Itinerary ● 1 Week in Grenada + Carriacou.
On the sun-kissed shores of glorious Grenada an unearthly magic lingers in the air, entwined with alluring aromas and a palpable energy of care-free enthusiasm.
Tropical paradise incarnate, palm trees cast shade over sandy beaches caressed by a gentle breeze. Kind-hearted locals radiate warmth, inviting you to savour the Spice of the Caribbean; and all the sweetest things in life.
📚 Resources.
💰 7-day itinerary from £890.00 per person.
🗓 Day 1 ● Arrival.
First impressions are lasting. If this is true, Grenada is certain to etch an indelible memoir from the moment that you set foot on the island’s soil. As the airport is a mere hop, skip, and jump from the vast majority of resorts, a few fleeting moments will pass by before you reach your own personal paradise.
Lavish resorts adorn the coast between the airport and the charming capital of St. George’s, the most extravagant of which cluster around Grand Anse — the show-stopping main event. Star-studded Spice Island Resort seizes the limelight; highly praised for an unwavering dedication to the highest standard of luxury that has earned many accolades.
Jutting out to sea, tree-topped headland wedges between Grande Anse and the neighbouring bay of Mourne Rouge, which is decidedly smaller and quieter. Nestled in the hills overlooking the beach, La Luna Boutique Resort comprises of tasteful cottages with captivating views.
Follow in the footsteps of islanders and dial back the pace for your first day. Resorts have great restaurants on-site tending to the needs of peckish patrons, so you needn’t stray far from the comfort of your sun-lounger.
Kick-back and admire the sun setting over the horizon, with the distant murmur of chirping birds as they glide across blazing orange skies. If first impressions couldn’t convince you that this is heaven on Earth, these vistas will dispel all doubt from your mind.
🗓 Day 2 ● Grand Anse.
As you arise to your first Grenadian morning, your spirits will be lifted. Make haste for Grand Anse Beach; whether it be on your doorstep or further afield.
Undeniably the island’s most incredible stretch of coast, fine white sand expands for over a mile on the shore of Grand Anse, greeted by glistening waters of unfathomable blue.
A healthy buzz pulsates across the bay from tip-to-toe, lined with stalls handing out rum punch and light snacks. Momentum builds as night-time approaches, when the classic Caribbean melodies of dancehall, reggae and calypso eschew from upbeat bars.
Drinks flow freely at favoured local hangout Esther’s Bar, and so does endless chatter. Genuine love and compassion from staff are the secret ingredients that elevate this tiny beachfront oasis to legendary status; where perfectly crafted cocktails loosen lips and kindle newfound friendships.
Adding a dash of pizzaz to the promenade, Umbrella’s Beach Bar is bustling all day, but ramps it up a notch at night. Plentiful communal benches are found on the deck out front, with even more placed atop the roof for an optimal sunset viewpoint.
🗓 Day 3 ● St. George's.
Decorated in a wide palette of colours, fishermen’s homes cling to the hillsides of St. George’s to paint a bright kaleidoscopic over Grenada’s whimsical capital. Several serendipitous discoveries are tucked within the narrow streets of this small yet thriving town, including — but not limited to — arts and crafts stores flaunting local works.
Plastered on postcards all over the place, Carenage Harbour is the beating heart of St. George’s. Fishing boats bob in the dock by the time visitors arrive, oblivious to the fact that their dinner was likely reeled in from one of these very vessels that same morning.
A pertinent reminder of its storied history, imposing forts flank St. George’s from uphill. Fort George is closest, with iron-clad cannons domineering the walls facing out to sea.
Meanwhile, outside of town, Fort Frederick affords an eagle-eyed panorama towards the capital and beyond. If these walls could talk, they would recite riveting tales of a see-sawing power struggle between Britain and France.
Time-tested institution House of Chocolate satisfies sweet-toothed travellers with delicious treats made from homegrown cocoa. Grab a couple of bars for the road or settle down in the cute café for freshly baked cakes and hot chocolate topped with melty marshmallows.
Held dear by a crowd of loyal locals, trade ritz and sheen in exchange for an authentic experience at this colourful Carib cottage with the cosy feeling of a family home.
An international enigma, this humble harbourside gem is beloved by many. Make sure to try the signature dish – a tantalising coconut-based curry served with tender goat.
🗓 Day 4 ● An inland adventure.
No trip to Grenada is complete without a visit to the verdant volcanic core of the island. Enchanting emerald green hills whisk you away to the mountainous interior, where wispy clouds obscure peaks as you ascend higher and higher above sea-level. Fruit-bearing trees create prime habitat for wildlife; watch out for those cheeky monkeys!
Grenadians have a deep, almost spiritual reverence for the land; up here in the highlands, it is easy understand why. As you approach the rural town of Gouyave, the omnipresent nutty aromas that will now be familiar to you grow ever stronger. A popular stop-off on tours, the fragrant trail leads to the Nutmeg Processing Plant, a factory that churns out tonnes of nutmeg — the island’s symbolic export — with pride and efficiency.
At the heart of harvesting these raw materials, Belmont Estate is a sprawling spice plantation that conceals centuries of history. Now offering a glimpse back in time, lazily stroll the landscaped gardens and breathe in the crisp mountain air, surrounded by blossoming cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and — naturally — nutmeg.
Wondrous waterfalls are dotted across this untamed terrain and are the main draw for day-trippers venturing beyond the beaches. Perhaps the most popular is Concord Falls; beautiful dual drop cascades easily accessed just off the main road. A short pathway winds through to the Upper Falls for those seeking to disperse from the crowds.
Rugged, serene, and straight out of a fantasy film, Seven Sisters Falls — aka St. Margaret’s Falls — allure avid adventurers to navigate a haphazard hiking trail. Slippery and shrouded in dense forest, the walk itself isn’t too exhausting, but any weariness can be washed away with a dip in the soothing plunge pools that await you on arrival.
🎟 Tour via Caribbean Horizons.
💰 From £50.00 per person.
🎟 Tour via Caribbean Horizons.
💰 From £70.00 per person.
🗓 Day 5 ● At leisure.
After an action-packed day in the highlands, you’d be forgiven for wanting to chill-out and enjoy the coastal breeze of the lowlands. As a matter of fact, it is encouraged!
A stone’s throw from the relative bustle of Grand Anse, Morne Rouge Beach offers a stunning hideaway without the need to travel far at all. An easy-going crowd tend to keep the volume down, foregoing water-sports in favour of sprawling out atop beach towels in the sun and underneath the shade of looming palms.
Right next to the airport, savvy travellers flock to Magazine Beach (📷) to bask in the Grenadian sunshine before time comes around to shake the sand from their shoes and bid a fond farewell.
Regardless of your agenda, the photogenic pearly-white sand and sapphire shimmer of the sea really make this great beach worth stopping by.
Wrap up a revitalising day with ice-cold drinks at West Indies Brewing Company. Hosting a busy bar, the region’s best draught beers are brewed right here, and are served straight from the barrel well into the early hours of the morning.
🗓 Day 6 ● Carriacou.
Two-hours aboard a ferry transports you to Carriacou, a utopian getaway that is the southernmost, largest, and one of the less frequented islands in the Grenadines. A general lack of glitzy sheen and rudimentary digs ward off those with lofty ambitions, leaving this tropical gem to be shared among few.
Translucent turquoise waters ripple as silence surrounds, punctured only by the occasional shuffle of sand from fellow beachgoers. Some places are bestowed with the perfect name, a title that sums up the ambiance, scenery, and general vibe; welcome to Paradise Beach.
Waves crest ashore and dissolve in powdery white sand, instilling zen-like calm. On opposing ends of the beach, there are two no-frills bars where drinks can be enjoyed. Cheap and cheerful Hardwood Bar is a launching pad for water taxis and boasts a convivial atmosphere, whereas Off D Hook is a colourful beach-side shack hosting occasional live music and attracting a sociable crowd.
Floating atop the sparkling waters out at sea, tiny Sandy Island evokes the feeling of being a castaway on some far-flung deserted islet. In reality, this bundle of white sand is only 15-minutes from land. Water taxis circulate in the harbour of Hillsborough and around the two aforementioned bars; they will be happy to oblige.
🗓 Day 7 ● Relaxation in Carriacou.
Kick-start the day on a high note at Kayak Kafé, a juice bar serving energising smoothies and light lunches inside a dainty wooden house. Perched above Hillsborough, there is a galleried balcony that awards awe-inspiring views to accompany your health-conscious spread.
Should you choose to embark on the adventure to Anse La Roche today, you’ll be thankful for the fulfilling breakfast, as you are bound to burn it all away. Trapse through the wilderness in the far north of Carriacou to uncover this largely uncharted pristine bay, typically deserted and completely untouched. Gaze out to sea and swoon at the euphoria of finding your own tropical haven.
Close the curtain on your time on the island in style with a visit to Slipway, an informal eatery with fun-loving clientele and friendly service. Cooking up fresh fish and tasty burgers, crack open a refreshing craft brew from Grenada’s own West Indies Brewing Company to wash down your food and raise a toast for the memories you have made.
Rounding off…
In the lap of luxury, love-struck visitors return time and time again to sip cocktails in homespun hammocks, only to be lulled into an afternoon stupor by the sound of lapping waves. When evening arrives, you will be roused from the haze by incredible nightlife which ignites across the island.
Grenadians are joyous by nature, sharing smiles all around. In their presence, it is easy for travellers to immediately feel at home. As you soak in the atmosphere of this endearing island, the reasons for their candour and generosity will become clear. You will begin to breathe a little deeper and stretch a little longer, in keeping with the pace of local life.