Grenada

Originally inhabited by the Carib Indians, Grenada was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498. Although the explorer named it Concepción, Spanish sailors later rejected it in favor of Grenada, since the lush green landscapes resembled greatly those found in the region of Andalusia. Later periods in the island’s history brought French and British colonization and the island remains a Commonwealth nation to this day. The islands’ official language is English, however considering the eventful past, it is no surprise that surnames and names of venues remain French and that islanders use Creole-based languages. Grenada’s culture is heavily influenced by the islanders’ African and Carib Amerindian heritage and music plays an extremely important role with soca, calypso and reggae as essential rhythms of the annual Carnival, while the national sport, cricket, carries on British traditions.

Surrounded by a hillside of an ancient volcanic crater, the cosmopolitan capital of Grenada sits quaintly on a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay. Although growing in popularity among tourists, cruise ships and yachting enthusiasts, St. George’s conserves its authentic flare and the architecture with red-roofed houses hinting at the city’s foundation by the French in the late 17th century. Locals celebrate their diverse roots and the Carnival taking place each August commemorates the emancipation of slavery. The city, like the entire island, is fragrant with nutmeg and mace, cinnamon, clove and sugar cane. For all fans of the great outdoors there is Mount Qua Qua, one of Grenada’s central mountains rising to a height of close to 2,400 with a scenic hiking trail passing by Grand Etang Lake and St. Margaret’s Falls beautifully nestled in lush verdant vegetation of the rainforest. Each of the hikes takes about 3 hours both ways and affords magnificent views of the area. Built in the early 18th century by the French, Fort George is mostly intact and still open to tourists while the Grenada National Museum is situated in 18th century barracks and former prison. Gourmands will be pleased to find a grand selection of restaurants, casual eateries and beach bars for exquisite culinary experiences.

Grand Anse Beach is a world-reputed silky-smooth stretch of sand spanning two miles along the southwestern coastline of Grenada. Perfect for picnics and beachcombing, Grand Anse is the destination of choice for all water sports enthusiasts who will have thrilling opportunities to test the water toys available aboard their luxury charter yacht. Ashore, there are a grand array of hotels, restaurants and boutiques for a unique Caribbean experience. The beach features extra soft, white sands, sparkling ocean water for refreshing baths as well lush verdant palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. A delicious dining experience can be had in one of the local restaurants or aboard the charter yacht.

On Grenada’s northwestern shores lies the village of Gouyave. Known as the island’s fishing capital, fishermen in Gouyave catch more fish than anywhere else on the island. Thanks to this natural fresh stock, the village is famous for the weekly Gouyave Fish Friday during which the two main streets are lined with grills, fryers, cookers and steamers to create succulent seafood meals varying from fried and grilled fish to fish kebabs! Locals are welcoming and friendly and joyous Friday evenings are always accompanied by reverberating Caribbean rhythms.

The largest of the Grenadines islands, Carriacou features a hilly interior which slopes down to perfectly sandy beaches. Although tiny in size and stretching only about 16 miles in length, it boasts of several remote natural anchorages for yachts and many vibrant coral reefs to explore while snorkeling or swimming. Smaller offshore islets are perfect for the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience in the late afternoon combined with a delicious beach barbecue prepared by the crew. Locals on Carriacou are warmhearted and live according to the ancient traditions, folklore and spiritual beliefs rooted in their African, European and indigenous heritage. Traditional boat building methods passed down by Scottish settlers are found in the village of Windward while the goal of the annual summer Carriacou Regatta is the revitalize the art of boat construction by the young generation.

Two words used by some to describe the picturesque volcanic island of Petite Martinique are “unspoiled and undiscovered”. One of the Windward Islands’ smallest inhabited stretch of land, Petite Martinique is a beautiful tropical locale whose highest hilltop, the Piton, rises over 750 feet above sea level. Its population adds up to only about 900 people, most of whom are of African and European descent, forming a close-knit community with strong traditions. The gorgeous sparkling waters surrounding Petite Martinique are incomparable for swimming and snorkeling and the beaches will have all sun worshippers lounging around until sundown. The island’s most popular restaurant is the Palm Beach Restaurant and Bar sitting right on the beach where alfresco dining is a whole new experience in secluded cabanas.

With a rich history dating back to the Age of Discovery, Grenadian cuisine encompasses the finest of its heritage blending in French, British, African and East Indian influences. Dishes on the “Island of Spice” traditionally take many fragrant spices such as bay leaves, nutmegs, pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, clove and ginger while the main ingredients include chicken, fish, crab and curry rice as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. The national dish is Oil Down (ile dung), a combination of breadfruit, coconut milk, turmeric, dumplings, taro leaves and salted meat or fish, cooked in curry pot.