Grenada spices things up with new luxury hotels

With Canadian travellers becoming increasingly savvy, the Grenada Tourism Authority is looking to make inroads into the market with a number of offerings including two incoming new hotels, world-class diving, sumptuous chocolate and, of course, spice.

PAX caught up with Sekou Stroude, the Grenada Tourism Authority’s Canadian director of sales, during a recent media dinner promoting the 'Spice Island.'

New and improved hotels

Most notably, Stroude said that the island will welcome two new properties in the near future: the Silversands Grenada, opening in November offering a selection of rooms including 56 standard suites with 12 suites and nine luxury villas; and a new Kimpton, the resort chain’s second Caribbean property opening in 2019.

“The Kimpton Brand is all about luxury and spa service,” Stroude said. “It’s a beautiful property and we’re really excited.”

In addition to new hotels, upgrades have recently taken place at a pair of existing properties, Stroude said. The Spice Island Beach Resort, a AAA Five-Diamond property, added a new yoga pavilion. Yoga teachers are trained in many styles and guests can take classes on the sands of Grand Anse Beach.

Additionally, True Blue Bay has added a modern conference facility, perfect for MICE bookings in search of something different.

Grenada at a glance

A volcanic island covered in lush green vegetation, Grenada is notable for its geographic location in the the Caribbean’s far south: situated outside of the hurricane belt, Grenada was spared from the havoc wreaked by Hurricanes Maria and Irma last fall. Grenada was last hit by Hurricane in 2004, and before that, Hurricane in 1955.

In addition to the main island of Grenada, two smaller islands are also part of the country: Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Stroude explained.

Rich in Scottish culture descending from previous colonial influences, Carriacou is a 90-minute ferry ride from Grenada, with ferries often escorted by pods of dolphins; a short plane ride in a nine-seat aircraft is also an option. A small fishing community, Petite Martinique is so miniscule that local children must take a boat to school on Grenada.

Travellers visiting Grenada can take in a number of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. In addition to multiple regattas year-round, Grenada’s Carnival takes place during the second week of August, with revellers taking to the street at all hours. Travellers heading to Grenada in May can indulge in the Grenada Chocolate Festival, taking place this year from May 11-19. Among the chocolate-themed activities are spa sessions, a chocolate farmer-for-a-day session and even chocolate yoga.

For divers, Grenada boasts the world’s first underwater sculpture park, which features more than 100 sculptures on the seas floor. Non-divers can stay dry and see the park from above in a glass-bottom boat. Other diving opportunities include exploring the wreck of the Bianca C, which sank in the 1960s.

Info for agents

Air Canada offers direct weekly flights on Mondays, while Caribbean Airlines offers daily connections from Trinidad and Tobago.

Agents wanting to learn more can become a Grenada Specialist at puregrenadaspecialist.com.