Spice up your aquatic life in Grenada

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Under the water, cruising on top of it or just gazing at its cerulean blue brilliance, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the aqua of Grenada.

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Luckily for those visiting the eastern Caribbean’s “Spice Island” there are plenty of ways to submerge yourself in those pristine waters to add to an incredible tropical getaway.

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CARRIACOU SLOOP

For a truly authentic Grenadian experience, few things beat sailing on a Carriacou sloop (Carriacou is about 90 minutes away by ferry and is the largest of the Grenadine islands). Devoted experts have built these boats for 200 years. Each one is made individually through one-of-a-kind craftsmanship, taking about eight months to complete.

“It’s a very big part of our culture and traditions,” Capt. Danny Donelan, owner of Savvy Sailing (savvygrenada.com), tells me as he describes the process during a sail along the coastline of St. George’s, Grenada’s capital.

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Donelan — who was born in Grenada but, as it happens, did his final year of high school in Toronto — says his private charters on the unique sailboats aim “to give our guests a true authentic Grenadian experience” with local drinks, food and staff. He even hires the boat builders when they aren’t otherwise engaged to be captains and his first mates are apprentice builders.

WATERFALLS

Nature lovers with sturdy footwear and stamina can make the rainforest trek to the first of the Seven Sisters waterfalls in Grand Etang National Park. It takes about 20 minutes, but it is challenging so you’ll have earned a dip when you reach your destination.

An easier cascade to reach (no exertion required) is Annandale Waterfall, which happens to be next to a treehouse-style restaurant called Wild Orchid. We had lunch while watching people jump into the pool at the base of the falls.

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It’s not a waterfall, but it is a natural phenomenon on this island with volcanic origins. The Clabony Sulphur Springs in the rainforest has two waist-deep, naturally warm pools in which you can apply the mud-like clay on your skin for softening and exfoliation. It’s a favourite of the locals, my guide shared, as he blissfully coated himself in the orange sulphur. (Tip: Don’t wear your white swimsuit.)

UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARK

Dive or snorkel at the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park in a marine-protected area that has 14 living-art installations encapsulating the island’s history, folklore and culture including a mermaid, ring of children, Nutmeg Princess and even a girl taking a selfie (the cellphone has since broken off). The sculptures have become a haven for coral and marine life, easing environmental pressure on other reefs including the absolutely stunning nearby Flamingo Bay which boasts lots of varieties of coral and fish. I learned all about the sculpture park’s history from Capt. Albert as part of a tour with Eco Dive Grenada (ecodiveandtrek.com), located on Grand Anse Beach.

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GRAND ANSE BEACH

Speaking of the sandy piece of paradise, one can’t discuss water in Grenada without mentioning the world-renowned Grand Anse Beach, which was rated the best beach in the world by Condé Nast Travel UK in 2019 (and we can confirm it’s still worthy of such a designation). Spanning more than three kilometres on the southwest coast and lined with sea grape, almond and palm trees, beach bars, hotels and water sports, strolling on the white sand with the waves lapping at your feet is idyllic perfection.

I accessed this beautiful beach via a short walk downhill (there is also a shuttle) from Mount Cinnamon hotel (mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com). This boutique luxury resort nestled in the hills overlooking Grand Anse underwent a renovation in 2020 and feels authentically Caribbean with its colours and architecture, yet offers modern amenities in its 36 rooms, all with outdoor seating areas.

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I literally said “wow” when I entered my suite and saw the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a sweeping perspective of the iconic beach, the cerulean blue Caribbean Sea, the mountains, and the capital, St. George’s. Your legs can get a good workout trekking the pathways (you can celebrate your feat with a souvenir “I climbed Mount Cinnamon” polo shirt), or you can use the shuttle service offered, but either way the hike uphill is worth it for the view.

The hotel, which offers an all-inclusive package, serves up delicious West Indian and Caribbean cuisine at both Savvy’s open-air restaurant and the Beach Cabana on Grand Anse Beach. Every Friday there’s live music and a bonfire with toasted marshmallows on the beach, while Thursday’s up top at Savvy’s there’s a field-to-fork and ocean-to-table dinner menu offered.

In addition to having super-friendly staff, Mount Cinnamon has a pool, spa (I had the oxygenating facial, “which is pleasure of scent,” my esthetician Faith told me), tennis court, croquet, shuffleboard, beach volleyball, watersports, fitness room, and more.

IF YOU GO

— Grenada marks its 50th anniversary of independence on Feb. 7, 2024.

— Grab dinner with live music at Junction Bar and Grill in St. George’s, and then hop next door for some craft beer at the West Indies Beer Company.

— Find out more at puregrenada.com.

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