Grenada Hotels

Grenada Island is elliptically shaped and alive with a rain forested interior. Underrated beaches line the coast and sublime scuba diving is on offer just below the surface. St George's, the largest town has one of the most picturesque waterfronts in all of the Caribbean. Stone buildings, forts from a forgotten time and houses of all colors meld into a hilly buffet of urban aesthetics. Friendly, welcoming locals go about their lives and are happy to include you in the process. Carriacou is a step back in time. With a cadence a notch or two slower then Grenada Island, this petite isle is a relaxed affair where endearing locals and an eclectic village life is added to sublime scenery. And if that sounds too busy, head over to Petit Martinique where even less happens and the locals like it that way.

Yes, Grenada did get invaded by Uncle Sam, but that's old news. And yes, a hurricane obliterated much of the island in 2004, but they've rebuilt. Life moves on, and so has Grenada. Grenada consists of three islands - Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, of which Grenada is by far the largest, but even so is just 18km (12 miles) wide and 34km (21 miles) long. The landscape is mountainous and volcanic, giving Grenada one of the loveliest environments in the Caribbean, with crater lakes, rainforests and coastal mangrove plantations that give way to white sand beaches, brilliant blue water and pristine coral reefs. Grenada food:Grenada is known as the 'Spice Island' and with good reason. Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. You name it. It's found here.

When it comes to food, Grenadian's like it hot and spicy. Pepper pot is a favourite - meat cooked with lots of pepper, garlic and onions - as is Roti (beef, chicken or vegetables cooked with curry and potatoes). Crab and callaloo (like spinach) and smokey lambi (conch) souse are likely to be on the menu if you eat out.