimentary non-motorized watersports and a
restorative spa make it difficult to venture outside the resort.
Intimate Balinese-inspired cottages and luxury villas make up
accommodation offerings at Laluna (AAA Four Diamond), a
boutique wellness resort. An organic garden, beachfront yoga
pavilion and pristine beach create an ideal environment
for rejuvenation.
Located on Pink Gin Beach, all-inclusive Sandals Grenada
Resort & Spa, a AAA Four Diamond-rated property, blends an
authentic island experience with upscale luxury. An extensive list
of resort activities includes glass bottom boat tours, scuba diving,
windsurfing, kayaking and others. Ten specialty dining options
include a teppanyaki table and Sandals' first
true steakhouse.
- Kristy Tolley
Where's your
favorite island?
Email us at
Traveler@AAACarolinas.com
and we might feature your
pick in a future issue
of Traveler!

AAA Traveler - Winter 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AAA Traveler - Winter 2020