Hotel Icon Welcomes British Chef Anthony Fletcher for Food & Wine Academy

15 May 2013

On Saturday 11 May, British chef Anthony Fletcher of The Pawn restaurant in Hong Kong will host a three-hour Organic Cooking Workshop at Hotel ICON (www.hotel-icon.com), the five-star teaching and research hotel for The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), as part of its groundbreaking Food and Wine Academy. The Workshop is open to the public.

Launched in 2011, the Food and Wine Academy offers an opportunity for experts from the hospitality sector to share their experience and knowledge with students and industry partners, and was borne from the Hotel ICON philosophy of providing interactive and dynamic learning environments in addition to state-of-the-art educational facilities.

Fletcher, who was trained by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, joined The Pawn in Hong Kong in August 2011 as Head Chef and continues to champion sophisticated British fare whilst using the finest fresh Hong Kong-grown ingredients.

Richard Hatter, General Manager of Hotel ICON explains why Fletcher is hosting the intermediate- to median-level workshop: “We are a hotel with a purpose and the Food and Wine Academy is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. In collaboration with Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, we’ve identified organic cooking as a trend that will go from strength to strength in coming years, so it’s imperative that hospitality students learn new skills in a practical environment to ensure they keep up with what customers want and expect.”

“Working with only the best organic ingredients sourced by Homegrown Foods from growers across Hong Kong, participants will get hands-on experience of ‘green cooking’ with a top chef in our state-of-the-art food laboratory and kitchen.”

Dishes prepared will be Organic Heirloom Tomato, Basil, Beetroot, Baby Cucumber Salad with Rosemary & Honey Dressing and Organic Mushroom, Sweet Potato and Thyme Bake. The salad deliciously exhibits the fruit flavours of the heirloom tomatoes whilst the combination of fresh beetroot, cucumber, rosemary and sweet honey combine to create a mouth-watering summer dish. The Bake, a hot dish that perfectly balances sweet and savoury, is hearty yet delicately-flavoured with thyme.

First-come first-served places on the Organic Cooking Workshop cost only HK$475 (£40) per person and the three-hour course is open to the public. The workshop takes place at The Western Food Lab, THB207, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Contact Denise Law on denise.law {at} polyu.edu(.)hk or tel: 852 3400 2180.

Andara Resort & Villas Opens Activity Club for Younger Guests

6 March 2013

Andara Resort & Villas in Phuket has launched an activity club for younger guests in time for spring 2013 school holidays. Secluded and safe, Andara enjoys a luxurious setting overlooking Kamala Bay on the western coast of Phuket, an idyllic spot for a deluxe family getaway with its spacious three- to six-bedroom Pool Villas and one- to four-bedroom Residence Suites providing the ultimate in private accommodation for families.

Located in the centre of the resort, close to the breath taking main swimming pool, there is no charge for Andara Kidz Club which is open daily from 8am to 6pm for children aged 4 to 12 years. A range of supervised activities including bag, batik and balloon painting are on offer, so children can create a range of Thai-inspired souvenirs that are sure to memories once back at home, as well as plenty of grins and giggles on holiday. Children’s creativity is set free when making greetings cards and fun face masks, and there is even time set aside for enjoying a range of the latest movies.

Daniel Meury, General Manager of Andara Resort & Villas, said: “Andara is the ideal Thai retreat for families seeking a safe and private holiday together. We’re just moments from the beach and the calm waters of Kamala Bay, while the resort also offers a gorgeous palm-tree-lined pool. Our new new Kidz Club means there is even more to entertain our younger guests while their parents enjoy signature spa treatments, drinks on their private terrace or simply precious time alone together.”

Andara boasts a collection of deluxe pool villas and spacious residence suites, perfect for families with children of all ages and those travelling with grandparents or a nanny. Commanding the finest views of the entire resort, Pool Villas (with three, four, five or six bedrooms) boast spacious bedrooms that open directly onto the breath-taking ocean vista. Lavish en-suite facilities include indoor and discrete outdoor showers and bathtubs, seamlessly blending interior space with the lush tropical exterior. Living and dining areas are lavishly decorated with traditional Thai tones and materials, without neglecting guests’ needs for the latest entertainment and communications technologies.

Andara Phuket Residence Suites provide families with expansive accommodation with sumptuous bedrooms and beautifully appointed bathrooms, while the living and dining areas enjoy Andaman Sea views. Offered with one to four bedrooms, the suites are the perfect Phuket family experience.

Abercrombie & Kent (0845 485 1142) offers seven nights accommodation at Andara with breakfast from £2,395 per person based on two adults and two children including flights and taxes.

Hotel Icon Ranks Among the Best Hotels in China – TripAdvisor

27 February 2013

Hotel ICON in Hong Kong has again earned the coveted honour from TripAdvisor, the world’s most popular hotel review site, included Hotel ICON in its just-released list of the highest-rated hotels in China.

Hotel ICON, Hong Kong’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel, earned a place among the Top 25 Luxury Hotels and Best Hotels as well as the Top 25 Hotels for Service in China. The list is part of TripAdvisor’s 2013 Traveler’s Choice Awards. Now in its eleventh year, the highly prized TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards reflect the unbiased reviews and opinions from millions of real travelers across the globe.

Guests of Hotel ICON were almost unanimous in their praise for the premier hotel in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. A typical comment reads that Hotel ICON “raised the bar higher for all hotels around the world” and described the hotel as a “jewel in the east” offering an “amazing experience.” Another guest accurately noted that Hotel ICON is “superb in every way”.

From the start, Hotel ICON set out to be a hotel with a purpose: to become the global centre of excellence in education and research in hospitality and tourism. Committed to providing interactive and dynamic learning environments, Hotel ICON serves as a resource centre for the hospitality industry, offering the public, hoteliers and students invaluable insights and industry knowledge

While Hotel ICON continues towards its goal of ‘Being Tomorrow’s Hotel’, the latest honour recognizes the property’s uncompromising quality and level of service. Unaffiliated with any brands or hotel chains, Hotel ICON has been able to forge its own identity and service standards.

“I am very pleased to see the recognition for this the World’s First Fully Integrated Teaching and Research Hotel developing true professionals in our industry,” said Richard Hatter, General Manager of Hotel ICON. “We are on TripAdvisor’s Top Luxury Hotels 2013 with less than two years of opening, thank you to all our guests and fans for sharing their experience online. I am beyond excited for this recognition. It’s a great success for the brand because it really shows how much the brand has grown and what it has come to represent. And also my great team, without their thoughtful service and continuous effort, an undertaking like this would have been nearly impossible.”

Officially opened in September 2011, Hotel ICON offers 262 guest rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, an Angsana Spa featuring professional therapists from the world-famous Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, a state-of-the-art gym, and an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour. Featuring the combined efforts of Hong Kong’s most creative talents, the premier hotel stands as a stylish testament to Hong Kong’s vibrant arts scene.

Keep Love Alive this Valentine’s with Voyage Ashore Tours for Romance

8 February 2013

VOYAGE ASHORE’S TOP TOURS FOR ROMANCE:

CANDLE-LIT ROME, AFRICAN STARS, CARIBBEAN SUNSETS AND TUSCAN TRYSTS

Love is in the air and Voyage Ashore, the new independent online service for travellers offering affordable tours in luxury destinations worldwide, has selected the most romantic of its current 796 tours in 65 countries available to book by love-struck Brits this Valentine’s Day.

There is nowhere more reminiscent of romance than Paris. Explore the city of lovers by bicycle for four hours to discover secrets and stories that even Paris aficionados will find fascinating. The tour includes Tuileries Gardens – created by the heartbroken Catherine, widow of France’s King Henry II – and starts from the Eiffel Tower, a worldwide symbol of love. Make the tour even more special – bring a flask of chocolat chaud to share. From £25pp.

How to better a tour of the icons of Rome escorted by an expert guide? A tour after nightfall with Roman Candles is how. This magical tour takes in The Spanish Steps, The Pantheon and Piazza Venezia, concluding at The Trevi Fountain – an ideal spot for a marriage proposal under the night stars – and shows off the Italian capital in all its glory. From £30pp.

The Cliff Divers at La Quebrada are a must-see when in Acapulco, Mexico. Enjoy a delicious evening meal with views of the bay after an engaging tour of the city, then head out to the cliff tops to witness the brave young men who make diving into the sea an art form. From £56pp.

Flirting in Florence? Discover one-thousand years of history on an escorted full-day tour of Tuscan treasures in Pisa and Lucca. Pose in Pisa for photos with the leaning tower – world famous and now fully restored – and explore the Etruscan sights before heading to Lucca to see the two-thousand year old Roman architecture, famous basilica mosaics and ancient city walls. From £81pp.

What could be more romantic than holding hands, strolling under the stars with dreamy eyes? Indulge in a traditional Egyptian supper in Sharm el Sheikh with entertainment and live music around an open fire before heading to the giant telescopes to star-spot. Expert guides assist with identifying and photographing the stars, planets and constellations. From £30pp.

Share a sunset in paradise…Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. This two-hour excursion departs from the central port area and offers couples an opportunity to whisper sweet nothings to one another as the sun descends beyond the horizons. A freshly-prepared barbecue supper and rum punch are included. From £38pp.

For an extra special evening, savour the sunset off Langwaki, Malaysia while enjoying a Jacuzzi – champagne in hand – aboard a luxury yacht named Nautiness. The Langwaki archipelago is renowned for its tranquil anchorages, breath taking coastline and abundant marine life – take swimwear and a snorkel to enjoy it to the full. From £221pp.

Soar over the landscape near Marrakesh with a sunrise hot air balloon excursion that includes in-flight champagne and traditional refreshments upon landing. Hotel transfers are included to enable couples to relax and enjoy being pampered for a spectacular morning. From £215pp.

Grenada Board of Tourism update for Destinations, 31 January 2013

29 January 2013

SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT RANKED NUMBER ONE HOTEL IN CARIBBEAN ON TRIPADVISOR

The all-inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort has been ranked by TripAdvisor reviewers as the number one property in the travel review site’s Travellers’ Choice 2013 listing of the Top 25 resorts in the Caribbean. “Spice Island Beach Resort is no stranger to accolades, but the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award is perhaps the greatest honour of all as it comes directly from our guests,” said Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, the resort’s chairman and managing director.

MOUNT CINNAMON NEW EPICUREAN WEEK

The 21-suite resort that commands excellent views across Grand Anse bay has launched a seven night epicurean package that sees guests taken to the west coast of Grenada, to Mount Cinnamon’s sister property, Mount Edgecombe. A 17^th century working plantation, the striking colonial house nestled on the hillside maintains many traditional varieties of crops and fruits as well as exotic flowers and spices. Janice, the resort’s chef and one of the island’s epicurean talent’s will give two interactive master classes to guests in their villa, demonstrating and explaining how the island’s ingredients play a key part in cooking and shouldn’t be used just for baking. Price starts from £1,708pp in one-bedroom suite, based on two people sharing.

TAKE THE PLUNGE – UNDERWATER WEDDINGS NOW AVAILABLE

The Flamboyant Hotel and Dive Grenada have partnered to launch Romance on the Reef, the Caribbean island’s first ever range of Underwater Wedding packages. Each package can be as simple or as elaborate as the couple would like. Renowned for its reef and wreck dives and the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park, Grenada offers couples a truly different way to start married life or reaffirm their commitment: under the Caribbean Sea. For just £500 per couple, the Caribbean Blue Underwater Wedding package includes:

All civil and religious arrangements: Licenses, Priest or Magistrate Fees
Services of an Event Coordinator, Transportation to and from the Registry
Decorated location for ceremony on land and underwater
Safety Divers/Witnesses
Boat transfer to dive site

Contact Flamboyant Hotel’s UK-based team on 0800 097 3504 for more details.

UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARK CONTINUES TO GROW

Established in 2006 as an artificial marine life habitat, the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park provides snorkelers and divers with an extraordinary and eerie display of individual icons created by Jason deCaires Taylor and a number of local artists. The famous Vicissitudes – or Ring of Children – was recently replaced, made from environmentally-sound material and with the addition of two more child figures. Another recent addition is Cyclist by Grenadian sculptor, Troy Lewis. Located in the Moliniere Bay Marine Protected Area, the Park provides a home to a stunning array of marine life within easy reach of the shore.

2013 REGATTAS

The Grenada Sailing Festival Heritage Work Boat Regatta, February 9-10, 2013, traditionally features boats used for fishing from all over the island. These boats take part in Le Mans style sailing races competing in categories ranging from junior to senior. It is set against a backdrop of a beach party complete with local DJ, traditional steel pan, barbeque and lots of drinks.

The South Grenada Regatta, February 21-23, 2013, offers the thrill of sailing on warm waters, vibrant music and authentic Grenadian food. Come to Grenada for the Annual South Grenada Regatta to experience all this and more! The young and old, local and international all unite to share their love of the ocean that creates a festive atmosphere. Three major races with five categories, a pirate’s trail, dinghy racing and a huge racing party with BBQ and live music will conclude the Regatta. Prepare for an exciting weekend of great sailing and good fun at the Le Phare Bleu Marina and Boutique Hotel.

Carriacou Regatta, August 3-6, 2013, is one of the most intriguingly diverse in the Caribbean. The event attracts competitors from around the world with work boats, racing boats, sailing boats and yachts. The event features races to Grenada, Union Island and Bequia, the Miss ‘Aquaval’ Pageant and other on shore activities and games, including the entertaining donkey race and other sporting events.

Grenada Broadcast, Blog and Print Coverage Wins Awards & Praise at CTO Media Awards

6 November 2012

Four editorial features about Grenada received accolades at the annual Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Media Awards held on Monday 5 November at World Travel Market in London. ‘Foodtripper Grenada’, an hour-long documentary about Grenada’s spices, chocolate and cuisine made for Travel Channel by food expert Helen Hokin claimed ‘Best Broadcast’; and ‘Fam Report Grenada’ by Laura Gelder for travel trade magazine Selling Long Haul won ‘Best Travel Trade Feature’. In addition, blog features by Jayne Gorman on www.40before30.com and a destination feature by Katie McGonagle for Travel Weekly were highly commended in ‘Best Blog Feature’ and ‘Best Travel trade Feature’ categories respectively.

The awards are judged by an independent panel drawn from the travel and media industries and winning entries must deliver engaging, eloquent stories that encourage consumers to visit the Caribbean.

Sharon Bernstein, Grenada Board of Tourism General Manager UK & Ireland said: “It is an incredible motivation for Grenada to receive this acknowledgement from the independent judges. The accolades demonstrate the quality of editorial material generated to promote Grenada here in the UK and we are grateful to all the stakeholders in Grenada who support our efforts to achieve success.”

Current projects include visits by TV crews making programmes about nutmeg and Grenadian cuisine; on-going support for specialist dive, food and lifestyle media; and visits by leading newspapers including The Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and The Independent.

Hotel Icon is ‘Best New Luxury Hotel’

31 October 2012

Hotel Icon in Hong Kong has won the award for the ‘Best New Luxury Hotel’ in the 2012 World Luxury Hotel Awards. Up against stiff competition, the property in Kowloon was one of the two Hong Kong hotels that made it in the Global Winners category. Other hotels on the list include: Conrad Macao, Cotai Central; Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Thailand; Banyan Tree Al Wadi, UAE; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, UAE; Rosewood Hotel Georgia; Harbour Grand Hong Kong; InterContinental Sanya Resort.

The event is regarded as the equivalent of ‘the Oscars’ of the hospitality industry and the award is voted for by guests and industry consultants by independent poll.

Richard Hatter, Hotel Icon General Manager said: “It is an incredible motivation for all of us to receive this acknowledgment from our industry and in particular from our hotel guests. I am very pleased to see the recognition for this, the world’s first fully integrated teaching and research hotel developing true professionals in our industry.”

New Nutmeg Festival Celebrates ‘Black Gold’ of Grenada: 26 October-4 November 2012

25 October 2012

A new annual festival to celebrate all aspects of nutmeg, the ‘black gold’ that gives Grenada its ‘Spice Isle of the Caribbean’ moniker, will run from 26 October to 4 November, 2012 at venues all over the island.

The first Grenada Nutmeg Festival will explore the importance of nutmeg to the history, culture and economy of Grenada and include competitions and exhibitions involving hundreds of farmers, schoolchildren, food manufacturers and chefs. Visitors will have the chance to see, smell and taste nutmeg in all its forms from pod to pot including jams, jellies, ice-cream and traditional dishes such as nutmeg cheese. Perhaps lesser known uses for the spice, including medicinal products and jewellery will also be showcased, as will spice-inspired art, photography, music and dance.

Events kick off on 26 October with a special spicy edition of the famous Fish Friday in the fishing village of Gouyave – birthplace of Olympic Gold Medal winner, Kirani James – and include opportunities to taste nutmeg in cuisine and cocktails, hear nutmeg stories and help plant trees.

Just Grenada (01373 814214) offers seven nights at Blue Horizons from 25 October 2012 to coincide with Grenada Nutmeg Festival including accommodation in a Superior Suite, return flights and transfers from £1,150 per person based on two adults sharing.

Visit www.grenadanutmeg.com for more details about the Grenada Nutmeg Festival and www.Grenadagrenadines.com for information about what to see and do in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Highlights include:

26 Oct – 2 Nov: NUTMEG CULINARY COMPETITION

A selection of Grenada’s hotels and restaurants create new dishes and cocktails with nutmeg and other spices as a key ingredient. Prizes awarded for what the public and consider the best creations.

26 Oct

SPICY FISH FRIDAY, GOUYAVE

Gouyave welcome visitors to Spicy Fish Friday, an old time favourite event which during the Grenada Nutmeg Festival will focus on the use of nutmeg and other spices in local fish dishes.

27 Oct

SPICY SUNSET CITY FESTIVAL, ST DAVID’S

This increasingly popular monthly rural culinary event will highlight the herbs and spices grown in the parish and offer visitors a dazzling range of spicy dishes and products as part of the day-long festivities.

28 Oct

MOUNT MORITZ SPICY BREAKFAST

This historic village and thriving community organisation will offer its ever-popular breakfast fayre and entertainment programme with special emphasis on how nutmeg and spices can be incorporated into traditional breakfast dishes.

28 Oct-28 Nov

NUTMEG ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Belmont Estate will display an exclusive collection of paintings and photographs exploring the theme of Grenada nutmeg and other spices. Works selected will include some well- established artists and photographers as well as up-and-coming local talent.

29 Oct

NUTMEG PLANTING DAY

Hotel owners will plant nutmegs in strategic locations around their properties to remind visitors of the importance of the plant.

31 Oct

GRENADA NUTMEG SPECIAL CRUISE TRAIL

To celebrate one of the first cruise ships to arrive on Grenada in 2012, a special nutmeg cruise trail will be devised during the festival. A special Nutmeg meet and greet programme will be included at the beginning and end of the tour and visitors will have a chance to really get to know why Grenada is called ‘the Spice island’.

31 Oct

CARIBBEAN RUM & BEER FESTIVAL — SPICE BASKET

The launch of the third Caribbean Rum & Beer Festival (held for the first time in Grenada in 2012) offers marvellous combined cultural events at Spice Basket cultural centre, including music and dance.

2 Nov

NUTMEG FESTIVAL AWARD CEREMONY AND GALA COOK OUT

The climax of the week-long Nutmeg Culinary Competition, a spectacular Gala evening will be held at the Spice Basket where a jury of local and overseas chefs will make awards for the best nutmeg dishes and prizes for the best dishes prepared on the spot at a Nutmeg and Spice Gala “Cook Out”.

3 Nov

NUTMEG AND SPICE FAIR AND EXPO, GCNA Shopping Complex

Everything from tea to textiles and cheese to chocolate….. but all with a spicy touch. The al fresco event will include a competition to find the most innovative nutmeg products as well as live entertainment. Live music and theatre performances.

3 Nov

CARIBBEAN RUM & BEER FESTIVAL — SPICY COCKTAIL BAR

A spicy cocktail bar where weird and wonderful cocktails using Grenada’s best spices and herbs can be tasted.

Nutmeg recipes

Nutmeg flan – serves 4

Ingredients:

150g (5oz) white caster sugar
150ml (5oz) whole milk
200ml single cream
75ml of double cream
1 whole nutmeg, finely ground in a pestel and mortar, or grated finely
4 large eggs

Method:

Set a small heavy pan over a medium heat, add the sugar and 4 tbsp of water, let the sugar melt a little and stir a few times so the mixture is even, then set the pan back over the heat for 15 minutes or so until it becomes a deep, chestnut brown. Remove from the heat and add another 2 tbsp water. Return to the heat and swirl the pan around a little to melt any lumps created by adding cold water to the pan. Pour most of the caramel evenly into the bottom of four bowls/ramekins, but don’t discard the pan.
Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas 3.
Using the same pan — any leftover caramel still in it is a bonus — add the milk with the cream and the ground or grated whole nutmeg, and bring slowly to the boil, stirring to dissolve any remaining caramel.
In a large bowl, whisk the whole eggs and slowly pour over the hot milk mixture, whisking all the while as they combine.
Pour the hot egg and milk into the caramel-lined dishes. Add a pint of water back to the pan and put it on the heat for a minute or two if there are bits of caramel still in the pan. Set the dishes in a deep roasting tin and fill the tin with water to two-thirds up the side of the tin. Bake for one hour for the individual dishes or one-and-a-half hours for the large one.
When they are cooked, chill for a few hours in the fridge. To serve, loosen the edges with a knife and invert the dish on to a deep serving plate.

Coconut and Nutmeg Ice – serves 8

Ingredients:

400 g (14 oz) can evaporated milk
400 g (14 oz) can condensed milk
400 g (14 oz) can coconut milk
freshly grated nutmeg
5 ml (1 tsp) almond essence
lemon balm sprigs, lime slices and shredded coconut, to decorate

Method:

Mix together the evaporated, condensed and coconut milks in a large freezer-proof bowl and stir in the nutmeg and almond essence.
Chill in a freezer for an hour or two until the mixture is semi-frozen. Remove from the freezer and whisk the mixture with a hand or electric whisk until it is fluffy and almost
doubled in volume.
Pour into a freezer container, then cover and freeze. Soften slightly before serving, decorated with lemon balm, lime slices and shredded coconut.

Notes to editors

Nutmeg more than any other crop has helped build the economy of Grenada and with it the lives and careers of some of Grenada’s most prominent citizens. Hardly a single family in Grenada has not at one time or other grown nutmegs. Nutmeg is at the core of the island’s culture, history and way of life. Nutmegs are on bank notes, credit cards, stamps, T-shirts and most important – the Grenada flag. When Kirani James won Gold at London 2012 it was the nutmeg medal he carried on his shirt and on the flag he carried.

Nutmeg is much more than just a fruit growing on a tree. Nearly every part of the plant is used to produce foodstuffs, perfumes, medicines and cosmetics that go into literally hundreds of products from Coca-Cola to toothpaste, from pumpkin pie to chocolates; and its essential oils are used in famous perfumes like Hugo Boss and Chanel Blue. Nutmeg has inspired great painting, jewellery and even a well-known fairy story and musical called the Nutmeg Princess, seen and read by thousands in the Caribbean and North America.

The first Grenada Nutmeg Festival is designed to unite all the key stakeholders involved in growing, processing and selling nutmeg related products and services. The festival will celebrate the importance of Grenada nutmeg to the history, culture and economy of the island and its people. For a full calendar of activity visit www.grenadanutmeg.com

Underwater Weddings Now Offered in Grenada

24 October 2012

The Flamboyant Hotel and Dive Grenada, located on Grand Anse beach in Grenada, have partnered to launch Romance on the Reef, the Caribbean island’s first ever range of Underwater Wedding packages: Caribbean Blue – Underwater Wedding; Proposal Plunge – Marriage Proposal; Vows of the Sea – Renewal of Vows. Each package can be as simple or as elaborate as the couple would like.

Grenada is popular with Britons seeking a Caribbean tropical paradise for their special day: covered in lush rainforest and plantations, the scents of the fragrant spices – including nutmeg, mace and cinnamon – blend with the aromas of exotic blooms on the gentle sea breezes. Couples can choose to tie the knot on the island’s white sand beaches – including the 2.5 mile stretch of sand at Grand Anse – nestled among its vibrant flora or by rainforest waterfalls.

Now, for the first time, the island renowned for its reef and wreck dives and the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park offers couples a truly different way to start married life or reaffirm their commitment: under the Caribbean Sea. For just £500 per couple, the Caribbean Blue Underwater Wedding package includes:

All civil and religious arrangements: Licenses, Priest or Magistrate Fees;
Services of an Event Coordinator, Transportation to and from the Registry;
Chairs and signing table with table cloth;
Decorated location for ceremony on land and underwater;
Safety Divers/Witnesses;
Boat transfer to dive site.

Packages are available for proposals and vow renewals.

The Caribbean Blue Underwater Wedding package costs from £500 per couple in addition to accommodation and flights that are available from Golden Holidays (seven nights room only in an Ocean View room from £662 per person including return flights from Gatwick to Grenada and on-island transfers) on 0845 085 8080 . Contact Flamboyant Hotel’s UK-based team on 0800 097 3504 for more details about how to tailor an underwater experience.

Latest Grenada Board of Tourism News

CARIBBEAN BEER & RUM FESTIVAL, 2-3 NOVEMBER 2012

Grenada will, for the first time, host the Caribbean Beer & Rum Festival, showcasing the very best of the region’s beers and rums. Ten international rum aficionados will jet into the ‘Spice Isle’ of Grenada to take part in the blind tasting contest as part of the third Caribbean Rum & Beer Festival being hosted in Grenada, 2-3 November 2012. The rum panel will consist of experienced rum professionals considered as key industry influencers and they will award Gold, Silver and Bronze accolades to the adjudicated top three rums in each category, appraised on four characteristics; Appearance, Aroma, Taste & Overall Impression.

DATE FOR DIARY: SAILING FESTIVAL WORK BOAT REGATTA, 1-3 FEBRUARY 2013

The twentieth Grenada Sailing Festival Work Boat Regatta will be staged at Grand Anse, 1 – 3 February 2013 and will provide two days of the most spectacular and competitive racing in wooden, bamboo rigged boats between the island’s traditional fishing communities of Grand Mal, Gouyave, Sauteurs, Woburn and sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The event attracts several thousand spectators over the weekend – locals and visitors alike – who enjoy a beach festival atmosphere with racing, local culture, live entertainment, fresh food and an excellent balance between serious sailing and the vibrancy of Grenada’s lifestyle.

NEW: GRENADA SAILING WEEK, 1-5 FEBRUARY 2013

A competitive keel boat regatta will be held around the western and southern coast of Grenada, 1-5 February 2013. This new event will include race courses making the most of the great sailing conditions around the island and is set to draw participants from around the world.

OYSTER BOAT REGATTA, 8-13 APRIL 2013

For the first time in April 2013, Grenada’s Port Louis marina will host the annual Oyster Regatta. Oyster owners used to racing in Caribbean waters will be familiar with the excellent and sometimes challenging conditions Grenada offers given its eastern exposure to the Atlantic Ocean and more sheltered western coast. Held in Palma in 2012, the Oyster Regatta moves around the world each year to leading yachting destinations that offer exciting racing and world-class facilities; registration to participate in Grenada is open; or simply watch the action unfold from Port Louis Marina or the Grenada shore before joining in the after-race parties.

NEW RESTAURANT – BASH

The Bash Restaurant by Mark B is a new venture by the five star boutique Calabash Hotel and British-born chef Mark Banthorpe. Opened on 3 October 2012, Mark heads up the Calabash’s Beach Restaurant which has been rebranded with a new lunchtime menu as well as ‘tapas bites’ which are available throughout the day. Hotel and other guests may enjoy lunch at the Bash Restaurant by Mark B while dinner is served at the famous Rhodes Restaurant.

The setting for Mark’s new adventure is the Calabash’s Beach Restaurant on the white powder sands of L’anse Aux Epines Beach. Lunch is served between 12 noon – 3pm and tapas and cocktails are available 10.30am – 6.30pm daily.

CHOCOLATE CRUISE, OCTOBER 2013

Building on the success of 2012, Mundy Cruises confirms an exclusive and escorted visit to upscale chocolatier Rococo’s Grenadian cocoa plantation will be the highlight of their Gourmet Chocolate Cruise, 5-16 November 2013. 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 £3,095 per person including British Airways flights, 7 nights aboard the Silversea Silver Whisper, 3 nights’ accommodation in Barbados and a full day tour of Grenada with Chantal. For full itinerary visit: www.mundycruising.co.uk

GRENADA CHAMPION HONOURED…

Grenadians welcomed home their fellow countryman Kirani James, the 19-year old 40-metres Gold Medal winner at London 2012, with a series of colourful street festivals. The Prime Minister declared a half-day holiday when he won his medal, and since his return he has accepted the role as Sports Tourism Ambassador. The national stadium is to be renamed after James, and there is already a street in his home town of Gouyave that bears his name.

GARDEN TOUR SHOWCASES VARIED FLORA

Belmont Estate has launched a Garden Tour of Grenada for only £3 per person. In one hour, guests explore thirteen different gardens with vibrant plant life from cacti to herbs, roses to hibiscuses, orchids to tropical fruits.

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