Grenada

Hike a rain forest, tour historic plantations or learn the ABCs of mutmeg on charming (and aromatic) Grenada.

Small enough to feel familiar with hours, Grenada offers a potpourri of activities on land and sea. The friendly destination is known as the Spice Island for its cultivation of herbs and spices, notably nutmeg, and is developing a reputation for ecotourism. Embracing a 21st-century attitude, Grenada caters to visitors with a mix of family-owned businesses and grand hotels and resorts. The three-island nation, pronounced gruh-NAY-duh, lies at the southern end of the Windward Islands.

Colonial-era buildings and churches mix with modern structures in the picturesque capital of St. George’s. The city’s deep harbor delivers cruise-ship passengers to its heart, where they’ll find boutiques, restaurants and a bustling marketplace within short walking distance of the dock. A cruise-port jetty that accommodates two large ships, along with two smaller jetties for tender boats and water taxis, were completed recently.

Nearby you can catch the ferry to Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada’s two inhabited Grenadine islands. More than 20 sites attract scuba divers, while snorkelers can marvel at reef fish and coral gardens during their swims. Numerous deserted islets are easily accessible by water taxi.

Sailing has long been an integral part of Grenada’s lifestyle. Visitors can hire charger companies to provide a flavor of life on the waves with day excursions or on weekly charters, with crew or bareboat. The island’s keenly competent sailors always welcome competition during regattas.

This virtually unspoiled destination beckons travelers to stay ashore and discover its natural beauty in cascading waterfalls, botanical gardens, historic estate homes and a lush rain forest. Intimate inns dot the coves, while restaurants and all-inclusive resorts center on Grand Anse, an especially popular 3-mile stretch of white-sand beach. Many visitors enjoy touring restored plantation homes. One favorite is Morne Fendue, a 1908 structure that today has 13 guest rooms.

You can tour the island comfortably in a day. At Gouyave visit one of Grenada’s nutmeg-processing stations, where you’ll be able to follow the trail each seed travels before being sacked and stamped for export. Two historic distilleries, Clarke’s Court and Lake Antoine, will likely be of interest to rum connoisseurs.

Hiking trails with breathtaking scenery challenge walkers of all ability levels. Many trails lead to multi-tiered waterfalls where you can take a refreshing swim. At a leisurely pace, savor the delights of Bay Gardens, one of many well-kept botanical sites in this gem of the Caribbean.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Chocolate. Carry home a basketful of memories form the Spice Island.

For more information visit: www.grenadagrenadines.com