Mount Hartman Bay Estate in Lance aux Epines, Grenada has re-launched to the UK market as a luxury boutique hotel offering eight individually designed suites – including The Black Suite , The Jacuzzi Suite, The Romantic Suite – in the quirkily-designed hillside house. With a waterfall cascading through the entrance hall and exteriors reminiscent of Hobbiton, guests will not find a boutique hotel experience like this anywhere else. Opened just before Christmas 2011, The Cave House Restaurant within the Estate is the latest dining hot spot on Grenada, and can be reached by road, by yacht – or via the property’s private helipad.   

Peter de Savary’s hillside retreat overlooking the white sands of Grand Anse has taken on a new name and is now Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club. New Grenadian-born General Manager Kisha Smith, appointed December 2011, has brought in Parisian skincare experts Yon-Ka to create a new Spa Room, and now offers treatments on the white sands below the resort in a new Beach Cabana.

Laluna is now featured by travel zeitgeist hub Beach Tomato. The chic beach side retreat boasts hillside villas surrounded by tropical forest, a Yoga pavilion by the sea and a Balinese-inspired spa. A favourite retreat for the likes of Kate Moss and Dave Stewart, the resort blends discretion, privacy and Grenadian hospitality.

Sir Royston and Lady Hopkin, founders of Spice Island Beach Resort, added another award to their already packed mantelpiece as the five-star ocean view resort was named the Most Excellent Property in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands by Condé Nast Johansens in January 2012. The resort is widely featured by the UK’s upscale tour operators.

SPECIALIST TOURS: GARDENS, CHOCOLATE AND MUSIC

March 2012: Gardens

The gardens of Grenada are showcased each year at RHS Chelsea Flower Show by Grenadian designer Suzanne Gaywood, and Kudu Travel has created a 12-day tour of Grenada so that fans of Caribbean flora can see first-hand the gardens and nurseries that have inspired Gaywood to nine Gold Medals. The itinerary takes time to visit sister island Carriacou and the private idyll of Hog Island, and includes gardens, spice plantations and attractions in capital St George’s. Gardens of Grenada departs London Gatwick on 1 March 2012 and costs from £3,890 per person including accommodation, all meals (with wine and cold beer), a dolphin spotting excursion and the chance to snorkel in Grenada’s cerulean waters.

June 2012: Music

Some serious beats are on the cards for the inaugural DJ Tour to Grenada organised by Kalinago Resort. Featuring artists such as Choice FM’s Martin J, LiveLinq Sounds and Antz International from the UK supported by local talent, Explosion in the Sun runs 6-20 June 2012 and includes a packed calendar of waterfall parties, BBQs, beach fests, catamaran cruises and river rafting – as well as fantastic music. Available from £1,090 per person including flights, accommodation, entry fees and all-inclusive drinks exclusively from SN Travel.

October 2012: Chocolate

An exclusive and escorted visit to upscale chocolatier Rococo’s Grenadian cocoa plantation is the highlight of Mundy Cruises’ Gourmet Chocolate Cruise, 29 October to 9 November 2012. Guests will explore Grenada with Rococo founder Chantal Coady, and discover how chocolate goes ‘from bean to bar’ on the island. The cruise starts from £2,895 per person including British Airways flights, 7 nights aboard the Silversea Whisper in a sea view Vista Suite, 3 nights’ accommodation in Barbados and a full day tour of Grenada with Chantal.

AND FINALLY…

More Britons visited Grenada in 2011 than in 2010, reports Grenada Board of Tourism. The UK endures as the most important market for the Spice Isle as year on year visitor numbers rose 4% to 30,625 in 2011.

The Grenada Board of Tourism has won Caribbean Web Award for Best Tourist Board website at the second annual TravelMole Caribbean Web Awards held at Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace on 21 January 2012. Grenada was selected based on its website’s use of the latest technology, its user-friendliness and the degree to which it highlighted the destination’s key selling points. Check out: www.Grenadagrenadines.com

Grenada was selected based on its website’s use of modern technology, its user-friendliness and the degree to which it highlighted the destination’s key selling points.

Presenting the award to Grenada was Graham McKenzie of TravelMole noted that Grenada’s site won because the judges were impressed by the home page design. He stated: “When you study the site, it gives the feeling of being beautifully crafted and makes one want to go inside and find out more. The tourist board section is one of the more popular and therefore competitive of the awards, and for this reason Grenada should feel proud of their online achievements.”

E-Marketing Officer at the Grenada Board of Tourism, Orlando Romain said: “Last month we integrated a new accommodation booking engine into the website so this award is a double victory for the Board.”

For more information, visit grenadagrenadines.com.

In 1994 when organisers named the island’s first international yachting event the GrenadaSailing Festival it was for a very good reason: to highlight its blend of great sailing and great Grenadian hospitality. The 19^th Festival (27 – 31 January, 2012) promises to keep up this tradition with some of the most challenging racing in the southern Caribbean plus some of the best parties.

For the newly styled Grenada Sailing Festival Camper & Nicholsons Racing Series 2012, organisers are planning four days of yacht racing over different set courses, all based at the company’s world class Port Louis Marina. However, it is not just about tactics, wind conditions and bragging rights – once racing is over, all yachtsmen and women -  this year coming from the UK, USA, Canada, France, Austria and Italy, as well as Caribbean neighbours, Trinidad and Antigua – can enjoy Festival Fun action on land in the laid-back atmosphere that has made the event so popular.

Working closely with hosts Camper & Nicholsons and The Victory Bar & Restaurant, Festival organisers have put together a programme of Finish Line Limes, afternoon BBQs and Prize Presentation Parties to provide great memories for everyone to take home. The event kicks off on Friday with a Welcome to Grenada Party with steel pan, drummers and dancers giving a great first flavour of traditional island entertainment.

Then, top of the list of ‘Must be There’ Parties is the famous Mount Gay Rum Red Cap Party held on Saturday night (28 January) – will be wearing their limited edition ‘Red Caps’ and making a red hot atmosphere. Monday night will be another great experience, when the party moves to old festival favourite Dodgy Dock at True Blue Bay Resort for a Reggae Night not to be missed. The Festival finishes back at the Victory Bar on Tuesday with a grand Prize Presentation and Farewell with DJ and live band to send all home with great memories until next year.

The Grenada Board of Tourism has appointed Sola Thomson as Sales & Training Manager. Based in the Board’s London office and reporting to General Manager, Sharon Bernstein, Sola is now the primary contact for all travel industry professionals in the UK and Ireland seeking information about Grenada and sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

 Sola holds a degree in Tourism Management from Manchester Metropolitan University and has extensive industry experience gleaned in previous roles with Voyages Jules Verne and Emirates.

 Sola said: “I’ll be providing product training all over the UK as well as assisting agents with general queries over the telephone and email, helping them to make sales and to complete our online training programme.”

 Agents can reach the Grenada Board of Tourism on 020 8328 0644 or at Grenada at Eyes2market.co.uk

24 January, 2012: Andara Resort & Villas, the five star resort located on the pristine west coast of Phuket, has opened a ‘tres chic’ Beach Lounge on the white sands of Kamala Bay with naturally shaded loungers for singles and couples and a traditional Thai ‘plae’ (above right), creating an unrivalled private haven of relaxation.

 Fully-staffed, this sanctuary for resort guests is tucked away on the quietest part of Kamala Beach at the northern end of the crescent shaped bay, and features tastefully designed wicker furniture in serene natural-toned colours. Striking features include 16 twin-loungers affording guests unrivalled Andaman Sea views along with a traditional Thai ‘plae’ – pronounced ‘play’ – a Thai hammock ideal for two to enjoy sunset cocktails. Attentive yet discreet Andara staff offer guests chilled towels, a range of drinks and refreshments from the well-stocked bamboo bar, and truly local Thai cuisine direct from Khun Meena’s kitchen.  Completing this is a regular complimentary shuttle service between Andara Resort and the Beach Lounge.

 The Beach Lounge offers new creature comforts for Andara guests and compliments the original fully-staffed beach club located closer to Kamala village; ideal for those who still wish to shop as well as enjoy a refreshing swim in the cerulean sea.

 Andara accommodation of all-ocean view Pool Villas (see central image) and Residence Suites is nestled within   a lush tropical hillside overlooking one of west Phuket’s gems, the powdery white sands of Kamala Beach. The resort has a well-appointed spa providing luxurious treatments which can be taken in one of its eight treatment rooms or in the privacy of a guest’s villa or suite, while the award-winning Silk Restaurant & Bar serves traditional Thai and western favourites to diners enjoying amazing views of the Andaman Sea. Two stunning fully crewed motor yachts – measuring 28m and 35m – are available for private charter by guests wishing to explore the Phuket coast or savour a sunset cruise.

 Azure Collection (01244 322770\www.azurecollection.com) offers seven nights in a Terrace Suite at Andara Phuket including breakfast, return flights with Thai Airways and resort transfers from £2,250pp.

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Daniel brings over 20 years’ experience of working in the luxury hospitality sector in Europe and Thailand to the five star ocean view resort.  Prior to joining Andara, Daniel was the Managing Partner at Malaiwana Beach Club and was formerly General Manager at The Chedi, now The Surin, for eight years.

Daniel started his career in Switzerland and has worked for a number of South East Asia’s leading prestigious properties over the past two decades. 

Andara is located on a lush tropical hillside overlooking Kamala Beach on the pristine west coast of Phuket, offering all-ocean view, secluded Pool Villa and Residential Suite accommodation; The Spa for luxurious singles’ and couples’ treatments; award-winning Silk restaurant and two private motor yachts for hire.

The first piece, a replica of The Christ of the Deep statue on the Carenage, was commissioned by the Grenada Board of Tourism to commemorate not only the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the liner ‘Bianca C’, but also the hospitality, selflessness and ‘Spice Isle’ spirit shown by the Grenadian people in the rescue of over 670 passengers and crew.

“As the statue looks up to the surface of the water with arms outstretched it is a wonderful new piece of living art for both our diving and snorkeling visitors,” said Howard Clarke of Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park Management Group.

The second sculpture, Sienna, is based on a character from the short story ‘A Different Ocean’ written by local author Jacob Ross. Sienna is a young girl gifted in free diving. The story follows friendship and betrayal as her talent is exploited in the search for lost treasure. This was one of the original pieces which were damaged by corrosion and sea conditions; Howard said: “It is a culturally important piece. The new statue is designed to be much more robust than the previous one and should last considerably longer.”

The latest additions to the park are part of a regeneration plan funded by both the private and public sectors, designed to regenerate and continue the development of the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park.  Both statues were created by local artist Troy Lewis.

On 17th November the process of moving the statues to their final locations within the park got underway. The statues were first placed in the water by crane and then floated out to the site using heavy duty lifting bags in a joint operation by Underwater Solutions Ltd, Grenada Seafaris, Eco Dive & Trek and the Royal Grenada Coast Guard.

As the regeneration plan continues, more sponsors are being approached for the largest piece in the project which is the replacement of the iconic circle of children which consists of 26 children holding hands, sometimes known as Vicissitudes. Fundraising for this piece is on-going.

Find out more about diving in Grenada at www.Grenadagrenadines.com/godive

September 2011 saw the addition of an underwater bench located five metres under the  surface near Taylor’s sculpture ‘Vicissitudes’. The bench invites divers to quite literally lime and dive, and is already a popular site for a photograph. Fourteen individually designed and constructed sculptures, based on Amerindian art, culture and spiritual worship, were added to the Park between November 2010 and February 2011. The new icons are also the work of Lewis, who took inspiration from the form of intricate Petroglyphs and ceremonial carvings made by the early Amerindian tribes, still found in the Duquesne and Pearls areas of Grenada.

Camper & Nicholsons – one of the oldest internationally recognised yachting business names – will be taking the title role in the Grenada Sailing Festival 2012 when the Camper & Nicholsons Racing Series will be run from the company’s Port Louis Marina 27-31 January 2012. The four-day event, now in its 19th year,  will provide challenging top quality racing plus an early Regatta Season ‘Tune-Up’ to the international yachts visiting the Caribbean for the winter and the highly competitive crews based in the region.

Participating racers are now able to enjoy all the benefits of Port Louis, the island’s newest world-class marina, with marina berths for up to 90m and top class facilities to all yachtsmen including a swimming pool, the brand new Victory Bar and Restaurant and many victualling and technical service operators on site. Racing will start and finish from Port Louis, and the courses will be concentrated on the island’s southern and eastern coasts, some of the most exciting and challenging sailing waters in the Caribbean. Check the Festival website for more details.

There will be more great sailing action on 4 & 5 February 2012 when the crowd-pulling local work boat regatta comes to Grand Anse Beach. Twinning this spectacular weekend of racing with the island’s Independence Celebrations enables visitors to join locals in the celebrations. There will be all-action competition on the water and entertainment and activities, local arts and crafts, and food stalls in a Community Kitchen where all the best traditional dishes will be on offer.

British Airways added First Class service on selected flights from Gatwick to Grenada from March 2011. Virgin Atlantic adds a second weekly flight from Gatwick to Grenada from Monday 31 October 2011, bringing the total number of UK to Grenada flights each week to five:  BA on Sunday and Tuesday; Monarch on Wednesday; Virgin Atlantic on Thursday and Monday.

Places to stay

Exclusive-hire Calivigny Island  located off the south western shore of Grenada, has opened a new ten suite beach house. Designed in a combination of French colonial and Balinese styles and featuring bespoke furniture designed by Oscar de la Renta, the property accommodates up to twenty guests on the private island. Guests may engage the Island’s executive chef and staff if required, and the 173ft sailing yacht Atmosphere is at their disposal. Prices upon application.

Laluna, the luxurious romantic beach hideaway, is offering seven waterfront private villas for sale. Set within five acres at Morne Rouge, the villas start from US$2 million and provide an investment option or inspired second home.

Peter de Savary, Chairman of the Mount Cinnamon Resort Hotel has appointed Cynthia O’Connell as the property’s new general manager.  Canadian Cynthia has experience of managing luxury hotels in Canada and several Caribbean countries.

Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, owner of five-star Spice Island Beach Resort, will be awarded a Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Lifetime Achievement Award in June 2011.

Attractions

Bianca C: In October 2011, Grenada marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the liner Bianca C. The wreck is now one of the world’s most highly regarded dive sites and home to dozens of species of tropical sea life. Boasting over twenty dive wrecks, within easy reach of the shore in clear water, Grenada is the Wreck Dive Capital of the Eastern Caribbean.

Opened in spring 2011, Spice Basket  is Grenada’s newest attraction, providing a cultural experience for both visitors and locals alike. The entertainment complex is located en route to Annandale Waterfalls and Grand Etang Lake, two of Grenada’s finest natural beauty spots  and nestled within the lush surroundings of the Beaulieu village valley, three miles from the capital city of St George’s.

The restaurant and bar offer visitors fine Grenadian cuisine and local drinks, all to the soundtrack of live steel pan melodies.  The Grenadian spirit is brought to life in song, dance and drama and the riverside gardens showcase the spices and herbs that make Grenada the spice island.

The museum explores the island’s rich and diverse history, from its geology and Amerindian artefacts, to the Sugar revolution, slavery and the ‘plantocracy’ that brought the game that still unites the Caribbean islands today – West Indies cricket. This is the only museum in the world that is dedicated to West Indies cricket.  Locally designed and made keepsakes are available in the gift shop.

Chocolate: The Grenada Chocolate Company’s 82% cocoa bar has been awarded a Silver in the ‘Bean to Bar Best Dark Bar’ category at the annual awards of the London-based Academy of Chocolate. Visitors to Grenada may now see chocolate products being created by hand at the newly-opened Chocolate Shop at Belmont Estate  in Grenada. Vegetarian and organic Grenadian-grown chocolate is available in the UK at Waitrose, Whole Foods, Planet Organic and Rococo.

Opened in spring 2011, Spice Basket  is Grenada’s newest attraction, providing a cultural experience for both visitors and locals alike. The site is conveniently located on the way from capital St George’s towards Annandale Waterfalls and Grand Etang Lake – two of Grenada’s finest natural beauty spots – and nestled within the lush surroundings of the Beaulieu village valley.

The celebratory Grenadian spirit is brought to life by the calendar of live music, dance and entertainment performances and a purpose-built theatre area is due to open in autumn 2011 to provide a home for Grenadian storytelling, comedy and drama.

Spice Basket Restaurant offers visitors authentic Grenadian cuisine – served in traditional iron pots – and local drinks, all to the soundtrack of live steel pan melodies. Local handicrafts and gifts are available from licensed outlets and the riverside tropical gardens showcase the spices and herbs that make Grenada the ‘Spice Island’.

The Legacy Valley museum explores the island’s rich and diverse history, from its geology and Amerindian artefacts to the Sugar revolution, slavery and the ‘plantocracy’ that brought the game that still unites the Caribbean islands today: cricket.  The West Indies cricket story is told at the High Five exhibition that includes Test Match bats donated by Sir Everton Weekes and Junior Murray’s Test Century bat.

Opening hours at Legacy Valley are 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday while Spice Basket opens 11am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday.

At Belmont Estate  chocolate lovers can follow the journey of cocoa from bean to bar on illustrated displays and to see the Grenada Chocolate being made by hand. The mouth-watering spectacle – accompanied by amazing aromas – is free and open from 8am to 5pm, Sunday to Friday. There is a fully-stocked Grenada Chocolate shop offering the full range of organic dark chocolate bars – familiar to UK connoisseurs – bonbons and hot chocolate powder.

Grenada is served by five flights a week from London Gatwick.

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Notes to editors

The Grenada Chocolate Company  82% cocoa bar received a Silver in the ‘Bean to Bar Best Dark Bar’ category at the annual awards of the London-based Academy of Chocolate. Organic Grenadian-grown chocolate is available in the UK at Waitrose, Whole Foods, Planet Organic and Rococo and other selected chocolatiers.