As far as spending a holiday on a Caribbean island is concerned, Grenada is a sunshine-filled country where time is measured on how many rum punches you’ve put away, and where everyone works on ‘island time’ (about 30 minutes behind schedule).
The southern Caribbean isle has the best of both worlds: covered in lush greenery yet boasts astoundingly beautiful beaches that have yet to be spoilt by hordes of holiday makers. Grenada really is a gem. A hot gem in fact, as temperatures rarely dip below 20 degrees. The year-round tropical climate makes Grenada the ideal spot for a winter getaway or a summer escape.
And if you’re thinking about hot footing it over to this vibrant island, we highly recommend staying at Sandals Resort, a mere 5 minutes drive from Maurice Bishop International Airport – meaning you can be on the beach, cocktail in hand within the hour.
SANDALS GRENADA: THE LOWDOWN
Opened in 2014, the all-inclusive resort lets you holiday in 5 star luxury, without the hefty price tag. The phrase ‘Champagne taste on a Prosecco budget’ has never felt more apt. The resort is home to three villages which house the hotel’s 231 clean and spacious rooms – and yet, it doesn’t feel cramped or crowded. Even at full capacity you’re not in cahoots with neighbours over trying to snag the best pool-side sun beds.
Out of all the Sandals resorts in the Caribbean, Grenada has one of the biggest percentages of returning customers and it’s easy to see why: the hotel has all the charm and allure of a boutique stay, even with the sprawling size that it is, service is attentive without being suffocating, and like everything in Grenada, nothing is too much trouble.
The private enclave on the Southwestern tip of the island is truly magical; the private stretch of beach offers balmy crystal turquoise waters, sun beds are in abundance, as are umbrellas to shield you from the sun’s rays, and the numerous pools (one with a swim-up bar, no less) are the perfect watery escape.
SANDALS GRENADA: THE ROOMS
The rooms here are pretty damn special – whether that’s an ocean view room or the private suite with a rooftop pool – each room is flooded with natural light, packed with personality, subtle in style, super high-tech, these are the kind of rooms you’ll never want to leave (at least not until you see the Tranquility Soaking Tub on the balcony). All the accommodation is roomy, clean and modest; cotton bed sheets are of the highest quality, a walk-in shower, plus a separate bath is bigger than any one bed flat in London, and with every room comes a fully-stocked bar with top-shelf libations – think Absolute Vodka, Johnnie Walker Black, Tanquery Gin, and a separate fridge filled with water, sodas, and local beers.
If you really want to get away from it all, the Tahitian-style one bedroom villas provide the utmost in privacy. Kitted out with opulent decor, marble counter tops and a king-size bed, this is where you can enjoy lazy days by the private plunge pool or take in the spacious spa-style bathroom with a freestanding Tranquility Soaking Tub for two.
Side note: the resort also operates an additional buter service (trained in accordance to exacting standards by the Guild of Professional English Butlers) if you require. Your own personal butler will make all dinner reservations, tour bookings, on property activities and spa treatments for you, serve you your favourite drinks while you lounge on the beach or pool, and make sure everything runs smoothly during your stay (in short, they’re a godsend).
SANDALS GRENADA: EAT AND DRINK
The all-inclusive element is a cruel mistress and yet, one of the greatest things man has ever created. The cruel element being there’s so much choice you don’t know where to start. The thing that lets most inclusive resorts down is the food – it has always been generally seen as below average and yet, here, the fare is the reason you rise from your post swim slumber. The hotel’s ten restaurants means you can eat around the world without having to leave the property’s premises; discover sushi and an extensive sake list at Soy, handmade pasta and regional Italian cuisine at Cucina Romana, and grass-fed beef at Butcher’s Chop House, named after Sandals’ founder.
The hotel breakfast buffet provides ample choice – with a live omelette station, homemade waffles, gloriously buttery pastries, a selection of cheeses, cured meats, cereals and an abundance of freshly squeezed juices. You can amble to Cafe de Paris for Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and ice cream, grab a pizza pool-side at Dino’s Pizzeria, or if you fancy it, go for a pre-dinner bite (not a thing, but in an all-inclusive resort we made it a thing) at Neptunes for nibbles and snacks. And when the sun sets, there’s an array of lively bars for a drinks and a dance.
SANDALS GRENADA: AMENITIES
The hotel also provides every water sport imaginable, like kayaking, windsufing and paddle boarding, along with top-of-the-line equipment and professional instruction. There’s also the chance to take part in PADI certified scuba diving in spectacular waters, as well as a range of on-land activities such as ping pong, table tennis and shuffle board. But you can ditch all of the above and make a beeline for the pool or sun-bed, while the friendly staff make sure the drinks never stop.
For a truly memorable experience, we say it’s about time you spent your next holiday at Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa. Close your eyes and imagine the free-flowing Pina Coladas, breakfast buffets and sun dappled beach, and then open a new tab to book your flight to this fine resort.
A seven-night stay for two at Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa in a Lover’s Lagoon Hideaway Junior Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub starts from £1,915 per person. Price includes Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) accommodation, return economy flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick and resort transfers. Price is valid for travel on selected dates between 1st – 30th September 2019. Price subject to availability at the time of booking and may change.
